How comfortable are messgener bags compared to a good light duty backpack? I've searched around and not really found an answer.
My current North Face pack is nice but it only has a single strap holding down a floppy top pocket (great description) and when it gets loaded, the weight is high on my back. So I'm going to get a new pack\bag. I live in the country, commute for groceries, to the gym, try and ride instead of drive whenever possible. Commute distance is anywhere from 15 to 35 klicks. Don't want to put panniers on my bike. I'd rather make more trips with less stuff than go with a trailer or panniers.
I like the idea of a messenger bag. Being able to access stuff without hauling the pack on and off. My pack is super comfortable and I don't want to sacrifice that. And, being honest, I like the look of a messenger bag better. Do they sway when you ride? Who has used both and can give me some advice?

http://forums.roadbikereview.com/showthread.php?t=23036

the general consensus seems to always return to:

Lots of stop & go with frequent bag access = messenger bag
Point to Point runs with little bag access = backpack

that may be oversimplifying it, your results may vary. :)

I don't like standard backpacks becuase i can't pull the bag around and access it as easily as a messenger bag. also, a good messenger bag tends to spread the weight across your back and the strap mostly keeps the bag in place, whereas i haven't found a backpack that keeps the weight high on your back (and thus more comfortable, at least for me). the only big drawback is that if you want a 'good' messenger bag, be prepared to pay $$$ for it. -which is not to say it's not worth it, just that you should be ready to invest some cash to get a quality, comfortable bag that will last forever. I've had timbuk2 (NOT worth it), BaileyWorks, and REload bags...the bailey bag and the reload have more than paid for themselves in quality, comfort, and durability (both companies were founded by former messengers), but the timbuk2 fell apart and was not nearly as weatherproof. basically, figure out what type of bag feels better to ride with, and then shell out some cash for a quality bag

I commute daily, used a backpack, a Timbuk 2, and finally broke down and bought a Chrome Kremlin. Bag is huge, bombproof and totally worth the change. It's way way more comfortable then the Timbuk 2.
Carries weight with pretty decent comfort.
Good luck in the quest for the perfect bag.

I just don't like to ride with a backpack, even a Camelback--I have three or four packs, and I've used them all, but I don't like the feeling.
There's a Patagonia Outlet in Reno, and I bought a Critical Mass msgr bag (normally about 85 bucks, I think) for something like $27. It's really well made, got all the right straps and everything, and doesn't sway too badly. I've only used it a few times, and I suspect that if I sat down and fiddled the straps, I could eliminate the sway altogether.
Another thought: Mountainsmith (and others, but that's what I have) makes some really nice, pretty large fanny packs. I got mine at REI--it's big enough for a change of clothes at work (khakis, shirt, shorts & socks; I leave shoes under my desk), has compression straps to cinch it up and rides low and solid, so you forget it's on there. I've used it off and on for three or four years, and if I had to choose one method, I think that would be it.

You're gonna get a different answer from everyone because everyone will have their personal favs and reasons and loyalty. Then there is the pannier lobbyest faction that will suggest panniers over both messenger bags and backpacks.

I rode with backpacks and was happy. Then tried a Chrome messbag and didn't like how it alway sat high on the back and gave me neck discomfort. Then tried Timbuk2 messbags and liked how it sat low or high but still gave me neck discomfort.

So I am back to backpacks. I like the even weight distribution and how it does not shift. Even messenger bags with the stabilizer sturnum straps can shift.

But this is just want ended up working for me. Everybody is different. You best bet is to try 'em and see. I am selling my barely used Timbuk2 medium bag for $50 if you want it.

http://a.im.craigslist.org/Tg/cR/AwCKmwPoCrTBkEXwUBbLKmbEeg04.jpg

Chrome bags are great. They don't swing around while you ride and they won't bounce up and hit you in the back of your noggin if you hop something, like your backpack will. I have the Metropolis and everything I need fits nicely inside. I commute 5 days a week with my bag and use it on weekends for everything: groceries, photography and everything else. I had the Citizen model but it was too small for all the stuff I need to cary daily. Below is a photo of what I daily pack into it with no problems. (all the tools I need for my fixed gear and everything I need in case of a flat, plus lunch, camera and work clothes)

RB

I have panniers, a messenger bag, and various backpacks. All have their pros and cons. The point made above about lots of digging in => messenger bag, carrying stuff point to point => backpack is right on.

To confuse the issue, about a month ago I got a combi backpack/pannier from Nashbar: http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=66&subcategory=1004&brand=&sku=9036&storetype=&estoreid=&pagename=
I probably ought to write a full review, but here are a couple of early thoughts.

It is essentially a dry bag inside a back pack, with a zip-on pannier frame. The dry bag is great -- if you need a dry bag. One of the reasons I got this was because my panniers (my preferred type of bag for commuting) were getting old and leaking. The dry bag gives me confidence that my work clothers will make it to work without aquiring any odd damp spots along the way. Getting things in and out of the dry bag, however, is a bit of a chore, cerntainly not something you want to be doing repeatedly along the way. There are lots of handy little pockets. The beavertail is great for stashing shoes and a lock. THe pannier rack part is quite stable. It's comfortable and stable as a backpack.

There are some design weaknesses. The shoulder top tensioner straps (not the main backpack strap adjustments, but the smaller ones that pull a bag in toward your back) have to be unstrapped to zip the pannier frame thingy on. The compression straps are the wrong way round (hard to explain -- they thread through loops on the dry bag and the way it's set up, it's hard to tighten them quickly). The elastic net won't fit a helmet.

OVerall, however, I'm happy with it. It's great if you prefer panniers but have to lug them around off the bike a bit. Though I haven't tested the idea, it occurs to me that it would be very good in adventure races (or other circumstances) where you're riding trails with a small load that must be kept dry.

I commute to work two times a week in the summer, it's 15miles each way. I used my camelback for years, now I bought a Timbuck2 bag but haven't tried it yet. But the back pack is not bad,but I like the fact I can swing it around and not having to remove it.