Commuter Poll: Backpack vs Messenger Bag

Tish	Posted Jul 3, 2009 8:11 AM Link to this discussion
user 2401260 Washington, DC Post #: 8	I would really appreciate feedback from those of you who commute to work: I've always ridden with a backpack but of late have been suffering severe shoulder and neck pain from the load. I use a really crappy backpack so went out to test a quality cycling pack as well as a messenger bag. The messenger bag was surprisingly comfortable, but I've never ridden with one and don't know if the strap just weighing on one shoulder will cause more muscle problems. Plus I'm freaked out by the idea of it's slipping around to the front while I'm riding. One the other hand, there wouldn't be messenger bags if every single courier in the universe didn't find them more useful, comfortable and practical... Can I get some opinions on the subject? Thanks! Tish
Gregg	Posted Jul 3, 2009 10:25 AM Link to this reply
85632542 Group Organizer Washington, DC Post #: 404	Hi Tish, I don't commute on a regular daily basis but just enough to go through some of the experiences that you mentioned. The key to minimizing the pain is to purchase a quality bag with wide straps that will distribute the weight evenly. I currently ride with the Timbuktu messenger bag which I have been enjoying for the past three years; very well made however the gold standard has to go to Chrome Bags. Expensive but worth every dime. All messenger bags(Chrome, Timbuktu, Banjo Bros, etc) comes with a stabilizing strap that normally goes around your shoulder which prevents unwanted movement during your commute however here are some manufacturer specifics. The average Chrome bag includes the following features: - Messenger bags manufactured for riding on the left or right side - Signature belt buckle that makes the bag much easier to take on and off, especially when its heavily loaded - Great color schemes. All the bags have a great color scheme but Chrome has a fluorescent green, pink and yellow that increases your visibility in traffic. - Their backpacks are just as good. http://www.chromebags... Banjo Brothers cycling backpack - designed to be worn slightly lower than the average bag. This allows for easier head turning and viewing traffic with a helmet mirror - large reflective stripe for easier visibility in traffic http://www.banjobroth... Timbuktu Bags: - wide variety in shapes, sizes and colors. - the most easily found in local area bike shops and department stores http://www.timbuk2.co... Finally, you may want to consider installing a rear rack on your frame so you will not have to wear a bag at all. There are numerous racks out there so I'll focus on the pannier bag options. Arkel manufactures a wide variety of pannier bags for commuting, touring, shopping etc. Pay special attention to their Urban series and All Around Series. http://www.arkel-od.c... Topeak manufactures integrated rack/bag solutions for commuter and light touring. More information can be found at their website. http://topeak.com/pro... Hope this helps, gregg
Stephen_N	Posted Jul 5, 2009 12:06 AM Link to this reply
j_s_nightingale Germantown, MD Post #: 231	Hi Tish, Safest option is to keep the weight as low and evenly distributed as possible. If you don't want to go the pannier option then you might consider a saddlebag. Any weighty bag slung around your body is, as you say, susceptible to swinging round just when you don't want it too. Stephen_N.
David Cheng	Posted Jul 6, 2009 2:47 PM Link to this reply
user 2840589 Washington, DC Post #: 5	Hikers have the same problem with backpacks and shoulder/neck strain. The good daypacks/backpacks have a padded hip belt that you can cinch around your waist and let your hips carry most of the load. Not sure if this would work as well when you are in a cycling position.

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