Best waterproof messenger-type bag for scootering

Since I want to start using my Chetak as a nearly-primary form of transportation, I need a bag to tote around all my crap in. I wanted something water-repelling so even if I got soaked, my stuff would stay dry. I like the across-the-body fit of a messenger bag, and have looked at several sporty action-adventure type bags with the velcro strap that feeds through a loop and cinches shut snugly across the body.

Anyone recommend a good one from personal experience?

-B

chrome bags are great but spendy over 100

I use Timbuk 2 bags. Also pricey and not technically waterproof, but with rubber liner, pretty near enough.

I've found that for longer trips, a backpack is much better. But to each their own.

Personally, I'm a backpack kinda guy. I carry my laptop and whatever in a backpack (on my back) when I scoot to work. I usually take my backpack when I go on long rides too (though it's occasionally strapped to my rack instead of on my back). I guess I just never really got into the whole messenger back craze. The Chrome bags look kinda cool but they're just not me Cool

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-mark

	markd wrote:
	Personally, I'm a backpack kinda guy. I carry my laptop and whatever in a backpack (on my back) when I scoot to work. I usually take my backpack when I go on long rides too (though it's occasionally strapped to my rack instead of on my back). I guess I just never really got into the whole messenger back craze. The Chrome bags look kinda cool but they're just not me

I use a backpack, too. But recently I bought a GAP messenger bag at Goodwill for $4.00, out of a selection of several. It seemed the most waterproof out of the bunch. I put my rain gear in it. Now I just grab that messenger bag when I'm heading out in threatening weather.

In theory. I just dawdled too long running around without it and got caught in a downpour the last mile home. I *really* need to replace those Nylogrip Zappers.

Brian

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Now aka "Walking Man"

I use a large laptop backpack, its strapped to my spare tire. It holds a tremendous amount of stuff, and to water proof it, I carry a plastic bag inside it, that I put over it when its raining, completely waterproof , never failed, even last week when I got caught in a heavy downpour on my commute home .

If you want a good deal on a Chrome bag, search the auction sites for Kozmo.com stuff. Used to be an online store that used bike couriers to deliver the goods, and they were all issued Chrome Kremlin bags. I got one, new in the bag, for about $25 a couple years ago. Granted, it says Kozmo.com- We'll Be Right Over on it, but maybe that's cool too. Good luck!

if you are looking for a waterproof bag look for a back pack that has a roll down top.
ortlieb or sealline bags are great for this. they are essentially a giant sack that you can fill with stuff and then roll the top down and be done.
chrome, timbuk 2, or banjo brothers, they have messenger bags and backpacks that are water resistant but may not do well if submersed. chrome and timbuk 2 both have laptop specific bags, since that it what you are looking for.
i work in the bicycling industry and know that these bag brands are within the top 10 bags that messengers use.
it all depends on if you want to go backpack or messenger-style and how much cargo you are willing to carry.
messenger bags are generally supposed to be supported on your back. hence the reason that they only have 1 support strap. if you are cycling, you are leaned over more and the bag can rest in this way. however, i don't know your riding style, but i'm whililng to bet that you are riding more upright. and may notice a strain on whatever shoulder you have the bag strapped over. i know i did while scooting and have since switched to a backpack. i leave the messenger bag for the bicycle.
hope this info helps.

check this video out, how to make an awesome messenger bag out of crap lying around your house. Economical and Ecological.
http://www.makezine.com/blog/archive/2007/06/make_a_messenger_bag_out_1.html

From the page:
"Learn how to fuse plastic together and then upcycle a bag out of it! All you need is an iron, plastic bags, a sewing machine, and some straps and buckles and a few hours of your time and you're on your way to having a cool durable bag!"

ortlieb makes amazing waterproof bags, shopping bags, messenger bags, etc. they are made for bike messengers and cross country bikers. check em out. a really good company. can be pricey (over 100) but if you've got a laptop i would definitely trust this bag.

Don't forget the MacGyver method of waterproofing: multiple coats of Scotchgard. I have a canvass military style backpack picked up for $8 at Army Navy that is now waterproof after about 6 coats of this stuff. It isn't going to help if its dropped in a river but it keeps the rain off.

I used to be an accountant at timbuk2. I have probably 10 bags from them ranging in size, style, etc. I have also owned a chrome bag. however, I tell you that the best bag for your money of all places is the mountain hardware sentinel.
http://www.mountainhardwear.com/Product.aspx?top=1430&prod=2934&cat=1456&viewAll=False
the look isant amazing but its decent.

I have been using this bag in rainy weather now for months and its awesome. the size is great, the shape, 100% waterproof shell, quick release strap, decent price and no cheap zippers.

I recommend taking a look.

I have a Chrome bag, I love it, and I've never had water get through, even in downpours, but as stated before, they ain't cheap. I love the seatbelt closure though--makes it super easy to get off and on.

