Commuting - Need backpack for commuting - but wait

I have a road bike that I ride pretty frequently. It has no provisions for saddlebags or the like. I want to start commuting on it, but I'll need to carry my 15" Lenovo laptop plus my work clothes (pants, shirt, shoes, belt, etc.). I don't need a messenger bag because I don't need quick access to my stuff. I need a comfortable secure backpack to hold my stuff. I've commuted twice using random backpacks I had at home, and those didn't work with the laptop and shoes and clothes (which have to come out fairly unwrinkled).

The "but wait" option is that sometimes I take rides to pretty places, and I was thinking that the bag should be able to do double-duty for weekend rides, when I'd could carry my DSLR camera gear. Today I just take my P&S, but that limits the photo quality.

What I've found so far is something like the Lowepro Fastpack 350. Holds laptop plus camera gear, has space above the camera partitions for stuff, plus could remove the partitions and put my clothes there when commuting. I know there are lots of bag manufacturers - what else should I be looking at? I believe I need a secondary strap that connects the two main straps for security on the bike - and a waist strap is a necessity as well. Anything else? I'll be riding in summer, not too far (about 10 miles each way), so comfort is a factor - but not long term comfort.

Thanks in advance.

I can't add to this topic, but I'm interested in following it. Everyone that I have been talking to on this forum has been pointing me in the direction of removable panniers on a rear rack as the way to go. Let's see what answers we'll get.

ogio makes some really nice laptop backpacks.

I have an ogio politan (it's discontinued), something like this would be similar http://www.ebags.com/ogio/metro/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=88452

has a padded laptop compartment, has one large compartment for books, binders or whatever. another compartment fits smaller stuff + laptop accessories. tons of others little pockets, very well made and designed.

A good breathable shirt would be good too so your back doesn't get all sweaty.

It sounds to me a generalized backpack is what you'd be looking for if you want it to be multi-purpose like that. The bag that comes to mind right now is the Kelty Redwing. Not very expensive, good day-pack that tends to be fairly comfortable (don't have one but I know someone who does). Then I'd get special protection for whatever you will jam inside it. A small laptop case should help prevent scratches. A small SLR setup can be protected with a case for the camera & normal lens, plus individual lens cases if needed.

As for clothes try rolling them. I've taken that advice from other threads here, and it works well enough for me.

See if you can get your hands on a Axiom Warhog bag... Distributed by Norco. I have one and love it, it comes with the hydration bladder but I just don't use it, you can use that space for the laptop. They discontinued the bag about 1-2 years ago, but some dealers may still have one... I highly recommend it. But good luck finding one. Cheers-

I have a North Face back pack, I think Atmos 25 or something, that is pretty decent. I have gone to a rack and folding basket to carry it off my shoulder, but it wasn't bad for the rides I have worn it. You would probably need a padded sleeve for the lap top The straps are padded, waist belt and a sternum belt as well. Deep water bottle pockets on each side, 3 compartments; reflective piping/tape/fabric in spots and a nice bright yellow rain cover the unzips out from the bottom. Also holds the helmet.

crumpler makes camera bag inserts for their bags. you may want to look there and see if they have a backpack you like (if you can figure out their god-awful website).

>It has no provisions for saddlebags or the like.

You can probably make it work. I jerry rigged a rack to my gf's mtb (no seatstay mounting points, but threaded holes above the dropouts) using coathanger wire and it sort of worked. I took the bike into the LBS for a service and they were like "uh, did you want us to mount some brackets so you can put the rack on properly?"

I'd hate to be riding anywhere with a laptop and other crap on my back. Seems to work for you though.

Steve

I use a Swiss Gear laptop backpack. It's a pretty handy bag in general -- besides the laptop compartment, it's got one large and two smaller compartments, an Ipod pocket, cell phone pocket, water bottle pouch...all kinda stuff. Screw panniers.

Go to an army navy store and get a sea bag. Iit fits on your back and will EASILY carry all that you will need to balance the load as the laptop will shift weight put that on the bottom.

I stopped by the a couple stores on the way home and bought this (http://goincase.com/products/detail/nylon-backpack-cl55027/3)backpack :

http://goincase.com/products/images/CL55027/detail/nyln_bckpck_blk1.jpg
http://goincase.com/products/images/CL55027/detail/nyln_bckpck_blk2.jpg
http://goincase.com/products/images/CL55027/detail/nyln_bckpck_blk3.jpg

It's not camera specific, so I'll have to figure something out there (Probably get some padded inserts or a camera bag that fits into this bag), but that was a side purpose, not the main. I like that the outside is clean - no hanging straps or open mesh pockets, etc. Important to me are the waist strap and the shoulder strap tie strap - the pack should be secure on my back. It has ventilated padding - we'll see how well that works.

