Backpack or messenger bag?

8 Oct 2005 18:15:57 -0700,
<[email hidden]>,
"Ian Gowen" <[email hidden]> wrote, in part:

Quoted message said:

I bike to the nearest bus
stop, or sometimes all the way out to campus(a ~15mi trek, IIRC), so I
need something that will stay behind me when I'm on my bike.

The question is: which is better for my back, in the long run? I'm
looking at either a Timbuk2 messenger bag or a large(r) backpack of
some sort. I've heard people rave about timbuk2 but it seems that a
messenger back wouldn't be as good because of the asymmetrical weight
distribution, but hey, what do I know.

Messenger bags have one sole advantage and that is quick access to
their contents. The weight rides low, mostly on your hip but the strap
can become quite uncomfortable. They also tend to shift around
annoyingly unless they've a good chest strap to stabilise them.
I've always preferred back packs to mess bags The single strap back
packs combine the worst features of both. Back packs are usually able
to carry more weight more comfortably

Rain will wick through your jacket where the straps make contact.
Back packs will get you sweatier in the summer unless they're
specially designed to permit air circulation.

I now use a pannier that has shoulder straps like a back pack and
doubt that I'd ever go back to farting around with anything less
versatile or comfortable.

These seem expensive at first glance but they're the cat's own
bombproof pajamas. Great quality = excellent value.

http://arkel-od.com/panniers/briefcase/overview.asp?fl=0&site=
http://arkel-od.com/panniers/backpack/overview.asp?fl=0&site=
--
zk

Ian Gowen said:

Hi folks,

I recently purchased a medium-sized laptop and I need something in
which to carry it. I'm a student, so I'll also need something that I
can fit a couple of textbooks in with it. I bike to the nearest bus
stop, or sometimes all the way out to campus(a ~15mi trek, IIRC), so I
need something that will stay behind me when I'm on my bike.

The question is: which is better for my back, in the long run? I'm
looking at either a Timbuk2 messenger bag or a large(r) backpack of
some sort. I've heard people rave about timbuk2 but it seems that a
messenger back wouldn't be as good because of the asymmetrical weight
distribution, but hey, what do I know.

TIA

--Ian

I'm with Zoot on this one. Messenger bags are designed for messengers,
folks that are picking up and dropping off packages several times an
hour. Unless you have similiar needs, go with the back pack.

Regards,
Bob Hunt

Ian Gowen said:

Hi folks,

I recently purchased a medium-sized laptop and I need something in
which to carry it. I'm a student, so I'll also need something that I
can fit a couple of textbooks in with it. I bike to the nearest bus
stop, or sometimes all the way out to campus(a ~15mi trek, IIRC), so I
need something that will stay behind me when I'm on my bike.

The question is: which is better for my back, in the long run? I'm
looking at either a Timbuk2 messenger bag or a large(r) backpack of
some sort. I've heard people rave about timbuk2 but it seems that a
messenger back wouldn't be as good because of the asymmetrical weight
distribution, but hey, what do I know.

I like my Timbik2 bag. In my experience the strap does not hurt, and it
works very well for a few books, folder, PdA, and rain jacket. I even
have a larger messenger bag for when the usual one is not enough, but I
rarely have to use it.

I think they work better than backpacks on the bike, since the weight is
on your butt rather than high up on the back. I do use a chest strap to
stabilize it, though.

One very nice thing about the messenger bags that is not the case with
most backpacks is that they are very well waterproofed. I've commuted in
deluges, with no damage to papers in my bag. My pants are another story.

--

David L. Johnson

__o | Deserves death! I daresay he does. Many that live deserve
_`\(,_ | death. And some that die deserve life. Can you give it to
(_)/ (_) | them? Then do not be too eager to deal out death in judgement.
-- J. R. R. Tolkein

David L. Johnson said:

On Sat, 08 Oct 2005 18:15:57 -0700, Ian Gowen wrote:

Quoted message said:

One very nice thing about the messenger bags that is not the case with
most backpacks is that they are very well waterproofed. I've commuted in
deluges, with no damage to papers in my bag. My pants are another story.

I forgot to mention that this is a *huge* factor. I live in Oregon, so
more often than not I'm riding when it's rather wet out. (Although the
cheap-as-free Nike backpack I got in the clearance bin seems to do OK
in this respect)

--Ian

8 Oct 2005 20:51:07 -0700,
<[email hidden]>,
"Bob" <[email hidden]> wrote, in part:

Quoted message said:

I'm with Zoot on this one.

