messenger bag vs. f***ypack ("bum bag")?

Here is something that is more in style of what I was envisioning when I hear "messenger bag":

http://www.sears.com:80/shc/s/p_10153_12605_01499441000P?mv=rr

Is that what you are calling a "messenger bag"?

My purse is a messenger bag by timbuk2, which is so incredible that I use it when I am in Europe. It has strong Velcro closure that makes a terrible noise when opened, and it also clips, making it very difficult for petty hands that may want to get in. I personally can't ever see myself ever wearing a waist bag, I just can't seem to get past how uncool it looks (please no disrespect to those who wear them, I am not saying that you are not cool, but it is just not for me). To me, its up there with pulling your socks up to your knees when wearing sneakers or worse yet when wearing sandals (I live in coastal Florida, I see men wearing socks pulled up to their knees while wearing Teva-like sandals usually combined with a waist pack). It is not a good look, I just can't do it. Maybe I am shallow or too concerned with being a hipster, but for a chance to somewhat blend in with the crowd, I will leave the fanny pack on the sale rack for someone else.

There are hundreds of styles of messenger bags, from small to large. One can wear them however it is comfortable for them, but most people do wear them slung across the chest and not just hanging from the shoulder. Personally, I don't wear mine hanging down in front, but more on the side, on my hip.

Keri,
If you go to the eBags website, you will see many examples of messenger bags. If you get the type with a flap (folds over the top of the bag), make sure that there's a zipper underneath. Otherwise, it's easy for things to fall out or for unwelcome hands to get inside. I opted for a zip-top type (no flap), and I safety-pinned the zippers. Yes, it was not easy to get into the bag, but that was the point. :-) With an adjustable strap, you can wear it cross-body or on your shoulder.

keri,

"I have always used a 'waist pouch' (worn in the front, so perhaps that disqualifies it from being "fanny" in that sense)"

Actually, I think wearing the pack in the front is more precisely what the term refers to.

My bag is a normal purse ,, slightly larger then average, but with a adjustable long wide strap that means I can wear it "messenger bag style" , over the neck across the chest so to speak. I tend to wear it behind my hip,, except anywhere crowded, I then bring it forward and place hand on it. I enjoy that wearing my purse messenger bag style leaves my hands free( most of the time) and seems to help distribute weight better, plus you don't have to tense shoulder to keep strap on like you do sometimes with your purse worn "normally".

I use same bag at home, I don't think one always needs to carry around a big bag or back pack. I only carry a bit of money, a lipstick,a comb, my small camera, and some small maps or brochures.
I rarely carry a water bottle. I don't like warm water anyways. I did like buying a frozen water in Rome and using it to cool me off, then drink it, but it fit fine in my bag too.