Backpack vs. Messenger Bag

[Music333]

Which will you be using (or did use)?

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[love2bfit]

Thanks for posting this, Music! I was just thinking about it yesterday, haha. I'm leaning toward a messenger bag, but I want to hear some opinions 🙂

 

[ald]

I use a backpack because I bring my laptop to campus every day, and I just think it's more comfortable.

 

[SJD24]

I can't help but chime in here b/c I am a die hard fan of Timbuk2 messenger bags. You know, there are those people who love Mac computers, or a certain brand of jeans...well, for me that "it" product is anything Timbuk2. Seriously, they are worth every dollar. I have two (one for school and one for outdoor stuff) and they are basically indestructible (took it all over the world, bike with it, hike with it, etc). Quick story...I went and visited the actual Timbuk2 shop in San Fran and asked for a donation to an NGO I used to volunteer with...not only did they give us 20 bags free...they also paid to ship them to Tanzania. So, great company...great product.

http://www.timbuk2.com/tb2/products/laptop/

For those who are thinking about a laptop messenger bag. Sorry, if this sounds like an advertisement...lol, really, they are great.

 

[SMUrandy]

I used to use a messenger bag, but it's limited on what you can carry. So if you need your laptop, books, or even snacks/water... you are kinda screwed. So, I broke down and bought a backpack. It's nice to not have to switch back and forth between bags, and you can carry everything you ever need. Just my two cents.

 

[spumoni620]

i'm so happy someone posted this question! I had been a diehard backpack person since high school (dorky me) and lugged around my trusty L.L. Bean oversized backpack for years until some guy broke into my car in San Francisco and stole it. (they got a bunch of used scrubs and USMLE prep books for their trouble. but still.) Since then I've been trying to find the right replacement - trying to move on from backpacks - but always coming back, mostly because nothing else seems to distribute the weight as forgivingly as a backpack (if it's properly sized. Some backpacks can be hell for your back.)

If you're like me and need to lug around your life every day - I'm always carrying at least a laptop, a Klean Kanteen, a thermos for tea, lunch, books, yoga clothes and a yoga mat - lululemon (as much as I hate to admit it) makes some great uber-compartmentalized backpacks with a cool strap for a yoga mat. It's actually been a lifesaver, and it's quite ergonomic (and around $89, so not egregiously priced, at least in the context of their other price points including thongs for $16 apiece and an elastic headband for $20.)

I'm wondering though - I'm going to probably end up biking a lot to campus. Are backpacks or messenger bags better for this? (I'm a newbie biker.) Are the Timbuk2 bags comfortable to carry after extended periods of walking?

 

[spumoni620]

P.S. SMURandy, I was Class of 2002, Int'l Studies, Econ and Public Policy. 🙂

 

[LiteBear2011]

Timbuk2 makes backpacks too:http://www.timbuk2.com/tb2/products/backpacks/

I think I'd lean towards backpacks because of ergonomics; but those messenger bags are quite hipster.

 

[lebeth]

I had a Timbuk2 for a while and really liked it but have made the switch to Chrome messenger bags. I like how they are more utilitarian in design and I think the overall quality justified the price. I use a Mini Metro (the smallest messenger bag) with a laptop sleeve. See here: http://www.chromebagsstore.com/bags/messenger-bags/mini-metro-buckle-bag---small.html It works perfectly for me but if you tend to carry tons of stuff, you'd want to move up a size or two. I LOVE the seat belt buckle closure because it's sooooo easy to adjust and you can put it on and take it off w/o messing up your hair or getting tangled in a hood. They also have backpacks etc. I saw someone carrying this laptop messenger bag/backpack hybrid and it looks really cool. I kinda wish I had it instead: http://www.chromebagsstore.com/bags/laptop-bags/soma.html#

Also, Chrome bags are literally nearly indestructible:
http://www.cbc.ca/streetcents/guide/2005/09/s01_01.html

Anyway, I love them. They are a little expensive but they last FOREVER and are seriously high quality. Also they service their bags, though you'll probably never need it (Timbuk2 would not service my bag, wtf?!) I give them ten thousand thumbs up! Oh and their customer service is great.

 

[Stories]

I use what I used in undergrad: backpack. Easier to carry lunch + laptop with you all day long.

 

[Music333]

We don't need to take textbooks to class usually, right? I'm not planning to take a laptop to class, so I'm leaning toward the messenger back. But I'm thinking a backpack would be better on the back and shoulders...

 

[SMUrandy]

I really think it depends on the class and the professor. I've had classes in undergrad and gradschool where they didn't allow laptops during class (too many people surfing the web, facebook, and AIM). Most classes I've never needed to have my textbooks... but sometimes it can be helpful to have.