Messenger or regular backpack for commute?

Scott G. said:

Hi, I've decided to try and trim my waste, save my gas money, and ride to work. But to do so I'll need a good backpack for my dress clothes and shoes to change into. I saw at the store they have two types, a messenger type with a single cross body strap, and a normal backpack with clips around the chest and waste. Anyone have any experience with both with a suggestion as to which works better?

thanks!

A big fan of the messenger, have been using for ~7 years, started with a backpack but a non bike specific one will ride very high. A messenger bag sits on your lower back. You'll still be warmer than without a bag. If possible leave shoes and suits, pants at work, bring multiple shirts to work and get them dry cleaned so that they are in good condition.

That said is possible to dress well out of a courier bag, just need to pack carefully.

Panniers .... panniers

It really comes down to personal preference. I use a size large Timbuk2 messenger bag. Leaving a pair or two of dress shoes at work so you don't have to carry them every day makes good sense if it's possible for you. That's how I do it.

Personally, I can't stand messenger bags. Move around too much when I'm out of the saddle. But backpacks can be hot in warm weather.

Like the earlier poster said, panniers are the best.

i'm going to chime in on the pannier side, too.

daypacks leave my back sweaty on anything except the shortest rides, even in cold weather. i've only used 1 messenger bag, and found that it moved around too much, but then again, i don't like tightening straps to the point where i feel constricted.

panniers are so easy to pop on and off these days, the only reasons not to use them would be the little extra weight or wind resistance (pretty much a non-problem for commuting). they're also big enough to bring along rain gear or pick up some groceries on the way home.

for me, in addition to my panniers, a small [censored] pack big enough for wallet, sunglasses and gloves is best comfortwise.

FYI. A member of the faculty at WCU of PA has a plastic milk crate BOLTED on the little rear cargo platform. He folds his change of clothes neatly and fits them in plastic bags. On top of that a little brief case. Simple and free mod.
If I need to carry that much every day, I would do the milk crate mod in a heart beat.
For the record, he rarely goes faster than 15 mph, so aero drag is not his primarily concern. The professor must be in his late 50's, and he has been commuting at least for 3 years on the said setup.

Same milk crate.

philso said:

i'm going to chime in on the pannier side, too.

daypacks leave my back sweaty on anything except the shortest rides, even in cold weather. i've only used 1 messenger bag, and found that it moved around too much, but then again, i don't like tightening straps to the point where i feel constricted.

panniers are so easy to pop on and off these days, the only reasons not to use them would be the little extra weight or wind resistance (pretty much a non-problem for commuting). they're also big enough to bring along rain gear or pick up some groceries on the way home.

for me, in addition to my panniers, a small [censored] pack big enough for wallet, sunglasses and gloves is best comfortwise.

Backpacks always make my back hurt if the commute is more than 10 miles. Panniers are the easiest, both to pack and to ride. But if you have to bring a laptop back and forth, you'll shake it to pieces in panniers.

cyclophile said:

Backpacks always make my back hurt if the commute is more than 10 miles. Panniers are the easiest, both to pack and to ride. But if you have to bring a laptop back and forth, you'll shake it to pieces in panniers.

I've ridden with the bunch on the way to work with the laptop 50km trip!

Backpak. I've used both, and I've gone back to a Backpak.

Thanks for all the thoughts! Seems like panniers are the top choice, but I haven't been able to find any in any of the LBS's to check out. Go figure, only three stores within 100 miles. My one concern with those is, are they as portable as a bag? I like the idea of being able to easily carry my stuff once i get off the bike.

I did see two options that were intriguing. One LBS has a messenger bag that is traditional looking, except it has an additional waste strap to make it snug. And the local sporting goods stores have a type of messenger bag/backpack combo by Jansport. Both are around $50. The Jansport one would be warm on the back, but carries a ton more. I guess I'll have to just try one of them out and see, unless I do come across a store with panniers I can look at.

Scott G. said:

Thanks for all the thoughts! Seems like panniers are the top choice, but I haven't been able to find any in any of the LBS's to check out. Go figure, only three stores within 100 miles. My one concern with those is, are they as portable as a bag? I like the idea of being able to easily carry my stuff once i get off the bike.

I do all my errands and stuff on my bike. I love paniers and am constantly amazed with how much they carry. But they are not designed to be luggage when you arrive. At least not the "standard" panniers. I do recall that the book The Art of Urban Cycling highlighted a garment bag/pannier hybrid that was designed to be used that way however. You may see if you can find the book at your local library and then maybe check out that manufacturer. GOOD LUCK! 🙂

PiledHigher said:

I've ridden with the bunch on the way to work with the laptop 50km trip!

hard core.

I have to drop my boy at day care twice a week, so not enough time to cycle on those days and I use those opportunities to take my clothes on the motorbike (hard luggage on the back). Shoes always stay at work. I have a locker. If I was cycling every day, I think I'd just leave pants, shirts at work and get them dry cleaned, and take underwear to/from work in a backpack.

In defense of messenger bags they don't move around all that much if you get a good one and you wear it properly. That is: high on the back, flat against the back, stabalizer strap pulled reasonably tight. If you sling it loosely over your shoulder like they do on the movies they'll fly all over the place.

My -totally free - messenger bag is my own personal sauna. Not bad for a sauna

cyclophile said:

hard core.

To quote school of rock:

You're not hardcore unless you live hardcore!

50km this morning with the bunch, a couple of shirts, socks and jocks was this mornings load.

Looks like the real answer to the question is: "Whatever you prefer." Each has their plusses and minuses. I'll probably end up trying all of the options at some point. Right now portability is a priority, so I'm gonna go with the backpacks or messenger/backpack combos. I've found some Camelbak backpacks that are designed for active use. Low hanging on the back, with vents, waist straps, and with varying carrying capacities. I'm gonna check those out! I did see a couple of Camelbak raves here.

Scott G. said:

Hi, I've decided to try and trim my waste, save my gas money, and ride to work.

Both can be made to work, depending on your preferences. If you choose a backpack, try finding one that can ride lower on your back than normal hiking pack would. Riding with a high (=normal) positioned pack will put extra strain on your arms and shoulders. If you can get them where you are (or are willing to buy mail order), a backpack meant for tour skating will fit the bill very well.

meehs said:

In defense of messenger bags they don't move around all that much if you get a good one and you wear it properly. That is: high on the back, flat against the back, stabalizer strap pulled reasonably tight. If you sling it loosely over your shoulder like they do on the movies they'll fly all over the place.

Yes and I agree with PiledHigher too. I used a backpack for many, many years and grew tired of replacing them due to failed zips. My Crumpler doesn't have a zip on the main pocket, holds a MASSIVE amount of gear and doesn't move around if you use the little extra strap it has.
For quick trips with a light load you don't need the extra stabilizing strap.
I hate what panniers do to my bikes handling and looks.

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