I almost got the Lowepro Computrekker AW, but it was too small. The Computrekker Plus is probably big enough to carry what I need to carry (shoes are the big factor), but it might also be too big for cycling. It's also twice the price of the Incase.

crumpler makes camera bag inserts for their bags. you may want to look there and see if they have a backpack you like (if you can figure out their god-awful website).

+1 on crumpler.. I've not used one, but I do remember their site shows photo examples of various products stuffed with laptops and camera gear.

I rode into work today. My Garmin was on the fritz and I couldn't remember the reset key sequence, so I don't know the eact mileage, but it was about 15 miles. Overall, quite good experience. With the laptop against your back, the cushions on the pack are really imporant. The Incase ones are pretty good, but couldn't hide that I had a hard flat thing on my back. Bags that keep the laptop away from your back might be more comfortable, but seem to have other storage compartment shape compomises.

The waist plus chest strap on the Incase made the pack nicely secure on my back - I never had a slip nor worried about one, yet the pack wasn't too tight on me. The loaded pack weighed almost 15 pounds, but balance wasn't bad. My neck/shoulder is a little stiff right now, but then this was my first ride with the pack. At lights I would stop and straighten up and the weight was then supported by my hips, which was a nice respite.

While I like that the pack is smooth outside, I do wish it had a place that I could attach a blinky. I've got one on my bike, but it'd be good to have a second on the pack itself.

I rode into work today. My Garmin was on the fritz and I couldn't remember the reset key sequence, so I don't know the eact mileage, but it was about 15 miles. Overall, quite good experience. With the laptop against your back, the cushions on the pack are really imporant. The Incase ones are pretty good, but couldn't hide that I had a hard flat thing on my back. Bags that keep the laptop away from your back might be more comfortable, but seem to have other storage compartment shape compomises.

Ya shoulda got the Swiss Gear...


The waist plus chest strap on the Incase made the pack nicely secure on my back - I never had a slip nor worried about one, yet the pack wasn't too tight on me. The loaded pack weighed almost 15 pounds, but balance wasn't bad. My neck/shoulder is a little stiff right now, but then this was my first ride with the pack. At lights I would stop and straighten up and the weight was then supported by my hips, which was a nice respite.

I never use the waist strap. You get bent over, your back curves, don't work so well.


While I like that the pack is smooth outside, I do wish it had a place that I could attach a blinky. I've got one on my bike, but it'd be good to have a second on the pack itself.

Ya shoulda got the Swiss Gear...

While I like that the pack is smooth outside, I do wish it had a place that I could attach a blinky. I've got one on my bike, but it'd be good to have a second on the pack itself.

I've never seen a blinkie attached to a blinkie loop on a back bag that pointed in a practical or stable direction. Rear lights should be aimed so the are 4-5' off the ground ~100ft. back. This means level if they are mounted high and a very slight tilt upward if mounted low.

Some blinkies can be attached to the rear of a some helmets (several types of Giro for example) head retention strap and point much closer to the correct direction.

Al

Ya shoulda got the Swiss Gear...

Well, that recommendation does me no good. Wegner (aka SwissGear) makes a lot of backpacks. I do like having a waist strap, though, so maybe it's good I didna gota Swiss Gear.

Crumpler makes a nice bag that's designed to accommodate both a laptop and an SLR, plus some extra stuff. I've owned several Crumpler bags, and have NEVER seen anything as well-made as their bags are.

This particular bag is called the "Sinking Barge." The crumpler site is offline right now it looks like, but www.bagyou.com (http://www.bagyou.com) has a lot of pictures of the various Crumplers. Note, this bag does also have a waist strap since you like having one.
http://crumpler.bagyou.com/images/gallery/251/open%20brown

^^^^^^^^^ That is a cool looking bag. I may have to look into that if I ever go around with a laptop a lot.

IMO, for bike riding, this is the best pack (http://www.wingnutgear.com/product_details.cfm?product_id=112). I've used one for three years. I don't think it'd be all that suitable for the OP's purposes, though, as 1) a laptop sleeve would be needed and 2) I don't know that a laptop + sleeve + shoes + clothes would make for unwrinkled clothes. My camera bag should fit in there, though (haven't tried).

