Backpack OR Messenger?

Hello everyone! I'm awaiting a slim and thin 15" notebook, and I'm trying to decide if I keep the messenger bag I got or get a backpack.

I'm particularly interested in messenger bags most of the time, but after I bought the Amazon.com: Brenthaven Collins Ultra-Padded Messenger Bag for 15.4-Inch Macbooks, Laptops and Ultrabooks, Grey (1906101): Computers & Accessories, I sort of began reconsideirng my choice. I feel like messenger bags can be kind of bulky with laptops, no matter how stylish they are or how thin the laptop is.

I'm sort of considering getting a stylish backpack, and I'm looking at this one, from the same brand: Amazon.com: Brenthaven Collins Ultra-Padded Convertible Backpack for 15.4-Inch Macbooks, Laptops and Ultrabooks, Grey (1907101): Computers & Accessories

Which one would you choose?

The backpack?



or the messenger ... ?



The messenger is already with me, but I'm thinking of returning it. I'm a very skinny person so it looks huge on me. But I wanted to get everyone's second opinion. The backpack looks like it would be more protective since the likelihood of it bumping it something as opposed to the messenger is lower.

Brenthaven seems to have great quality, and I can vouch for that with this messenger bag that I ordered. It's definitely great.

But yeah, what do you guys think?

 

FWIW, I never use a messenger bag hanging off my shoulder, rather I always wore it on my back. I have the Timbuk2 D-Lux. Still works great for my 15" behemoth workstations, and also my smaller laptops. It can be used as a backpack or a messenger, depending on your need. I much prefer it this way, since I can quickly swing it down to grab something and pull it back up, without ever taking it off my back.

Only downside, it would seem for you, is that it's far from "dressy". The two pictures you posted seem to indicate that you're looking for something better suited for a formal workplace. Timbuk2 tends to use designs that are brighter and more outstanding (which I hate), but their bags are "bombproof" as they call them. They can take a beating, that's for sure.

 

Personally, I'm against messenger bags simply because of the potential problems they cause to a person's body (particularly the back) thanks to the uneven load on the body.

Personally, I just got a Timbuk2 Q and it's pretty nice, though probably not the style you're looking for.

 

If i could find a good 14 inch laptop sleeve i would get a backpack, but until then i am stuck with messenger.

 

Their bags are originally aimed at bicycle messengers where bright visibility is wanted. Luckily they usually have less colorful tones available too

I've now had Timbuk2 HAL backpack for a couple years, it has held really well. Altough top carrying handle was badly sewn and has given up a little. I didn't think of returning the bag, getting it here overseas was a feat in itself. Besides the handle that was bad from the beginning, there is no real sign of wear anywhere.

In my every day life, backpack wins every time over messenger bag just due the sheer volume and it's more comfortable to carry. I do have couple odd messenger bags, like Dainese waterproof messenger bag altough it has a small problem: my 8560w doesn't fit into it. At least I can use that as an excuse to get a new, smaller and lighter laptop some day

Where and how would you use the bag? If you use car/bike/bicycle or walk, a backpack is more comfortable. Messenger bag, while it doesn't carry as much stuff, is probably more practical in a bus or subway.

 

This. 100% this. I use my messenger bag when I'm only carrying a light load. For full days, I have my Gregory Border 25 (but I got it for 50% off). Solid backpack that's extremely laptop/tablet friendly. Not waterproof, but I use it for traveling abroad than for to and from the office.

 

Even though Timbuk2 is great brand, their styles are definitely not what I'm looking for. I'm looking for something more refined, somewhat minimalistic, stylish, but very sturdy and functional at the same time. That's why Brenthaven's Collins collection really appealed to me. Can anyone find similar credibility? If not, what do you think I should go with -- messenger or backpack?

 

I've noticed all the 'fashion' bags post messengers worn as a shoulder bag. Bad idea and not just for load support, especially with ballistic nylon bags - wears your trousers down pretty rapidly for starters. Perhaps if you wore it correctly it might be less bulky. Otherwise though if you do carry a lot of stuff on a regular basis a backpack makes a lot more sense.

Alternatives...

Weatherproof messenger bags, backpacks, and apparel made by Mission Workshop.
Make decent messengers and backpacks - a bit hipster, but not overtly punchably so.

