Commuting - Which backpack?

What backpack do you use for commuting? I am thinking about the golite 24.

http://www.baileyworks.com/

forget the backpack.

I knew someone would say that, but didn't know how soon. : )

i use a columbia backpack... nothing special about it either. of course, i'm carrying books(accounting) in it so it's alittle heavy.

side note: i just bought a rear rack so i'm going to start putting the backpack on it.

if you're set on a backpack.. i think anything with chest strap and a waist strap will work fine. then again, these two features aren't really needed.

what distance is your commute?

I went to Walmart, and picked up a lightweight backpack in the camping section, $18. The back is padded, the straps padded, and has a strap across the chest that clips together to keep it snug to your body. It is a medium to small size, and has more than enough room for everything. I also wear it when I go skiing. I really like mine, even though I went to a trunk bag now.

http://www.baileyworks.com/

forget the backpack.

the mark of a fool! O_O

I have been partial to a Marmot Blueridge that I got from REI when I am doing a longer commute of around 18 miles. It sits well on my shoulders and the waist belt fits well when I am in the drops. Got it at REI.

http://www.northernmountain.com/detail/PA10529

Anything but a backpack. http://www.wallbike.com/cbikes/hsufriday.jpg

Hope these images turn out. They're just some of many other options.

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/harris/bags/originals.htm

http://www.fixedgeargallery.com/2005/june/vzep6eai_verizon.htm#image_2

Hi folks,
My first post. I too am looking for something to carry "stuff" in. I just got a new bike so I am relearning how to ride at 52. Commuting to work, aerobic exercise (easier on the organs than running), etc. The bike is a Fisher X-Caliber. I have a small rack on the back (detachable bag included) for bike tools & parts but I wanted something for my lunch bucket and contents of my briefcase that I am going to dump shortly.

http://www.maxpedition.com/product/product_gs_monsoon.htm

on edit: http://www.maxpedition.com/product/product_vp_jumbo_s.htm

The maxpeditions or a camelbak of some type will do. I own neither at the moment. I am not associated with either company.

I like the forums here and I am learning a lot. Thanks everyone. :)

ms

(yes I am)

I use a Camelbak Ares with the bladder removed (about $50 at the usual online discounters) - it holds my laptop + a few papers, change of clothes, raingear, arm/leg warmers, lock & tools/tubes (but not much room left over).

Other backpacks may have similar features so you may want to look around, but what I like is that it has a very slight flexible internal frame & ventilated stand-offs which help keep you fairly cool. The internal frame is nice - I never have anything poking through & never worry about "torquing" my laptop. It has a beltline strap which keeps it tight to the body.

Opinion time... I have plenty of experience with panniers & some with messenger bags & I way prefer the backpack for my commute. I ride hard enough that I get sweaty no matter how I carry my stuff - I change clothes at work so I don't mind a few sweat spots on my back. I like the stand-offs & the better shoulder support vs the messenger bag. A messenger bag has some advantage if you are loading/unloading frequently but will also leave (usually large) sweaty spots. Good backpacks & messenger bags feel like part of your body so they don't significantly impact your bike handling.

Panniers are good if you have back pain issues or are carrying large loads or for extended rides (ie - weight x time = sore back). My commute is only 40 minutes each way & I don't like having my bike handle like a dump truck. If you are commuting in your work clothes & ride slow (not sweaty) then panniers might also be the way to go.

I got a Polo Sport backpack from Costco for about $15.00. It even has a pocket that I can fit my tennis racquet into (the handle sticks out). All in all, a very nice pack.

(yes I am)

What do you shoot them with?

Wheels4, my commute is 3 miles one way.

I have a Kelty Basalt pack, and it's just about perfect IMO. It's water resistant and has a wishlist of great features: comfy straps, a breathable padded back, side mesh pockets for water bottles or whatever, and extraordinary organization of the pockets, including one at the top (intended as an i-pod pocket) that you can easily get into by reaching behind your neck.

http://www.kelty.com/Kelty/index.cfm?fuseaction=Packs.ShowProduct&type=Pack&ID=213

However winter is coming and great as this backpack is, it's too small to hold the added gear and clothing changes I'll need to take with me to work. My ortliebs are supposed to arrive this wednesday :D

I don't use back pack often when I'm riding bicycle, but maybe once a week. I use JanSport I bought at Costco for $10.- made mostly for students.

I have three back packs in total and they all work good. One thing I want in back pack while riding a bike is more air flow between the pack and my back. There should be a back pack specific to bicycle riding that has ridges in the front instead of just one panel of pad covers the whole front part to make it more breathable.

