How do you choose between a backpack and a Messenger?
If you want a larger version of the poster click [HERE]
We’ve been stalking a few conversations in tweet world, and realised that many crew are struggling to know even which format of bag will suit their carry needs.
So we had a quick jam, and have come up with a few core principles to shape your decision. Have a read, see if you agree, and maybe even bang us some of the factors that make a big difference to you.
We’ll then try and update and revise this puppy as we learn more about what you guys rate as important factors.
Happy viewing!
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SUMMARIES:
CHOOSING A BACKPACK
Carry Optimised: Heavier loads, dynamic activities, longer trips
Message: Backpacks announce that your primary need is in carrying. That’s why they can feel funny in a workspace (”how I got here is more important to me than being here”).
Environs: Backpacks thrive in outdoors, diverse travel, & sports settings. Hmmm… and schools (which hasn’t really done much to help the image of backpacks).
Contents: They work really well with diverse contents (backpack formats allow for better pocketing efficiency). And there’s that heavy loads thing.
Shape: Go with a shape that resembles your primary contents (squarer for folders & laptops, rounder for clothes).
CHOOSING A MESSENGER
Access Optimised: Lighter Loads, hotter Climates, shorter trips
Message: Messengers say that you hop between places, accessing on the go. That’s why they look great on bike couriers & uni students.
Environs: Yep, these are urban tools that never get too remote (they’d hurt to carry them there). They thrive in hot climates (less body contact).
Contents: They’re reasonably accomodating, but you’re better with fewer items as organisation can throw them out (other than those hideous computer bags that sales guys carry around). If you have loads, go a backpack (like many couriers have begun to).
Shape: Go squarer & structured for just work, or softer & wider to look like you have a life.
Bellroy
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some great points in there. gotta remember tho one of the major decisions most people would face when deciding between the two would be image/lifestyle
personally, I ain’t never going to rock a satchel (unless i was stunt doubling Allen)…
It’s just not what I’m into, it’s not a part of my lifestyle, etc…
The same probably goes for satchel lovers…
just a thought..
Great call Lincoln.
And I think that ‘image’ is probably the single main reason people choose which bag team to play for.
Reminds me of a funny song getting tweeted around about a Canon boy and a Nikon girl
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_H8TOKcfjg
You’re never really sure which childhood experience made you one or the other, but it seems to have stuck, and it would take something pretty interesting to get you changing.
Hmmm, I wonder how we get Freud in there…?
I bought a satchel a couple of years ago (http://bagaboo.hu/) in the hope that it would make my back and shoulders sweat less when i ride my bike. A chat with a bike courier friend also convinced me you could carry more in a satchel than in a rucksack.
Nowadays i don’t use my satchel as much because they have become a bit of a cliche here in London. Except when i go to the supermarket as it feels (not tested) i can carry more in it than my eastpack rucksack.
Yeah, satchels have been kinda overdone.
I think the size of the bag has more to do with carrying capacity than whether it a satchel or backpack (trekking packs fit 3 kitchen sinks). While your chiro will tell you satchels suck for heavy loads, the biggest issue with some large backpacks for loads is if they run a reasonably rigid frame with a waist-belt. When you lock your torso to your hips, riding starts to suck pretty quick.
If you want to see a pretty epic backpack that can carry your friend and his satchel, check out Chrome bags for their Rolltop packs: http://www.chromebagsstore.com/bags/packs/sultan-rolltop-pack—large.html
These look pretty rad, and get around the London satchel cliche thing.
I love backpacks to care my laptop and other stuff. The mains problem is that it’s don’t looks professional, I look like a teenager when I’m wearing a backpack.
I hear ya Mr Dakine. School bag associations have been the biggest hurdle for backpacks to get around. The coolest cats are now busting out some pretty stylish courier packs, or there’s the clean lines of Incase’s chiselled packs, but it can still feel awkward.
If you’re keen to check our ‘least schoolbag like’ recommendations, have a look at another post: http://carryology.com/2010/01/18/our-favourite-versatile-backpacks/
Or stick with a messenger. They’re getting better all the time too
Hey cool site.
Your breakdown of messenger bags as not fit for large loads does not match my experience. I have a large Manhattan Portage messenger – it has a huge capacity and I load it up for hauling a week’s worth of groceries and my installation gear around NYC.
It also fit to tote just a laptop and notebook. And serves as my only bag when traveling light.
Minimal black work for client meetings too.
http://www.manhattanportage.com/
-Tonky
Tonky, can I have your back? Please?
