Commuting - Performance backpack

I bought a Performance backpack designed for commuting back in the early 1990s. It has three pockets (outer mesh, small, large) plus pockets on the side perfect for shoes or a bottle. It also has a built in rainfly that zips into the bottom of the bag. The whole thing pulls down tight thanks to side compression straps.

I love this bag, but after 10 years of heavy use (running and riding), the inner waterproofing has disintegrated and now the contents get damp from sweat and rain. Performance does not have anything like this that I have seen.

Does anyone know where I can find a comparable replacement?

Thanks.

Lowe Alpine do a good range of tough, well made packs - they're not necessairily bike specific but I know a couple of local MTB'r's who use their packs for day rides. Look at the larger hydration packs as well.

I will second Richard D, Lowe Alpine makes great packs, some come with a rainfly and pocket for it, and same are designed to have a low profile between your shoulders, unlike my North Face, so you will not hit your head on it when riding (if you have that problem), but I think any company that makes daypacks could also be considered

I use a CamelBaK Rimrunner. I gave up on rainflys a very long time ago. I use those plastic bags from the grocery store to clothes and other items dry. Roll the clothes, insert in the bag, wrap the bag around the bundle, place the bundle in the pack. You can then blast the pack with a 4" firehose and everything stays dry.

Dan

might consider researching www.jandd.com

i just started using jandd, so i don't know how they hold up in the long term, but i've heard very good things. i haven't looked too closely at their packs cause i don't need one, but they seem to have a lot.. they also have a closeouts/cosmetic seconds area and you might be able to save yourself a lot of money by getting a pack that is part of a line that they are phasing out for next season.. or one that uses different dye lots... so a couple panels are slightly different shades.. (i paid 160$ for a pair of 240$ panniers cause of dye lots being slightly different.)

and http://www.gregory-backpacks-online.com/gregory-backpack.html

there are probably some other good gregory links out there.

as for gregory.. i've been using my mountaineering pack for anything you can imagine since '97.. (hauling 80lbs of water.. 100 lbs of wire and tools..) i used this pack every day with at least 40-50 lbs in it for 5 years.. usually heavier weights.. i had 1 problem, with the zipper in the floater top. they promptly fixed it for free. (this was after 5 years)

i believe that gregory makes day and 2-day packs also.

kim

Anyone familiar with Deuter bags? I like the looks of the SuperBike L.

Thanks.

I've heard of Deuter bags but have not seen or used them.

I had a Lowe Alpine Contour Runner 30 that I used to commute before I got a rack and it was nice, well made, had enough compression straps to keep things tight. It was sweaty in the heat but all backpacks are, no matter what they claim to be made out of. Overall a nice commuter bag. I've used it when snowshoeing and X-C skiing too. However, if you're looking for compartments, it's just one big bag.,

Jay

i would recommend looking into messenger bags. i just recently got a timbuk2 and i LOVE the thing more than words can say. there are plenty of companies out there that make them. timbuk2, chrome, reload, etc.. but if you really want a backpack, i have loved my lowe alpine bags that i have used for backpacking and regular duties.

http://64.191.20.129/showthread.php?t=31004&highlight=messenger+bag is a thread that talks about different messenger bags

Stinky,

I have two Timbuk2 bags, and love them. Sometimes, however, I need the closer fit of a backpack. It's kind of like getting a big hug.

makoa,
i hear ya. my backpack was shoot from dragging it around at school all day and i like having a timbuk2 now because my back doesn't get gross from a backpack and its far easier for me to ride to and from school with a messenger bag now. but to each his own. sometimes i do like the closer fit though.

You might check out the packs at Aerostich. They sell gear for motorcycle commuters and long distance riders but some the packs would work good on a bicycle. There designed for riders and some have reflective tape on the back too. They sell a lot of other cool stuff as well.

Look under bags to wear and then go in a few pages. Here's a link:

http://www.aerostich.com/riderwearhouse.store

NTex96,

Thanks. The Cross Air pack they have on the second page is by Deuter. They seem to make some really functional packs. I'm adding one to my Christmas list.