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Message started by flcruzr on 07/13/08 at 11:51:29

Title: Backpack or Messenger bag?
Post by flcruzr on 07/13/08 at 11:51:29

Just thought I would ask for those without saddlebags, if you need to carry stuff around do you prefer a backpack or messenger style bag?

I currently use a messenger bag but I strap it onto the back seat with a bungee net. I think sometime soon I will invest in a sissy bar bag to carry some smaller stuff around.

Title: Re: Backpack or Messenger bag?
Post by Brad_THMP3R on 07/13/08 at 12:02:08

I'm a backpack guy. Just get off the bike and go! No un-doing a bungee or unstrapping a fanny pack, just go. Mine has room for my half helmet, gloves and glasses, plus just about anything else I could possibly need

Title: Re: Backpack or Messenger bag?
Post by Paladin. on 07/13/08 at 12:07:41

I want to isolate my laptop from the vibrations of the bike -- backpack.

Title: Re: Backpack or Messenger bag?
Post by photojoe on 07/13/08 at 12:19:57

I keep my heavy stuff in my Dowco Overnighter on the rear rack, and ride with a messenger type bag across my chest. It's actually a Chase Harper bag made for a sissy bar, but it didn't work too well in that respect. I pick the gear out of the Dowco, and feed it into the CH bag when I get to a job. I ride with the CH bag almost empty until I need it.

I would try both and see what you're comfortable with. My work gear is way too heavy to wear in a backpack all day long.

Title: Re: Backpack or Messenger bag?
Post by flcruzr on 07/13/08 at 12:40:57

PhotoJoe; sounds like an interesting job you have. :)

Title: Re: Backpack or Messenger bag?
Post by photojoe on 07/13/08 at 14:11:18

Yeah, it's fun. Seems that there are a few photogs on this site. I've become really impressed with Savage riders since becoming a member here. A very creative bunch of people all around. Some of the people here can market what they make for their bikes. Well, some already are which is great!

Title: Re: Backpack or Messenger bag?
Post by thumperclone on 07/13/08 at 16:00:30

just got back from 4 day campin/fishin trip..took thumperclone(ct 70 clone)use a back back as a tackle tote..had my favorite rod (2 section) sticken out top of bag, as i went under a low obstruction made it into a 3 piece....should of left that rod at camp and just used the telescopic...
on my ls use back back for stuff that wont fit into the saddlebags..

Title: Re: Backpack or Messenger bag?
Post by flcruzr on 07/13/08 at 16:53:51

you guys get creative carrying stuff around on your bikes. I saw a christmas tree on the back of a Vespa Scooter last winter.

Title: Re: Backpack or Messenger bag?
Post by demin on 07/13/08 at 18:44:56

I usually use a backpack,put it on,and go.I think I need a little trailer sometimes for all the stuff I need to carry.Next project. ;D

Title: Re: Backpack or Messenger bag?
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 07/13/08 at 21:33:00

The skanky old gym bag with the 1/8th board sewn into the bottom, with another glued to it, with a 1.5 X .75 rail glued & screwed to that for strength & flaps that wrap around the strap with velcro allows me to haul all kinds of stuff. If more is needed, the backpack straps on the left side with a bungee to the helmet lock. For less than $20.00 in "Luggage" I can haul beer & groceries for several days. Well, groceries, Im gonna have to make a beer run again before the food is gone. Anyway, if pride isnt a concern, hauling can be done very inexpensively.

Title: Re: Backpack or Messenger bag?
Post by Dj12midnit on 07/13/08 at 21:39:38

I am currently a backpack guy. If I am going on a long ride I will strap it down to the rack.

Title: Re: Backpack or Messenger bag?
Post by T Mack 1 on 07/14/08 at 09:08:05

I tried to use a back-pack to commute but didn't like the weight on the shoulders. So I got a used Honda rack and tweaked it to fit. Bought a "good" laptop backpack and added more padding to the bottom just in case.