You must be one of the lucky ones, who was built resilient enough to haul on one shoulder and not suffer for it.
Having said that, Manhattan Portage generally use Cordura or their trick new waxed canvas. Both have the advantage of good friction, so they grip your back reasonably well and take some of the burden off your shoulder.
Still, it’s interesting watching the couriers evolve their tools, and many are now shifting to a hybrid strap system (a backup strap that converts their messenger into a quasi backpack for big loads), or a straight up 2 strap backpack.
But your point stands – if you’re robust, a good messenger really can be your ‘one bag fits all’.
I’ve had plenty of use, using large and small variations of both styles. I can say after years of trying the messenger bag, I find it insufficient for anything large. Sure I can carry alot, but with that weight concentrated on one shoulder and a typically weak waste strap, they are no good. Plus, with all that weight, they have a bad tendency to shift around too much. If you’re on a bike this can be dangerous.
Backpack all the way. The only messenger style bag I use is small for when i go into the city. And really its just a glorified man-purse.
And as far as backpacks not being “professional”, grow up. Stop being concerned with how you look.
For bike messenger level carrying capacity, and pure utility, check out the Ortlieb backpacks. Plus they’re totally waterproof.
Dobie,
You’re a champion, and you’ve worked a confession from me:
If I could get over caring about how I look, I’d be sporting a waistbag!
It would be like your man-purse, only more form-fitting.
But I can’t. I’m weak.
One of our main contributors here (Hadrien) would probably also wear a waistbag if we wouldn’t rag him out about it (but he’s French, so he’d have an excuse). But alas, most of us are insecure enough to carry backpacks and messengers instead.
And yes, we agree that Ortlieb have some tasty and really water resistant gear. Their pocketing can be a bit underdone, and their access a little clumsy, but for water-tightness, few come close.
Thanks loads for jumping in there.
[...] So how do we feel about guys carrying bags? I mean, it’s not like any man boy in his right mind would carry an actual handbag, but some bags offered to men seem to be pushing it a little. I’d prefer my guys ponder not what shape, size, color, and season their bag should be, but rather, “Can I fit all my stuff in it? Will my hands be free to shoot guns and wrassle aligators? Awesome.” [...]
And will the bag be big enough to carry those alligators out of the swamps when you’re done!
Besides, as Jerry does, just explain “it’s European!”
I’m a uni student, and I carry 3 kinds of bags to uni:
My backpack: it looks daggy, sure, but I can fit my notebooks, some reading, my laptop, my tap shoes, a spare set of clothes, my lunch… Go to sleepover bag, has been around the world.
My messenger satchel: for days I’m just getting in and out. I can’t lug too much but I still need to carry “stuff”- not carrying anything doesn’t work. Also works for when I’m going to meetings and stuff for the other stuff I do.
My Hiking pack: clearly, for hiking. The superior support means that it is also my go-to bag when I have lots of library books to return, after that big term paper. (I like to max out my take-out limit.
)
Great blog, got here via lifehacker.
Thanks Al, it looks like you’re well on your way to becoming a bag junkie like the rest of us.
Did you see the Lunchbreath cartoon we posted awhile back? http://carryology.com/2009/11/13/relating-to-this-illustration/
It kind of summarises the ‘really important’ reason we need them all.
[...] 02.02.10 in Gear | Tags: backpacks, Baltimore, bikers, bikes, cargo, cycling, messenger bags | by Johnny From Carryology. [...]
For anyone interested in the above link, it’s a really good summary of what Johnny likes about each. He has posted it over on his blog at: http://nbbb.wordpress.com/2010/02/02/backpack-or-messenger-bag/
Hello there, I couldn’t find any means to email you, and so I really hope that you see this comment. I have a website about leather purses, and wondered if you might like to exchange links with me. I have submitted my contact address in case you would like to get in contact. Thanks.
I’m sorry, we don’t really do ‘link exchange.’ We just post on reasonably unique content that we think our readers will like. If you have some good insights in to wallets and purses, or carrying in general, we’d certainly like to share those?
I love backpacks to care my laptop and other stuff. The mains problem is that it’s don’t looks professional, I look like a teenager when I’m wearing a backpack.
Heya Dakine, I see you’re back as Gucci now…
Nice of you to visit again. There’s an answer to your comment up above under the first time you posted it. Let us know if you’d like some more guidance.
[...] I return, I will give a full review of this bad boy. In the meantime, how do you guys feel about backpacks versus messenger bags? Have any of you made the [...]