Hi. My name is Jake, and I have an unhealthy obsession with messenger/shoulder bags. (Hi, Jake.)
Luckily, though, I generally don’t allow myself to purchase all the man-bags I think I want. In fact, until recently I’ve been kicking the same made-for-squares Eddie Bauer model since midway through college (more than a ten year run!). I did finally decide I needed to get something new a few months ago. The brother-in-law got a particularly swank bag (that I had already been eyeing, in fact) for his birthday while we were visiting in September, so I followed that lead, purchasing a Manhattan Portage Dana (Medium).
The bag is pretty bomb-proof with its heavy duty Cordura and “waterproof” vinyl lining. It has slightly odd proportions, though, and I don’t really carry that much stuff on a day-to-day basis, which makes the bag seem even more wonky. This plus the fact that the auxiliary pocket arrangement doesn’t meet my nigh-impossible-to-meet desires has made living with the bag less than optimal so far.
So, of course, I’m looking at other options. Currently the front-runner in my “I can’t rationalize this purchase, but I’ll do the shopping anyway” comparisons is the Chrome Citizen. It seems to have the more typical messenger bag shape plus a padded shoulder strap and a sweet little seat belt buckle detail. The main detail I use to talk myself away from the “Add to Cart” button is the extra pocket arrangement again. The Chrome bag seems to have even fewer options than the Manhattan Portage offering I already own — this is so important to me because I simply must be able to separate and arrange my bag contents as I see fit.
‘Tis a conundrum. One upon which I doubt I will act. I’ll probably continue to window shop for at least another year or more…
Just thought I’d share. 
If I may, I would suggest a Timbuk2 bag. Fully customizable on their website and offered in a variety of sizes.
Yep.. I’d also suggest the Timbuk2. I’ve been eyeing one for a few months, but figured I should wait until the Christmas craziness is over before buying myself yet another man purse (esp since the one I built is $135).
I remember being totally into Timbuk2 bags back in the dot-com days. I must say, I haven’t really checked them out recently…
As someone that has used many of these bags, I am fairly opinionated. I love the Chrome bags, and find that they are made by and for messengers. Even better, however, is Pac Designs out of Canada. They will even customize the outer panel for you (this can get really pricey). I have one friend that has a Japanes rising sun with reflective rays on his Pac. They have a sweet inner pocket configuration, for sorting all your stuff (what exactly needs to be sorted?).
I don’t like the Timbuk2 bags because of the fit. Both the Chrome and Pac bags have sweeter compression systems, for your light days…so to speak. I also like the thicker shoulder straps of Chrome/Pac, because they distribute the weight more evenly. On all models, I recommend a shoulder pad to accompany the strap.
Plus, if you pay the Canadians, that’s a little bit more sales tax that doesn’t go into King George’s pockets to kill little brown babies.
You guys are thinking about this ALL WRONG. Think RECYCLED. (and how weird is it that Make posts about shoulder bags on the same day?)
P.S. - that’s not a typo! I meant Make, not Jake.
What? You think we don’t know Make around here?
Matt: The usual purse-fillings need to be sorted. iPod, gum, tissues, notepads, pens, various utility items, etc.
You have officially lost the right for any further comment regarding my quest for the perfect pocketbook.
I understand your quest completely, dear.
We only differ in how we act on our compulsions.
i’ve always loved the description of the deerskin gunna that roland and his crew carry in the gunslinger series. i do one of those.
Lest you forget the sacks made of actual sacks? Nothing says “man on the town” like kangaroo scrotums dangling from your belt.