Messenger Bag vs Rucsac

Zulu dawn · May 2010

Dear All,
I currently use a small Deuter race rucsac to carry my bits and bobs over my 30 mile return journey. I ride a Tricross Comp through all weathers etc and I am of a "sturdy" rather than racing snake build.
Does any one have a POV re Messenger bag vs Rucsac as I fancy a change but not sure which way to go ?

P.s. I am not in for panniers, bar bags etc...

redvee · May 2010

I've been using messenger bags for the last three years now and can't see myself going back to a rucksack. The benefits from my memories of rucksacks have been lack of sweaty back though some rucksacks have measures in place to stop/reduce this and ease of access with a messenger bag. I can keep the bag over my shoulder and have access with only undoing one buckle on the chest strap, try doing that with a rucksack when stopped at a set of lights. The only downside is that I need to put the bag over my shoulder before I put my helmet on in the morning as I've got the shoulder strap quite tight, it's possible but I do catch my the helmet light at times.

meanredspider · May 2010

I use an extra-large bum/waist bag and I think it's perfect as I'm not even concious that I've got it on when riding. One of these

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Inov- ... 360031758/

I can fit quite a bit in it including a fresh shirt and underwear if necessary. It seems to keep the water out and it doubles as a water carrier for non-commuting running & riding.

asprilla · May 2010

My rucsac leaves me much cooler and drier than my messenger bags. It's an Ortleib Velocity and the back is brilliantly designed.

MrChuck · May 2010

Depends what you're carrying and how far you're going. I love my Timbuk2 for zipping about town, and for walking around with when I get to where I'm going. But I rarely have to ride too far with a big load in it (shopping for example). If I did I'd go back to a rucsac, or panniers.

rjsterry · May 2010

My Crumpler Wonder Weenie has been a good friend. Nice and sturdy, with easier access than a rucsac (rucksack?) and with the main strap buckle undone, a good shoulder bag as well. I'm not sure on the sweat issue; a bit less sweaty, but maybe due to less back coverage. The bit that is in contact does get pretty sweaty, but as I have realised from the 'lycra vs baggies' thread, I sweat quite a lot. The biggest problem I have found is that if you want to carry a heavier load, all the weight on one shoulder can be an issue. A rucsac does spread the load better, but isn't as accessible (but do you need to get to your bag at the traffic lights?).

Jay dubbleU · May 2010

Rucksac - North Face Fuse Box - waterproof, padded for laptop, no sweaty back and plenty of room - I did have a messenger bag but found it awkward and difficult to balance especially if your carrying a laptop

NGale · May 2010

just a simple Anmial study pack for me, carrys what I need it to, nothing fancy, I change when I get into work so the sweaty back isn't a problem

Zulu dawn · May 2010

Seems to be rucsacs at the mo' certainitly over the longer rides, mmmm thanks for the replies and which individual bags/sacs you are using saved the follow up question !!

O'Day · May 2010

Ortlieb Velocity.

Tried messenger bags; prefer rucsacs; viz. stability & weight distribution, aeration.

CometGirl · May 2010

I prefer messenger bags, but that's probably because I've got very narrow shoulders and I find that rucksacks make my shoulders hurt. A messenger bag has a strap which goes under one censored and spreads the weight around.

Canny Jock · May 2010

Rucksack, because with one of these your back doesn't get sweaty:

http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/ebwPNLq ... revolution

rf6 · May 2010

Generally a messenger bag for me, a Howies Chevron. Can take a reasonable amount of weight, and has lots of reflective stripes to help myopic car drivers.

ichabod · June 2010

If you are not carrying much then go for a waist/bum bag for the summer at least.. No more sweaty back

I can cram a mini pump and a jacket in mine no problem.

Headhuunter · June 2010

I use a cheapo Decathlon Rucksack, I don;t really care about a sweaty back, I shower at each end of the commute anyway...

lost_in_thought · June 2010

meanredspider wrote:

I use an extra-large bum/waist bag and I think it's perfect as I'm not even concious that I've got it on when riding. One of these

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Inov- ... 360031758/

I can fit quite a bit in it including a fresh shirt and underwear if necessary. It seems to keep the water out and it doubles as a water carrier for non-commuting running & riding.

That looks like a really good idea for rides out on the Maxima where I want to carry a bit more than the saddlebag holds.

dreamlx10 · June 2010

Panniers ?

g00se · June 2010

Prefer the messenger bag. This is the one to have as it includes a bottle opener

http://road.cc/content/review/12479-lezyne-messenger-caddy-bag

Messenger Bag vs Rucsac

Rucsac vs Messenger bag 0 votes

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