Remember that ten miles out is ten miles back. I would suggest taking a 20-mile bike ride wearing a backpack loaded with anything, just to find out if you can go that far without any discomfort.

I commute eight miles max each way with a backpack with no problem. Once I tried a 30-mile ride and thought I would take the backpack with some stuff in it. At the half-way point I was in significant pain. A strap adjustment bought me a few more miles, but not enough to finish the trip without a sore lower back.

Well, that recommendation does me no good. Wegner (aka SwissGear) makes a lot of backpacks. I do like having a waist strap, though, so maybe it's good I didna gota Swiss Gear.

It might have done you some good if you'd used it. Like, you could have looked at their several models and decided which one was right for you -- we're not all cut from the same cookie cutter. But whatever, no bag is going to fit your ideal, or my ideal, or anyone's ideal. You got a waist strap but you didn't get a lash tab -- tradeoffs.

You got a waist strap but you didn't get a lash tab -- tradeoffs.

Actually, that one is a win-win for me. Lash straps are just something else to flap around while riding.

I have this bag and I highly recommend it. If it can fit my 17" MBP, it'll fit your Lenovo.

That being said, i'd recommend a pannier. The Arkel Commuter bag will hold your laptop and camera. I used to do the backpack but I much prefer the pannier route instead.



I stopped by the a couple stores on the way home and bought this (http://goincase.com/products/detail/nylon-backpack-cl55027/3)backpack :

http://goincase.com/products/images/CL55027/detail/nyln_bckpck_blk1.jpg
http://goincase.com/products/images/CL55027/detail/nyln_bckpck_blk2.jpg
http://goincase.com/products/images/CL55027/detail/nyln_bckpck_blk3.jpg

It's not camera specific, so I'll have to figure something out there (Probably get some padded inserts or a camera bag that fits into this bag), but that was a side purpose, not the main. I like that the outside is clean - no hanging straps or open mesh pockets, etc. Important to me are the waist strap and the shoulder strap tie strap - the pack should be secure on my back. It has ventilated padding - we'll see how well that works.

I almost got the Lowepro Computrekker AW, but it was too small. The Computrekker Plus is probably big enough to carry what I need to carry (shoes are the big factor), but it might also be too big for cycling. It's also twice the price of the Incase.

Actually, that one is a win-win for me. Lash straps are just something else to flap around while riding.

This (http://www.jandd.com/detail.asp?PRODUCT_ID=RG-LT) is a lash tab. As you can see, it will not "flap around" while you are riding.

you've already bought it (same day as asking for help? someone's impatient ;)) but I ride with this Pearl Izumi pack, m'thinks it'da get yer job done. Has a separate laptop sleeve, good compartments etc.

http://aebike.com/page.cfm?action=details&PageID=30&SKU=BG2401

http://aebike.com/images/library/catalogs/soc/p350X350m/BG2401.jpg

you've already bought it (same day as asking for help? someone's impatient ;)) but I ride with this Pearl Izumi pack, m'thinks it'da get yer job done. Has a separate laptop sleeve, good compartments etc.

http://aebike.com/page.cfm?action=details&PageID=30&SKU=BG2401

http://aebike.com/images/library/catalogs/soc/p350X350m/BG2401.jpg

I've seen that pack in action. Looks good. I especially like the hanging reflectors!

I wear a "waterproof" department store bag. It carried my books in college, and it's carrying my lunch/clothes to and from work.

The unfortunate part is that you get a lot of back sweat. I'd hate to wear it on recreational rides. I cram into a saddle bag.

I may put a rack and panniers on my commuter someday, but I kind of think carrying those up and down stairs would be worse than sweating with the backpack!

While your looking check out www.chromebags.com (http://www.chromebags.com) I have their SOMA bag. It's probably not as big as you would like but the quality is amazing. Anyway they make back packs that in a variety of sizes, and judging by the quality of my small bag, you can't go wrong.

I don't like to use bags that aren't weatherproof when I'm commuting. You never know when you might be caught in a downpour. Keeping things such as laptops and cameras dry is pretty important. The bag I use regularly is the Ortlieb Flight 27. It wouldn't be big enough for a 15" notebook though because of the way it's shaped. Ortlieb makes a messenger bag that would take that though. I love the bag, but I need something bigger, so I recently ordered a Freight Baggage backpack.