I have a camelback blowfish which I picked up nos at a yard sale for 20.00. I guess the reason I'm saying this is if I didn't run across the blowfish I'd still be using my standard daypack/backpack. Is there a difference between the two? Well yeah but not as much as I thought there would be. The camelback is well made and has raised pads on the back to create an air layer between you and the pack. It is cooler but I still sweat. The shoulder straps on the other hand are really well though out, nice weight distribution and the chest and waist straps snug everything up. I'm still looking for that illusive well ventilated pack, though.

bikelite... with a 3mile commute, any backpack should do just fine.

if my commute was 3 miles one way, i'd buy the cheapest backpack i could find... well, actually.. i did and my commute is 22.5miles one way. lol but, anyways.

good luck!

go with a chrome

No no no... I'm the Mormon (Latter-day Saint) and I'm the sniper! ;)

Another hobby (I built an AR15 that is kinda accurate) I was able to shoot and hit a clay bird at about 200 yards (NOT handloads-Lake City Ammo) standing (2 shots), then I hit a container of tannerite (1 shot) at the same distance. Match wilson barrel (air gauged 1:8 twist), Match trigger (2 stage) etct. Someone asked me if I worked for the police department. I said no. They thought I should. I retired from the Army some 12 years ago. I have to wear contacts and glasses now, but I can still shoot relatively well.

I also enjoy weight lifting, golf, running, saltwater aquaria, electronics, ham radio, reloading, & fixing things. I repair medical equipment now - I am a G-man (work for the Veterans Affairs Medical Health System). And of course, the Church. Married, three stepsons & two biological offspring, one of whom is on her way back to Iraq for her second tour, this time in the US Army (first tour was with the Navy).

Wow, too much information.

Blessings to all,
ms

For follow up I ended up with the Dana Design Kompressor for my pack. It was on sale at www.northernmountain.com. The site below has good pics.

http://www.backcountry-equipment.com/danadesign-kompressor.php

I have used backpacks in the past, they just always ended up bothering me. Always felt like I was carrying to much. I had always avoided messenger bags, but finally tried one out back in July. I love my Timbuk 2 messenger bag, I just wish I had not waited so long to try out. I don't need to carry much, just a small laptop, wallet, and cell phone. The bags are great for that, if you have to carry a lot more though..... Hope this is some kind of help

Arkel Bug. The best of both worlds.

http://www.arkel-od.com/panniers/backpack/overview.asp?fl=1&site=

No no no... I'm the Mormon (Latter-day Saint) and I'm the sniper! ;)

Another hobby (I built an AR15 that is kinda accurate) I was able to shoot and hit a clay bird at about 200 yards (NOT handloads-Lake City Ammo) standing (2 shots), then I hit a container of tannerite (1 shot) at the same distance. Match wilson barrel (air gauged 1:8 twist), Match trigger (2 stage) etct. Someone asked me if I worked for the police department. I said no. They thought I should. I retired from the Army some 12 years ago. I have to wear contacts and glasses now, but I can still shoot relatively well.

I also enjoy weight lifting, golf, running, saltwater aquaria, electronics, ham radio, reloading, & fixing things. I repair medical equipment now - I am a G-man (work for the Veterans Affairs Medical Health System). And of course, the Church. Married, three stepsons & two biological offspring, one of whom is on her way back to Iraq for her second tour, this time in the US Army (first tour was with the Navy).

Wow, too much information
Blessings to all,
ms
err , was that Pidgeon in flight?? :D
Now that would be an amazing shot in even the prone position let alone offhand :eek:
The disgruntled sniper.....
If it moves KILL it & if it doesn't kill it anyways :eek:
:rolleyes: :) :D :roflmao:

I have a camelback blowfish which I picked up nos at a yard sale for 20.00. I guess the reason I'm saying this is if I didn't run across the blowfish I'd still be using my standard daypack/backpack. Is there a difference between the two? Well yeah but not as much as I thought there would be. The camelback is well made and has raised pads on the back to create an air layer between you and the pack. It is cooler but I still sweat. The shoulder straps on the other hand are really well though out, nice weight distribution and the chest and waist straps snug everything up. I'm still looking for that illusive well ventilated pack, though.
I use a Blowfish also & like it much.. $20 is a great deal. I am especially fond of the way the pack can be opened & closed for the extra room & the water valve along with the big opening for cleaning purposes of the bladder.

Don't use a backpack. Use panniers instead.

Don't use a backpack. Use panniers instead.

Don't... HOWEVER :D,

should you choose to use a backpack, make sure it has compression straps in addition to zipper. A full pack will put a lot of stress on the zipper, breaking it quickly if there are no straps.

