Messenger Bag recommendations

Check out www.timbuk2.com

I have been bringing my timbuk2 messeger bag and or cross shoulder bag to Europe for the past 5 years. I am pretty happy with timbuk2.

I use the "classic" messenger bag.

Frank II,

I will sew my own stuff now since i made all of my backpacks for school and such. once you do it, making another is a piece of cake. Clothes is a horse of a different color though.

Whenever i look for something, i find that im the odd one out and usually no one makes it or if they do, its crappy and wont last 1 week of hanging off a door knob. So i just make them myself.

I have to make another one since my carry on is showing its age and when i made it half the pockets didnt have flaps or way to secure the stuff from falling out like in a TSA bin.

Happy trails.

Frank, I haven't seen post from you for a while. Nice to see you back.

Check the Targus website. They have both messenger bags and notebook cases.

The bag I use for carrying my netbook in Europe is about that size (just holds a 10" Acer Aspire) with a wide, zippered back pocket and two front pockets for a mouse, charger, etc. I use one pocket for my camera. It has a handle and removable shoulder strap.

I don't know where it came from. In 2001 I bought my second travel computer, an NEC Mobilepro handheld, on ebay, and the case came with it. It has a name, Rhinoskin (I see Rhinoskin now makes hard, aluminum cases).

Frank,

I'd also like to say that it's great to see you back!

When I first read this post last night, my first thought was that you undoubtedly know the bags on the market better than I do, so it would be difficult to suggest something. So my best answer is a question - which brands have you looked at so far?

I was at the Tom Bihn factory on Friday so you could have a look there. I believe they have a couple of new products. What about the RS Guide bag? You could also check Brenthaven as they make excellent products, perhaps the Collins Vertical Messenger Bag.

I'll have another look at this post when I'm back on a regular computer, as I'll be interested to see what you decide

Cheers!

I've been around answering questions......you just didn't notice!!! :)

I know the Tom Bihn bags inside out. The problem is the computer I'm getting is slightly larger than the MacBook Air 11 and TB's bags area all designed with Apple products in mind.

I'm hoping that whatever bag I get, it will be able to fit INSIDE my main carry-on so it has to be pliable.

There are so many bags on the market, it's just impossible to keep up with every one. That's why I asked my question--to find out what bags people are actually using.

Another thought just occurred to me.....

You might have a look at the Tilley Intrepid Messenger Bag, which was designed for gentlemen of distinction.

Good luck with your decision!

And Frank II is definitely a gentleman of distinction. :)

Pam

My husband uses the timbuk2 messenger bags and really likes them.

I'm a fan of the Tom Bihn bags, also. I prefer a vertical messenger bag to the more common horizontal style, and Tom Bihn has some nice vertical styles. I really like their bags.

I know they are very "Apple-centric", but on their website there is a "laptop fit guide". You can choose your laptop model from a drop down box and the website will suggest bags that will work for that model. There appears to be a quite extensive list of laptop models. Have you checked that out?

Another vote for Timbuk2 bags. I use an older laptop messenger bag. Has traveled well over the years. Sturdy and TSA approved. Becomes my under the seat carry on, complete with 13 inch MacBook Pro and cable, iPad and cable, iPhone and cable, headphones, Unu Power Pack, Canon G15, snacks in a zip lock bag, bottle of water, pens, pack of gum, travel flashlight, and small packing cube with travel size toothbrush, toothpaste, kleenex, change of underwear and scarf. Love it.

I've carried the Pacsafe 200 for the last 6 years travelling in Europe and the US. It's not quite big enough for your needs. It appears that the 300 would work for you. Check them out.

I know the Tom Bihn bags inside out and unfortunately none fit exactly what I need.

I'm trying to find the XS Timbuk2 bag as that seems the right size.

I have the Pacsafe Metrosafe 250 which is begin enough but I don't like the bag. I'm going to sell it.

Frank II,

I haven't seen you as often as I used to. Probably wasn't looking in the right places.

This idea may bother some on this forum.

Lincoln has three 4 year colleges/universities and several smaller institutions. I sometimes check into the bookstores of a couple of them. I also see students with message bags (and also backpacks) when I ride the bus. If you have a college/university where you are you might try the bookstore (if you haven't already) to see if something they have would work for you.

Happy looking and finding!

Sharon....that's a good idea. I live within 10 miles of two major universities. The only problem is parking. Very restricted. Perhaps a weekend visit.