Messenger Bags, anyone using?

[socalrob]

A couple of times a week I have to make a last minute dash to the FedEx depot to get some maps out. I'll typically have up to 5 or so FedEx pacs, which are the big envelopes. They are a bit big to really fit in my BigMac tank bag (on or 2 will fit more or less 75percent in, fairly secure), and when I use the smaller FedEx hard pacs they barely fit in the system cases. So I was thinking a messenger bag might be a good solution. I was looking on the web & there are an overwhelming number. I also thought the messenger bag would be good to bring to meetings, instead of showing up empty handed.

Does anyone use these?

BTW, it is kind of fun to hit the FedEx office at 3 minutes till 7 (our cutoff time), I don't waste any time & wear my helmet & gloves into the FedEx building, walk up past all the people in line (I have preprinted forms & a company billing number), drop the pacs on the counter, & leave without saying a word. Like playing bike messenger. Best part of my day.

[LesKoh]

I sometimes use a messenger bag to carry the basics to work but find a backpack better (more comfortable) with heavier loads. Timbuk2 allow you to customise your bag (color/size) and these folk make some great stuff - I have 2 - 3 different Timbuk2 bags and they're top notch. They also have some neat accessories to attach gadgets to the strap. Here are some links:

http://www.timbuk2.com

http://www.chromebags.com

http://www.courierwareusa.com/

Also take a look at Waterfields for some cool bags that work and look great. Unfortunately they don't have a cross strap to stabilize the bag so it may not work as well on the bike. Still worth a look - their computer sleeves are the best!

HTH.

Leslie

[BobFV1]

Rob -

Have you considered a Jesse Pizza Box? Nothing says "bike messenger" like one of thses babies:

http://www.jesseluggage.com/topbox.html

http://r1150r.smugmug.com/photos/60102389-S.jpg

Seriously - my son uses one of those messenger bags for bombing around the DC area on his sportbike, let me find out which one it is and get back to you. He loves it - used it as luggage when he came out to visit me in Arizona a few weeks ago.

Bob

[DJ Down Under]

Here's my choice..a local Melbourne guy...I met him once when he was just starting...now he's making it big-time.

Check out his cool web-site...very funny.. http://www.crumpler.com.au/home.php

Warning...don't forget to pull the chain...and don't keep pushin' the red button on the lower right...too funny!

DJ

http://www.crumpler.com.au/Cart/Resources/CartResources/181_res/b181_o6.jpg

[DarthRider]

I 2nd Timbuk2! I have one of their bags and I love it.
I don't like back packs and the "dispatch rider" style gets it done.
Timbuk2 is cool because as Les said you can get any color combination you want (including the Gay pride rainbow...they are located in San Fran after all!) and they have several styles & sizes. They also have one for laptops.
The wide single strap with small stabilizer strap works great and has been personally tested for stability at 120MPH.
Timbuk2 is "Made in America", probably the last product that is, and is stitched up on order...which they fill quick.

Dave

[supermotoC]

The Crumpler bags are equal if not better than the Timbuk2 bags, so you can't go wrong. I have a Mountainsmith "city pack" that is half backpack/half messenger bag, and it is great, too. Unfortunately, they no-makey no mo.

This is probably a decent alternative, as their gear is top shelf stuff.
http://www.mountainsmith.com/store/?page=shop/flypage&product_id=539&category_id=897f3ab1d2acb29331b620cc5861ab57


Crumpler: http://www.crumpler.com.au/cartIndex.php?catId=6

Timbuk2: http://www.timbuk2.com/tb2/retail/catalog.htm

[BobFV1]

Okay - I spoke to my son - his bag is made by "Chrome" and he says it is "the shit" - all the bike messengers in DC use Chrome or Timbuktu, according to him.

http://www.chromebags.com/Messengerbags.html

[socalrob]

So sounds like people like these things. Timbuk2 has a "pro" model with a reflective panel, I might go for that as I am riding home at night these days. The Chrome bags look good too.