Ask me how I know... I also know that the "lifetime guarantee" in Eastpak backpacks does NOT cover moving parts, such as zippers. Duh. I don't know what it covers, then. Maybe they guarantee their fabric will not suddenly dematerialize or something. :rolleyes:

--J

Swiss Army daypack. $7.00 at Ross Dress for Less.

Arkel Bug. The best of both worlds.

http://www.arkel-od.com/panniers/backpack/overview.asp?fl=1&site=


+1


Been a great investment here too...

I am surprised on the capacity space in the "BUG"

http://www.maxpedition.com/product/product_vp_jumbo_s.htm

You're packing heat to work? That bag looks like its meant to wrap around your hips. I don't think this would be comfortable for biking, especially if you're relearning to bike. The bag is going to be in the way of your main engines -- your legs. If that's all you have to carry, and if you're relearning, maybe a grocery pannier on a rack would be the ticket. Then you can use any bag you already have until you're comfortable again with biking.

I have a large Ortleib, which true to its name is waterproof. It's freakin' huge and with the roll top it can be a little hard to see around when head checking, which is annoying. It's also a tall bag that likes to be worn high, which can be irritating when you're say... in the drops and flying down a hill and want to see where you're going. It's great when it's dumping rain and/or I have to carry a lot of stuff though. If you don't have that much to carry, the smaller version would be great, and would not have either of the annoying problems of the larger. They are comfortable (this would be hard to tell by looking at em'), light, and built like tanks.

I don't really care about having lots of little tiny compartments to hold things.
If you do, this might not be the bag for you. I just keep my tools, tubes, and patch kit right in the same seat bag I use for road rides, once I throw my mini pump in there I'm good to go. The rest is just clothes and stuff anyway.

I use a messenger bag most days because it's easier to see around, I don't bump my head on it, and (yes) it looks a little cooler.


Here is why I am not a pannier fan for commuting:

I am tall and like a little smaller frame (heel strike).
I also don't like what loaded panniers do to the handling.
I don't like carrying them when off the bike.
I like to be able to commute on a faster bike (one sans rack) when it's nice out.
Good ones are expensive, especially when you factor in a quality rack.
I usually don't have that much stuff to carry on my commute, and when I do have lots of stuff to carry it's often bigger than what will fit in a typical pannier.
I find panniers a lil' on the ugly side.

Deuter, only rest on your back in 3 small areas. All shapes and sizes. Made for bicyclist

I just got an Arkel Tailrider for Christmas. It's a rack trunk that is perfect for my commute (I drive my clothes in 1x per week).

http://www.arkel-od.com/panniers/tailrider/overview.asp?fl=1&site=

i'm using a jansport day pack right now; i've used messenger bags and love 'em, but the backpack seems easier with carrying my books (skool).

I personally don't like biking with a lot of weight on my back. I bungi strap my fully loaded back pack to my rear blackburn rack. No problem.

Deuter, only rest on your back in 3 small areas. All shapes and sizes. Made for bicyclist

What he said. I love my Deuter Superbike L. Minimal contact area, but with good weight distribution. Well designed with lots of thoughtful features.

Apparently I haven't posted in this thread. My backpack (https://www.wingnutgear.com/product_details.cfm?id=112) is amazing and you'd have to hold a gun to my head to take it away from me! (figuratively, of course)

I just use front pannier bags...

I recently purchased an Ortlieb waterproof messenger backpack, but have worn it on a bike just once so far, so I can't give an evaluation. But I do have two thoughts.

Because of the cost of a high-end carrying appliance, I could afford only one, so I went with something that maximized my own personal top-priority feature, waterproofness. I sacrificed the cool image and easier access of a messenger bag for it. It seems like there is no perfect solution, only one that is the best set of trade-offs for one's personal needs.

If you get a backpack, and are caught in the rain, it helps if the backpack has either a flap over the whole thing (like a messenger bag) or at least those little flaps over the zippers. Without those, water will leak in through zippers.

I personally don't like biking with a lot of weight on my back. I bungi strap my fully loaded back pack to my rear blackburn rack. No problem.
The weight and sweaty back are a drag. When I started commuting two years ago my temorary fix was an old schwin rack (with the spring clip) holding my soft side computer/briefcase. Two years and several commutes later I haven't found any reason to change.

Bent

The weight and sweaty back are a drag. When I started commuting two years ago my temorary fix was an old schwin rack (with the spring clip) holding my soft side computer/briefcase. Two years and several commutes later I haven't found any reason to change.

Bent


oops! several hundred commutes later