Click >> T Mack's bike (http://www.users.fast.net/~tommack/Tom-LS650-4.JPG)

Title: Re: Backpack or Messenger bag?
Post by Gary On A Savage on 07/14/08 at 09:30:53

I've got both a computer backpack and messenger style bag. I throw the messenger over my shoulder and let it rest on the rear seat. Works good most of the time, provided you get the balance right. The backpack is better staying still, but makes my back sweat. Plus I prefer the messenger back when I'm moving around at work (walking).

Title: Re: Backpack or Messenger bag?
Post by sjaskow on 07/14/08 at 10:27:20

I use a backpack that I hook to the pillion seat with a rubberized net. If I didn't carry a laptop to and from work, I could probably make due with a magnetized tank bag for my lunch, glasses and Zune.

Title: Re: Backpack or Messenger bag?
Post by serowbot on 07/14/08 at 10:39:08

I like a messenger bag, backpacks pull on the my shoulders and are too hot on my back. The messenger bag can be shifted around a little for air movement and comfort.

Title: Re: Backpack or Messenger bag?
Post by toddlamp8 on 07/15/08 at 08:41:53

I went through this same dilemma not too long ago. I used to always use a back pack but over time I got really annoyed at the added bulk on my back. The weight on my shoulders and the heat generated on my back became unbearable. I looked around for a sissy bar bag but the only stuff I could find were gigantic weekend bags when all I needed to move around was my laptop (sub-laptop actually), some papers, and my binder. A messenger bag was perfect for me but there weren't any that could attach.

My solution was to take a Riggs PAK mail bag (it's not stiff like the picture implies, which pissed me off):
http://motorcycle-luggage.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=MLCTB-50&Category_Code=SissyBarBags&Product_Count=44
http://motorcycle-luggage.com/Merchant2/graphics/00000001/ctb-50_lg.jpg

And mod it with straps to connect it to the sissy bar.
http://www.toddlampone.com/pictures/misc/2.jpg

There are two horizontal straps and one vertical.

Title: Re: Backpack or Messenger bag?
Post by flcruzr on 07/15/08 at 08:45:00

Toddlamp, this is Great! Thanks for sharing your mod with us, I have a very expensive messenger bag and I will try to add this mod on my bag. This should work perfect for my needs. Thanks again! :D

Title: Re: Backpack or Messenger bag?
Post by toddlamp8 on 07/15/08 at 08:48:54

Glad to help. I'll post some better pics later. All I have at work is my crappy camera phone. I'll also post up what it what it looks like on the sissy bar. It holds it on great and has never given me any problems in almost a year of use. I needed to make some modifications to the top strap buckle though because it takes a lot of the force when mounted. I'll do my best to document it.

Title: Re: Backpack or Messenger bag?
Post by flcruzr on 07/15/08 at 11:13:32

Todd, how did you attach the straps to the bag? Thanks again, very helpful!

Title: Re: Backpack or Messenger bag?
Post by toddlamp8 on 07/15/08 at 13:47:14

A needle and thread.

I did it in a square with an X-in-the-center pattern

______
|\ /|
| \ / |
| \ / |
| / \ |
|/___\ |

(you get the idea)

Once I get some better pics you'll get a better idea

Title: Re: Backpack or Messenger bag?
Post by BOWDIER on 07/15/08 at 14:20:49

back back, holds two gallows of milk side by side when i do the weekly run.

Title: Re: Backpack or Messenger bag?
Post by flcruzr on 07/15/08 at 18:41:29

Understand it Todd, thanks!

