Backpack or the Messanger Bag?

actually in my case, my messenger bag is more comfortable and holds more though i must admit that i will also have a backpack ready on hand.

 

Carrying a laptop in a one shoulder bag puts a lot of strain on that shoulder, I find. And the Hel 80 has about 2 pounds on my laptop

I guess it's not the laptop itself so much as the fact that you generally want to carry around other things as well (e.g. a clipboard, pens/pencils, a lunch maybe..)

 

yup and i can't find a backpack with as much space as my new messenger bag

 

I've had messenger bags for my last 3 laptops (12 inch) and they are great. even on long trips. I have a medical small bag and I had my last 2 laptops on a zeroshock sleeve and it was great. I would place my laptop in there with my book(s) and no issues. The messenger bag was about 12.1 by 8 something like that. Now I have a Booq 12" messenger bag and it's been pretty good. I usually take one of 2 books to class and type all of my notes in the laptop. So usually I have 1 book in my hands and the other in the bag.

 

lota poser value in messenger bags IMO...uh they are designed for function and they have grown in popularity with everyone who thinks the "look nice" and dont even ride. I dont ride bikes anymore but still have my mesenger bags and use them on my motorcycle because if you do need to carry large items/groceries/boxes then the messsenger bag is great on the move. if you are walking to class or work, I dont see the value in a true messenger bag...the corporate style "messenger" bags are much more usable for students now because of tall the organization pockets and what not.

 

I personally don't like having anything too large. That's why I go for hydration backpacks from brands like CamelBak and The North Face. Just enough room to fit my notebook and my books for a single class. It's nice when I am able to set it down and it doesn't take up much room at all.

 

This one is fairly simple:
Function: Backpacks provide better functionality in every way. They are more protective, harder to steal, more versatile, better organized, better for maintaining some semblance of balance, easier to carry for extended periods (be it walking to class or chatting elsewhere), and conducive to long-term health (carrying weight on one shoulder is horrible for your back). Related to versatility, backpacks usually have extra features found on only a handful of messenger bags, such as water bottle pockets (I promise - mesh side pockets are superior to shoving them in any old pocket), MP3 player pockets, etc.

Fashion: Well, messenger bags do seem to be in right now.

Personal experience: When I became a TA, I got a messenger bag for image purposes (and because the one I got happened to be $10, down from $45). I used it once, realized how much better backpacks are, and gave it to my trendier little sister. I don't know if she ever used it, but I ended up picking out a backpack for her, too, and it now sits in her closet. Now that I think about it, my dad might have some use for it. Why would he want it? He's too cheap to buy something new.

Conclusion: I assume I don't actually need to say this, but backpacks rule, and messenger bags ... suck.

Best wishes

 

Backpacks are healthier. Just ask any doctor or physical therapist. I've said it before and will say it again: get a backpack with a chest strap which helps offload the weight from the shoulders.

 

There are always news specials about kids at school walking around with 20+ pounds backpacks which are causing back pack. I'd think a backpack with your books and a laptop bag would be better for you than hanging everything from your back.

 

You mean from the shoulder and the problems a heavy messenger bag can cause is to put uneccessary latery strain in the spinal cord.

 

Wow. My post made no sense. Their backpacks are causing back pain lol.

I'd much rather carry only a backpack but I have school books and all so I carry my laptop in a laptop bag... or messenger bag as some call them. If all I was carrying was a laptop then I'd use a backpack.

 

20 Pounds on your back is better than 20 pounds on one shoulder. And if you do carry a lot get a bag with waist and chest straps.

 

Im getting a asus W3J (14") and have been looking at the MEC darwin notebook backpack ( http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_...older_id=2534374302699713&bmUID=1156970726046
)

Not sure yet if ill finalize the purchase, was hoping if anyone could recommend a good backback for a 14" notebook?

