Commuting - Backpack/Courier Bag Recommendation

I normally commute with my touring bike, paniers and Computer bag, but I sometimes feel like going lite on my road bike with just a bag on my back. Any recommendations? I'd like something that doesn't get too hot on the back and can carry change of clothes and some papers.

You can get any old backpack from WalMart or some store along those lines. I absolutely can't stand the messenger bags- the one with the one strap that you hang across your shoulders. Those bags slide all over the place and you're constantly adjusting while trying to ride. The backpack will center the weight over your bike better, so they're better to use.

Koffee

ditto the negative comments on courier bags - tried one for a few months and almost drove me mad

I try to keep as much as possible at work and get it dry cleaned - that way I can use a small backpack

Great advice, thanks gentlemen. I am fairly new to commuting, and am noticing the same trend among commuters as is among frequent travellers. The more I travel the less I carry....

I commuted w/panniers for a few years and dropped them in favor of a messenger bag. For me, a MB gave me more flexibility. Unlike other psters here I have had zero problems with it slipping, etc., since it has a lateral strap and a clip, preventing side-to-side movement. I've been using a MB now for about 2 years.

I too, love the messenger bag. Get one with the chest strap--that keeps it from sliding around.

Dave

Which brand(s) of bags are you using?

I bought mine here---> http://www.sierratradingpost.com/xq/asp/dept_id.L2~313/dept_name_p.Outdoor+Gear/qx/prod_list_display.htm

I usually use a backpack because it is smaller and more stable than my messenger bag. The backpack is a Deuter Cross Air that I bought from the Terry website (www.terrybicycles.com). It has room for the stuff you mentioned, a hydration pack, and a great suspension system that keeps it away from your back. That way both the bag and your back are pretty dry by the end of the ride.

Feltup-

Did you get the Traffic Daypack by Clive? If so, that's a great lookin' bag... I will order that one if it's the one you're referring to.

Thanks

Koff

get a messenger bag. i have a chrome bag, metropolis i think, and it fits everything and its comfortable. it has a chest strap that you clip in before you start riding and can tighten it very easiy while riding. i usually ride no more then 10 miles with it on my back. but for what i use it for, i love it

Yep.

Yay! I'm putting an order in for that bag.... I was afraid you were gonna tell me you got the other yellow messenger bag. I wasn't feeling very excited about that bag- a bit ugly, in my opinion.

I'm taking your advice! I just got Feltup (Feltup's advice, that is! ;) )!

Koff

I ride with a Timbuk2 messenger bag that I like all right. I actually feel weird riding with a regular backpack and prefer messenger bags: Timbuk2 (http://www.timbuk2.com)

You can also look into Baileyworks, Chrome, and Reload Bags. The Reload bags are handmade in Philadelpha by two former messengers and the ones I've seen have been totally bombproof: Reload Bags (http://www.reloadbags.com)

I'm a big fan of the good ol' Zo bag. Mine's going on twelve years old now and still shows no sign of wearing out.
If I had to complain about it, I'd probably whine about it being big enough for me to put too much stuff into it, but that's hardly the bag's fault, is it?

Originally posted by Koffee Brown
I just got Feltup

Koff


:D

I purchased one of these recently, and am pleased with it.

http://www.pushtheenvelope.com/bags/styles.html

Yikes, Resident!

Those bags are so bright I almost blinded myself looking at it!

;)

I have used a Timbuk 2 bag for years. Had to retire the last one once Greg Lemond and Frischnect signed it. But I regularly carry more then 10/12 pounds in it, the new one that is.
The pushtheenvelope bags(Hand made by one lady in Canada) look good. So do Pac Design(Also Canadian) bags. I am hoping to get a Crumpler for my birthday, made in Australia, and they make killer camera bags

Dunno... pushtheenvelope bags may be big and roomy, but the colors....

On a sunny day, I'd probably blind the traffic passing them. It's not made for someone whose a little more concerned with looking... like they match? I can't find a polite way to describe the words.

I'm not up for looking like a bowl of Fruit Loops or Lucky Charms.

I got a cool Schwinn bag that looks all shiny and red. People still comment on how good that bag looks. And it's roomy as hell too.

i've been commuting with an arcteryx RT-25 for about a year now with zero problems.

it's an internal frame "climbing pack," but it does the job during NYC commutes. it has a built in lycra pouch that holds a hydration system with a cut-out to run the tube, and enough room for a big laptop sleeve + change of clothes.

it's the only backpack that i could find that was more weather resistant than average cordura, and the rolltop ensures that there is close to no leakage (i have to carry an expensive laptop with me everywhere =\).

lots of features built right in, like air channels to vent your back, top-load adjusting straps to stabilize for hikes (rides), and the standard extra high-quality that the arcteryx label has come to symbolize for me.

Arcteryx website (http://www.arcteryx.com) unfortunately, no direct link =(. click 'enter' -> 'packs' -> rolltop

-chris