Rucksack or Messenger Bag?

[Phyllosc]

Guys. Thanks for all the insights and experiences. At the moment (understanding that I can change my opinions very easily ) I'm leaning towards a rucksack. I don't want a huge one but which one? Evans Wiggle has zillions to choose from...

 

[w00hoo_kent]

@User has all the right questions. When looking, I tend to go for Mountain Warehouse & Trespass stores, especially in outlets for good deals. Don't be tempted to get anything too big, you'll only end up carrying more than you need.

 

[Saluki]

I have an old plimsol bag. The sort of gym bag thing that we had in the 70's. I can wear it like a rucksack and it's perfect for carrying just a couple of wee bits and pieces.
Not very cool though Very handy though.

 

[MontyVeda]

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.

I ride with a single pannier and balance really isn't an issue.

 

[andyfraser]

I have an old plimsol bag. The sort of gym bag thing that we had in the 70's. I can wear it like a rucksack and it's perfect for carrying just a couple of wee bits and pieces.
Not very cool though Very handy though.

I have one of those either in my saddle bag or bum bag for when I go out without a rucksack and I end up buying something.

 

[runner]

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

totally agree with this post, could never cycle with anything on my back or around my body...hence a tubus rack on both my bikes and altura city bag....then I can concentrate on the important things...ie cycling...

 

[S.Giles]

I nearly always ride with a rucksack, and can't imagine how I ever managed without one. It's not overly big, but I've had it loaded-up with so much weight on occasion that it was quite difficult to pick up. Once on the bike though, the weight just seems to disappear (well, almost!) because of the riding posture. I've ridden 35+ miles in the past with a rucksack loaded-up like that. It puts all that weight weenyism nonsense in perspective, as well!

I don't think I'd get on with panniers, because when I lock up the bike somewhere I want my possessions to come with me.

 

[Scotchlovingcylist]

Yeah I often stop at shops on the way into/home from work. I wouldn't trust leaving my phone, keys, kindle etc in panniers

 

[raleighnut]

Yeah I often stop at shops on the way into/home from work. I wouldn't trust leaving my phone, keys, kindle etc in panniers

If you use the Topeak bag/panniers all you need to do is press the catch and the whole caboodle slides off, they even give you a shoulder strap.

 

[Phyllosc]

Further to my request for opinions I finally made up my mind

Yesterday I purchased a Deuter 10lt 'Race' rucksack. It fits the bill for what I was looking for.

 

[subaqua]

Rucksack for journeys less than 3 miles, pannier over 3 mile. But I now have a rucksack pannier for when I need to walk in town. Yeah I know walking is not cool !

Hate the sweaty back from a rucksack

 

[Arfcollins]

If you use the Topeak bag/panniers all you need to do is press the catch and the whole caboodle slides off, they even give you a shoulder strap.

Same with Altura. Except you have to supply your own strap. But it has a handle.

 

[MontyVeda]

Yeah I often stop at shops on the way into/home from work. I wouldn't trust leaving my phone, keys, kindle etc in panniers

they do come off quite easily you know... and you can carry them into shops

 

[Scotchlovingcylist]

they do come off quite easily you know... and you can carry them into shops

Meh it'd be another thing to faff with plus my bike isn't set up for a rack and only just takes my weight as it is.
Plus messenger bags look cool

 

[Biscuitfrisky]

I have dis.

But do get the sweaty back.

http://www.chromeindustries.com/uk/en/barrage-cargo