<faint>
--
zk

Ian Gowen said:

Hi folks,

I recently purchased a medium-sized laptop and I need something in
which to carry it. I'm a student, so I'll also need something that I
can fit a couple of textbooks in with it. I bike to the nearest bus
stop, or sometimes all the way out to campus(a ~15mi trek, IIRC), so I
need something that will stay behind me when I'm on my bike.

The question is: which is better for my back, in the long run? I'm
looking at either a Timbuk2 messenger bag or a large(r) backpack of
some sort. I've heard people rave about timbuk2 but it seems that a
messenger back wouldn't be as good because of the asymmetrical weight
distribution, but hey, what do I know.

TIA

--Ian

Depends on the load. I like a backpack for lots of books and/or bulky
items, but I also have a messenger-style bag that I use on occasion.
The messenger bag tends to slide around a lot, though.

If I had to go with one or the other, I'd take a back pack. Even
better, I'd rather not carry anything at all, and would rather have it
strapped to the bike somehow with a rear rack and panniers. It frees up
my upper body and lets any sweat evaporate better.

--
mark
"Ian Gowen" wrote...

Quoted message said:

Hi folks,

I recently purchased a medium-sized laptop and I need something in
which to carry it. I'm a student, so I'll also need something that I
can fit a couple of textbooks in with it. I bike to the nearest bus
stop, or sometimes all the way out to campus(a ~15mi trek, IIRC), so I
need something that will stay behind me when I'm on my bike.

The question is: which is better for my back, in the long run? I'm
looking at either a Timbuk2 messenger bag or a large(r) backpack of
some sort. I've heard people rave about timbuk2 but it seems that a
messenger back wouldn't be as good because of the asymmetrical weight
distribution, but hey, what do I know.

TIA

--Ian

I've been happy with a messenger bag with a chest strap (Patagonia Critical
Mass), although I don't carry a laptop all that often. The messenger bag
rides on my hip, so my back doesn't get sweaty and my center of mass stays
lower than with a backpack.

The Arkel pannier / briefcase /shoulderbag combo looks promising if your
bike has a rear rack that will accomodate it. Letting your bike carry the
load instead of your back is always nice.
--
mark

David L. Johnson said:

Ian Gowen said:

Hi folks,

I recently purchased a medium-sized laptop and I need something in
which to carry it. I'm a student, so I'll also need something that I
can fit a couple of textbooks in with it. I bike to the nearest bus
stop, or sometimes all the way out to campus(a ~15mi trek, IIRC), so I
need something that will stay behind me when I'm on my bike.

The question is: which is better for my back, in the long run? I'm
looking at either a Timbuk2 messenger bag or a large(r) backpack of
some sort. I've heard people rave about timbuk2 but it seems that a
messenger back wouldn't be as good because of the asymmetrical weight
distribution, but hey, what do I know.

I like my Timbik2 bag. In my experience the strap does not hurt, and it
works very well for a few books, folder, PdA, and rain jacket. I even
have a larger messenger bag for when the usual one is not enough, but I
rarely have to use it.

I think they work better than backpacks on the bike, since the weight is
on your butt rather than high up on the back. I do use a chest strap to
stabilize it, though.

One very nice thing about the messenger bags that is not the case with
most backpacks is that they are very well waterproofed. I've commuted in
deluges, with no damage to papers in my bag. My pants are another story.

I agree on the Timbuk2 bag. I have the large size which holds far more
than any of my backpacks, everything is easily accesible and your back
doesn't get sweaty. It's absolutely rain proof, despite the gaping hole
on the top.

For the laptop, though, seriously look at the Timbuk2 laptop messenger.
The normal messenger bag has NO padding, and if you put the laptop in a
sleeve, it may be dificutl to configure properly so it's not poking you
in the back.

I would also seriously look at Crumpler for better-padded laptop bags:
http://www.crumpler.com.au IMHO they have better laptop bags, but at a
higher price.

Zoot Katz said:

http://arkel-od.com/panniers/briefcase/overview.asp?fl=0&site=

What are the dimensions of the laptop insert? The bag dimensions are big
enough for one of the 15.4" screen laptops, but they don't list the
dimensions of the insert on their web site.

Zoot Katz said:

8 Oct 2005 20:51:07 -0700,
<[email hidden]>,
"Bob" <[email hidden]> wrote, in part:

Quoted message said:

I'm with Zoot on this one.

<faint>
--
zk

I presume then that you've re-thought the issue and will now endorse
messenger bags and condemn backpacks? <g>

Regards,
Bob Hunt

Hi Ian!

I'm going through a similar decision right now: I ditched the automobile and
I'm using the bike and bus.

You should read this thread on the "BikePirates" LiveJournal community:
http://www.livejournal.com/community/bikepirates/1557054.html

I posed the question about "which messenger bag" and got a lot of great
feedback.
Generally, PAC Design & Chrome were at the top of the list. Timbuk2 hasn't
reviewed well recently.

