Commuting - Backpack Suggestions ?

I searched but it was confused by the word " backpack " so I'm making a new thread. :crash:

I'm currently using a The North Face Vault ( 30L ) backpack for commuting duties and am not happy with it. After adding a sternum strap ( manditory for all future packs ) I have found the padding and straps to be lacking and the 30L capacity to be just a little small for days that I pack rain gear or any extras. I kinda liked a couple of the 40L internal frame packs but wasnt sure if the top of the pack is going to be hitting me in the back of the helmet and it didnt appear to include a sternum strap. Does anyone love their 30L+ pack and want to share the name and model ?

Thanks in advance :love:

I think you would obviously be better served by a chrome or similar messenger bag.

Thanks but I prefer a backpack.

My first question is this:

If you're packing that much gear for a regular commute, why a backpack? Is there a specific reason that you need a backpack instead of panniers or other bike mounted bags?

I prefer to let my bicycle carry the load instead of my back carrying the load. Have you thought about using panniers or a nice seatbag/handlebar bag combo? 40 liters of stuff sitting on your back every day will get tiresome pretty quickly.

It's mainly bulky but yes it gets old. I'm trying to avoid panniers because I want the bike to still feel a bit nimble and agile vs a loaded pig with weight hanging off the sides. I had a MEI pack back in the day that was great and the loads were not near as noticible as they are in the crappy vault.

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/,85843_Millet-Ecrins-40L-Backpack.html?cm_mmc=PaidPlacement-_-Google-_-WGOGB8-_-Millet_Ecrins_40L_Backpack

can't vouch for it, but this looks good. removable internal frame, too.
i agree, though, i like my backpack much better than my messenger bag. even with the stabilizer strap on the messenger i still had to wrestle with it to keep it on my back.

edit: i also know kelty makes some nice internal frame packs that a lot of people use around here.

http://www.ebags.com/ogio/metro_closeout/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=109176

I've had mine since the spring, and it's held up nicely. Love the laptop slot; since getting it, I haven't used a neoprene sleeve.

My first question is this:

If you're packing that much gear for a regular commute, why a backpack? Is there a specific reason that you need a backpack instead of panniers or other bike mounted bags?

I prefer to let my bicycle carry the load instead of my back carrying the load. Have you thought about using panniers or a nice seatbag/handlebar bag combo? 40 liters of stuff sitting on your back every day will get tiresome pretty quickly.

Agreed. I started with a backpack, but in the heat, they sure bring on the sweats. I went with a pannier and am contemplating a handlebar bag to go with it.

Here's the backpack I was using. Great bag, but, I'm much happier without it on the bike.

http://www.ebags.com/mobile_edge/premium_backpack/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=18155

I now use this:
http://www.banjobrothers.com/products/01070.php

It's mainly bulky but yes it gets old. I'm trying to avoid panniers because I want the bike to still feel a bit nimble and agile vs a loaded pig with weight hanging off the sides. I had a MEI pack back in the day that was great and the loads were not near as noticible as they are in the crappy vault.

Vs. a nimble bike ridden by a loaded pig? ;)

Sounds to me like you haven't tried a pannier. For any distance at all, especially if it's hot, getting the weight off your back is key. I can think of a thousand reasons. I resisted panniers forever and rode with every kind of bag you can imagine (and have a closet full of them to prove it) and NEVER found one that was even tolerable for any amount of crap at all. Panniers, on the other hand, feels like freedom.

YMMV, but probably not by much. :)

I dont like the rattles of any of the racks I have experience with and the panniers are more expensive than a good backpack. I think I'll honestly pull a BOB YAK before I put panniers on. I would much rather be a loaded pig riding a nimble bike. :)

There are a few bags I liked the look of in addition tot he one posted by nahh from STP:

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/311,85821_Gregory-Wingate-Backpack-Response-Suspension.html

and

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/311,85835_Mountainsmith-Fusion-35-Alpine-Backpack-Internal-Frame.html

Riding a CX style bike and in the drops I bet the top of those bags will hit the back of my helmet and drive me bonkers.

Rode for many years with panniers.

My dissenting opinion: they really do make my bike handle like a shopping cart.

Now I use a small deuter backpack in the summer, and a larger pack in the winter. If I ever do a tour, I might use the panniers again. But I'll probably just pull a trailer.

Rode for many years with panniers.

My dissenting opinion: they really do make my bike handle like a shopping cart.

+1

It's a matter of individual taste and feel I suppose. As far as backpacks go, the Crumpler Mahoubar (http://www.rei.com/product/768564?preferredSku=7685640026&cm_mmc=cse_froogle-_-datafeed-_-product-_-na&mr:trackingCode=2A5315BE-1A63-DD11-98CA-001422107090&mr:referralID=NA) is what I use for my commute and I love it. Evidently it won a Bicycling Magazine editors' award in 2007, and it deserves it.

http://www.midwestbags.com/images/MB-01A.jpg

Nice bag but smaller than my current piece.

The Kelty Redwing 3100 looks nice and big, is that really 50 L ?
http://www.rei.com/product/734324

Rode for many years with panniers.

My dissenting opinion: they really do make my bike handle like a shopping cart.

Now I use a small deuter backpack in the summer, and a larger pack in the winter. If I ever do a tour, I might use the panniers again. But I'll probably just pull a trailer.


Which deuter model and does it hit you in the back of the head in the drops ?

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=448601

timbuk2, chrome or a camelbak military MotherLode are my choices

http://www.camelbak.com/index.cfm

+1

It's a matter of individual taste and feel I suppose. As far as backpacks go, the Crumpler Mahoubar (http://www.rei.com/product/768564?preferredSku=7685640026&cm_mmc=cse_froogle-_-datafeed-_-product-_-na&mr:trackingCode=2A5315BE-1A63-DD11-98CA-001422107090&mr:referralID=NA) is what I use for my commute and I love it. Evidently it won a Bicycling Magazine editors' award in 2007, and it deserves it.

http://www.midwestbags.com/images/MB-01A.jpg

Does that make your back turn into a wet swamp?

looks very nice, almost bullet proof

SealLine has some nice roll top backpacks. Chrome also has backpacks.