You don't need to be an 'investor' to invest in Singletrack: 6 days left: 95% of target - Find out more
So I'm moving offices which opens the possibility of travelling by public transport - Yessss!
I want to make the most of my time on the hour long bus journey. I want to carry reading material, lunch and possibly an Ipad. I've never carried a briefcase or messenger bag in my life and I'm strangely self conscious about it so muted is the look I'm going for.
There's a 20 minute walk from the destination depot to the office so I need something waterproof. I was looking at the Fjallraven Greenland bag but mucho spendy.
What do you use and would you recommend it?
Whatever backpack that everything fits in, hanging a load of weight off one shoulder for a period every day isn't a great idea in my opinion.
You can't fit much in it, but every discerning cyclist should own at least one Rapha Clutch bag...
hanging a load of weight off one shoulder for a period every day isn’t a great idea in my opinion
That's true but if he leaves his kettle bells at home he should be fine carrying some reading material, an iPad and his lunch in just a messenger bag.
Millican does quite nice, slightly quirky, canvas-type, retro packs and bags complete with laptop sleeves, lots of pockets. Not cheap, but very nice.
https://www.homeofmillican.com
I wouldn't bother with a shoulder bag tbh. You're better off with a small pack ime.
Patagonia mini messenger here. Got it on eBay for £25 unused.
Or maybe one of the Lowe Alpine 'heritage' packs:
https://lowealpine.com/uk/everyday/heritage-backpacks/pioneer-26
I have a 511 "Rush delivery, Mike" (bit of a gob full, no idea why it's called that). Superb quality and just enough "tacticool" IMHO to protect your blokeishness from handbag jokes without looking like some airsofting walt.
Black Timbuk2 Messenger bag.
Back when I had a similar commute, I just used a record bag that I'd got as a freebie. But then I don't get self-conscious, so I'd have used anything that was free
Black Timbuk2 Messenger bag.
Yep.
Sainsbury's or Lidl depending on your social status.
What's in the bag Angelos? Tell us what's in the bag.
Rucsac.
Peak Design everyday messenger 13 here.
Bought on eBay “used” but virtually new really.
Great Bag and keeps everything organised.
Old skool haversack, then you can draw on it. Favourite footy teams, pop groups, favourite motorbikes all that stuff.
Custom Timbuk2 messenger.
Well why wouldn't you?
Only one worth considering.
[url= https://i.postimg.cc/4NHVjBsc/Adidas-Shoulder-Bag.jp g" target="_blank">https://i.postimg.cc/4NHVjBsc/Adidas-Shoulder-Bag.jp g"/> [/img][/url]
Something by Billingham. Probably the Thomas. I’ve had my Series 3 bag for around 40 years and it is still perfectly functional.
just get the Fjallraven Greenland. it looks the shiz! you dont wanna look like a lemon on the bus!
I use this one for carrying all my measurement tools and paperwork on site...
https://www.next.co.uk/style/ST183308#156057
Sainsbury’s or Lidl depending on your social status.
Not sure that tells you anything these days.
Maybe Asda or Waitrose...
Carradice.
Alpkit.
That Adidas one up there.
Anything else is well Nathan Barley.
OP
I think you need to start off thinking..
1/ What kind of personality am I trying to project to my fellow commuters/co-workers ?
2/ Will this bag send a strong visual message in lots of different settings?
3/ Does this bag need to Vegan friendly ?
4/ Does this bag need to be used outside work ,perhaps transporting a power kite?
5/ Would a rucksack work?
Id always recommend Dakine bags, every one I've had has been nigh on bullet proof. If you had a bit more to spend you could look at Trakke bags.
If you like Fjallraven bags, just get one. Yes, spendy, but they are good (I have one, but looks like a model they don't make any more).
It's nice, waterproof, lasting well and the fact the closures aren't velcro or zips is great for me. I can fish stuff in/out in meetings/talks/quiet places without drawing attention or disturbing people.
