Courier Bags - Technical Question

[ChrisKH]

I'm looking for a new bag for commuting and general travel use. I've started looking around and it struck me that I would be better off with a right shoulder version rather than a standard left shoulder version (if indeed there is a difference) as I broke my left shoulder when two fat props jumped on me 10 years ago and it gives me jip in the winter.

Are standard courier bags (eg Timbuk2) reversable i.e. can they be used on either shoulder or do I need to look for a specific make or design to enable me to carry on the right shoulder? Bagaboo do both sides but it's a pricey alternative.

 

[Bristol Dave]

I don't know. There are quite a few for sale on ebay - you could ask the sellers some questions? charliethebikemonger seems to sell a lot.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/TIMBUK2-messe...trkparms=65:12|66:2|39:1|72:1688|293:1|294:50http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/TIMBUK2-messe...trkparms=65:12|66:2|39:1|72:1688|293:1|294:50http://sports.shop.ebay.co.uk/items...flnZ1QQ_sacatZ7294QQ_trksidZp3286Q2ec0Q2em282

BD

 

[Bigtwin]

I have a Timbuk2 - jolly good it is too.

It's reversible (hambi-dextrose?) - the "brace" strap that connects to the shoulder can be mounted on either side.

 

[GrahamG]

Standard Bagaboo can be specified as worn on the right shoulder instead of left - the pricey upgrade is for the centre buckle thing which gives both options. I should add that the 'normal' (for a custom bag!) strap arrangement for left shoulder on a Bagaboo can still be switched to right, it's just that the strap adjustment buckle isn't ideally placed for this and might dig in to the shoulder/upper back a little. I'm looking at mine to double check whilst I type this!

 

[4F]

I'm looking for a new bag for commuting and general travel use. I've started looking around and it struck me that I would be better off with a right shoulder version rather than a standard left shoulder version (if indeed there is a difference) as I broke my left shoulder when two fat props jumped on me 10 years ago and it gives me jip in the winter.

Are standard courier bags (eg Timbuk2) reversable i.e. can they be used on either shoulder or do I need to look for a specific make or design to enable me to carry on the right shoulder? Bagaboo do both sides but it's a pricey alternative.

Chris, C+ review of courier bags in the August issue. Not read that part yet though sorry

 

[Christopher]

I looked at the Chrome bags. They are built specifically to go over left or right shoulder & can't be switched. About 80% of the Citizen models are left-shoulder only IIRC, the other 20% are available in left- and right-shoulder versions. I did not like the idea of a big metal clasp swinging around after you unclip the bag & so didn't get one (I also could not find the Chrome shop in San Francisco but found the Timbuk2 "boutique" there easily enough. It was very Hoxton, darling).

I have a Timbuk2 that is symmetrical as Bigtwin says and wear it over my right shoulder. Great bag, only real flaw is a gap between the flap and the bag interior that may let rain in, I sewed on some bits of polyurathne sheet to fix this (looks a bit rubbish though). I got a quite small courier bag as I have panniers and rucksacks for big loads. It makes a wonderful travel bag as well, just the right size for carry-on.