If you’re comfortable with a messenger bag at home, chances are you will be in Europe too. I’d take the messenger bag if I were you. Personally I don’t like them because I find it uncomfortable to carry so much weight on one shoulder, but clearly that’s not an issue for you, so go for it.

As stated if it works for you then use it.

If your not sure test it out before you leave walk around your naborhood with the items or equivalent weight.

The backpack I had hurt my shoulders and neck – I wouldn’t have hated to find that out when I couldn’t do anything about it.

I found a covertible bag that has a single strap to wear like a messanger and backpack straps too. Depending on the load I wear it accordingly.

i have a huge bum bag now…it can be worn over the shoulder too but i like my hands free and its where ill keep my passport etc when sleeping on the plane..
i had a smaller one and that was great but i also had my passport holder which was very conspicuous and hot on my skin
so my bum bag and i will part the crowds of croatia this spring and start a new fashion amongst those wafer thin croat girls

it has three compartments! and a really comfortable hip belt…i can fit most of my handbag contents into it..and that says a lot… and i wont have an aching shoulder

yes i will look like a tourist and may be a target but this thing is a weapon all on its own

I would say whichever is more comfortable to you…don’t worry about being dorky…you are backpacking! My friend had the eagle creek pack with the removable daypack. Even though you can leave it on the back, she usually carried it on the front to balance the load and take some pressure off her back, but yes it did look dorky…