It must be around £200 for maximum middle-class-feel-good-about-yourself ponciness.
Just realise that [i]nobody else[/i] will know or [b]care[/b] how much you spent on your bag.
I tried a similar thread a while ago, in the end I just went on a website and bought the one I liked the look of.
For courier style bags bagaboo do some nice bags
https://bagaboo-bags.com/
If it’s good enough for fighting men to carry a gas mask and a bunch of other personal items in, then it’s more than good enough for some random bloke to carry an iPad, lunch, a drink, and other odds and ends in. My dad had one that he took to work every day on his bike, and I’ve ditched my Timbuk2 for one, if I need to carry more stuff, then I have a large folded up shopping bag inside it.
At £9.75, it may be too cheap for some to be seen carrying one, but if it was good enough for my dad, I’m damned sure it’s good enough for anyone.
There’s also this slightly more expensive, sophisticated model:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Mens-Military-Canvas-Leather-Satchel-School-14-Laptop-Shoulder-Messenger-Bag-/251368100264
Just get a small laptop shoulder bag.
Cheap as chips, light, practical and unobtrusive. If you're feeling spendy go for a leather one.
Visconti Harvard A4 size messenger bag here.
Ideal size if you need to carry documents and laptop.
Eastpak Delegate works well for me. Much plane based travels.
https://www.eastpak.com/uk-en/shoulder-bags-c130.html
If you want the look of the Fjallraven (or the Lowe Alpine ones above) then the Alpkit Tyrol could be worth a look:
I have a Crumpler Free Wheeler Sling L which I find ideal for just the purpose you described. Had it for a few years and it is still like new.
Link below
The cheapest backpack with a padded back. This isn't the first day of primary school, so no need for expense or vanity...
Got to TK Maxx and have a mooch. I much prefer a backpack for my commute and have a plain, black one from TK Maxx I use.
If you want a brand, my boss as a The North Face bag that looks lovely...and cost 5 times as much as mine did.
Wouldn't all you backpack advocates get a bit of a sweaty back wearing one while walking for 20 minutes in your work clothes? I certainly would and wouldn't then want to start a day at my desk like that.
For the 'spend less' advocates, I can sort of see the point. However, my Timbuk2 has done 10+ years of bike commutes, bike shopping trips, beach trips, and probably flown around the world five times or more, and still looks as good as new.
I'd far rather spend a reasonable bit of money* on something that lasts than spend the same amount on stuff that gets thrown away every few months.
*Disclaimer - Mine was a trade freebie. 😎
I used a Swiss Gear backpack for years and got one of those Timbuk2 messenger bags a month or so back. Definitely less sweaty and feels fairly comfy with laptop, power lead, A4 notebook and some bits and bobs in it
i got one of those victoriononox bags from tescos. Its been round the world and doesnt look too bad.
You are middle aged and therefore irrelevant. No one cares how you look.
Said with love of course
Something by Billingham. Probably the Thomas. I’ve had my Series 3 bag for around 40 years and it is still perfectly functional.
i use a Hadley large without the padded camera liner, waterproof, understated, stylish.
takes a 15in MacBook pro, travel coffee grinder/aeropress, turn of the century social angst novels etc etc.
I just went on a website and bought the one I liked the look of.
What sort of advice do you call that? You need to have a word with yourself, mate!
Another vote for not having a messenger-style bag - you'll screw your back up.
The best "every day carry" bag I've ever had by far is an Evergoods CPL24. For max niche points it's only available on import from America and super spendy but it's awesome. Designed by a guy who used to design Patagonia's bags and a guy from GoRuck.
It's incredibly tough and versatile. With a Tenba insert it doubles as my camera bag too.
https://evergoods.us/products/civic-panel-loader-24l
Civic Panel Loader 24L
229 bucks? I hope your everyday carry is full of valuable tactical stuff to justify that price tag!!
All messenger bags look like big handbags, do yourself a favour and get a smart/plain backpack (TKMaxx always have a decent choice).
