The Daypack Alternative

Messenger bags have their roots in bike messenger subculture*, where the single strap design made it easy to take things in and out of the bag without taking it off. These days, messenger bags have become extremely popular both in the business and academic worlds.

Messenger bags are very simple bags: one should strap typically worn across the body, usually closed with a flap held down by a buckle or velcro, and sometimes a secondary strap to help secure the bag to your body when cruising through your favorite metropolitan traffic jams on your bike.

While the design is simple, a lot of companies have tried to put their own spin on the bags. Osprey Packs' Transit and Torque bags feature a molded foam structure to keep their form even when empty. This helps to protect the contents a bit better than a soft bag, but always takes up the same amount of space. Arcteryx's Mistral closes with a roll top instead of a flap. The roll top is a quick and easy way to secure the opening. Patagonia's Critical and Half Mass bags are iconic. These are just well made classic messenger bags.

If you want a good day bag but want something a little different than the daypack, check out some messenger bags. They're a great way to work and learn (or deliver small packages) in style.

*Don't know what bike messengers are? Here's the wikipedia article on them, and here's a good video that shows the lifestyle. You can find plenty more videos of their urban bicycling prowess and waste a good week being impressed.