Title: Re: Backpack or Messenger bag?
Post by toddlamp8 on 07/15/08 at 20:19:42

Here are some better, although equally crappy, pics.

http://www.toddlampone.com/pictures/riggspak/images/DSC_3685.jpg

http://www.toddlampone.com/pictures/riggspak/images/DSC_3687.jpg

http://www.toddlampone.com/pictures/riggspak/images/DSC_3688.jpg

http://www.toddlampone.com/pictures/riggspak/images/DSC_3691.jpg

http://www.toddlampone.com/pictures/riggspak/images/DSC_3692.jpg

http://www.toddlampone.com/pictures/riggspak/images/DSC_3693.jpg

Title: Re: Backpack or Messenger bag?
Post by verslagen1 on 07/15/08 at 20:47:20

A sheet of aluminum would fix the floppies.

of course their bag is stuffed full of peanuts.

Title: Re: Backpack or Messenger bag?
Post by toddlamp8 on 07/15/08 at 20:49:41

It's actually just fine the way it is. I thought it was going to be a problem but it turned out not to be. I just felt like they misrepresented the item.

Title: Re: Backpack or Messenger bag?
Post by spike on 07/16/08 at 08:55:12

I've always been backpack. I hear u guys wearing they. Out of 15yrs I've been using a pack I've never wore it. I have a $22 pack from Wal-Mart. It's a East Sport brand. It's 20"h x 13"w x 10"d approx. It has a stiff/hard base and back which makes it stand. It has wheels and telascopic handle to wheel it around when off the bihe or wear it on your back with the backpack straps. It has a section on the back that slides down over the back rest. If 2 are riding turn it to the back. If just you turn it onto the seat and it makes a great back rest for you on the long trips like I did for the 340mi trip to Buffalo, in which I had packed a weeks worth of clothes (roll them tight). It even has 2 side mesh pockets, 2 small outside pockets and a drink bottle holder. It's designed that I even have 2 12"x18" flags on it (1 US and 1 POW). You can but don"t have to use the straps to hold it on because its tight on the back rest, if you do just loop them over the turn signals. You can carry it by the handle on top also. I use a luggage lock through the 2 zippers on the main compartment to secure the contents like my fullface, leather, sweat shirt' raingear and what ever else. I carry a drink cooler in it alot on rides. lol

Title: Re: Backpack or Messenger bag?
Post by 07S40rider on 07/17/08 at 09:25:48

I carry a backpack - one just like this in fact, only mine is silver where this one is red. http://www.wengerna.com/browse/product.jsp?prod_id=11366&cat_id=16&cat_name=Swiss%20Gear&sub_cat_id=70

I can pack my laptop, all my computer nerd gak, my lunch - and today all of my gear for going to the gun range. fully loaded I guess its about 15lbs but since I wear it squarely and tightly on my back it really does not effec the ride at all.

Title: Re: Backpack or Messenger bag?
Post by roscowgo on 07/17/08 at 13:50:34

I just got a Marsee tank bag from www.newenough.com http://www.newenoughhp.com/closeouts/luggage/marsee/15_liter_tear_drop_quick_release_tank_bag.html

http://Roscowgo1.smugmug.com/photos/333677516_uRS4A-S.jpg
http://Roscowgo1.smugmug.com/photos/333677534_ZX2zD-S.jpg
http://Roscowgo1.smugmug.com/photos/333677507_fzV8C-S.jpg

And i freakin love it. I found some old laptop packing material and carved out little foam niches for my gps, phone, and camera today. To give you an idea of size, it's sitting on a c50, and i believe i could just fit a 6 pack of 20 soda bottles in it.

It has 2 ports into the underside from the clear plastic top for powering with a powerlet or similar gadjet. The big inside part has a good sized zippered pocket, and some stretchy cargo netting. base is a map container, big part zips off and on in about 5 seconds. Having the speedo covered up kinda sucks...but the gps works fine to keep me aware.... do kinda miss the idiot lights though. might have to re-route those. If nothing else its made me even more anal about checking the fluids etc...

