Messenger Bag Suggestions

The Pacsafe Metro 200 is 10 x 11 x 3.5 inches. The Metro 100 is even smaller: 8.5 x 6 x 3 inches.

I used an MEC bag (Canadian version of REI)and loved it. If you zippered up the main compartment and then buckled it up, I felt that it was reasonably safe for pickpocketers. Plus I would flip it around so th ebuckle was against my hip when I was in bigger crowds. I have heard alot of good things about the Pacsafe messenger bag on this forum that may be worth checking out.

Frank - Timbuk2 and Crumpler make nice bag.

try sierra trading post for closeouts on both brands.

Here is a small messenger from timbuk2

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/9920220,84022_Timbuk2-Messenger-Bag-Small-Classic.html

Here is a small one from Crumpler.

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/92100,95881_Crumpler-Quarfie-Messenger-Bag.html

www.timbuk2.com

www.crumplerbags.com

If you are close to an REI store they usually have several on hand to look at.

We recently bought one Pacsafe Citysafe bag for my college-age daughter and one Timbuk2 messenger bag for my husband for their trip to Rome. The main difference for us was that the Pacsafe bag is lined with a theft-proof wire mesh in the strap and bottom of the bag, presumably to prevent loss from anyone trying to slash the bag off with a knife. My husband will be in Rome for just over a week while our daughter will remain for a month so we felt it best that she have a bag that is more durable. Rei is a great place to try bags out and get a feel for what's comfortable for you. They're both beautiful, light bags, great for travelling. Have fun!

Thanks for those suggestions.

The problem I had with Timbuk2 bags is that there is no zipper closure of the main compartment. Too easy for someone to stick their hand in even when closed. Nor does it have a carry handle besides the strap.

I have been looking at the new Eagle Creek Vagabond.

I second Kate's opinion and recommend a MEC bag as well. They are fantastic for all their pockets, storage areas, etc.

www.mec.ca

Which MEC bag did you use?

My wife and I have a few... She uses an MEC bag and like others here just loves it. She has two sizes and even used one as a purse for years. Light, strong and compact. Recommended.

I have a Crumpler (for my DSLR and stuff) which is nice but I am finding is too bulky - I want to go even smaller. It is light for a camera bag though. Plus it likes to pool a bit of water on the sides when it rains. Crumpler makes some really nice non-camera bags - I would suggest looking them over.

I also have a Timbuk2 while it doesn't have a zipper is very pickpocket safe. Not only are there two clips but a boat load of Velcro that is loud enough to wake anyone - excellent bag and it does have a top handle. The Timbuk2 actually became my standard work bag now and while it only has 2 return flights on it, I love it. Fully water resistant too. The version I have includes a padded laptop compartment which would make it, in my opinion, far too heavy for pack-light travel in Europe.

Plus I have an Eagle Creek which is almost the best of both worlds - strong, lockable zippers and it has worn very well. This was my main workbag for almost 8 years and probably went on over 100 flights. Eagle Creek makes really good products and if you can find one in the size you want you shouldn't hesitate. Just watch the design of the zippers on the top for water resistance. Mine leaked in the rain just slightly.

Pete

MEC bags: my wife has the older versions of the Travel All and Small Carry All. The new versions are a bit lighter fabric (not weaker, just a different weave and denier) and have cool colors. You really can't beat the price either.

I have probably 5 MEC bags now:

Older messenger style - really well put together, but not very fashionable any more

Megabyte Notebook pack - best computer bag I have ever seen

My wife has the Transit and Travel All bags and she likes both of them. They hold a lot for their size.

I also have the Ibex expedition pack which I am using backpacking in Europe. My friend used it to backpack the West Coast trail and loved it (except for that it wasn't mouse proof, haha).

I can attest that the Timbuk2 standard messenger (not the weird styles or the commute) are near indestructible. I've had an assortment of them for 10 years and they're all still going, some have taken many trips through the wash and one of them serves as a catch-all toolbag for trips to a barn. The medium (which is huge) fits into the overhead bin of a regional jet even when overstuffed and the velcro and buckle combo is pretty pickpocket proof. They have a zippered compartment inside for smaller stuff.

Actually, yesterday I fit 4 very tall horse boots, a huge assortment of tools, and several USB hubs with dozens of cables into mine by sitting on the floor, holding onto the flap of my bag and cramming everything in by stomping with both feet. They're simply lovely bags.

I second the suggestion for the Pacsafe Metro 200. It's a good size for a day bag, nearly all the zipper comparments can lock, and you can wear it messenger style. You can certainly fit it inside a carry-on, but be aware that it won't "crumple" into a small space like some bags -- it's too rigid. So it's better to fill it full of small items before putting inside another bag.

I purchased the PacSafe Metro200 a couple months ago for an upcoming trip to Italy, & started using it as a "briefcase" to and from work just to make it look a bit beat up, less new. It's not working--the bag seems indestructible! May have to find a mud puddle, or run over it with a truck to make it look used.
I really like the bag, but I did immediately add a shoulder pad to the strap. I've also been taking it on my daily walks with about 6 pounds in it (weight, not currency)& the shoulder pad makes it a comfortable load.

A poster wrote to me privately with a question that makes me think I may have been imprecise.

The Metro 200 does indeed have a shoulder strap. The security wires in that strap were one of the features that made me buy the bag. But the strap is also stiff.

What I added was a wrap-around pad for comfort. Couldn't find one in travel stores or travel departments, so bought a Domke camera bag shoulder pad. Domke is a pro bag, so not every camera store will have.

Frank--I finally found a bag that is not too big and not too small, 9"x 10.5"x 4". It is from Ampac, their website is ampactravel.com. There seems to be enough room to carry everything I may need during the day (based on my list of what goes where) and then add some small purchases. The best part was the price--$29 bucks. One of the zippered compartments is difficult for me to get into (the one on the flap), but if it's hard for me, it will be difficult for others too! The main compartment has a zipper AND there is a flap over the top. I don't know why that combination is difficult to find. I'm on my way to Europe in 5 days!!!

That's about the same size as the Eagle Creek Guide Bag (9.75 x 8 x 2.5) that I picked up at a 50% off sale last week. It is a little too small

I'm now trying to decide between the newly designed Eagle Creek Vagabond (12 x 11 x 3)and the Pacsafe Metrosafe 200 (11 x 10 3.5)

The big question being do I really need a wire mesh bag and steel reinforced strap.

You might check out LeSport Sac. They have an online site and you can find bags at Macy's. They have all sizes includes luggage. I have used LeSpot Sac for over 25 year. On my first trip to Europe in 1983, I carried a small duffle which served as my day pack, purse, camera carrier, etc. The straps are comfortable and long enough to wear across the body --- first messenger bag? I just bought a smaller bag called the Madison for a purse. I love it. They are lightweight, indestructible, washable, rip-stop nylon with great zippers. They even have a collection for men.