Commuting - Rear pockets suck (when you carry a backpack, that is)

On my commute there is a ferry. I don't know what it's called in English, but I have this monthly-travel-as-much-as-you-like-card that I need to have handy. To access it I must first take off my gloves and then my backpack. Rear pockets are just not accessible when you carry something on your back.

Life would have been so much easier if they could put a front pocket on cycling clothes. I started commuting only five months ago and when I bought jerseys and jackets I went for the three rear pockets solution. I had the impression that if a jersey don't have rear pockets it's not a cycling jersey. But would the same thing apply if they added a front pocket? What's the big deal?

Don't tell me to change to panniers. It won't happen. It's not the backpack that is the problem.

Hans

On my commute there is a ferry. I don't know what it's called in English, but I have this monthly-travel-as-much-as-you-like-card that I need to have handy. To access it I must first take off my gloves and then my backpack. Rear pockets are just not accessible when you carry something on your back.

Life would have been so much easier if they could put a front pocket on cycling clothes. I started commuting only five months ago and when I bought jerseys and jackets I went for the three rear pockets solution. I had the impression that if a jersey don't have rear pockets it's not a cycling jersey. But would the same thing apply if they added a front pocket? What's the big deal?

Don't tell me to change to panniers. It won't happen. It's not the backpack that is the problem.

Hans

I need a pass card to get into work, and it is a challenge to fish it out of my pocket while balancing a bike. One thing I always look for in cycling jackets is front pockets. I recently bought a Tiaga jacket, and can say it's perfect for northern climates.

https://www.taigaworks.ca/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=162

Can you put a hole in the card, feed a string through the hole, then wear it around your neck?

I keep my work badge tucked inside a leg of my bib shorts during the summer, and during the winter I carry essentials (badge, CO2, tube) in a water bottle.

I think it's quite managable in a back pocket, while carrying a backpack. I as well have my breakfast in my back pocket and I am able to reach it just fine...

Another option would be a small pouch, normally used for a cell phone or other electronic gadget that would attach to either the shoulder straps or waist band with velcro. Lightweight, unobtrusive, and fairly inexpensive.

Every morning my security pass is in the wrong place, and I have to fish it out before entering the building. I keep meaning to look for some kind of little bulldog-type clip that attaches to the handlebar.

wait...why can't these bags of goodies go into the small pocket of your backpack? wouldn't that make life easier?

The problem with front pockets when cycling is that things fall out of them.

Running errands last Thursday, I lost my Ti-framed tri-focals because I neglected to zip shut a front jacket pocket.

Then there's the reverse problem, no pockets. I spent all day yesterday carrying my keys at the cyclocross races after I locked-up my bike.

The problem with front pockets when cycling is that things fall out of them.

Running errands last Thursday, I lost my Ti-framed tri-focals because I neglected to zip shut a front jacket pocket.

Then there's the reverse problem, no pockets. I spent all day yesterday carrying my keys at the cyclocross races after I locked-up my bike.

Things don't fall out of zippered pockets.

I use a Bento Box (see this (http://www.trisports.com/benbakil.html)) to keep my ID card on my bike for my commute. It's required to get in the front gate of the military base I am at. I also use it to store some food and such, which is the original purpose of the bento box...

Maybe you can find a office supply store in your area and find a badgeholder to put your card in? Something like this? (http://www.officedepot.com/a/products/150382/Avery-Badge-Holders-Landscape-With-Lanyard/) You can hang it around your neck. It'll protect your card from sweat and the elements and if you can find clear plastic you may not even have to remove it from the holder, unless the operator needs to stamp something.
Ernest

Can you put a hole in the card, feed a string through the hole, then wear it around your neck?

It's said that the simplest solution to any problem is the best one to use.

This suggestion is the simplest one for the need expressed. :thumb:

I don't know what it's called in English,It's usually just called a monthly pass.

Go to a recumbent bike store. Their jerseys have the pockets in the front.

I use a Bento Box (see this (http://www.trisports.com/benbakil.html)) to keep my ID card on my bike for my commute. It's required to get in the front gate of the military base I am at. I also use it to store some food and such, which is the original purpose of the bento box...

+1. Mine holds my key for work, my camera, my garage door opener, a plastic bag, and a bandana.

I had the impression that if a jersey don't have rear pockets it's not a cycling jersey.
As commuters we don't need to be cycling kit purists - we can be more pragmatic. Get clothing that works for you.

Life would have been so much easier if they could put a front pocket on cycling clothes. I started commuting only five months ago and when I bought jerseys and jackets I went for the three rear pockets solution. I had the impression that if a jersey don't have rear pockets it's not a cycling jersey. But would the same thing apply if they added a front pocket? What's the big deal?

I typically wear a Pearl Izumi vest/jacket over whatever I'm wearing that has back pockets, but also has a front pocket that's kinda hidden (vertical zipper and the pocket is over my left chest). I'm pretty sure I got it off Chainlove.com
I do the same thing. I have to keep my ID easily accessible.
Might look for something like that.

+1. Mine holds my key for work, my camera, my garage door opener, a plastic bag, and a bandana.

I need to get a cheap disposable camera in case I get in an accident, so I can take pictures of the scene. I carry one in my car, I need one for my bike, as well. Thanks for reminding me!

I've been thinking about this thread whole night, while playing some cards with my brother in law. I think I'm gonna ask my wife to sew a new small pocket inside of the jacket on cheast height, right next to the zipper, to be able to put a few passes in (I as well need a bank pass (just in case) and a company access card).

On my commute there is a ferry. I don't know what it's called in English, but I have this monthly-travel-as-much-as-you-like-card that I need to have handy. To access it I must first take off my gloves and then my backpack. Rear pockets are just not accessible when you carry something on your back.
s
Can't say I've had the problem since my jacket has3 front zippered pockets and my backpack's waist strap has 2 front zippered pockets.

BUT, if I were in your shoes,
I'd probably get a badge reel (http://www.officedepot.com/ddSKU.do?level=SK&id=254994&cm_mmc=Froogle-_-Shopping%20Comp-_-Datafeed-_-Office%20Supplies) and a badge holder (http://www.officedepot.com/a/products/839918/Office-Depot-Brand-Plastic-Badge-Holders/) and clip the reel to a belt loop, brake/shifter cable, backpack strap, whathaveyou...

If you just have to show or scan the card, it's easy as pie. If you have to swipe it, not as easy - glove removal may still be required for swiping.

A lot of running jackets have front pockets, and can be bought at your local clothing depot for much cheaper than a cycling jacket.

I'd recommend buying pants with pockets. I use jeans.

Or just don't bring the card and head-butt anyone who says you can't get on. Just kidding...

http://www.lanyardfactory.com/lanyards/badge-holder/rigid/im/rigid-badge-holders-910-14.jpg

Thanks to everyone who responded. I think I will go for some kind of badge holder.