Recommend me a courier bag

[MessenJah]

Cool.

 

[John the Monkey]

I'm looking at a courier bag myself at the mo - I think it's the shape that appeals (the load space is shallow but wide, as opposed to narrow but deep like a rucksack) which should make it easier to stow the stuff I currently carry in pockets in it (for easy access), and make it easier to get to stuff like waterproofs etc quickly. As my commute is in the region of 30-40 minutes, I'm hoping the limitations of the carrying system won't be too apparent.

 

[Notsoblue]

Messenjah, the last quote referred to backpacks being better for 20kg+ loads. I'd absolutely agree with that... But on my commute I carry about 5kg, most of which is a laptop, and personally I find it far more comfortable to carry that in my Crumpler than in my backpack. It feels much more stable when I'm out of the saddle.

 

[GrahamG]

I'm still crossing my fingers for a new job with 10 miles each way commute - I'll just be trying to carry less in my little deuter rucksack. I've got a large Bagaboo which is fantastic for shorter journeys and shopping (and site visits for work which are constant stop/start getting camera/notebook out), but can't see myself using it for longer journeys.

 

[Andy Pandy]

... it's more convenient to access the main compartment...

This is probably the main reason I prefer a courier bag over a ruck sack. The wide opening means that its much easier to get clean work clothes into and out of it

 

[kyuss]

Back to the OP. I'd vote for a Chrome bag. I'd not had much experience of messenger bags until last month when I got a Chrome Kremlin for £75 from Chain Reaction, though it seems they are back up to £110 now. It's a fantastic bag though, really very well made, tough (lifetime guarantee), very comfortable, and after getting caught in the worst rain I've ever seen last week I can confirm that they are completely waterproof.

Only a couple of drawbacks, 1) it doesn't have a padded back so any awkward shaped or seriously heavy objects require careful packing to prevent them sticking you in the back (which won't be a problem if it's mainly clothing you are carrying) and 2) the Kremlin is maybe just a bit too big for my needs (the Metropolis is probably more than anyone would need). In fact it's so big I comfortably got my 8 year old nephew in it with space for shopping too.

 

[Joe24]

Yeh thanks for that