Commuting - looking for a waterpack

...like a camelbak or such...but, is there one with enough storage for a laptop computer and such?

The ones I see all look tiny.

I use a CamelBak RimRunner (1800ci). I no longer use the bladder and hose though. I have had it for about 3 years now and use it daily. It tolerates abuse well.

I think this pack has just barely enough room for a laptop. I sometimes transport a laptop in a padded sleeve. If I carry just the sleeve, laptop, power supply (or 1 extra battery). I have enough room left for a few items but not much.

Note that a full 100oz bladder weighs in at about 8lbs. That plus the laptop and other cargo can get you to 20lbs pretty quickly. While I have carried more in this pack, that is about the limit for anything but a short trip.

The CamelBak Peak Bagger (2000ci) or an REI Half Dome (about 2000ci) will be my next pack. The Half Dome is an ordinary daypack with no bladder built in.

Dan

A lot of daypacks these days can take a water bladder. Check with an outdoor store like REI. You will probably need to purchase the bladder separate from the pack.

I just bought a Camelbak TransAlp. Fits my Powerbook, a couple books and accessories nicely. Has the helmet pocket, shoe pockets, etc. Had to buy it off eBay, my LBSs and REI didn't carry it. My friends are jealous ;)

http://www.camelbak.com/rec/cb_prod.cfm?catid=6&product_id=208

what size powerbooks are these? Just wondering since it has to fit an IBM T40 at the least...preferably my Dell C610 as well for when I want to haul it around somewhere (just one at a time though). Basically a notebook with a 15" display.

My Powerbook has the 15" display. I would guess you could get an average 15" laptop and a Calculus book (yikes) in the main compartment and have some room on top for a rain jacket. I have all my computer accessories in the small compartment (power supply, assortment of cables, mouse, pencil bag, stress ball, iPod) with room to spare. The tiny pocket on the helmet pocket is large enough for wallet, phone, keys, a few powerbars, Advil :). I have also used the helmet pocket to carry extra books when riding.

I think it is about as large as you would want for riding. Any bigger and it could get really heavy and cumbersome. If I have it loaded up completely (with all my school books), it is a pretty tight fit. I will probably put my books on the rack and transfer them to the bag when I am at school due to the weight.

Hope that helps!

Sweet, thanks!

I'll prolly go harass some of the local shops this week and see if I can get one.

Bonus...I get to rid my bike of some water bottle mounts....or better yet....super long cord and a water bottle battery for my niterider, so i can get that silly wart off my frame.