DaKine Dispatch Bike Messenger Bag

Quality Dispatch
I have always been a fan of Dakine's products. All of my other backpacks and luggage are made by them. As I was perusing various outdoor blogs in search of a waterproof backpack for bicycle commuters I came across a rave review of the Dispatch. After a little bit more research I decided that this bag was the best bag for the price. I've had the bag for a little over a month now and here is what I've found. The bag is much wider than I had expected, but I appreciate that it spreads the load across my back rather than stacking it up; producing wind resistance and throwing off balance. The organizer system is well thought out and very useful, as is the deployable water bottle pocket. The most ingenious feature is the rolling U-lock pocket. No more carrying a lock on my bike. SWEET! The bag distributes weight very well. I can't tell a difference between light and heavy loads. The shoulder straps are comfortable and the sternum and waist belts secure everything nicely. I haven't yet gotten rained on, but I am sure that the PVC exterior will keep everything nice and dry. The only critique I would have is the lack of a dedicated laptop pocket in the main compartment. You will need a protective case for your machine. All in all, though, this is a fantastic bag.

Great Bag
I use this bag mainly for car camping. Also isn't a bad bag to pedal around town with. It isn't something I would use for long rides or hikes, but I did not buy it for that. It is great to haul stuff from car to house, coffee shop in the snow when you just need things to be safe for a brief period of time. Keep's things organized really good as well. All the zippers and buckles work well and are easy to use. Very low fumble-factor.