Single shoulder bag

[SpeedoJosh]

Looking for a pack to carry when I ride sometimes. Been looking at single shoulder packs, as they look more comfortable to me. Anyone ever ride with one? Is there a big difference then in a bag with two shoulder straps?

Any suggestions?

[corey]

single strap bags like to come flying across your chest... unless they have a security strap thing, like a messenger bag or something.

[WarrenJ]

I've been contemplating the same thing.  The Maxpedition Sitka has my interest.  It has a secondary stabilizer strap that may keep it in place on your back, but the pack is designed to be pulled around to the front with easy access through the side of the bag (now the top as its pulled around.)  I was thinking that riding with the bag in front may work ok.  It is slimmer than a full backpack and it shouldn't flop like it would on your back.  I am sure it wouldn't ride as well as a purpose built Kriega, but it may be a bit more versatile for general use. 

[rideserotta]

Timbuk2 bags work well. They have a chest strap and can be tighten pretty good. I use one with my road bicycle as well and it never moves.

[SpeedoJosh]

http://cgi.ebay.com/MILITARY-INSPIRED-BACKPACK-HIKING-CAMPING-GEAR-DAYPACK_W0QQitemZ350314517693QQcategoryZ87122QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp4340.m8QQ_trkparmsZalgo%3DMW%26its%3DC%26itu%3DUCC%26otn%3D5%26ps%3D63%26clkid%3D7855052590244756099#ht_2458wt_1010

Think this bag would hold up?

[mattc7]

Timbuk2 bags work well. They have a chest strap and can be tighten pretty good. I use one with my road bicycle as well and it never moves.

+1 here.

They have a variety of sizes.  I use one for both my pedal cycle and on the moto.  carries clothes, school books, laptop, work materials easily.  Tightens/looses one handed, and never moves when fit properly

[Goat_Herder]

I tried using a 2 shoulder bag for commuting.  It didn't work well for me since the shoulder straps would dig in and cut off circulations to my arm.  I switched to a Chrome bag and it has been working pretty well for me  It's designed for bike messengers so it's secure on your back.  Also has a car seat like buckle in the front so you can unbuckle and take off the bag without taking off the helmet.  I think I have the medium.  It's big enough for a laptop, office stuff, and a sack of lunch.

http://www.chromebagsstore.com/bags/messenger-bags.html

[b.]

I've had my Chrome Metropolis (large) bag for 6 years and love it.  Really well made and holds a ton of stuff.

[IZ]

I've been contemplating the same thing.  The Maxpedition Sitka has my interest.  It has a secondary stabilizer strap that may keep it in place on your back, but the pack is designed to be pulled around to the front with easy access through the side of the bag (now the top as its pulled around.)  I was thinking that riding with the bag in front may work ok.  It is slimmer than a full backpack and it shouldn't flop like it would on your back.  I am sure it wouldn't ride as well as a purpose built Kriega, but it may be a bit more versatile for general use. 

I was just going to suggest Maxpedition Warren!     They've got some great stuff in their lineup. 

Also, it was mentioned already..the over-the-shoulder bags really do fall off of your back onto your side or front when you're riding.  This is unless it's small and full or there is an extra strap to hold it in place on your back.

Good luck!   

[SpeedoJosh]

You guys know of any stores that usually carry the timbuk2 bags? Would like to check one out for fitment and all before I fork over the dough.

[mattc7]

You guys know of any stores that usually carry the timbuk2 bags? Would like to check one out for fitment and all before I fork over the dough.

No stores I know of.  The XL is enormous.  2+ helmets worth of big.

The medium is a helmet and a 1/4 - 1.5 helmets

[SpeedoJosh]

Answered my own question. Did a search, and came up with this.
http://www.timbuk2.com/tb2/retail/retailer.htm

[IZ]

http://cgi.ebay.com/MILITARY-INSPIRED-BACKPACK-HIKING-CAMPING-GEAR-DAYPACK_W0QQitemZ350314517693QQcategoryZ87122QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp4340.m8QQ_trkparmsZalgo%3DMW%26its%3DC%26itu%3DUCC%26otn%3D5%26ps%3D63%26clkid%3D7855052590244756099#ht_2458wt_1010

Think this bag would hold up?

Liking that!!

[The Bacon Junkie]

I have several different sized mountaineering packs.  One is a small one that I can fit a couple changes of clothes plus tennies in, one is an alpine style pack... long and slim and can fit my tent and clothes, etc... in, and one is a 5500cc monster that I could probably travel cross country with.  All have contoured and tapered shoulder straps designed for freedom of movement while rock/ice climbing, mountaineering, etc...  They work great on the bike.  If I lengthen the shoulder straps, I can rest the pack on the pillion seat and the waist and chest straps still keep it tight to my torso and doesn't shift.  I can hang off and touch a knee with all but the big one and haven't had any issues. I've made it from Ventura, CA to Monterey, CA  via HWY 1 (300 miles almost all twisties) and back again in a weekend with the middle pack.  I've got a pic around here somewhere...

here ya go...

[WarrenJ]

The pack I use was made by Jansport for winter mountain rescue.  Its narrow and snugs down tight and rides real well.  I've road several thousand miles with that pack on.  It can get a bit tiring on the shoulders after a couple hundred miles.  From what I've seen, the Kreiga harness might be a bit more comfortable on the bike - but I own the Jansport and it has worked well enough for motorcycling and many other adventures so its hard to justify getting a Kreiga at this point. 

From what I've seen of conventional backpacks, the mountaineering style packs are very adaptable to motorcycling.