Thread: Best globe trotting messenger bag - or maybe small backpack

Looking for a new messenger bag for travel. Thinking messenger style because I never liked the idea of having something behind me. Other than always having my passport with me, I may carry, at any given time: Ipad, camera, good amount of cash, rain jacket, small water bottle, travel docs. The kicker is; I sometimes can be carrying 25 to 30 passports for high school kids on trips.

Anybody have one that you love?

Criteria:
Needs to have at least one INTERNAL zippered for above mentioned important docs and cash.

Right now I'm looking at this patagucci as I can get it half off through Ski Patrol:
http://www.zappos.com/product/7961169/color/346239

Still pricey even at the discount.

Anyone have any other ideas?

A real messenger bag is worn on your back anyway so I don't understand that argument.

I like Seagull Bags. I use the "black bag" which is very basic but you can get them custom built with pretty much any specification. The things can hold a shit ton and are durable as hell. They make other Not messenger bags as well.

This was from a very fast burly crash that involved pavement, gravel and a telephone pole. Bag is still mint except for the dirt marks.

timbuk2

5678....

Came to say Saddleback before reading the description. Agreeing with Timbuk2 after. The couple things I've gotten from them have been great.

Chrome.

Similar to Seagull bags.

http://www.chromeindustries.ca/bags.html

Pick your colours, and which shoulder you like (left/right). Bomber construction. Several different size categories.

best messenger bag i have ever owned;
http://www.sierratradingpost.com/dan...r-bag~p~85030/

and its like $60 on sale at STP

http://www.chromebagsstore.com/bags/...rov---pro.html

I like mine in a backpack style ... own both the Kirov and Warsaw, bomber.

Originally Posted by marshalolson

best messenger bag i have ever owned;
http://www.sierratradingpost.com/dan...r-bag~p~85030/

and its like $60 on sale at STP

Thanks for posting a sold out bag...

Originally Posted by iscariot

Chrome

Similar to the Seagull.

I would have totally gone for a Chrome locally before I got the Seagull if it weren't for those stupid seatbelt buckles.

Originally Posted by hawkgt

timbuk2

5678....

There's about 20 different styles of these things and I'm having a super hard time finding (from pics) if they have zippered pockets on the inside. Any ideas of which ones do?

yes, those buckles are definitely not my thing. Seagull bags look super sweet. Good option for sure, spendy little puppies but surely it'd out last my trips.

if you go the backpack option no seat belt issues, great for biking. i live my life out of the warsaw last summer, doesn't see as much use know. You can fit two 30's and two handle's in that bag.

Originally Posted by justcuz

There's about 20 different styles of these things and I'm having a super hard time finding (from pics) if they have zippered pockets on the inside. Any ideas of which ones do?

most of them do......I checked the site and tough to see the zippers but many of them look like they have the large pocket zipper under the flap. my bag is about 6 years old and have been traveling alot for work.... used to carry cheap ones but after a year they fall apart. My timbuk2 is great.... shitty pic but there is a big zippered pocket that holds all the junk i carry and larget picket for hats, light jackets, etc.... I will spend the $$ again when this goes south but still running strong.

Messenger bags suck for globetrotting

Ski daypack

Messenger bags suck for globetrotting

Ski daypack

For a nice travel pack that'll help you get over messenger bags, check out Osprey's Flap Jack:
http://www.ospreypacks.com/en/produc...flap_jack_pack

hey...I'm definitely not apposed to a new pack, but it has to have a mechanism that makes it really hard for a-holes to get to my crap. Messengers are nice because if you choose to walk with them on the hip or in front of you (say in a subway or crowded street) you can do so comfortably.

Bring all backpack and mess-bag suggestions!
Thanks!

Originally Posted by Hugh Conway

Messenger bags suck for globetrotting

Ski daypack

I agree with you, but if he is carrying around 25-30 kids passports I wouldn't exactly call his travel globetrotting.

Messenger bags are great for urban travel.

Originally Posted by shirk

I agree with you, but if he is carrying around 25-30 kids passports I wouldn't exactly call his travel globetrotting.

Messenger bags are great for urban travel.

Indeed...globe babysitting.

Originally Posted by justcuz

hey...I'm definitely not apposed to a new pack, but it has to have a mechanism that makes it really hard for a-holes to get to my crap.

Like, maybe, a drawcord collar?

Originally Posted by justcuz

hey...I'm definitely not apposed to a new pack, but it has to have a mechanism that makes it really hard for a-holes to get to my crap. Messengers are nice because if you choose to walk with them on the hip or in front of you (say in a subway or crowded street) you can do so comfortably.

. I missed the passport part reading on a phone; I used a Patagucci Critical Mass for several months on the road and it was ok enough. Problem with it and most messenger bags is security, they cut the single strap and run, or reach in under the flap. A backpack with a lockable zipper is perhaps more secure. With 30 screaming high schoolers I imagine you've got 30 kids who'll be robbed before you.

http://www.patagonia.com/us/product/...0-065&pcc=1128
I have an older version of this, I like that it has a clip and drawstring, which is pretty much impossible for someone to get into without you noticing.

I use my touring pack - Dakine Heli Pro, love that thing - when I travel overseas, and I stick my cash/passport in the hydration bladder sleeve. Anyone rooting around in there quickly probably won't find it (at least that's what I tell myself). A backpack with a double zipper you could conceivably put a small lock on as well to keep people out when you have 30 kids' passports in it.

http://www.mec.ca/AST/ShopMEC/Packs/...oulder-bag.jsp

I have the smaller version of this and it's amazing. I bought it six years ago and use it every day and nothing has broken. I use it daily to carry around a large DSLR camera w/lens, flash or telephoto lens, notepad, spare batteries, several pens and more.

Sweet suggestions. Lots to think about.