# Where to find a cheap messenger bag with some character? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [January 30, 2007, 12:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-to-find-a-cheap-messenger-bag-with-some-character/390040 "2007-01-30T00:09:25Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 17\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Hostile\_Dialect](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/e495f1/32.png) [@Hostile\_Dialect](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hostile_Dialect)\ **Post date:** [January 30, 2007, 12:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-to-find-a-cheap-messenger-bag-with-some-character/390040/1 "2007-01-30T00:09:25Z")
I’ve worn a backpack to school for as long as I can remember, but now that I go to school in a part of San Diego with a relatively fickle climate, it’s causing me problems in the warmer months. You see, when it heats up, I sweat a little bit more easily than others. It’s usually not a big deal, but for some reason if I’m wearing a backpack I sweat massively on my back, to the point where it soaks through my shirt in a huge backpack shape. It’s rather nasty, and has probably cost me a few dates. When I attended college in Arizona, I lived on campus and I just carried whatever books I needed in my arms. Here I don’t have that option–I live 15 minutes away from school and it’s a pain in the ass to get to the parking lots from anywhere on campus. Walking from class or the library to my car and back can easily cut my precious study time by half. What to do? I’ve decided: I want a messenger bag. That way I can carry all my books in style, without having to leave any in my car, and I won’t have to worry about being especially nasty and smelly when the brutal cold (60 deg F 😃 ) currently battering the region finally lets up. But it can’t be just any messenger bag. It has to be big enough to comfortably carry a number of large textbooks, with substantial shoulder padding so I don’t feel all the weight of my education as I’m walking about, and it has to have some kind of flair, some unique character that will differentiate it from a Wal-Mart store brand bag. And it needs pockets to hold my pens, calculator, etc. Any ideas? ---
**Author:** ![Shagnasty](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9dc877/32.png) [@Shagnasty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shagnasty)\ **Post date:** [January 30, 2007, 1:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-to-find-a-cheap-messenger-bag-with-some-character/390040/2 "2007-01-30T01:07:50Z")
I just checked Ebay. There is a whole slew of them. ---
**Author:** ![FilmGeek](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/b19c9b/32.png) [@FilmGeek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FilmGeek)\ **Post date:** [January 30, 2007, 1:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-to-find-a-cheap-messenger-bag-with-some-character/390040/3 "2007-01-30T01:15:07Z")
Ebay, Goodwill, Urban Outfitters often has nice ones, or a consignment shop like Arizona Trading Company (or your local equivalent). I got my last one at the Gap for like, $4. ---
**Author:** ![Mirror\_Image\_egamI\_rorriM](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e56c9b/32.png) [@Mirror\_Image\_egamI\_rorriM](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mirror_Image_egamI_rorriM)\ **Post date:** [January 30, 2007, 2:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-to-find-a-cheap-messenger-bag-with-some-character/390040/4 "2007-01-30T02:58:00Z")
[Timbuk2](http://www.timbuk2.com/tb2/retail/catalog.htm) has all kinds of bags, you can design your own, they’re sturdy and comfortable, and they last forever. I have the medium, which holds a couple of textbooks, so you should get the large ($95) or extra large ($105). You can also buy a variety of shoulder pads, cell phone pockets, etc, etc. ---
**Author:** ![LabRat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/898d66/32.png) [@LabRat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LabRat)\ **Post date:** [January 30, 2007, 6:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-to-find-a-cheap-messenger-bag-with-some-character/390040/5 "2007-01-30T18:45:29Z")
Fetus, Send me the bag and your design and I’ll [El-Wire](http://www.elwirecheap.com/imagegallery.html) it for you for the cost of parts. I’ve been itching for a chance to practice on fabric. LabRat ---
