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It's mostly due to convenience. A backpack is cumbersome as often as I end up putting things up and taking them out (phone, headphones, sunglasses, keys, etc) since I don't like carrying things in my pockets when riding. Messengers usually ride a little higher up on your back without messing with your center of gravity too, a big plus when riding.
I'm also a fan of minimal hassle, and it's hard to find backpacks that don't have a ton of unnecessary features/pockets. Messenger bags don't even use zippers half of the time. And zippers ALWAYS end up being the first thing to break on backpacks. What makes you nervous about changing?

greyscales wrote:It's mostly due to convenience. A backpack is cumbersome as often as I end up putting things up and taking them out (phone, headphones, sunglasses, keys, etc) since I don't like carrying things in my pockets when riding. Messengers usually ride a little higher up on your back without messing with your center of gravity too, a big plus when riding.
I'm also a fan of minimal hassle, and it's hard to find backpacks that don't have a ton of unnecessary features/pockets. Messenger bags don't even use zippers half of the time. And zippers ALWAYS end up being the first thing to break on backpacks. What makes you nervous about changing?

Those do sound good to me. I'm new to cycling culture (rode BMX in my backyard as a kid but never in an urban environment and never with a backpack on) so I'm a bit stupid in this area.

I'm nervous just because I'll use it while walking and traveling too (a big plus is something that fits under a seat on the Megabus but can still hold my ipad, phone, wallet, and a few days worth of clothes/toiletries). I'm wondering if it would just be uncomfortable just having one shoulder support it.

It might be time to try out a messenger bag though

I just started riding a fixed gear as my main form of transportation, so I know your position. Plenty of people commute with a backpack here, but it's a personal decision. I haven't had any trouble with my shitty Manhattan Portage bag, bar the first day I used it (U-lock was the only heavy thing in it, so it slid all over the place when turning. Not good). With books or clothes in it, it isn't a big deal. I lugged about 5 books to and from the bookstore yesterday, about 3-4 miles of congested traffic and people clogging the sidewalks, without a problem. If it had been a bag with a padded strap and stabilizer, it wouldn't have felt like anything.

In terms of the one shoulder thing: when you play guitar/bass, you only use one shoulder. Should feel natural.

greyscales wrote:I just started riding a fixed gear as my main form of transportation, so I know your position. Plenty of people commute with a backpack here, but it's a personal decision. I haven't had any trouble with my shitty Manhattan Portage bag, bar the first day I used it (U-lock was the only heavy thing in it, so it slid all over the place when turning. Not good). With books or clothes in it, it isn't a big deal. I lugged about 5 books to and from the bookstore yesterday, about 3-4 miles of congested traffic and people clogging the sidewalks, without a problem. If it had been a bag with a padded strap and stabilizer, it wouldn't have felt like anything.

In terms of the one shoulder thing: when you play guitar/bass, you only use one shoulder. Should feel natural.

That's a good point, I've lugged 60 pound food bags on one shoulder in the Boundary Waters as well so I'm sure a single messenger bag shouldn't be a problem. I think I'll shoot for the Mission Workshop Shed then, bonus that it's cheaper than their backpacks. It might be a little big for just going to class/work for a day but it will come in handy when I need to pick up groceries or when I'm going to visit my friends in Chicago (I think if I pack light enough I could fit everything I need in there).

Thanks for the help!

In my experience, I've found that single strap messenger bags are good for getting things in and out of quickly, but for carrying heavier loads double strap bags are better.

Double strap bags are better for your posture because they distribute the load more evenly on your body.

If you're looking at the Mission Workshop bags, Wes Mantooth, I'd recommend either The Rambler or if you really think you need more room The Fitzroy (which is huge).

I think The Rambler might be your best bet though. If you decide on a single strap bag, I think The Rummy's a good choice. The Shed's too huge.

Keep in mind that however large your bag is, you'll somehow find a way to fill it up with stuff. At least that's how it is with me.

Chankgeez wrote:In my experience, I've found that single strap messenger bags are good for getting things in and out of quickly, but for carrying heavier loads double strap bags are better.

Double strap bags are better for your posture because they distribute the load more evenly on your body.

If you're looking at the Mission Workshop bags, Wes Mantooth, I'd recommend either The Rambler or if you really think you need more room The Fitzroy (which is huge).

I think The Rambler might be your best bet though. If you decide on a single strap bag, I think The Rummy's a good choice. The Shed's too huge.

Keep in mind that however large your bag is, you'll somehow find a way to fill it up with stuff. At least that's how it is with me.

Yeah I was reading a shed review and saw a picture and was just like fuck, that's way too big for the day to day load

I like the Ramblers ability to hold a ton of shit but I do also like the idea of the Rummy as it would be easier to store my wallet and phone in some front pockets (rather than my jeans) and still access them easily. I could see the Rambler being better for traveling and larger loads though.

How far are you planning on traveling?

greyscales wrote:How far are you planning on traveling?

I don't really know

Nothing planned right now as far as cycling there goes but I'd certainly like a bag that can keep up if I do. As far as taking a bus to Chicago though I'd like something that can fit clothes, a blanket, a textbook and a notebook, my ipad and other odds and ends.

Think the Rummy could handle that? If it could that'd be great as it is a bit cheaper than the Rambler and I could just skimp at the grocery store (it'd probably be a good thing to have some limitations there )

I think you could pack all of that in the Rummy. You'd be surprised how much you can really stuff in there, especially when half of it is clothing.

Wes Mantooth wrote: ... I'd like something that can fit clothes, a blanket, a textbook and a notebook, my ipad and other odds and ends.

