Commuting - backpack recommendation

I am looking for a backpack for commuting. I'd like it to be

1. comfortable
2. waterproof
3. large
4. plain - not too many colors, straps, bungee cords, etc.
5. have a lot of compartments

any suggestions?

hm... i usually just get a nike dufflebag and keep a big garbage bag in the side pocket. when it rains, i just cover it up and bungee cord everything back to my rack. it always works.

Koffee

On the days that I ride a bike that doesn't have a rack I use a backpack from mec (www.mec.ca). It is the "spirit velo 25 daypack". Might meets some of your requirements.

I have a LL Bean backpack that I think is really designed for backpacking in the woods. It's a large bag that I can fit my clothes, lunch and laptop into. It also has side pockets where I put my tools, flashlight and eyeglass hardcase. The front has a chest strap and also a larger one that goes around my waist. The shoulder straps have daisy chains to which I've attached my keys, a cliphanger knife and an extenable baton. I clip my cell phone to the strap that goes across my chest. It also has a smaller compartment on the back that I put papers into. This also has a few daisy chains and to those I've attached my bike lock and a combination lock for the gym lockers.

I've had it forever and it's doing great. The only things that I've ever had to repair are the zippers. They have broken on me a few times over the years because I have loaded it with too much stuff. These same zippers also have a fabric lip that covers the zippers so that rain is less likely to get into the backpack through the zipper. I've also sprayed this backpack a few times with a water repellant.

Hope that helps.

Not to play devils advocate, or perhaps too..

But I see that a lot of people who commute carry way too much stuff.

If there's a place at work to store stuff, why load it up and carry it all.

I use an old camel bag back pack that holds fruit, keys, id, phone, and that's it.

On the ferry, I see some of the commuters with books, etc. Why? You can't read and ride!

The plastic bag idea is ideal!

I use a CamelBak RimRunner (http://www.camelbak.com/rec/cb_prod.cfm?catid=6&product_id=216).

I paid about 70 USD.

I also use those plastic grocery bags to keep things dry.

Dan

I have to agree with danfromdetroit, a camelback works well for me. I have found that the amount of junk carried is directly proportionate to the amount of space available. If you get a big pack you'll carry too much stuff and will have a sore back.

I would suggest a camelback and some panniers if you have more stuff you have to carry.

Dave

Originally posted by DanFromDetroit
I use a CamelBak RimRunner (http://www.camelbak.com/rec/cb_prod.cfm?catid=6&product_id=216).

Dan


Seconded.... bought one last month - exellent bag - not as roomy as my craghopper, but that was too big most of the time so this is perfect 99% of time.

And it holds 3L of juice....which I find more useful for fast walks than anything else! I sweat like a momma...

Perfect gym bag too. Waterproof enough for me....I'll use an internal carrierbag for sensitive stuff.