Hatrack River Forum: So I've been told to get a messenger bag . . .

This is topic So I've been told to get a messenger bag . . . in forum Books, Films, Food and Culture at Hatrack River Forum.

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Posted by Joldo (Member # 6991) on :

My backpack broke. Broke, in fact, is an understatement. It cannot carry anything.

So I've been told to get a messenger bag. I heard they're easy on the back, rommier, and stylish. And they make it easy to get to your stuff.

And I've been searching online, and all I see are these things that look like backpacks with one strap with the bag part slung across your back. How do they make it easier to get to your stuff? What exactly is a messenger bag?

Posted by Eruve Nandiriel (Member # 5677) on :

This site describes some different styles of bags, and thier uses, etc.

I want one, but I have a backpack that has lasted for years. It even got stolen once, and I found it again.

[ May 03, 2005, 07:41 PM: Message edited by: Eruve Nandiriel ]

Posted by Joldo (Member # 6991) on :

My backpack really just died. And rotted. And was reborn in new form.

And then it was murdered.

Posted by Joldo (Member # 6991) on :

Thanks, but those are the ones I saw. If they're on your back, how is it easier to get to your stuff?

Posted by Annie (Member # 295) on :

I don't think it's neccessarily easier to get to your stuff, unless you have no breasts. But, that may be more of a personal gripe.

I have a Timbuk2 bag, though, and I love it. It's really sturdy, and was fabulous for when my primary mode of transportation was bicycle. I got the medium size, and it's still plenty huge enough to carry my laptop and books and camera and purse and whatnot. I got the "ballistic nylon" fabric and it's dang near impenetrable.

It was rather expensive, but not anymore so than a good backpack, and shows hardly any wear even though it's almost a year old. Plus, you can pick your colors. Mine looks like the French flag, which is fun for comments. One kid didn't get it and said "Hey! I like your bag! Very patriotic!"

Posted by SteveRogers (Member # 7130) on :

Bags are good friends.

Posted by Teshi (Member # 5024) on :

I have a colourful bag with a llama on it, so I cannot part with it. However, were this not the case, I would probably get a messenger bag, too. Maybe.

Posted by Audeo (Member # 5130) on :

Jansport has some that don't go across the chest. They also have some regular backpacks if you want to look around. Manhattan Portage also has a variety of messenger bags. You might get better results on google if you include 'shoulder bag' in the search field.

Posted by SteveRogers (Member # 7130) on :

I have a really cool bag. They can hold tons of stuff. Of course it is my school backpack, but whatever. Its still orange and cool. [Razz]

Edit: I usually just buy cool bags. I don't really pay attention to brand. Sorry.

[ May 03, 2005, 08:00 PM: Message edited by: SteveRogers ]

Posted by Eruve Nandiriel (Member # 5677) on :

quote:
Thanks, but those are the ones I saw. If they're on your back, how is it easier to get to your stuff?

Well if it has one stap on it, you can "swing" it around to the front to get stuff out.

quote:
My backpack really just died. And rotted. And was reborn in new form.

And then it was murdered.

I would suggest getting a cheap one, at Target or Wal-Mart or someplace similar, so you can see how you like it before you invest in a nice one. In past experiance, chaep backpacks from those places have actually lasted longer than the expensive ones. [Dont Know]

Posted by Joldo (Member # 6991) on :

Wow Annie, thanks! Even if I decide not to get one, I'm having a lot of fun designing them on that site. How durable are they? I'm going to be doing a lot this summer, and I need a good sturdy bag.

Eruve: Ah. That explains things. Thankee.

Posted by TMedina (Member # 6649) on :

Ebags.com

Their messenger bag selection.

-Trevor

Posted by Joldo (Member # 6991) on :

Annie, I'm thinking of investing in a Timbuk2 custom bag. Along with the durability question, what kind of pockets does it have standard in the custom ones? Is it divided inside, so I can put my laptop in?

Posted by esl (Member # 3143) on :

Yes, the Classic Timbuk2 messenger bags are divided in two inside. The divider has the standard little zipper compartments and sectioned off areas for writing utensils.

Then the standard pockets in front are two on either side with another little zip-up and pen-holder combo thing between the pockets. That's all IIRC. I'm going off the memory of my brother's bag. We don't live together, so I don't see it often. Annie would definitely be more accurate.

There's also a few laptop Timbuk2's if you need that.

Posted by Joldo (Member # 6991) on :

Well, I have my computer case for that. I just want to be able to carry a laptop too if need be, and comparments are all I need for that.

Posted by Mrs.M (Member # 2943) on :

I've always used L.L. Bean backpacks - they last forever and they're classic. They have messenger bags, too. Here's one that seems like it would work for you:

http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?categoryId=38035&storeId=1&catalogId=1&langId=-1&parentCategory=5181&cat4=2952&shop_method=pp&feat=sdp254

Posted by imenimok (Member # 7679) on :

Trogdor messenger bag or my new laptop transportation system. [Big Grin]

Posted by DarkKnight (Member # 7536) on :

You can try bicycle sites too like Nashbar or Performance. Messenger bags are usually bicycle messenger bags

Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :

TinyURL...it works wonders... [Wink]

Posted by Annie (Member # 295) on :

I think the divider inside the Timbuk2 bags is optional. Mine only has a pocket on the outside under the flap and then some zippered and pencil pockets inside.

Posted by Joldo (Member # 6991) on :

Yeah, the divider pocket is an option, which I am getting.

I decided to order a Timbuk2 bag, themed with my German pride Black-Red-Gold pattern. Thanks for the site, Annie, and sorry for stealing your flag-y idea--just too cool-looking to resist.

Thank you everyone for the help. And when I wear my bag, I promise to think of you.

[Group Hug]

(((Hatrack))) [Group Hug]

[/sappy message]

Posted by Ryuko (Member # 5125) on :

[Smile]

Good luck. I'd like to get a messenger bag someday, but at this point my backpack of seven years and I are doing all right. Though I think the zipper's becoming a bit unfaithful. [Frown]

Posted by esl (Member # 3143) on :

How do you keep track of how long you've been with your backpack? maybe it's one of those ways everyone thinks or remembers differently. I believe I've been using the same backpack for seven years too, not sure though..

Joldo, care to post a picture of you and your bag when you have it?