 

Don't limit yourself to a "notebook backpack" you can get any kind of backpack you want then you can put your notebook in a sleeve while it's in the backpack. That's what I do and I love my REI sleeve because I can put a strap on it and just carry it around. Check out ebags.com for all sorts of different kinds of backpacks or go look at your local store.

Find something you like then put a notebook in it.

 

Timbuk2 Laptop Messenger the end.

 

Except that it's still a messenger-style bag. As before, functionally inferior in every way.

 

ACtually, i've found more functionality with my messenger bag, namely being able to fit stuff of dimension that i couldn't fit into a backpack, ever. Also, I like that there is no way to get at what's inside without undoing the flaps which imo is less likely to be stolen from. Also, my messenger is fully rain/snow proof.

The only thing that backpacks have on messengers is two straps and organizational pockets, maybe an ego, and your back in 15 years

 

Yea...
I have changed my mind from earlier, I don't think anything is wrong with a messanger for a 17" like my (soon to be mine...) e1705.
Isn't it just like 8 or 9 pounds? and it is not like I will need to carry it around lots... that campus I am going to is not all that big... and they DO make messanger bags that can house a 17"-er right?

 

what? carrying around a 17inch? thats insane.

 

not really, people carry around guitars and even cello's on their backs. what's a 17 inch laptop compared to a textbook and a couple notebooks?

 

Hi all,

i just thought I'd put my 2 cents in on this topic.

I have a Asus W2Jc which is 17" and I have to admit, it's pretty huge - infact most bags (even the free bag I got with it!!) that i looked at wouldn't even fit all my stuff I've been shopping around for a laptop bag for sometime now and was originally leaning toward a backpack as I thought it'd be easier to carry around and would offer more support. I carry my laptop everywhere, mostly to work and uni, so I had to find a bag that'll carry everything.

The problem is that when I stuff all my gear inside a bag, it'll get really heavy. So I went over to the local crumpler store and initally wanted to buy the beer back. My stuff didn't fit!! So I got to test out the karachi outpost for a day. Although both bags are excellent (i'd still recommend them!), I ended up with a sore back!!

In the end I bought the cashmere blazer messenger bag (check out the photos). It carries all my stuff easily, with heaps of spare room and with the "third leg" it carries more like a backpack, and to me it feels a lot lighter than a backpack (no more sore back!).

So, I guess it depends on what you're comfortable with and what your requirements are.

 

you should do a full review on that blazer. Looks pretty nice. I'm thinking of getting both a messanger and backpack. Use teh messanger for days wehre I'm working and backpack for days at school... But I'll probably just buy a really good backpack myself.

 

http://daily.stanford.edu/article/2...eNewestTrendInBookbagsMayBeBadNewsForYourBack

 

once i had timbuk messenger bag. while its quality was very good,
it wasn't comfortable at all.
since then i switched to backpack.

 

I've got a 14.1" widescreen laptop, 1.5" thick.

I actually use both a backpack and messenger bag. It just depends on what/where I'm going that decides what I use. If I'm just headed to a friend's house, a picnic, pretty much anywhere that I don't need to bring everything, I use a Ralph Lauren messenger bag (has two external pockets and a file slot) with a sleeve insert. It holds my laptop, extra battery(s), power cord, cd/dvds, and other small accessories I might need. It does tend to get a bit heavy, but I don't go trekking around with it.

I use a backpack specifically made for that. Actually, two kinds. The first is a lowepro back pack that holds everything the messenger bag holds, plus my camera, lenses, and other small items batteries and filters, mp3 player, and has additional room for other things like a small lunch.

The second is Ogio backpack that I use sometimes when I travel for work. I have to carry lots of paperwork with me, and neither the messenger bag or camera/notebook bag can fit both.

So, if I were you, I'd opt for a bagpack that can hold your notebook, plus any and all your books and paperwork you'll need for classes that day. The messenger bag just won't have enough room without being too bulky or too heavy to lug around between classes all day, especially if you have classes that seem to be clear across campus, one after another.

