UTMC

Do they work at speed? Looking at a North Face seemingly-water-proof messenger bag selling for half price, but don't want to pick it up if it's not going to work on a bike doing 100kph. It has the extra waist strap, which seems to make it more figure-hugging and (possibly) less likely to flap around like a bastard.

Any ideas? Experience? Suggestions?

Not just kph, 100mph stable.

I have the Aerostitch Courier bag and used it exclusively till I got my Dirt Bags. It's been worn on a honda 919,900rr, and three dirtbikes. The only one I had any problems with was the sportbike. It kept trying to move to the front, and was an annoying pain. On everything else it has been easy to deal with.

One-shoulder bags are great for when you need to get in and out of them frequently, as couriers do. I don't really like to wear mine on the big motorbikes, though- as has been mentioned, if it wants to rotate around at the wrong time its a pain. I think conventional backpacks are better for riding point-to-point with some cargo. Better still to have your cargo on your bike, not on your back, if possible.

sometimes i use a timbuk2 commute messenger laptop bag - waist strap keeps it from coming around at all - 70 mph, no problem. i like it b/c it has the padded back and lots of pockets for misc. IT gear.

I carry a ton of equipment (laptop with extended battery pack, files, databooks, minitravellingofficeworthofparaphernalia, etc.) everyday for a few years on the CB900F, now daily on the bicycle, with no complaints.

Maybe you aren't keeping the strap tight enough? Dunno.

I currently have a chrome bag... which is aaaaawesome.

http://magyar.mashkulture.net/wp-conten ... ags_01.jpg

However, the next messenger bag i get is going to be from the saddleback leather company. 100 yr. warranty



Check out their overnight bag too! Sexy.

I also have a Timbuk2 bag. It rocks, as long as I've got the second strap clipped around me. Holds a ton, stays in place, totally rugged.

without the 2nd strap, it slips down to one side and sucks for riding.

I like it when I go to work because it's easy to get on over my gear, and I don't have to carry a tankbag and my helmet and my gloves...

I have a Chrome bag that I wear regularly. I never wear it with much in it, aside from short trips to the store. One shoulder gets sore with much weight.

I have a Chrome bag that I regularly use for...well, most everything. Now that I'm on crutches for a couple of weeks, it's coming in especially handy. I find that the across the chest strap keeps it from sliding around and, if I load it properly, it doesn't bulge or poke me and can be worn comfortably for long periods of time.

Used a Timbuk2 courier bag for... well, as a motorcycle courier. Worked like a friggin' champ. Yes, the waist strap is mandatory for the reasons cited above.

I wrecked with my Timbuk on -- it just abraded the strap a bit. Gives it more character now.

--Jaeger

I use an Axio Swift and love it except the constant questions from people asking me what it is and somehow they are utterly amazed by it. I mean it's cool and all (at least I think so) but at the end of the day it's just a backpack with a hard shell. It doesn't hold a hell of a lot, at least not as much as you would think but it is nice for commuting and it will not buffet in the wind at 130mph, but I wouldn't know that from experince or anything. Just don't use it to haul the better part of a twelve pack from my house to Revcbl's house unless you need your shoulders to be really sore for a while.

No matter how tight I pulled straps, my Chrome bag and it's predecessor Timbuk2 bag would never stay in place. Particularly on the sportbikes. And while the are/were more waterproof than any other bag I own, they would still get full of water after a while on the highway (attributed I guess to the fact that a messnger bag doesn't really close, per se, as much as it just flaps over. Decent for around town, but suck (for me) for travel. The one shoulder deal at 85 is a bit annoying too. I'm a backback guy.

Thanks for the info, chaps. Went in to pick one up today and the buggers were completely sold out. Faaak! Going to have to sniff around for some more cheapskate deals...

I've had my gigantic Chrome bag for 7 years. I simply love it. Not as good for the long haul as an Axio because of the single strap that Priests hates. For short to medium long runs though, it's fabulous. Lots of room, easy to adjust and the safety belt buckle is very handy for taking the thing off when overloaded (don't have to sling it over your head or helmet. Was perfect for my trip to Seattle.

I use a Maxpedition Typhoon. It's not a messenger bag, but it's a single strap. I've been using it for almost 2 years and love it.

Goose, Karl, and I all had Chrome bags for the Seattle trip. I had no problem wearing mine for the long stretch.