**Author:** ![According\_to\_Pliny](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/8e7dd6/32.png) [@According\_to\_Pliny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/According_to_Pliny)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2007, 2:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-to-find-a-cheap-messenger-bag-with-some-character/390040/6 "2007-01-31T02:12:32Z")
[www.CafePress.com](http://www.CafePress.com) has various bags that you can put your own designs on or you can pick from thousands of existing designs [http://www.cafepress.com/buy/messenger%20bag/-/cfpt2\_/cfpt\_476:\_\_aP\_\_\_\_\_\_a\_\_\_\_\_a\_\_\_\_\_\_D/source\_searchBox/copt\_](http://www.cafepress.com/buy/messenger%20bag/-/cfpt2_/cfpt_476: __aP______ a _____a______ D/source_searchBox/copt_) ---
**Author:** ![Mrs\_Johnson](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/7cd45c/32.png) [@Mrs\_Johnson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mrs_Johnson)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2007, 2:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-to-find-a-cheap-messenger-bag-with-some-character/390040/7 "2007-01-31T02:54:30Z")
Browse [amazon.com](http://amazon.com). You’ll find tons in every style and price range. ---
**Author:** ![Hostile\_Dialect](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/e495f1/32.png) [@Hostile\_Dialect](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hostile_Dialect)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2007, 7:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-to-find-a-cheap-messenger-bag-with-some-character/390040/8 "2007-01-31T07:22:05Z")
> [@FilmGeek](#): > > Ebay, Goodwill, Urban Outfitters often has nice ones, or a consignment shop like Arizona Trading Company (or your local equivalent). I got my last one at the Gap for like, $4. I’ve struck out at Goodwill before, but I suppose I’ll have to try again. Urban Outfitters always seemed a little pricy for me, but I’ll have to check it out again. ($4 at the Gap? Geez!) > [@Mirror Image egamI rorriM](#): > > I have the medium, which holds a couple of textbooks, so you should get the large ($95) or extra large ($105) I’ve checked out that website before, and everything is _way_ out of my price range. > [@LabRat](#): > > Send me the bag and your design and I’ll El-Wire it for you for the cost of parts. I’ve been itching for a chance to practice on fabric. Sweet! I’m terrible at graphic design, but I have a friend who loves to design stuff like this; I’ll see if he’s interested in drawing some things up. (Just so we’re clear, we’re talking about electroluminescence without an external power source, right?) > [@According to Pliny](#): > > or you can pick from thousands of existing designs I’ve found Cafe Press a little pricy before, but a current look shows messenger bags aren’t terribly expensive compared to the retail standard. That said, the yellow looks heinous IMO (I prefer dark colors in a messenger bag), and even among the most awesome designs nothing really looks “natural” superimposed on it. I’ll check out eBay and [amazon.com](http://amazon.com), as noted. ---
**Author:** ![Doctor\_Who](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ed8c4c/32.png) [@Doctor\_Who](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Doctor_Who)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2007, 7:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-to-find-a-cheap-messenger-bag-with-some-character/390040/9 "2007-01-31T07:39:19Z")
Not to rain on your parade - because I think there is a place for messenger bags, but for textbooks? Do you really want a curvy spine that badly? I’d go for something like [this Eddie Bauer backpack.](http://www.eddiebauer.com/eb/product.asp?product_id=31130&nv=5%7C21474%7C24451&lview=&cm_cg=C24451&tid=&c=&sc=&lp=v1i005) It’s their sport line, so, as they put it “[the] Back features a mesh suspension carry system that wears away from the body.” Most backpacks like this (sports bags, I mean) will have similar features because they’re designed to be worn in a high-sweat environment. Check your local sporting goods store or order online. ---
**Author:** ![Hostile\_Dialect](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/e495f1/32.png) [@Hostile\_Dialect](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hostile_Dialect)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2007, 8:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-to-find-a-cheap-messenger-bag-with-some-character/390040/10 "2007-01-31T08:14:04Z")
[QUOTE=Doctor Who] Not to rain on your parade - because I think there is a place for messenger bags, but for textbooks? Do you really want a curvy spine that badly? [/quote] I end up wearing my backpack hanging off of one shoulder anyway. > [@Doctor Who](#): > > I’d go for something like [this Eddie Bauer backpack.](http://www.eddiebauer.com/eb/product.asp?product_id=31130&nv=5%7C21474%7C24451&lview=&cm_cg=C24451&tid=&c=&sc=&lp=v1i005) It’s their sport line, so, as they put it “[the] Back features a mesh suspension carry system that wears away from the body.” Most backpacks like this (sports bags, I mean) will have similar features because they’re designed to be worn in a high-sweat environment. > > Check your local sporting goods store or order online. If this bag is any indication, sport bags are out of my price range. ---
