Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Good Waterproof Bags

I'm looking to get a waterproof bag to replace my North Face Heckler, which leaks like a sieve. I'd prefer a backpack, but I'm open to messenger bags too if they work better. I've already looked at the Banjo Brothers commuter backpack (my front runner at the moment), and the Ortlieb bags, which I'm not crazy about in the looks department. I need to be able to keep my absurdly expensive engineering textbooks dry, and I'd like some organizer things for pens, calculator etc. What do you guys use / recommend? Let's keep the price under $120 or so.

How about a jansport and some plastic garbage bags, and spend the rest on beer.

How about a jansport and some plastic garbage bags, and spend the rest on beer.

Yeah, good idea. I don't want some ghetto setup, I want an actual waterproof bag.

Dakine makes really great bags. We see them at the shop I work at in the summer. They're pretty waterproof already but most come with a deploy able rain cover. It goes on in like 10 sec and is great extra insurance. I use one for my camera gear ($$$) and would trust it in a hurricane. You can find them for a pretty good price online too.

Never gotten any water inside of my Timbuk2, you just have to fold the flap over carefully.
I'm sure the same goes for their backpacks as well as any of the other vinyl-inside-nylon bags.

i just sewed a plastic tarp into the inside of my jansport. it actually works pretty well...

I have been using a SealLine Urban Backpack for 6 months and love it: http://cascadedesigns.com/sealline/urban/urban-backpack/product.

http://cascadedesigns.com/images/product/large/seal_urban_pack_multicolor.jpg

It is a roll top backpack and is 100% waterproof. Basically, it is a dry bag designed for cycling/commuting. Gets a little hot on the back in warm weather, but probably no more so than any backpack. I use the smaller size, which easily fits a change of clothes for the day, lunch, a spare jacket, and a pair of shoes. The large is absolutely huge if you need a big bag. Similar in style to the ortleibs, so may not be your cup of tea looks-wise. Completely bombproof bag, however

^^^Yes. I've been using the SealLine for about a year now. I'm a daily commuter in Seattle and these things are awesome. Nothing but function, but fully functional. When I first saw them I didn't think they would be comfortable. They are.

I use a standard Chrome citizen bag, and haven't ever had any leaks during storms.

I use a standard Chrome citizen bag, and haven't ever had any leaks during storms.

+ 1; military grade cordura & industrial truck tarp = great waterproof combo! :D

I have been using a SealLine Urban Backpack for 6 months and love it:

It is a roll top backpack and is 100% waterproof. Basically, it is a dry bag designed for cycling/commuting. Gets a little hot on the back in warm weather, but probably no more so than any backpack. I use the smaller size, which easily fits a change of clothes for the day, lunch, a spare jacket, and a pair of shoes. The large is absolutely huge if you need a big bag. Similar in style to the ortleibs, so may not be your cup of tea looks-wise. Completely bombproof bag, however

I like the idea of a roll top bag. It seems like with a messenger bag water can still find its way in around the edges of the flap. Are there any other roll top bags I should check out?

I like the idea of a roll top bag. It seems like with a messenger bag water can still find its way in around the edges of the flap. Are there any other roll top bags I should check out?

Chrome also makes a line of roll top backpacks that I've heard are good. I looked at them before I bought the SealLine.

I love my timbuk 2 Hemlock rolltop backback. and at $100 it's not too bad. Waterproof, expands out to carry lots of ****, pretty comfy. has a laptop compartment and a bottle opener.

ortlieb waterproof messenger

Ortlieb Flight.
http://www.wallbike.com/ortlieb/jpgs/Flight_Mustard.jpg
http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/accessories/luggage/backpack/cycling-backpacks/product/flight-waterproof-pack-22l-11518

It has taped seams like any good waterproof thing.

Mine can hold a 15" laptop, full change of clothes, u-lock, two water bottles, and a set of tools/pump/two spare tubes with room left over, and I'm 6'-3".

The rigid frame and hip support means you can load it up really heavy and it's comfortable for long, long rides. I took it on 50-mile mountain bike rides packed full of winter gear, totally rocks. Oh, also built to take a camelbak bladder.