'Work friendly' messenger wise, I think Bedouin makes some nice ones. Not sure what you'd think of the price tags though.
Bedouin Foundry

I can't recommend Hard Graft, though they have some designs which look nice on the site.

And if that kind of aesthetic appeals to you, then there's always CoteEtCiel.
Côte&Ciel - Backpacks

 

It also depends on the size of the notebook being carried in the messenger bag, along with how many accessories and peripherals. I

I have both. I have an Alienware backpack for my M17xR2 which is bulky as all hell. But considering its such a large laptop and all the things I carry with it, the backpacks' size is commensurate with the amount of gear it holds. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure there are smaller backpacks for smaller notebooks.

Conversely, I have a CAT messenger bag for my spare laptop (Inspiron 5100). Not nearly as bulky as I only carry the notebook and it's PSU in the bag. But it is a larger than necessary bag for the size of my spare notebook. In the case of bicycle messengers, there are bags meant for ultrabooks and MBAs which are as thin as the notebooks their meant to carry.

Personally, I like having a backpack since I usually have a bunch of crap to carry in addition to the laptop and PSU.

 

Hey everyone, I just wanted to say thanks for your feedback so far. I sort of feel more driven to the backpack due to how nice it feels on me (the balance on my shoulders as opposed to the messenger bag, but then again, I can always wear the messenger bag more towards my back across my shoulder; I've seen people do that.)

Just wanted to say that I spent a week with my Brenthaven Collins Messenger Bag, and so far, I'm enjoying it. It's not super amazing, but it's amazing. It's minimalistic, looks great, and is of superior quality. The shoulder strap is made of seat-belt webbing, but the only downside to it is that there's no shoulder padding, but I can live with it. I found that wearing the bag more towards my bag when it's across my shoulder makes it more comfortable, but I'm still debating if I should keep the bag or not.

Today I received the backpack variation of the same collection, and it's also amazing as well. The only downside to this bag is the small opening. That worries me because it could potentially scratch my laptop while I'm trying to place it in the bag. Other than that, the backpack holds my 15.6" XPS 15 perfectly.

The thing about a backpack vs a messenger is that I feel that messenger bags are more prone to bumps while you're walking unless you strap the messenger towards your back and make the shoulder strap shorter. The backpack is more safe, I feel, on my back, but I still cannot choose.

The backpack is great for my posture (I have scoliosis), but I just cannot decide. I wish I can keep them both, but they're so expensive.

Here's a picture of them:



Please help me choose, guys. I would appreciate your choice. I could always keep both, but I don't know why I would need to do that. I'd rather return one and buy myself some hardware or something.

 

I would suggest going for the backpack. You can usually carry more gear with a backpack. It also helps that most backpacks these days, regardless of their intended use, come with extra padding on the side that is against your back.

 

Yeah, I've been testing this backpack for a good four days now and I've gotta say that I really love it. It's not bulky but still gets the job done well being able to carry my notebook + a space for a tablet (I currently carry either my 3DS XL or graphing calculator there) and a generous amount of deep space for books and a binder. I didn't think that I would find the leather handles on it useful but it's definitely more than just useful, especially if you're in a rush and are trying to pickup your backpack without having to crouch down to grab it from the shoulder straps. The finish is clean and the leather touch-points (bottom of the backpack, handles, zippers) on the backpack give it an extra fancy look without overdoing it -- it stays simple and stylish. The straps that hold the shoulder pads and handles are made of high quality seat belt webbing which is a super plus. I am absolutely in LOVE with the pinstripe pattern on the inside; it's definitely me.

I will upload some additional pictures!

 

Without any doubt: backpack!! I find them so much comfortable and convenient to wear. A messenger bag can be fine with light load, but once you load laptop + charger + cables + accessories they get uncomfortable, which is not the case with a backpack.

 

Well I'd go with a messenger if you don't carry much else than laptop. If you want mouse+books+ 3ds or extra cables etc. Get backpack. I normally carry some tools too (screwdriver set, external battery to top up my phone etc.) it just feels awkward in messenger bag. Also if it's a heavier laptop, messenger with really hurt ur shoulder.

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