I need recommendations for a new messenger bag!

[Freudian Frog]

I'm stealing my bro's netbook! So now that I'm not lugging my laptop around anymore, I'd like to get a messenger bag to replace my backpack. Thanks to that I'm reducing the weight so I wanted easier access from the side for all my stuff. I'd also like it to fit a 1L Nalgene as that is my prefered watering system (my current backpack provides sidepockets that seem to only fit soda cans WHAT THE HELL?).

Problem is... I went to look around at all the retail stores and there's no real choice! I only saw $20 bags with the threads fraying and the material falling apart before I could even buy it, or nicely designed but butt ugly color schemed $100 Timbuk2 messenger bags! That and there doesn't really seem to be anything that holds a 1L Nalgene without smashing anything in the main compartment to bits.

So I need suggestions! Brands and specific models. Anything $20 and better... but cheaper than a Timbuk2!
I'd like to go for a more metro or classic look than tactical, please.

[zepla]

Go for the maxped stuff, although that might be a bit to tactical but everybody is happy with their quality. If you have some specific wishes go for a custom made bag, but that would end up over the $100,- you mentioned. Or go with the sort of theme bag. Example, I work with sailboats so I'm getting a bag made out of laminate sailcloth. But that exceeds 100 bucks as well.

After reading my replay back it seems I do not have any useful info for you what so ever 

[glorn]

I used to be very into messenger bags and cycling... I have never seen what you describe.

Most good messenger bags do not have water bottle holders. This is because bikers usually have a bottle cage on the bike.. or they are drinking beer.

The only "messenger style" bags I have seen with bottle holders are usually cheap. As such, to find a cheap bag that is designed to fit a 1 liter bottle is probably impossible. They design those cheap ones to hold a standard size commercial brand water bottle, not a Nalgene.

Here is an example of a cheaper one with a bottle holder that looks okay:

http://www.hotref.com/Eco-100--recycled-owl-deluxe-messenger-bag-p-5392.html

But I doubt it would fit a 1 liter.

And because generally speaking, laptops/netbooks and water don't play well together, you may have a hard time finding anything that isn't utter garbage.

Except...

..in the "tactical" world. And the only reason a tactical bag is the way to go is due to modularity. You can add a 1 liter bottle holder to a tac messenger and have exactly what you want.

[Freudian Frog]

I'm not exactly looking for a bag with at bottle holder... a good sized main compartment that could hold one would be fine. It just needs to have a seperate (maybe a sizeable rear) compartment to fit the netbook as I don't want it crushing it. Or just some kind of padded seperation.

I no longer carry enough to merit a backpack and messenger bags are gaining popularity amongst the metro crowd. And I doubt carrying something tactical would be much appreciated by the campus police.

[glorn]

In that case, then I would look at Manhattan Portage. They have a variety of styles, all are high quality, and some are on sale.

Here's one on sale right now:

http://www.manhattanportage.com/catalog/Shoulder-Bags/Manhattan-Bag/95

And it even matches your avatar. 

[glorn]

Of course, if it were me.. and I was looking to carry water and a netbook.. I'd suck it up, drop the extra dough, and go with this one:

http://www.manhattanportage.com/catalog/Laptop-Bags/Computer-Messenger/190

Padded computer compartment, fully waterproof vinyl lining, grab handle, two zippered pouches...

Now that's capacity, quality, clean lines, features, and classic collegiate looks for under $100. And it comes in brown or blue! Either would look smart.

[glorn]

Then again, if it were me, and I were shopping messenger bags, it would mean that I was back on the bike.. and I would never carry a computer with me on the bike. But even if I did, I would probably just buy a padded sleeve for it, and then shove that into a classic messenger bag with a large main compartment capacity like my old ones. 'cause nothing looks better on the bike than a truly classic messenger.

Like this:

http://www.manhattanportage.com/catalog/Messenger-Bags/Bike-Messenger-%28MD%29/90

Which is absolutely sh*t hot.


I once carried an entire human skeleton in my messenger bag. True story. Well, all except for one of the long thigh bones, which I had to stuff into my pants. It was hard to ride, but the adrenaline was going. I did seven miles with a bag full o' bones and a femur digging into my crotch. Talk about a boner.

No, I did not kill the person to whom the skeleton once belonged. Let's just say I decided to liberate it.

[Mr. Whippy]

glorn,

I like those messenger bags.  I've used Timbuk2's for years and they look similar.  Do you have any experience with the Timbuk2's?  Comparison to the Manhattenportage?

[glorn]

Yep, I have 2 Timbuks, and they are great bags.

MP shares the tough build quality, and if you like Timbuk, you will be happy with MP.

I like MPs lines a little better, they look very clean and sleek. And Timbuk has become so common (for good reason).. but it's nice to have something a little different than the crowd.

I would happily ride with either one, but would prefer the sexier MP.

Also look at Chrome: http://www.chromebagsstore.com/

Way hot bags, and shoes.. check out the Citizen bag in brown/royal, and the Kursk shoe in brown cordura..

I need a cold shower now.

[Vladimir]

I carry this bag:
http://thesatchelpages.com/where-to-buy-jack-bauers-24-hour-messenger-bag/-AKA the Jack Bauer Messenger Bag;
Canvas bag, lightweight, cheap, big enough for laptops and lot of other stuff-very satisfied with mine