[Tracerboy]

i am looking to buy a backpack for commuting. must haves inc:

- laptop sleeve
- rain sleeve

niceties inc:

- mesh back ala deuter

I have looked at brenthaven, deuter, targus, camelback, tatonka, berghaus... but am having trouble. i thought this was perfect:

http://www.targus.com/hk/product_details.asp?sku=CRV301

... but apparentlly its only good for light walking as opposed to biking. my commute is 22 kms each way, twice a week.

 

[creationrebel]

Vaude

Check out Vaude. They're nice and functional.

CR

 

[applegreenheckler]

cannondale has a lot of cool stuff coming out in the spring. They are going to be the exclusive importer of the velopods line. Timbuk2 also has some packs coming out. I use the laptop messenger my self.

 

[jl]

If you are really thinking about commuting, I would look into some pannier and a rack and get the weight off your back...

 

[JM01]

i'll second the panniers

If you are really thinking about commuting, I would look into some pannier and a rack and get the weight off your back...

i have panniers on both commuters, the kind that clip off the rack and i can bring them into the office. This way i can carry a little pump, tools, 2 tubes, rain gear, work gloves for when a problem comes up and i need clean hands at work...etc....they're great for groceries and stuff that i buy up en route...tried a backpack a couple of times and the straps really are uncomfortable, especislly when wearing cold weather or rain gear

 

[slaw]

I use a Deuter Qasar. Very comfy, not too hot with the mesh back, has a rain cover (needed cause there doesn't seem to be any proofing on the nylon). No laptop sleeve, but I use a simple padded case. Because of the curved back on the pack the laptop fits in firmly and it's not easy to fit much else in.
So I also use panniers as well for my work clothes, lunch, rain jacket, locks, lights, tube, pump etc. Looks like I'm off touring. But I prefer having the laptop not in my panniers since my route sometimes involves some rough roads and curb jumps (by choice of course).

 

[johnnyb]

If you want style....

I have a metallic orange Triple Five Soul. Well made and looks great. It has a belt and chest strap but no rain cover. The rain cover is probably the most important part of a commuting pack next to fit and comfort.

The pack cost $40 and can fit a change of clothes, shoes, repair kit and a few small paperbacks. Also has a helmet strap on the outside. My other pack is a Ben Sherman its narrow but can hold a change of clothes and has pockets on the arm straps for cell and mp3 player. I use that in the summer.

 

[jabpn]

you...

can also buy a backpack waterproof cover seperately. Here's the link...

http://store.arkatents.com/xtraunpaccov.html

 

[J_S]

how about Ortleib?

Check out Vaude. They're nice and functional.

CR

I've used a large Vaude aeroflex pack for a couple of years. I carry about 10-15 pounds on a 15 mile roundtrip. It's comfortable, but, as mentioned, you give up usable space to get the pack off of your back. I also sweat through my clothing where the pack touches at the waist and shoulders, so I don't know how useful I consider the ventilation.

Carrying a laptop in addition to clothing is going to require a sizeable pack, but I also prefer not to weigh the bike down with panniers. Look at the large waterproof messenger backpacks by Ortleib.

 

[johnnyb]

I got mine at....

can also buy a backpack waterproof cover seperately. Here's the link...

http://store.arkatents.com/xtraunpaccov.html

Campmor catalog. They sell a daypack size for about $15. One thing I don't like is that it is a dark navy blue. Not good at night.

 

[supercorsa]

pearl izumi velocipack

been using one for the last 6 months or so since my beloved z-kreation blew out. quite comfortable, big enough for my winter commute gear, built in rain cover & laptop sleeve. good stuff...

 

[Tracerboy]

Thanks all, great suggestions.

I prefer to stay away from messenger bags for longers trips.

The Pearl stuff looks good but man they are pricey. I just wish Deuter made their Companion/Giga packs with mesh back...

... the hunt continues

 

[Eastcoaster]

What about ?..........

What about New Sun Gear? (Now Wingnut?) I've used one of their older bags, The Commuter, for years. Unsure of what the new equiv. to that bag is now.

