Messenger / Courier Bags List

I can see why its attractive (waterproof etc), but it just doesn't appear to be remotely suitable for cycling with. Unless of course you never look behind you to check oncoming traffic. IMHO a duffel bag cannot replace a proper courier bag.

No, it's alright when turning my head to look behind, at 31cm diameter it doesn't obstruct my view so much. As mentioned I haul stuff across london, and I walk a lot with my gear as well, so a courier bag isn't really so fitting as it were.

I know this is a 'messenger/courier' bag thread but at the same time the majority of users on the forum are not cycle-stop-unload-load-cycle kinda users, which is what a 'courier (sling) bag' is designed for.

As I realised that a courier/messenger (sling) bag isn't comfortable for walking around in I've gone for the aforementioned bag. Although I would have got the MW Rambler if I could.

I have simply added my input on a bag I brought for use when cycling and walking, not couriering.

Beef, fear not, messenger bags are old news, 2011 is the year of rucksacks and box rims. Duffle rucksacks are totally 2012.

I saw Scott Saturday morning and picked up a BRP pouch. Ace.

More on topic with this thread, we had a good chat about his messenger bag whilst examining the proto piece. I don't know much about messenger bags specifically but know a thing or two about luggage. There is no denying that 340 notes is a handful of cash, but it represents incredible value for money. I described the bag to my sis, who has more technical expertise and experience with bags, later that day, and the first thing she said was, 'That's completely underpriced.' It's a thing of beauty built for performance. I think words do not do justice to it; one needs to see and touch it to fully appreciate it.

I have a Chrome Metropolis bag that I have been using for the last three years. It is red with a white stripe. I accept that it is very filthy but i like it. MrsO has insisted that I replace it and so i now have a nice shiny black and white one.

My question is whether it is possible to clean my old bag and if so how. Dirt has ingrained itself into the cloth, particularly due to my failure to use mudguards.

Any suggestions?

put it inside an (old) pillow and put it in the washing machine

Has anyone had any experience with Knog messenger bags? Or know anywhere in London that stocks them?

I'm considering the Corsa, which looks pretty good online especially for the price, as a replacement for my Timbuk2.

Bad choice. Personally, it is my belief that ALL Knog products suffer in comparison to any of their peers' products. Their lights are shit, their bags are not proper courier bags in the real sense, whereas a Timbuk2 is.

The list on page one of this thread differentiates proper courier quality courier bags from the rest, by having 3 asterisks before and after the makers/model's name ( **Like This** ). The Timbuk2 and the Linnel's Post Office Bag don't rate as highly as some others maybe, but they can definitely stand up to courier abuse. I really don't think the Knog (any of their bags) could compare.

If the price point is a defining factor, then here are my suggestions:

Bagaboo Eco
Linnel's *(Royal Mail)*** Courier**
**DeMartini Original **
**Cocotte Alfredo **

I especially like the Eco and the Alfredo.

Cheers GA2G, I agree about Knog lights I had a strobe that lasted about 5 minutes before breaking, so you probably make a good point.

Thanks for the suggestions, I'll take a look.

My super stylish L.A. Fitness backpack is now on it's last legs but I'm a little at a loss for what to replace it with and given the range of options out there it's not making my job easier.

what kind of capacity (messenger style) bag should I be looking at for ferrying small loads like changes of clothes/gym kit about day to day but to also cope with twice weekly grocery shopping?

for my mind the L size in most brands (34L) seems ok for stuffing full of shopping but is it a bit too large for your typical commuter functions?

If you want an investment, contact Scott at Black Rainbow Project and see if he is working on the smaller bags yet.

it did cross my mind as I have one of the pouches already (see upthread)

I've got the large Rickshaw Zero Messenger and it's probably about the size you need. I also take a change of clothes and a small selection of tools to work with me each day and have some room to spare. Then, when I do a shop it has plenty of room for all the essentials.

It costs extra for a shoulder strap pad and the cross chest stabilising strap (essentials), but it's still cheap compared to other bags on the list here and has shown no signs of wear and tear since I started using it.

I got it from Urban Hunters but it doesn't look like they stock them anymore which is a shame

it did cross my mind as I have one of the pouches already (see upthread)

Nice, I still got old Rosie...but his "Red" Messenger Bag is a winner, it'll be handed down the generations i reckon.

Id say 34/35l isnt actually that bad for a commute provided your bag has compression straps to make it more manageable when carrying smaller loads.

My Large Belk tech sling often has little more than a hoody/tools/book/waterproof in it when im commuting, but on the occasion it does need to carry more im grateful to have the option, I reckon a little big is always better than a little small. but thats just me.

+1 on compression straps - they can make a large bag very manageable when less than full (and also can help loads moving around inside the bag)

On anything bigger than about 25-30l I would say they are essential (IMO)

+1
Also buy danb's bags
They're awesome

+1
Also buy danb's bags
They're awesome

this :)

Buy a Belk, they're awesome ;)

Can we have a separate list for back packs?

No. :)

Wasn't asking you.
;P

I COULD rearrange and differentiate between original one-strap standard designs, and dual-strap ones.
Seems a good idea, as many bag makers have followed the successful lead of Ortlieb in this area.

Anyone willing to help out with makes (and models if possible), please pipe up. Then it will be easier and faster to create.

I haz a small list of bags that I've been looking at.