Ortlieb Flight.

http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/accessories/luggage/backpack/cycling-backpacks/product/flight-waterproof-pack-22l-11518

It has taped seams like any good waterproof thing.

Mine can hold a 15" laptop, full change of clothes, u-lock, two water bottles, and a set of tools/pump/two spare tubes with room left over, and I'm 6'-3".

The rigid frame and hip support means you can load it up really heavy and it's comfortable for long, long rides. I took it on 50-mile mountain bike rides packed full of winter gear, totally rocks. Oh, also built to take a camelbak bladder.

That looks nice, but it might be too small. The bag I have now is 2000 cubic inches (33 liters). The Timbuk2 Hemlock looks like a solid choice. Brandonspeck, is there a lot of organizational stuff for pens and calculators and little junk?

Yes in fact! It's got a nice little front pouch with pen storage, and some sleeves for other stuff. I usually put a couple smaller books in there along with my pens, pencils, notecards and other stuff. I love it. It's also got a side pouch that fits a u-lock perfectly.

Ortleib are the standard in waterproof bags. They are truly waterproof and can take a beating.

ortlieb waterproof messenger

this

If you can find a used one, Chrome rolltops are awesome, though they have a couple unnecessary straps that take some fiddling with to get out of the way.

lot of bags are goingot be water proof, pretty much truck liner = dry (as long as you don't get a hole in it obviously). find one that suits your needs. i have used both chrome and R.E. Load in heavy rain and nothing got we inside. the chrome dried out a little faster, but my R.E. Load has custom appliqué, so that makes the flap a little thicker.
http://i524.photobucket.com/albums/cc327/SaxonHall/0620091516.jpg
that was sitting in the rain all day while i sat in the rain and drank. which one do you think stayed dry.

I love my Ortlieb Velocity bag, it holds a change of clothes, my lunch and some other odds and ends.

I love my Ortlieb Velocity bag, it holds a change of clothes, my lunch and some other odds and ends.

Now I'm really torn; I first wanted an Ortlieb Velocity and now the Seal Line Urban backpack is looking very interesting.

I want a bag that is light, flat and not too large for commuting to work that I can fold my slack and a shirt into with a few odds and ends, but it must be light and not too bulky. What would you guys say is the major pro and con when comparing these two backpacks?

Use one of these inside your current bag; it'll do.

http://www.viewpoints.com/images/review/2007/148/10/1180364992-1695_full.jpg

The Sealline bag is good, everything they make is awesome, but any decent messenger bag can give enough waterproofing. My Seagull bag doesn't let any water in cause the flap goes over the sides. The Sealline is totally waterproof though, you could through it of a waterfall and the contents would still be dry. If you really need that level of waterproofing it's the best, else its a bit excessive and maybe another bag might suit you better.

i saw a north face backpack i wanted pretty badly. it was a smaller hiking backpack, but the top was similar to a roll top. however sewn into the top of the flap was a piece of spring steel. you would roll the top of the pack up around this metal, then on the ends of the metal was attached a strap with some buckles. the metal was bent into a circle shape and the buckles held it like this. this ensured the top of the pack was sealed tight since the bent metal was compressing the fabric rolled up around it.

Now I'm really torn; I first wanted an Ortlieb Velocity and now the Seal Line Urban backpack is looking very interesting.

I want a bag that is light, flat and not too large for commuting to work that I can fold my slack and a shirt into with a few odds and ends, but it must be light and not too bulky. What would you guys say is the major pro and con when comparing these two backpacks?

Design wise both those bags are a slightly different take on basically the same design. I held the small sealline today and have a large on order, and while it is very light it isn't as flat as some other bags. For that you really need something with compression straps (which neither bag has) like a freight baggage

How about a jansport and some plastic garbage bags, and spend the rest on beer.