I carry one of these:
https://www.cambridgesatchel.com/products/15-inch-classic-batchel-in-leather-vintage
It's NOT a handbag (it is totally a handbag!)...
And one of these:
Also NOT a handbag (definitely a handbag!)...
I hate myself ;-P
I find Troop London have a decent range of well made, attractive bags and can be found at heavily discounted prices.
Not sure where you are but there's a shop inside the Stratford shopping centre that often have them in at very good prices.
Topper
Another vote for not having a messenger-style bag – you’ll screw your back up.
Seriously, if you can’t carry a Book, a sandwich and an iPad in a messenger bag without injuring yourself there is something seriously wrong with you 😂
Timbuktu gets my vote (or Crumpler if you want it a bit more robust). They have a selection of "smart enough for a meeting" and "tactical enough not to get bullied" laptop bags in a range of sizes. Waterproof, with stabilising straps if you're going on a bike, lots of pockets etc etc.
Seriously, if you can’t carry a Book, a sandwich and an iPad in a messenger bag without injuring yourself there is something seriously wrong with you 😂
+1
I've been commuting every day with a messenger bag for 15+ years and not had a problem yet!
Try to imagine a world where sometimes you want to carry a bit more than that and a messenger bag is a crap tool for the job, that you bought out of a misguided attempt to look cool.
That world is the actual world we live in. 😉
+1 for Eastpak Delegate
I bought one a few years ago after recommendations on here and it still looks good.
They also come with a 30 year warranty.
Try to imagine a world where sometimes you want to carry a bit more than that and a messenger bag is a crap tool for the job, that you bought out of a misguided attempt to look cool.That world is the actual world we live in. 😉
I literally [b]never[/b] look cool. No bag ever made could achieve that.
I just don’t like carrying a backpack every day, and I’ve never had any issue carrying a bag over one shoulder 👍
Started using messenger style bags almost 40 years ago with a paper round, and always preferred that style.
This^
Getting a rucksack on with an armoured Motorbike jacket is painful.
Sling bag just so much easier.
Try to imagine a world where sometimes you want to carry a bit more than that and a messenger bag is a crap tool for the job, that you bought out of a misguided attempt to look cool.
I walk about a mile and a half, so about half an hour, each way to work every day. I use a messenger bag (Timbuk2 I think) slung across my body, so not just hanging from one shoulder, to hold my laptop, sandwiches, little brolly, keepcup wotsit, chargers, cables and various other bits of ephemera that accumulate in it. Works fine and it's not turned me into Quasimodo.
For work I tend to use an Ally Cappelino satchel if on foot, for greater volume an Aguille waxed cotton 20l rich sac and for travelling a Cotopaxi Allpa.
As the weight goes up I go to 2 straps.
For very light carrying an old manga pattern il Soigneur musette.
Wouldn’t all you backpack advocates get a bit of a sweaty back wearing one while walking for 20 minutes in your work clothes?
I never had a problem with sweating in Manchester.
Just go TK MAXX and pick a rucksack or messenger bag that you like the look of. Trust me, nobody other than you cares what it looks like. You’re not exploring Peru or going on a military operation. Any old shit will do 👍🏼
If it's just for your smarphone and lip-balm, then a 'Dakine Field Bag' for that 'over-the-shoulder-urban-chic' motif ...
If you need to carry the 'Complete Works of Shakie' and a re-usable coffee mug, then a Douchebags 'The Backpack' should be your go-to Manbag ....
This is what you're trying to look like with a sling bag 😛
What's that Grum - like I never train legs?
nealglover
Member
Another vote for not having a messenger-style bag – you’ll screw your back up.Seriously, if you can’t carry a Book, a sandwich and an iPad in a messenger bag without injuring yourself there is something seriously wrong with you 😂
Agreed. I did too wonder how delicate some people’s backs must be.
Although to be fair - the the backpack with shoulder straps bag he recommended looks safer for children with growing bones.