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I myself am looking to get a banjo brothers bag in the next couple weeks. Looks like their BIG messenger bag is $80 and their medium is $60

http://www.banjobrothers.com

Personally i'm getting the large cycling backpack.

There was a thread on this a year or two back. My recollection is that people thought messenger bags were best for people who needed frequent access to the contents, and backpacks were generally thought to be more "stable" while riding. My personal experience would seem to bear this out.

A rear rack is another option - much easier on your back and shoulders and you can carry a lot more stuff.

You might be able to get a tighter fit if your backpack has adjustable straps.

If not, look for one with more adjustable straps and maybe a waist strap. Messenger bags without a stabilizer strap will flop around as much or more than a backpack.

what would you like to spend?

Having used every method known to carry stuff back and forth to work, I'll share my two pence:

I started using a backpack this winter (a fairly standard Patagonia laptop backpack) and I like it. If you're carrying a laptop regularly (I do), a messenger bag gets uncomfortable quickly. Perhaps one of the laptop specific models might be better, but my big ol' Timbuk2 bag is pretty rough a computer in it. Not so with the backpack. Very comfortable.

That said, I still my messenger bag when I don't have to carry a computer, and for those times, it works well, and is fairly comfortable.

Salty makes a good point about using a rear rack. Not as hip, but you can load that down. Be sure you have a solid bag/system for your laptop, though, as it'll be more exposed to road shock attached directly to the bike (I use a Pelican hard case when I have my laptop in a pannier).

Be sure whatever you get is waterproof if you plan to ride in the rain.

A pannier or backpack is the way to go.

Make sure your backpack has a good back panel, chest strap, and waist strap.

While I agree with shock being a problem in a pannier, I don't think encasing your laptop in a Pelican-like case will really do anything. Just wrap it up in a towel. The case will stop an actual strike against the laptop, but not shock and vibration. Plus when powered off your laptop drive heads are parked, thus much less susceptible to these issues.

Go into REI and try on some moderately priced backpacks....nothing cheap like you used to wear to elementary school. They even have a few day packs which support hydration packs which can be helpful during a hot day on the bike.

When trying on the backpack, pack it like you'll wear it. Take your laptop, and some clothes with you to the store.

Just my impression, not actual research, pricewise, you can get a top-notch backpack for the cost of a bottom line messenger bag. You're paying for a lot of "hipness" factor right now.

My wife uses the novara commuter backpack from rei, I think it was around $70 and comes with a stowable rain fly.

http://www.rei.com/product/780465

And this is the one im getting next week, its $80 and has a dual layer waterproof design.

http://www.banjobrothers.com/products/01152.php

both have chest and waist straps.. I havent ridden with the BB one yet, but the rei one rides nice and secure and has good airflow. I just wanted one a little bigger than the rei one.

I stopped using my Timbuk2 bag for commuting with my laptop because it hurt my back and the shoulder it sit on. When I don't use a pannier I use a small REI backpack.

http://urbanvelo.org/banjo-brothers-cycling-commuter-backpack/

http://bikeshopgirl.com/2009/12/banjo-brothers-commuter-backpack-review-long-term-thoughts/

There's also this pack which Erok was diggin' on. Still has most of the messenger bag advantages and the look, if that matters. Not too pricy, either.

Thanks a lot guys, looks like some good advice. I'll definitely take a look at those backpacks.

Alex Wetmore created a custom computer pannier, but I am too lazy to find the actual link. IIRC, it was pretty spiffy.

It took me many weeks to get over not carrying my laptop in the Pelican. I've fallen at least once while the laptop was in the hard case, and boy, I was glad I had that.

@netviln (or whoever) i have the banjo brothers backpack that i use just about every day. also, carry a laptop in it. if you wanted to check it out before you buy, feel free to stop down at the office.

Didn't Dirt Rag/Bicycle Times do a review of various bags recently? My Google-Fu is weak at the moment, and I can't find it....

Ooh, that Banjo Brothers is nice. I'm a sucker for a racing stripe.

Bicycle Times did a group test of 6 back packs, but I don't think it is online, not sure if it will be published outside of the print or Zinio editions.

Banjo Bros

Chicago WIG

Ergon BC-3

Ortlieb

Seal Line

Timbuk 2

Werd Erok, I need to stop by and see the new digs anyway.

