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Messenger Bag?
KyleWPeterson
Registered User regular
Registered User regular
Over the course of the last year or so I have slowly replaced most of my in-town transportation with bike riding, but now I would like to start cutting out trips to the grocery store in my car as well by investing in a decent messenger bag. I've been browsing around Amazon.com today but really have no idea as to what it is I'm supposed to be looking for. Any suggestions?
KyleWPeterson on
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You'd be surprised. A large Timbuk2 is bigger in volume than the backpack I take to the shops.
To the OP, Timbuk2 are generally well regarded, but I don't have any direct experience of them. The important thing is that whatever you get has an auxiliary strap so that the bag doesn't move around on your back.
Critical Failures - Havenhold Campaign • August St. Cloud (Human Ranger)
From what I've gathered from other threads that have been made on this topic, Timbuk2 and Chrome are the two big ones, with Crumpler a little farther down the line. I'm looking at Chrome more right now.
I've had it for 2 years now and it's been awesome, it's -huge-, deceptively so, you wouldn't believe the amount you can cram into it. The only downside is that once you've flipped it open it has an orange inside which I'm not too keen about, but that one color thing is my only complaint.
DON'T get one with plastic clips attaching the strap to the bag, they always break and become unusable.
I've had one of these for a year, and the durability, design, and capacity is amazing.
Not only are they completly waterproof, but they seem damm near bottomless (I can fit an entire suitcase of beer in mine). They're a little pricey, but they have a lifetime waranty. If anything happens to it, ship it back and they'll ship you a new one.
I got the small, and it could hold a couple of things; your bananas and breasts, and probably a loaf of bread or something. Whatever would fit in a standard plastic bag.
I can't speak for Chrome, but I've never seen a messenger use one and the added weight of a seat belt clasp seems foolish. Not mention the button accidently being pushed and your cargo falling on to the street.
B.) the bag comes with a strap that goes under your arm to secure the bag and keep it from moving while riding the bike, which also keeps the bag from heading to the floor if the button is engaged (and trust me, the only time it'll acidently get engaged is from someone walking up and poking it when you're standing. The thing doesn't come unlatched randomly)
I'm not a Courier or anything, but I can honestly say that for the money a Chrome bag is going to be your best investment. Extremely durable, lifetime waranty, and (gasp!) made in america. The only downside to the bag is the fact that there's not alot of orgnization to it in the main compartment, it's just one giant section. Which if you're going to the store is actualy pretty perfect.
I think mine cost something like $6, is made of heavy canvas with leather straps/metal buckles and can fit the equivalent of a full paper sack's worth of groceries.
I can't fathom spending $140 for something that functions identically.
Hey I bet that's why it is used in cars!