Messenger bag or backpack?

[patch_bunny]

I generally use a backpack when riding, but it can be a PITA to get on/off as the shoulder pads always seem to get in the way, even when I loosen the straps.  I've been wondering if a messenger bag which I can sling over a shoulder might be better, but my concern there is the bag will want to rotate wround to my side and interfere with handling.

Comments

[makovette]

Sticking with the backpack is my vote, in-spite of the hassle factor.

A messenger style bag is going to behave unpredictably if you go down. Last thing you want is the strap or bag to be hung up under the bike or on a part of another vehicle.

Getting a backpack that works better with your style jacket is likely a better idea.

Mako

[tugrik]

I had great luck with a Chrome messenger bag even with my extremely large armored jacket. Being able to buckle it on and off was a lot easier, and with the side strap it never moved while riding. As long as you pick one with a proper cross/side strap it'd work fine.

Most even have places to clip on reflectors or lights. They're designed for bicycling which puts even more motion on the body than riding a motorcycle.

[crankycoyote]

I have a Spire messenger bag for my laptop. It works great for bicycling, but is somewhat more of a PITA on the motorcycle actually. I have had it slide around on me and interfere with my riding (I don't use a side strap on either the pushbike or the motorcycle), and it's difficult to get on and off if I forget and put my helmet on first. It's fine for short trips or a short commute though, and I usually leave it loose enough so that it can rest on the passenger seat behind me rather than pulling on my shoulder the whole time I'm riding, so it's better than a backpack in that way. I think it's worth giving the messenger bag a try over a backpack (backpacks really wear on my shoulders after a bit), but would prefer a top case or strapping the bag to the passenger seat over any on-person carrying arrangement