Recommend me a courier bag

[palinurus]

Difficult to choose on the net- one of those buys that I think really requires some experience. They don't have any at my LBS so I can't really get a feel for them.

Needs to be fairly large- so I can get my work clothes in it on Monday, and sometimes an aero helmet during the season. Needs to be waterproof and robust (last one I bought the chest strap gave in after three weeks so i've had to send it back). Must have a chest strap- just in case there are some that don't. Might be useful if it has a laptop pouch but since I hardly ever bring it home I'd suggest that is less important.

 

[John the Monkey]

What's the budget?

 

[palinurus]

Good question.

Quite happy to spend up to £100 but I'd consider going higher than that if necessary to get something quality that'll last.

 

[Slim]

I've had a Timbuk2 for a couple of years now. Gets used for just about everything (just remembered I need to clear the sand out of it from a trip to Broadstairs).

It's pretty much bomb proof and has survived a few downpours. I have the medium size but wish I'd got the large. There are quite a few compartments inside and a useful clip on a bright red line to help find your keys easily.

If you're interested, there are a few ways I'd recommend to get hold of one.

If you're in the London area visit Condor.

Visit the Timbuk2 website ("design your own bag" is pretty cool.) The exchange rate works in your favour.

EBay - look at the overseas sellers - my bag was around £43 inc' postage from Seattle.

HTH

 

[John the Monkey]

Timbuk2 and bagaboo are both in your budget.

Urban Hunter sell bagaboo (pre-made, not custom though) from the UK. If you don't mind them looking slightly like they're covered in 1970s curtains, Howies have Timbuk2 bags with a ltd edition print in their sale (medium and small - the plain black in large and medium are sold out).

 

[Notsoblue]

I have a Crumpler Cheesy Disco that I'm very happy with. Main reason for this choice though was that I have a 15" laptop that I carry around. It fits perfectly in the sleeve provided which can be removed if you don't need to carry a laptop round. The build quality is brilliant, and its a comfortable fit. However I can see how some other bags may be better suited if carrying a laptop isn't necessary for you.

http://www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B000RVQ78G
http://www.crumpler.eu/?product=Cheesy_Disco_&page=details&product_line=646

 

[MessenJah]

Why not get a large backpack? They're much more comfortable, and generally cheaper. I use a backpack for everything when I'm not at work. Courier bags put all the weight on one shoulder and they're not good for your spine.

 

[leoc]

I have had a large (smaller than this isn't worth it IMO) Timbuk2 classic for about a year now and it's holding up pretty well. Got it shipped from the states via ebay for a good price (about £40) I think. If you're willing to spend more there are nice bags from PAC designs, and Chrome do some that you can adjust easier whilst riding. If you get a bag that doesn't come with one, I think it's worth getting one of the padded things for the main strap.

HTH, Leo

 

[sheddy]

I think Cycling Plus had a review this/last month

 

[palinurus]

Cheers, I'll check those links out this evening (and see if I can find C+)

 

[Andy Pandy]

Chrome Metropolis - big comfy bag. Hard wearing as well. Have a crumpler padded laptop bag as well. Both good bags.

http://www.chromebags.com/products/bags/show/14/

One of the main advantages of a messenger bag over a back pack is that you don't need to take it off every time you want to get something out of it - just swing it round the front.

 

[Andy Pandy]

"Fixedgeargallery" also have a number of reviews of both messenger and backpacks, you may want to check out.

 

[ed_o_brain]

When I undertook physiotherapy for Work Related Upper Limb Disorder the first thing my physio did was ban me from using a courier bag.

I now use a cycling ruck sack with chest and best straps.

 

[MessenJah]

No they're not and no they don't. Well not in my experience anyway. I find courier bags much more comfortable than backpacks. And if you wear them ptoperly the main weight is on your back, not your shoulders.

So you think a bag which has a strap on only one shoulder spreads the load evenly over both shoulders?

Laughable.

Hmm lets see what some couriers have to say about courier bags...

...i carry many, many books around... whilst courier bags are GREAT for large loads, they are shite for weight distribution. i HIGHLY recommend [deuter backpacks] if you need a bag that's kinder to your back. i used to have lower back problems, but nothing since i switched to these bags.

If i was going back on the circuit tomorrow... I'd be using a two-shoulder bag, simple as that.

At work your moving your bag around alot, your off your bike, your taking the bag off, your resting it on your saddle at lights. When your doing long distance cycling your in one position for hours and hours. Pac bags are good, but not that good. Let the bike take the weight.

+1 for the ortlieb messenger, i have PAC and ortlieb and for weight distribution and shoulder pressure the ortlieb wins by a country mile. while courier bags put almost all the pressure on your shoulders (remember those red marks you find after work when your shoulders are aching and you're thinking that top box job really wasn't worth it for the extra 50p?) whereas the rucksack arrangement on the ortlieb (and deuter for that matter) is far more comfortable and stable.

bagjacks, pac, chrome, reload, crumpler, timbuk2 etc all follow the same format with a few differences in production shape and material, pac is the best of the lot in my experience but certainly not my favourite bag type for 20kg+ loads (vinyl is ****ing heavy). rucksack type bags are infinitely better at weight distribution, they just fall down on access.

Another shite thing about courier bags is the fact that the strap is across your chest, which makes it harder to breathe. You could argue that this makes your lungs/diaphragm etc. stronger, but I'd rather be able to breathe easily i.e. with a backpack on.

 

[palinurus]

I've been using a courier bag for some time so I already know I get on with them. I've got panniers, a rucksack and a trailer which I can use depending on size of load. For work I prefer a courier bag, and I find the shape of a courier bag works better for the kind of stuff I tend to carry on my commute which tends to be bulky, but not very heavy.