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It's better to be silent and let people think you're a fool than to speak and remove all doubt. -- Mark Twain

I'm a die-hard fan of Dickies! I have three of them to color-coordinate (all scooter people are dorks huh)! I live in the second highest rainfall city in the entire US..so I need a good bag. One of the bonuses of the messenger bag: when it really starts raining hard, I pull my bag over to my lap to keep it dry and warm.

Note...if you have really important papers and it's heavy monsoon weather, I would still recommend an extra wrapping around the document..if you use this bag.
PS: Let me know if you can't find one...I might have a couple left over from my shop that I closed last winter.

@ bajachick

PM sent

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The "X" stands for ex-Chetak owner.

	matty_x wrote:
	@ bajachick PM sent

Hey Matt_x...I sent a couple of PM replies back to you, but for some reason they are still sitting in the outbox. Not sure why they haven't been sent...but I do have some available. I've got the black and white checked, black with military type stars and black with red pinstripes and the original dickies logo on front. I also have a couple of the smaller size messengers in brown and cream checked, and black with multi-colored pin stripes. I will sell for the cost of shipping only, which runs around 5 bucks. I would rather get them to people that would like them, than sit in my storage. We started stocking Dickies in our store because my son's backpacks kept breaking with the massive overload of books they give kids...you don't see a Dickies bag break and they don't run typically over 25 bucks!

I'll bet he wants the Black with Red Stripes, but I'm just guessing Laughing

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"I see a big market for designer tin foil head gear..."

"Grow up and stop posting like a 14th Century Vatican Flat Earth Zealot."

baja chick wrote:

	matty_x wrote:
	@ bajachick PM sent

Hey Matt_x...I sent a couple of PM replies back to you, but for some reason they are still sitting in the outbox. Not sure why they haven't been sent...but I do have some available. I've got the black and white checked, black with military type stars and black with red pinstripes and the original dickies logo on front. I also have a couple of the smaller size messengers in brown and cream checked, and black with multi-colored pin stripes. I will sell for the cost of shipping only, which runs around 5 bucks. I would rather get them to people that would like them, than sit in my storage. We started stocking Dickies in our store because my son's backpacks kept breaking with the massive overload of books they give kids...you don't see a Dickies bag break and they don't run typically over 25 bucks!

I would be interested in buying one of your bags if you have any left after matty_x.Thanks

	rufusswan wrote:
	I'll bet he wants the Black with Red Stripes, but I'm just guessing

Matching our accessories to our scoots.....it's the law!

I've been slowing building a chic wardrobe of matching leather pieces to go with my scoot just in case I make it to a rally someday! So, if anyone has a pair of butter yellow leather ladies pants....let me know! Very Happy

	baja chick wrote:
	Matching our accessories to our scoots.....it's the law!

If that's the case, then he'd probably be up for one o'them red leather Eddie Mur5phy jump suits Cool

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"I see a big market for designer tin foil head gear..."

"Grow up and stop posting like a 14th Century Vatican Flat Earth Zealot."

rufusswan wrote:

	baja chick wrote:
	Matching our accessories to our scoots.....it's the law!

If that's the case, then he'd probably be up for one o'them red leather Eddie Mur5phy jump suits Cool

Ha! I'd pay to see that.

Red military stars guys. Sheesh! Cool

And many thanks to Baja Chick for the generous offer.

And hell yeah I'd rock some Eddie Murphy gear, you know, if I was like popular in that 80s sort of androgynous way.

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The "X" stands for ex-Chetak owner.

Since someone revived this thread about messenger bags, I decided to share my experience with a Corrazo Milano bag. My bag was given to me for being one of the first 500 to register for Amerivespa. If I had paid the $79.00 they ask for it, I would be highly disappointed. (Well, I am still disappointed because the bag is a total piece of shit, I guess I mean that if I had paid money for this piece, I would pursue a warranty.)

All of these photos are after 2 months of use. I put stuff in it and rode my scooter. I did not abuse it. You could see the major crappy stitching when it was brand spanking new. Not a big surprise when it started coming undone.

I found this label between the material once the seem split. It was not on the attached tag, or visible anywhere else without the bag actually tearing open. So much for made in North America. I guess you can’t afford that with a low price like 80 dollars. (<sarcasm) They could have at least got a GOOD Chinese manufacturer. They do exist.

If you have 80 bucks to spend on a bag I would go for one of the Chinese produced Timbuk 2’s. Or go for the custom Timbuks made in SAN FRAN if you have a little extra.

Two weeks after these pictures that side split was so big that a book fell out. All the other splits had worsened as well. (piece of shit)

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It was just an innocent gas pump fight...who would know it could be dangerous?

	cowboyrob wrote:
	Since someone revived this thread about messenger bags, I decided to share my experience with a Corrazo Milano bag.

yeah but they are just so darn cute! Laughing

Robbie, you sir are truly a victim of fashion!

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The "X" stands for ex-Chetak owner.