 

[Tracerboy]

New Sun Gear website links me me to one of those generic search engine / site closed sites. Plus none of the google searches lead to anything. Is the co. still alive?

 

[Knuckles]

If you can find a Ferrino Zephyr TX - it's the best pack I've ever used for commuting. Has the suspension to keep it off your back and the straps are mesh - very airy and the load is nice and even with a laptop and change of clothes.
Has a pull out rainfly that keeps stuff dry except in heavy rain.

 

[2melow]

I'll second the Ortlieb. I've tried panniers several times on multiple bikes and I could never get use to them.

I bought an Ortlieb "Pro (I think)" backpack style messenger bag 4 or 5 years ago and it has been awesome. I has gone to work with me an average of 4 days a week, grocery runs, 2 boxes of letterhead plus envelopes, etc and is still going strong. There are some nice accessories you can get like a padded laptop protector, small pocket, cell holder, and extended velcro strap for the big loads. It's top-loading so you can really cram it in there.

I have owned Timbuk2, Chrome, Pearl Izumi, and Crumpler "messenger bags" - and Panniers from Vaude and Lone Peak. The Ortlieb top loader backpack is the best by far and hold the most gear.
https://www.ortliebusa.com/cartgenie/prodInfo.asp?pid=53&cid=2 - Bag
https://www.chromebags.com/insert.html - Chrome does make a nice laptop sleeve...can be used in any bag

 

[Tracerboy]

I'll second the Ortlieb. I've tried panniers several times on multiple bikes and I could never get use to them.

I bought an Ortlieb "Pro (I think)" backpack style messenger bag 4 or 5 years ago and it has been awesome. I has gone to work with me an average of 4 days a week, grocery runs, 2 boxes of letterhead plus envelopes, etc and is still going strong. There are some nice accessories you can get like a padded laptop protector, small pocket, cell holder, and extended velcro strap for the big loads. It's top-loading so you can really cram it in there.

I have owned Timbuk2, Chrome, Pearl Izumi, and Crumpler "messenger bags" - and Panniers from Vaude and Lone Peak. The Ortlieb top loader backpack is the best by far and hold the most gear.
https://www.ortliebusa.com/cartgenie/prodInfo.asp?pid=53&cid=2 - Bag
https://www.chromebags.com/insert.html - Chrome does make a nice laptop sleeve...can be used in any bag

The Ortliebs look good. How are they for shoulder pain, back sweat and can they hold a laptop?

 

[Eastcoaster]

Just saw an ad in Dirt Rag....

New Sun Gear website links me me to one of those generic search engine / site closed sites. Plus none of the google searches lead to anything. Is the co. still alive?

Sorry about not posting a link previously. Try www.wingnutgear.com
Their thought is that a backpack style pack shouldn't have the majority of the weight settled up around your neck/shoulders while in the riding position. I can vouch for the design. I regularly put a couple half gallons of milk plus multiple bottles of liquid baby formula in mine. That, plus a couple of other plastic grocery bags tied to the outside of the pack onto the bag's lift handle. The weight is then centered in the imaginary vert. plane of your seat, hips, lower back. Makes sense.

 

[Tracerboy]

Ok... Have narrowed my choices to:

Ortlieb Velocity - smaller than the Messenger bag but same design. 20l.
http://www.ortlieb.com/_prod.php?lang=en&produkt=velocity

Chrome Backbone or Ranchero 15-24l.
http://www.chromebags.com/messengerpacks.html

Any opinions? As stated above this bag is for a thrice weekly commute of 25+km each way in often damp conditions. Needs to hold a laptop and change of clothes. Comfort is important.

The one thing I like about the Ortlieb is it has a chest strap.

Thanks all.

 

[Eastcoaster]

Check out the new review in the Stuff sect. of DR...

Brad does a review of a huge messenger style bag from PAC Designs. The Ultimate. Sternum strap to prevent shifting. Sort of, in an "X" design across your chest. Check out the issue #118 of Dirt Rag.