We have a bunch of reviews of bags posted at Urban Velo:

Chrome Roll-Top: http://urbanvelo.org/chrome-bag-ivan-roll-top-backpack/

Chrome Dually: http://urbanvelo.org/chrome-dually/

Banjo Brothers Backpack: http://urbanvelo.org/banjo-brothers-cycling-commuter-backpack/

Outlaw Earth Derringer: http://urbanvelo.org/outlaw-earth-derringer-messenger-bag/

I may have missed a few in there too... For other bags and makers that we've not actually reviewed but hvae posted about, see: http://urbanvelo.org/?s=messenger+bag

We have a bunch of reviews of bags posted at Urban Velo:

Chrome Roll-Top: http://urbanvelo.org/chrome-bag-ivan-roll-top-backpack/

Chrome Dually: http://urbanvelo.org/chrome-dually/

Banjo Brothers Backpack: http://urbanvelo.org/banjo-brothers-cycling-commuter-backpack/

Outlaw Earth Derringer: http://urbanvelo.org/outlaw-earth-derringer-messenger-bag/

I may have missed a few in there too... For other bags and makers that we've not actually reviewed but hvae posted about, see: http://urbanvelo.org/?s=messenger+bag

I tried to post links to some reviews we've posted but the board software seems to not allow multiple links in a post... go figure.

It doesn't?

Posted a deal on Ortlieb panniers here: http://bike-pgh.org/bbpress/topic/ortlieb-back-roller-classic-panniers-pair-on-sale-for-110

That would be one link Joe.

I tried to post half a dozen links to reviewed bags and it won't allow the post to go through. Likely some spam filter thing.

I'm still searching for a bag that will give me access to my camera while riding. I'm developing a bar bag for the ms150 to hold my dslr, but I'd love to see something I can have on my back.

robjdlc, I'm partial to a waist bag if not carrying the camera on my bike. Everything else seems like a hassle. Taking off the bag to get to the camera, and so forth.

I've had success with thinktank's speed demon

http://www.thinktankphoto.com/products/speed-demon-belt-pack.aspx

It holds my D700 and a 70-200, there are larger sizes as well.

@ brad and all. sometimes it does pick up a list of links as spam. i would think that once someone has posted hundreds of non-spam, that it wouldn't register as spam.

i de-spammed your post, but it's up where you posted in time.

rob... i would recommend the ortlieb handlebar bag for camera access... don't even have to get off the bike if you're comfortable with that... there is a camera insert for it too... it's great.

i wear the ortlieb hip pack while riding with my camera sometimes too.. another good solution, the camera insert fits both so you can just take the insert out and switch it between bags.

ALSO, the hip pack is 100% waterproof... as in i took it 9 months living on a boat in the ocean/saltwater with me on deck all the time... even dropped it into the ocean twice, not a drop got onto my camera

Cowboy look is the one I sought

Can't change now cause the clothes are bought

To be a true Cowboy was my fate

I can't help it if I was born late

@spak

"Cowboy." Yo aren't the only one.

The classic cowboy was a guy who drove cattle from the open range to the railways when rails were far apart adn there was open range. Only lasted 20 years or so. Only a couple thousand guys.

Factoid: there have been more cowboys in Hollywood movies than there were in real life.

Mick

I agree with many of the other folks on here...

#1 choice - Rack and panniers

+ carry more stuff

+ prevent back strain

+ avoid excess sweat from carrying a load against your back

- generally more expensive

- usually not as easy to carry AFTER the ride - find one with good carrying straps.

- more shock delivered to laptop - need a bag with a special laptop compartment or a separate case for the laptop

#2 choice - good backpack with hip/sternum straps

+ straps make it more comfortable than messenger bags

+ easier to transport after the ride

+ can be a cheaper alternative

- causes you to sweat more

- more back strain than using a rack

- carry less - the more you carry the more strain you put on your body

What I did actually was start with a backpack, then I got a rack and strapped the backpack to the rack with bungees until I eventually got my panniers. So you can step up with your purchases gradually over time. Also, check out the next REI garage sale for some great deals.

I'm a cowboy, on a steel horse i ride

Bon Jovi is back.

I have Axiom Monsoon panniers. I love them but always feel that they aren't secure enough with the provided bungie. It also doesn't help that one snapped off into traffic once and my iPod touch was destroyed. Won't be using them on my new bike until I'm sure they're safely attached.

I use a Brooklyn Industries messenger/laptop bag. It turns into a backpack and works great for my laptop, shirt/food/bike lock if i need it. http://www.brooklynindustries.com/bags-messenger-bags/bullfrog3

I have those axiom panniers. never had a problem with them falling off, especially with the little twisty wedge thing. how did it happen?

The knot that stops it from slipping from the hole un-tied causing the bungee to loosen.

Could have been avoided had I pulled the knot before I left, I would imagine. I also sometimes hit my heals on the panniers, I push the bag further back on the rack to try avoid this which seems to make it an improper fit... I need a new rack, I'm hoping it will fit better then.