posted
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?
Posts: 1735 | Registered: Oct 2004
| IP: Logged |
posted
Thanks, but those are the ones I saw. If they're on your back, how is it easier to get to your stuff?
Posts: 1735 | Registered: Oct 2004
| IP: Logged |
posted
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!"
Posts: 8504 | Registered: Aug 1999
| IP: Logged |
posted
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.
Posts: 8473 | Registered: Apr 2003
| IP: Logged |
posted
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.
Posts: 349 | Registered: May 2003
| IP: Logged |
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. Posts: 4174 | Registered: Sep 2003
| IP: Logged |
posted
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.
Posts: 1735 | Registered: Oct 2004
| IP: Logged |
posted
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?
Posts: 1735 | Registered: Oct 2004
| IP: Logged |
posted
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.
Posts: 1056 | Registered: Mar 2002
| IP: Logged |
posted
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.
Posts: 1735 | Registered: Oct 2004
| IP: Logged |
posted
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:
posted
You can try bicycle sites too like Nashbar or Performance. Messenger bags are usually bicycle messenger bags
Posts: 1918 | Registered: Mar 2005
| IP: Logged |
posted
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.
Posts: 8504 | Registered: Aug 1999
| IP: Logged |
posted
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.
posted
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. Posts: 4816 | Registered: Apr 2003
| IP: Logged |
posted
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?
Posts: 1056 | Registered: Mar 2002
| IP: Logged |
Printer-friendly view of this topic
![[Razz]](tongue.gif)
![[ROFL]](graemlins/rofl.gif)
![[Dont Know]](graemlins/dontknow.gif)
![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
![[Wink]](wink.gif)
![[Group Hug]](graemlins/grouphug.gif)
(((Hatrack))) ![[Smile]](smile.gif)
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]](frown.gif)