You mentioned backpack vs. messenger bag. Take a look at Chrome and PAC's
websites. I know Chrome makes backpacks as well.

If you can live with panniers, these ones also have the option of backpack
straps, though they're primarily designed as urban panniers:
http://arkel-od.com/panniers/samurai/overview.asp?fl=0&site=
Arkel Samurai's.100% waterproof. (they test them by swimming underwater with
them - nutty)

I tried a pair a while back and loved them. When empty, you can slide one
into the other for flat storage. Expanded, they're rather large.

Good luck!
Chris

"Ian Gowen" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Hi folks,

I recently purchased a medium-sized laptop and I need something in
which to carry it. I'm a student, so I'll also need something that I
can fit a couple of textbooks in with it. I bike to the nearest bus
stop, or sometimes all the way out to campus(a ~15mi trek, IIRC), so I
need something that will stay behind me when I'm on my bike.

The question is: which is better for my back, in the long run? I'm
looking at either a Timbuk2 messenger bag or a large(r) backpack of
some sort. I've heard people rave about timbuk2 but it seems that a
messenger back wouldn't be as good because of the asymmetrical weight
distribution, but hey, what do I know.

TIA

--Ian

9 Oct 2005 19:21:52 -0700,
<[email hidden]>, "Bob"

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

I'm with Zoot on this one.

<faint>
--
zk

I presume then that you've re-thought the issue and will now endorse
messenger bags and condemn backpacks? <g>

If I ever start talking down panniers, you can asume I'm being held
hostage or blackmailed.
--
zk

Ian Gowen said:

Hi folks,

I recently purchased a medium-sized laptop and I need something in
which to carry it. I'm a student, so I'll also need something that I
can fit a couple of textbooks in with it. I bike to the nearest bus
stop, or sometimes all the way out to campus(a ~15mi trek, IIRC), so I
need something that will stay behind me when I'm on my bike.

The question is: which is better for my back, in the long run? I'm
looking at either a Timbuk2 messenger bag or a large(r) backpack of
some sort. I've heard people rave about timbuk2 but it seems that a
messenger back wouldn't be as good because of the asymmetrical weight
distribution, but hey, what do I know.

TIA

--Ian

A lot of people have mentioned panniers/racks. For long hauls, I feel
that's the way to go. Others have mentioned Timbuk2 bags, which can be
nearly a expensive as the racks/panniers. Most of my friends have
Chrome bags, which they testify to be far superior to Timbuk2. There's
also Reload and Crumpler, both of which I know significantly less of.

Note: people have said that their backpacks sit up higher. This is not
my experience. I have a large Jansport for school that hold
considerable less than me friends' Chromes to Timbuk2s. I pull it up as
high up as I can take and when riding wet road sans fenders (but it's
quit raining), the bottom of the bag still gets soaked. My friends'
Chrome bags (which are VERY water proof) sit much higher on them and
stay dry.

I'm looking into the getting either a Chrome or Timbuk2. I'm leaning
towards Chrome right b/c 1) the seat belt buckle strap is pretty sweet
and 2) the base prices are comparable, but at Timbuk2 you have to pay
for your strap pad and maybe even the chest stabilizer strap (check that
point on your own). It's still in the air though as the Timbuk2 bags
are custom and made just for you.

My $0.02

\\paul
--
Paul M. Hobson
Georgia Institute of Technology
..:change the words to numbers
if you want to reply to me:.

Mon, 10 Oct 2005 01:27:30 GMT,
<[email hidden]>, SMS

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

http://arkel-od.com/panniers/briefcase/overview.asp?fl=0&site=

What are the dimensions of the laptop insert? The bag dimensions are big
enough for one of the 15.4" screen laptops, but they don't list the
dimensions of the insert on their web site.

Phone: 819-564-3434
Toll Free: 1-888-592-7535
Fax: 819-564-3017
Email: [email hidden]

Hours: Mon. to Fri. 9am to 5pm (EST)
--
zk

SMS said:

Zoot Katz said:

http://arkel-od.com/panniers/briefcase/overview.asp?fl=0&site=

What are the dimensions of the laptop insert? The bag dimensions are big
enough for one of the 15.4" screen laptops, but they don't list the
dimensions of the insert on their web site.

Either way I would have to go with the standard backpack unless you want
to get things out of it a lot. A laptop in the bag would barely be
noticeable. I routinely start out with about 20 pounds of tools, food
and water in my back pack and my back is never sore from it. The only
discomfort I have had is from things poking me in the back and that
usually only happens when I am in can collecting mode, doodling around
and picking up aluminum cans.
Bill