Rucksack or Messenger Bag?

[Phyllosc]

I need to carry a few bits and pieces with me each day, nothing too bulky or heavy but that includes an iPad. Now I don't like the idea of it bouncing around inside a rear pannier so I considering either a rucksack or messenger bag. The latter look cool, urban and hip and should give the impression that I'm the same

But how do they compare to cycling with a rucksack? I'd be interested to hear your views.

 

[DCLane]

I ride with a rucksack - but then I do 10+ miles each way.

There's advocates for panniers but I'd be concerned about a messenger bag and balance.

 

[andyfraser]

I use a small rucksack but I only have to carry some inner tubes, a shirt and some trousers. Panniers would be my choice if I had to carry more.

 

[vickster]

Just put the iPad in a protective case in the pannier

 

[mikeee]

Have used both......
Messenger bag, cool and hip (as you have said) but can sometimes move about a little
Rucksack, more stable on your back, better for longer distances

 

[vickster]

Panniers, not sweaty and no risk to your neck or back if you come off

 

[winjim]

Carradice. Beardy and practical.

 

[BigAl68]

I like my messanger bag but then again I wear cycling caps also.

 

[mythste]

Im moving over to panniers shortly, especially for the warmer weather, but I have a Booq rucksack which is beautifully made and I have bought into business meetings with no worries. Most are built with Apple products in mind which is a bonus.

 

[palinurus]

But how do they compare to cycling with a rucksack? I'd be interested to hear your views.

I prefer mine to a rucksack. Doesn't give me the rucksack sweaty back thing- it sits very high up on the back in use, easier to get things in and out of it, it has a laptop pouch.

Doesn't move around if the chest strap is properly adjusted.

If your head is getting a bit warm you can pull off your wooly hat and slip it in your bag easy without stopping.

If the bakery is crowded it's easier to move about without whacking people with your bag like a tourist, and you can fit several almond croissants in it.

Also, it has stopped my hair from receding.

 

[mythste]

I prefer mine to a rucksack. Doesn't give me the rucksack sweaty back thing- it sits very high up on the back in use, easier to get things in and out of it, it has a laptop pouch.

Doesn't move around if the chest strap is properly adjusted.

If your head is getting a bit warm you can pull off your wooly hat and slip it in your bag easy without stopping.

If the bakery is crowded it's easier to move about without whacking people with your bag like a tourist, and you can fit several almond croissants in it.

Also, it has stopped my hair from receding.

all very good points, but I also chuffing love my camelbak...

 

[ianrauk]

Ride with a pannier and have never had any problem with my Nexus bouncing around inside it. Your Ipad will be fine.

 

[Dan B]

Yeah, the only time I'd worry about a computer in a pannier would be if it had a magnetic hard disk drive, and even then not very worried provided it was turned off. Your solid state device sohould be fine, just dont chuck anything sharp-edged in alongside it that could break the screen

 

[Rohloff_Brompton_Rider]

I've used all the luggage options inc all Bromptom options. The only ones left are 2 timbuk2 bags, I've used them on hundred miles rides and just love the waterproof and convenience.

 

[biking_fox]

Rucksack. Balance it much better than any of the other options unless you have so much stuff that you need twin panniers. Balance makes a hug difference to my comfort riding, far more than a bit of sweat.