Think the Rummy could handle that? If it could that'd be great as it is a bit cheaper than the Rambler and I could just skimp at the grocery store (it'd probably be a good thing to have some limitations there )

OK, so, I have a single strap bag about as big as The Rummy. I also have a double strap bag that's about as big as an unexpanded The Vandal.

For somebody who's not a messenger, they're both absolutely humongous for everyday use.

Double strap bags are better for long distance travel. If you're thinking about using it for this purpose, I'd definitely go with The Rambler. I have another pack that I've been traveling with for years. It's 35 L. I just recently found out that 35 L is considered a daypack. For overnight travel/ a weekend bag, I'd definitely recommend something closer to 50 L. I travel lightly and have a hard time always fitting everything I wanna take. If you think you're gonna be doing a lot of overnight trips, I'd even go for The Vandal (or suggest getting two different bags, one for travel and the other for everyday use).

There's no way you'll've to scrimp at the grocery store. I can fit more groceries than I could comfortably carry into either of my bags.

As far as your phone goes, you can get a phone holder than attaches to your strap. Doesn't look like Mission Workshop makes 'em, but there are plenty of bag companies that do.

Chankgeez wrote:

Wes Mantooth wrote: ... I'd like something that can fit clothes, a blanket, a textbook and a notebook, my ipad and other odds and ends.

Think the Rummy could handle that? If it could that'd be great as it is a bit cheaper than the Rambler and I could just skimp at the grocery store (it'd probably be a good thing to have some limitations there )

OK, so, I have a single strap bag about as big as The Rummy. I also have a double strap bag that's about as big as an unexpanded The Vandal.

For somebody who's not a messenger, they're both absolutely humongous for everyday use.

Double strap bags are better for long distance travel. If you're thinking about using it for this purpose, I'd definitely go with The Rambler. I have another pack that I've been traveling with for years. It's 35 L. I just recently found out that 35 L is considered a daypack. For overnight travel/ a weekend bag, I'd definitely recommend something closer to 50 L. I travel lightly and have a hard time always fitting everything I wanna take. If you think you're gonna be doing a lot of overnight trips, I'd even go for The Vandal (or suggest getting two different bags, one for travel and the other for everyday use).

There's no way you'll've to scrimp at the grocery store. I can fit more groceries than I could comfortably carry into either of my bags.

As far as your phone goes, you can get a phone holder than attaches to your strap. Doesn't look like Mission Workshop makes 'em, but there are plenty of bag companies that do.

Good to hear about the groceries, it'll save me time and money biking to the store rather than the light rail. Maybe a Rambler would be a good choice then. Most of my trips would just be to Chicago bringing a blanket, a pair of jeans, a couple shirts, a hoody, underwear and socks for clothing and then just an iPad, phone, chargers, maybe a book and a bottle of whiskey. That could probably fit if I folded everything nice and compact don't you think?

Yeah, I think that'd probably all fit. (As long as that blanky isn't too bulky.)

I'll do a little experiment for you. I'll cram all that stuff into my bag and tell you if I think it'll all fit or not. I'll post the results of this experiment later today.

Chankgeez wrote:Yeah, I think that'd probably all fit. (As long as that blanky isn't too bulky.)

I'll do a little experiment for you. I'll cram all that stuff into my bag and tell you if I think it'll all fit or not. I'll post the results of this experiment later today.

That'd be awesome, thanks dude

OK, Wes Mantooth, here's the report.

I threw said items into the bags to test 'em out. (Substituted 1.5 L bottle of water for whiskey. Didn't have appropriate "blanket", only "quilt", so I used a really "light throw" fr. IKEA. Hoodie's thermal.)

Bag #1: single strap, 13"H x 18"W x 7"D (1640 cu in). It's got two decent sized outside pockets. (That's where I usually throw a book and other misc. small items.) I pretty much filled the bag up. It wasn't too heavy, but the potential is there. Not sure it would really work with a normal sized blanket as opposed to the throw.

Bag #2: double strap, 18"H x 13"W x 7.5"D (1755 cu in). It's got a big outside pocket and a big inside one as well. With the contents as I packed them, the bag was about half full. Definitely more manageable than having a loaded single strap bag hanging off your back. Would probably work with a bigger blanket.

In conclusion, if you're gonna be traveling with any frequency, you should go with a bigger bag. I'd rather have too much room than not enough.

Chankgeez wrote:OK, Wes Mantooth, here's the report.

I threw said items into the bags to test 'em out. (Substituted 1.5 L bottle of water for whiskey. Didn't have appropriate "blanket", only "quilt", so I used a really "light throw" fr. IKEA. Hoodie's thermal.)

Bag #1: single strap, 13"H x 18"W x 7"D (1640 cu in). It's got two decent sized outside pockets. (That's where I usually throw a book and other misc. small items.) I pretty much filled the bag up. It wasn't too heavy, but the potential is there. Not sure it would really work with a normal sized blanket as opposed to the throw.

Bag #2: double strap, 18"H x 13"W x 7.5"D (1755 cu in). It's got a big outside pocket and a big inside one as well. With the contents as I packed them, the bag was about half full. Definitely more manageable than having a loaded single strap bag hanging off your back. Would probably work with a bigger blanket.

In conclusion, if you're gonna be traveling with any frequency, you should go with a bigger bag. I'd rather have too much room than not enough.

Awesome, thanks so much!

I think the Rambler would probably be the way to go then, small enough for day to day stuff but expandable for traveling or if I get a shit ton of groceries.