Use one of these inside your current bag; it'll do.

http://www.viewpoints.com/images/review/2007/148/10/1180364992-1695_full.jpg

No offense, but it seems incredibly wasteful to continually use plastic bags to wrap items to keep them dry. How long does a plastic bag last? Would you really trust a laptop in a non-waterproof bag with a trash bag as the only protection? A sealline is $89-99 most places online and an ortleib isn't much more, and I guarantee both would last for several years. If a waterproof bag lets person ride for 365 days a year, that ends up breaking down to less than .30 cents a day. Pretty cheap in the end. I'm all for being frugal, but I never understand why people insist on arguing solid, well priced gear is unnecessary.

No offense, but it seems incredibly wasteful to continually use plastic bags to wrap items to keep them dry. How long does a plastic bag last? Would you really trust a laptop in a non-waterproof bag with a trash bag as the only protection? A sealline is $89-99 most places online and an ortleib isn't much more, and I guarantee both would last for several years. If a waterproof bag lets person ride for 365 days a year, that ends up breaking down to less than .30 cents a day. Pretty cheap in the end. I'm all for being frugal, but I never understand why people insist on arguing solid, well priced gear is unnecessary.

you just got trolled hard

get an ortlieb.

The velocity is not bulky at all.
It has a little pocket that snaps inside the main compartment for small items. I like how it sits on my back even if I don't have a lot inside, it holds it's shape well.

Now I'm really torn; I first wanted an Ortlieb Velocity and now the Seal Line Urban backpack is looking very interesting.

I want a bag that is light, flat and not too large for commuting to work that I can fold my slack and a shirt into with a few odds and ends, but it must be light and not too bulky. What would you guys say is the major pro and con when comparing these two backpacks?

Well, I broke down and got a Chrome Metro. I tried on a few backpacks and messengers this weekend and found that the Chrome Metro fit me the best since I don't need to carry much more than a change of work slacks, a shirt, my camera, phone and iPod (I can also use it in South America next year as my wife will pack it full of her stuff :-( for me to carry around). I also like the shoulder padding and the buckle on the Chrome and the fact that the bag stays flat when there isn't much in it which should make it comfortable when commuting.

I purchased the Ortlieb Velocity then returned it because of the way the strap attached to the bag; it just didn't seem like it would last very long. The Ortlieb was also very square and seemed a bit odd when wearing. I sure wanted to like the Ortlieb since it was half the price of the Chrome. Of course the Chrome was much nicer looking also; I just hope it wears well and gives me a good many years of life.

Well, I broke down and got a Chrome Metro. I tried on a few backpacks and messengers this weekend and found that the Chrome Metro fit me the best since I don't need to carry much more than a change of work slacks, a shirt, my camera, phone and iPod (I can also use it in South America next year as my wife will pack it full of her stuff :-( for me to carry around). I also like the shoulder padding and the buckle on the Chrome and the fact that the bag stays flat when there isn't much in it which should make it comfortable when commuting.

I purchased the Ortlieb Velocity then returned it because of the way the strap attached to the bag; it just didn't seem like it would last very long. The Ortlieb was also very square and seemed a bit odd when wearing. I sure wanted to like the Ortlieb since it was half the price of the Chrome. Of course the Chrome was much nicer looking also; I just hope it wears well and gives me a good many years of life.

Chrome makes good bags. Arguably you pay a bit more for trendyness since they're very popular now, but the few courriers I know who use them and abuse them have nothing but good things to say about them.

That said, just wanted to point out that the Ortlieb would not have broken any time soon. Any reputable messenger bag/backpack is going to be built well enough to easily last 5+ years of regular use. That includes the Ortlieb

ortlieb waterproof messenger


Same here. I wanted to see how waterproof it was when I got it so I filled it with newspapers and tossed it in the bathtub with my 6 and 3 year old daugther and told them to see if they could make it sink. They had fun and the newspapers stayed dry.

I like my ortlieb but only use it as a dry bag when the weather gets very wet. It doesnt have enough internal pockets for everyday use (it has zero stock but I got an add on insert that gives it two pen slots, two small pockets and larger magazine sized pocket.) One good thing is that it is enormous, I can fit 4-5 changes or clothes and a pair or shoes. It does get Monday duty as well as wet duty for this reason (I bring my cloths for the week to the office on Monday so I can travel lighter the rest fot he week.