Waterproof Cycling Ruck sack / Rucksack / Back pack / Backpack / Backpacks

im looking for a high spec messenger bag, but wanted to get a backpack one, have been pondering over the project tortoise one which looked pretty nice, any one got any recomendations?

wait a (long) while till scott makes his

i believe chrome do back packs, could give one of their stockists a bell....

they look quite well made.............friends of yours scott?

hmm, why do prefer a backpack over a shoulder bag?

More even weight distribution.

depends really... i don't think most backpacks can beat sthg like scott's x-straps. and considering the cyclist's crouch, whilst good messenger bags put all the load on your shoulders, backpacks mostly put it on your waist - your backbone.

I dunno.. mine sits in the same position that my backpack would. The difference is the strap is only going over one shoulder.
For me, the one shoulder thing is good as I have sharp protrusion from previously broken collarbone sticking out where the backpack strap would sit. Pain.
I'd like to try a back pack again just to see what it feels like.

edmundane depends really... i don't think most backpacks can beat sthg like scott's x-straps. and considering the cyclist's crouch, whilst good messenger bags put all the load on your shoulders, backpacks mostly put it on your waist - your backbone.

not sure a agree with that, your hips and lower back are much better at holding heavy weight than your shoulders, a good bag will position weight there and spread it evenly across the back as much as poss

yeah that's actually more like what i mean spread it evenly over the area of your back so your arms share the weight over the bars.
but then if the load is on your waist your backbone can get damaged over time, and more weight towards the back = more weight on the saddle = numb bits.

some of my courier colleagues swear by the ortlieb bags

what he said

hope this helps

isn't half the point that it's easier to look back over your shoulder with a messenger bag (i.e. one strap) rather than a backpack?

You surely would be the bomb with one of these

in Shoreditch.

I never had one in the 80s, but kids with it where the bomb on the school yard back then.
So it may well work again today ;-)

Other options here:

Reload - An old messenger staple.

Freight Baggage (have one of these and its really awesome) - handmade in SF, designed for messengers by messengers.

Seagull bags - Never seen one so can't comment but his other bags are pretty awesome.

My lady has a Project Tortoise one and loves it to pieces. An added bonus is that Yasu, who makes them, is a really really nice bloke, with great attention to detail and they've been tested with london messengers.

Obviously the only downside to a backpack is that you have to take it off to access the contents, which can be a pain sometimes esp when you're really loaded. But its a very comfortable way to carry a whole ton of stuff.

The messenger designed backpacks, until they're packed, do not obstruct your vision and the good ones have compression straps to 'bulk' down the bag when there is not much stuff in it.

try this

http://projecttortoise.wordpress.com/backpacks/

London Made represent!!!!

pip

My lady has a Project Tortoise one and loves it to pieces. An added bonus is that Yasu, who makes them, is a really really nice bloke, with great attention to detail and they've been tested with london messengers.

I just want to add my voice to this. Yasu's bags are fantastic (mine is the one with the reversible strap on his site) and Yasu is a fantastically nice guy. He's a friend but that doesn't influence my opinion of the bag which is extremely well made, comfortable and easy to use. I'd highly receommend his bags.

I haven't used one, but apparently the Ortlieb ones are good.

i do like that we have a couple of uk based makers (probably more that I don't know about).

about a year ago I was pretty close to buying a bagaboo. they are excellent bags but I remember thinking it was a shame it had to come from hungary. anyway, now we have the choice!

Elvis i do like that we have a couple of uk based makers (probably more that I don't know about).

about a year ago I was pretty close to buying a bagaboo. they are excellent bags but I remember thinking it was a shame it had to come from hungary. anyway, now we have the choice!

i was so close to ordering a bagaboo. but went for project tortoise and am happy ever since!

yeah, those project tortoise look like nice bags.

mr_tom I haven't used one, but apparently the Ortlieb ones are good.

yeah i was nearly getting one
untill scott turned up in my life

littlest hobo

i have sent an email to yasu about prices and stuff, but havent recieved email yet, oh well. thanks for the recomendations. i kinda like the fact that if i got a tortoise it would be made in london and wouldnt have to spend money on postage.

i just saw the lemolo bag and the reload bag, the lemolo ones look kinda nice, but i really dont like the reload ones, i dunno they just look kinda childish to me.