Title: Re: Backpack or Messenger bag?
Post by ALfromN.H. on 07/17/08 at 14:06:39

i got a cooler from wallyworld. Holds lots of stuff, stays on the bike really well, is insulated, and cost less than $15.00. I stuffed some foam in the front pocket so it makes a good backrest too.
http://w3.bikepics.com/pics/2008/06/23/bikepics-1330075-800.jpg

Title: Re: Backpack or Messenger bag?
Post by suzukigrl on 07/17/08 at 14:50:07

I used to use a backpack but the paperwork gets heavy when your riding a hour and 15 minutes to work and starts to hurt the shoulders. I have tried a duffle bag with a luggage net over it but that isn't easy to get to either. I am looking to get some saddle bags but I am not sure that they are going to be big enough. :-[

Title: Re: Backpack or Messenger bag?
Post by mick on 07/18/08 at 00:02:32

730A6A46444C16270 wrote:

Losen the straps a bit and the pillion will take the weight,I use saddle bags and a back pack pack,I do all my grocery shopping with the bike including beer,I have a 30 mile round trip to the store so I use the bike till it gets to darn cold.

Title: Re: Backpack or Messenger bag?
Post by Jay on 07/18/08 at 23:55:29

Anyone use a tail bag for a sport bike? I've been looking at some of those with the hidden bungie cord built in. I have an '08 without sissybar or rear rack, and have been looking for something to sit on the pillion. It would mostly be used to haul my stuff to and from work, and would need to come with me when I got to my destination.

Title: Re: Backpack or Messenger bag?
Post by suzukigrl on 07/19/08 at 11:01:25

28233B2E327373420 wrote:

Jay I just ordered this one...http://www.fieldsheer.com/2008site/IE/product/ExpanderTailBag.htm it's is supposed to be deliveried Monday. I will let you know how it works. I figured if I can't use it my husband can put it on his cavalcade.

Title: Re: Backpack or Messenger bag?
Post by flcruzr on 07/19/08 at 12:27:56

Jay & Suzukigirl, thanks for your suggestions, I had not even thought about this type of bag.

Title: Re: Backpack or Messenger bag?
Post by suzukigrl on 07/21/08 at 14:27:30

I received the Fieldsheer tail bag today. It fits nicely on the back of the bike. It comes with a strap also so you can take it off and carry it with you. It attches easily too. There is a rubber pad that detaches to the bottom to prevent it from slipping. I am happy with it. Gives me a little extra room.

Title: Re: Backpack or Messenger bag?
Post by ALfromN.H. on 07/21/08 at 15:37:22

suzukigrl, we need pictures.

AL

Title: Re: Backpack or Messenger bag?
Post by Robertomoe on 07/21/08 at 17:11:27

if your backpack has a waist strap and your bike has stock signals, you're in luck. turn the backpack with the straps down and put on the back seat. Part of it can rest on the top of the sissy pad. loosen the straps and hook them over the turn signals and then clip the waist strap around the back of the sissy bar. Voila, your backpack is off your back and secure on your bike. Worked for me even though one of my rear signals was practically coming apart.

Title: Re: Backpack or Messenger bag?
Post by Robertomoe on 07/21/08 at 17:12:44

if your backpack has a waist strap and your bike has stock signals, you're in luck. turn the backpack with the straps down and put on the back seat. Part of it can rest on the top of the sissy pad. loosen the straps and hook them over the turn signals and then clip the waist strap around the back of the sissy bar. Tighten straps. Voila, your backpack is off your back and secure on your bike. Worked for me even though one of my rear signals was practically coming apart.

Title: Re: Backpack or Messenger bag?
Post by suzukigrl on 07/21/08 at 18:12:07

6D606E6E3A0C0 wrote:

suzukigrl, we need pictures.

AL

I will take pictures tonight and post them (with my husband's help) I have been meaning to take pictures of me and my bike to post in the cafe thread anyway. So check back later to see... ;D

Title: Re: Backpack or Messenger bag?
Post by suzukigrl on 07/21/08 at 21:47:35

Here Al!

http://inlinethumb04.webshots.com/39363/2397406850048029520S425x425Q85.jpg (http://entertainment.webshots.com/photo/2397406850048029520roOLHg)