 

Have you looked at the Targus XL. I have one for my 15.4" but there's plent of room for a 17" as well. Plus it has Two additonal main compartment for storeing books and other supplies and then ithas another set of secondary comparments. It also has a weight distribution belt for those times when you have alot of stuff to carry.
I bought mine at BEST BUY for about $75
ucb9999

 

What about the Targus I previously mentioned?

It's just as big as any messenger bag I've seen as far as space for your stuff goes.

ucb9999

 

Ah, a fellow LSU person, I too prefer back packs to messanger bags when I plan on doing a days worth of walking. I might cosider a messanger bag if I decide to go on a trip but for everyday use and lots of walking, I will stick with my backpack.

ucb9999

 

i got a manhattan portage messenger bag a few days ago for my acer 5670, a textbook and a few notebooks. it's not as bad as everyone is saying. if you have a lot of stuff it will put a load on ur shoulder. not too bad. just dont wear it to the side. carry the messenger on your back so it will even out the load. so far i dont have any problems with it. but a backpack is the best way, but a messenger is good as well.

 

a real messenger bag will sit properly against your back, not dangle on the side like a man purse. Nearly everyone calling their bag a messenger bag usually has a shoulder bag, thats all it is, not a messenger bag which is made to lay on your back as you are in the riding position

 

I've just got a Crumpler Cheesy Disco last week.
It has a third leg (which I'm not really sure how to use) to keep it stable...
So far I quite like it, don't have my laptop yet, but I've been using it with my dad's old and bulky Sony Vaio...

 

I got the Timbuk2 vertical blogger bag from REI. Link:

http://www.rei.com/online/store/Pro...5&parent_category_rn=12353603&vcat=REI_SEARCH

The laptop compartment is padded corduroy (and has it's own mini flap which seals with velcro) and the lining of the flap is some kind of rubber/plastic, which provides some additional waterproof protection. I also like how the vertical bag hangs - seems to be less weight on the shoulder with more of the weight carried on the hip. The shoulder strap is very comfortable but tends to slide around. I switched it with a strap from an old Victorinox bag which works just fine. Weighs in at a little over 2 lbs. empty, which isn't too bad. Holds my 14" Compaq with the extended battery just fine.

Plenty of room in the small pocket for pens, Treo, MP3 player, change, cards, USB devices, etc. The second main compartment is big enough for cables, charger, files.

Only thing I don't like is that the outer flap has no pockets - you have to open the flap to get to anything.

 

Again I would get the regular backpack. I dont want to be sexist but I think the messanger bag is very feminine.

 

I used a messenger bag with custom-made wrap-around padding inside the main compartment for my 15.4" notebook. It worked for awhile, but I started getting shoulder pain and IMO the weight is just too much for only one shoulder. I carried a 15.4" notebook (6 lbs), AC adapter & cables (2 lbs), a few CD's, a water bottle, some snacks, one book, and some small miscellaneous items.

Now I use a backpack and am a happy camper. The weight distributes better between both shoulders and for longer walks I use a hip-belt to re-distrubute the weight onto my hips. The Kensington Contour reviewed here at NBR is an excellent choice to consider.

Whatever backpack you get, I strongly recommend you get one with a hip belt. And if you live in rainy weather, consider a raincover.

I hope this helps.

 

I just got the Crumpler Dreadful Embarrassment - My laptop is small, but I carry a lot of stuff with me. I still can't believe how big this bag is - it fits everything I need - but I think it's bigger than me!

 

I ordered the Crumpler Considerable Embarrassment. I'm figuring it should arrive by Thursday, probably; I'll probably say what I think about it when it does.

I like messenger bags, always have, but I never really had one before. I was in Europe for a few months, and they make things a lot easier when you're traveling over there. A lot of friends of mine used them. I don't really think their feminine; it depends on how you wear them, I suppose. Really it's a matter of personal preference.