**Author:** ![Sleel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/73ab20/32.png) [@Sleel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sleel)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2007, 8:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-to-find-a-cheap-messenger-bag-with-some-character/390040/11 "2007-01-31T08:25:56Z")
Not exactly cheap, but [Airbag Craftworks](http://www.airbagcraftworks.com/) offers unique bags made from a variety of materials. Selling points are individually made bags, high quality of construction, use of recycled materials, and uniqueness. ---
**Author:** ![pool](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pool/32/4152_2.png) [@pool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pool)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2007, 8:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-to-find-a-cheap-messenger-bag-with-some-character/390040/12 "2007-01-31T08:35:50Z")
If you want a purse just admit it. whoops err…I meant European travel bag of course. ---
**Author:** ![Surly\_Chick](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ec9cab/32.png) [@Surly\_Chick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Surly_Chick)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2007, 2:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-to-find-a-cheap-messenger-bag-with-some-character/390040/13 "2007-01-31T14:23:56Z")
Try [www.ebags.com](http://www.ebags.com). And they’re having a sale! ---
**Author:** ![miss\_elizabeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/838e76/32.png) [@miss\_elizabeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/miss_elizabeth)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2007, 5:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-to-find-a-cheap-messenger-bag-with-some-character/390040/14 "2007-01-31T17:12:45Z")
Oh!! You have to check [Etsy](http://www.etsy.com/) ! They have lots of messenger bags, with tons of character. I did a quick [search](http://www.etsy.com/search_results.php?search_type=tag_title&search_query=messenger%20bag) for you; a friend of mine bought one from the seller katrinakaye and loves his. ---
**Author:** ![LabRat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/898d66/32.png) [@LabRat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LabRat)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2007, 9:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-to-find-a-cheap-messenger-bag-with-some-character/390040/15 "2007-01-31T21:14:27Z")
Fetus, Yep. Runs on 2-4 AA batteries depending on how much wire the invertor is driving. LabRat ---
**Author:** ![Hostile\_Dialect](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/e495f1/32.png) [@Hostile\_Dialect](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hostile_Dialect)\ **Post date:** [February 1, 2007, 1:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-to-find-a-cheap-messenger-bag-with-some-character/390040/16 "2007-02-01T13:46:09Z")
[QUOTE=miss elizabeth] Oh!! You have to check [Etsy](http://www.etsy.com/) ! They have lots of messenger bags, with tons of character. I did a quick [search](http://www.etsy.com/search_results.php?search_type=tag_title&search_query=messenger%20bag) for you; a friend of mine bought one from the seller katrinakaye and loves his. [/QUOTE] :eek: Awesome! Thank you! A lot of these are out of my price range for right now, but there are some really kickass art pieces there. I’ll have to save up for one. ---
**Author:** ![miss\_elizabeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/838e76/32.png) [@miss\_elizabeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/miss_elizabeth)\ **Post date:** [February 1, 2007, 5:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-to-find-a-cheap-messenger-bag-with-some-character/390040/17 "2007-02-01T17:07:25Z")
[QUOTE=fetus] :eek: Awesome! Thank you! A lot of these are out of my price range for right now, but there are some really kickass art pieces there. I’ll have to save up for one. [/QUOTE] 🙂 Thank you! Glad to have helped.