Deuter makes very nice backpacks from what I hear, and many of them come with rain covers. They have a model that is built to accommodate a laptop too. Chrome has a number of backpacks as well as a number of other messenger bag makers, such as Reload, Freight Baggage, and Seagull Bags. Seal Line is a company known for their dry bags, but they have a backpack designed for cycling use. The companies that do custom work would probably be willing to work with you on inserts for cameras and/or a laptop, but their backpacks are generally expensive ($200+). All the bags mentioned will be weatherproof (some may even be submersible), except the Deuters.

http://www.berghaus.com/ProductDetails.aspx?ProductID=1121&Gear=2

http://www.berghaus.com/Images/ProductColourImages/61458_SS2008_Ash_Black_CastleRock_Stand.jpg

The raincover is in its own little pocket and comes out to cover the whole backpack and secures with a elastic drawstring. Invaluable.

I think you can squeeze the SLR in the top pocket - the side pockets are too small.

you've already bought it (same day as asking for help? someone's impatient ;))
Yeah, my idea was to stop at a few stores on the way home to see what was available. I stopped at a luggage store, a camera store, and an Apple store. Bought the Incase at the Apple store since it appealed to me and I hadn't seen anything like it before - I have a couple weeks to return it if I find something better.

Yesterday, I stopped at Fry's. They had some Targus, some Ogio, and a few Swiss Gear. They all sucked, IMHO. The Swiss Gear ones (Maxuum, Synergy, and Pegasus) were really dissappointing: the Maxuum was too small, the Synergy had a chest strap that was too high up, and all were way too heavy when empty and have rigid, uncomfortable shoulder straps, not to mention laptop securing buckles that were harder to work than simple velcro, and lots of outside straps to flap in the wind. The stitching in one was coming undone on the inside. The only good thing about them for me was the thick padding at the lumbar region, helping to get some air between my back and pack for cooling.

I also stopped at REI. The Mountain Hardware Paladin had potential (and although it wasn't lightweight either, at least it had top quality waterproof materials instead of lots of dividers as the reason why), but it really fits only widescreen laptops, while my standard 15" laptop was too wide for the pocket. I don't ride if there's a chance of rain, so waterproofing doesn't mean anything to me.

So far, the only thing I've seen that may be better than my Incase is the Axio line, particularly the Hybrid (http://www.axio-usa.com/hybrid_black.html). Unfortunately, they seem to sell them only online and I don't necessarily want to risk shipping charges both ways if the pack doesn't work out. Here's a pix:
http://www.axio-usa.com/images/hybrid/hybrid_black.jpg

Crumpler makes a nice bag that's designed to accommodate both a laptop and an SLR, plus some extra stuff.

The camera store I stopped at had both Crumpler and Lowepro bags. The Crumplers appear to be well made, but the material they use is heavy, and the laptop pockets were a really tight fit for my 15" laptop - so much so that I was a bit worried about ripping a seam just putting the laptop in the pocket (but they didn't rip). I still think the design is weird - the laptop stays on the "lid" - the piece that goes against your back, which means you've got to open the thing where you have a lot of room. The front pouch is all wedge shaped, which might fit a SLR plus lens, but the lens pockets are not properly shaped for lenses. For my commuting use, there was no good place for my clothes.

The Lowepro models boiled down to the Computrekker, Computrekker Plus, and Fastpack 350. The regular Computrekker wasn't thick enough for the length of many lenses (it's under 5" thick inside), the Plus was quite heavy when empty, and the Fastpack didn't really have enough room. I think Lowepro makes great stuff and if I only had lapop and camera I'd be getting the Fastpack, but it doesn't work for clothes for me.

Check out these Deuter backpacks:
Giga Office (http://www.deuterusa.com/products/productDetail.php?packID=gigaOffice&sub=day&tert=day)
Giga II (http://www.deuterusa.com/products/productDetail.php?packID=gigaII&sub=day&tert=day)
Cross City (http://www.deuterusa.com/products/productDetail.php?packID=crossCity&sub=day&tert=day)

Deuter Cross City Review (http://www.trailspace.com/gear/deuter/cross-city/review/13809/)

well i guess it's too late seeing as you already bought one, but if you don't like it and want something a little more personnel, check out seagull bags. they make messenger bags and i saw that you don't want one, but they also make wicked comfortable backpacks. adjustable on your back and you can do any design you like on the front. draw something or copy something. whatever you want. they are a little more pricey for more stuff, but i can fit a work clothes, shoes, and a computer in a sleeve in with ease. hope this information is of any use.