 

I've just ordered the Crumpler Sticky date. (Beautiful bag!) Hopefully i should be able to fit my new 17 in Rock laptop and much more like to claims to! It sounds very sturdy too. If i think i need extra protection i like to look of the crumpler gimp sleeve. Anyone else have any comments on the sticky date crumpler bags? (Hope i've made the right choice!)

----------------------------
RockDirect Xtreme CTX Pro
T7200 Core 2 Duo 2.00Ghz
120GB 5400 HD
512MB Geforce Go 7900GTX
2GB DDR 2 667Mhz RAM
17 in WSXGA Widescreen

 

17 inches... how do people do it. lug that around.

 

Very well, thank you. Now mind you, I don't have to trudge across the tundra, mile after mile with my rig, but the Booq Powersleeve XL90 is sturdy, comfortable and very sharp looking.

Oh, and Jtom, it's a manly looking carrying option and not feminine at all! I am thoroughly secure with my masculinity intact.

 

Just don't get a Pink messenger bag, and you will be OK .

 

or turqouise, or pastel, that would be less feminine. I really dont know what all this "man purse" accusational speech is about, but the manlym, rugged, backpackers are entitled to their opinion.

 

I prefer the messenger bag.
Timbuk2 Commute(Medium) is perfect for everything I need to carry and comfortable.

 

I like the backpack. Things don't swing around as much, and it's easier to ride a bike, etc., unless I'm mistaken about how close a messenger bag will sit to your body and strap in.

 

i actually prefer a messenger bag for a bike only if it's an actual messenger bag like a timbuk2 with a stabilizer strap. My chrome actually sits high up on my back like a backpack except with one strap and the stabilizer its secure and doesn't swing around like a backpack does when you're moving from side to side.

 

Backpack all the way

 

For straight, long distance rides I always move whatever pack I am carrying to the front, a messenger would be over my forearms, my elbows on the raised rests. Hands may or might not be on the extension (steering only w/ elbows), takes much practice 1st w/o a bag.
But only a small BP can be swung around in front & still allow dropped positioning, and MUST be secured similar to a fanny pack around the waist! Makes a big difference when Tractor trailer etc blow by on the highway (>30mph >bike mph)

For Short rides this method is not a factor, only long ones at higher speeds= < < Air resistance!

A good BP should have a sternum strap=no swinging w/ rapid movements of torso. Cheaper BP; If no sternum strap for stabilization, make your own from some velcro type material

 

I just got my 1st notebook pc (HP) a couple days ago and have been using my new Targus Messenger/notebook bag with it. Since I walk to school from home, like 20 mins. walk, the shoulder strap does get a little uncomfortable after a while. When it starts to strain my back/shoulders, I simply switch over to the carrying handles. I actually like the carrying handles - almost feels like I'm carrying a briefcase. + When I carry it around campus, it looks like a regular bookbag. Noone even realizes that I have a laptop inside, they just assume it's a bag to carry my books. By the way, my HP notebook has a 14.1" widescreen and weighs slightly over 5 lbs. Greg

 

I originally purchased a Booq Powersleeve XL90 for my 17 inch laptop. It's an awesome carry option and is superbly constructed but I felt that I was lacking some space for other supplies. I ended up getting a Booq Boa XL backpack and it is everything I need. Not too bulky but roomy enough to carry all the laptop accessories, power converter, mouse and books with ease. Yes, I know Booq products are expensive but after spending $2K on the computer, another $150 for a quality bag is well worth it to me. Besides that, the Booq line just looks classier than just about anything else I've seen.

 

Yeah, I would have make that call. Carrying around a 17" laptop is ridiculous, physically stressing you out. The funniest site is watching a little 5foot tall girl who wears about 90lbs dripping wet lugging around a 17"Mac Powerbook and calling that portable...LMAO
Picture Verne Troyer(Mini-Me) with a 20" notebook.... I'm still waiting for the 14inch HP 2000t to include a stronger GPU, as my new 15inch feels huge after owning a 12" PowerBook.

 

Simple backpack for me, I tried the messenger bag for awhile but found it to be more of an encumbrance overall.