Messenger Bag Tips and Tricks

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Hey folks, I just wanted to share some ideas for increasing the versatility and comfort of using messenger bags and see if anyone else had any tips and tricks they would be willing to contribute. I should start by saying that I know there is no beating a proper backpack for secure, comfortable load carrying, and I am an avid outdoor enthusiast and backpacker, but for most of my pedestrian EDC/murse needs, a messenger bag just seems to fit my age and suburban/urban lifestyle better. So, that said, here’s what I have:

Double Wide Strap – If you have doubled-up shoulder strap and put a little kink or “edge” on the bottom layer, before and after the load bearing contact point on your shoulder, it will separate and hold the strap to be double wide. This of course spreads the load over a greater surface area for more comfort, and for me, negates the need for a separate, bulky shoulder pad.

Belt – For active sports like technical hiking, bicycling, X-C skiing, etc. I hate it when my messenger bag swings around front, so I belt it. It’s just a piece of cord and tiny carabiner with a bowline and adjustable grip hitch knot (< my all time favorite knot BTW). Bag stays where it’s put, and lumbar friction takes some weight off the shoulder.

Backpack – This is ultimate in stability/security/load bearing although you need a long strap and handle – I’d have no problems rock climbing with this rig. I’m using a small carabiner with a half twist in the strap which leaves no strap folds against your flesh, and also locks the strap from shifting left/right. Can’t argue that it’s as comfortable as a backpack, but it’s getting awful close.

Rain Cover – It’s a just rectangle cut from a heavy duty garbage bag draped over the bag and tied down with the belt cord. Cord is threaded through the bag’s front daisy chain and does 1.5 loops around the bag so it’s not going anywhere. Cover weighs 1 oz, folds to nothing, and doubles as a very useful mini ground sheet for my dog and/or I to sit on.

Best Way To Chair Hang – Just tie a knot in the strap to take up slack and adjust height. Keeps your bag off dirty floors, takes up zero space, won’t tip over the lightest chair, drop and tip-over proof. Reverse the orientation – lid facing inward – if concerned about security/theft.

Best Spot In Cars – On the floor, leaned up against the seat, right under your knees and calfs. Takes up no other passenger space, pretty well hidden if you leave it in the car, never slides around, easy access to contents, easy to place and take as you move in/out of vehicle. I suppose there is some remote argument one could make about safety and the car’s foot controls when driving, but my bag has never budged from it’s spot. (Sorry, no illustration for this one )

Hope that help folks, and would love to hear other ideas… 

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