Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Best bike-specific cargo backpack?

Previously posted threads haven't quite slaked my thirst for backpack knowledgezzzz

There's lots of talk about messenger bags, but not about backpacks. I'm looking for a bike-specific, high-capacity bag along the lines of the so-good-it's-criminal Vandal (http://missionworkshop.com/vandal-cargo-pack.php). I like the expandability and the extra cargo straps for dag-nasty bike-hauling skillz.

However, I'd like to spend a little bit (a lotta bit) less than $240. Is it possible?

I have the Chrome Ivan and love it.

http://o.imm.io/sBE.pnghttp://o.imm.io/sBF.pnghttp://o.imm.io/sBG.png

Holds a ton of stuff, is completely waterproof inside and out so you can use it as an ice chest (which is what I always do). Have had several beers/Four Loko's explode inside my bag from falling, just hose it out when I get home and it's good as new.

http://www.buy.com/prod/manhattan-portage-ballistic-backpack/q/loc/16234/208158014.html

For serious bike hauling, consider a rear rack and panniers.

I don't have this but i wish i did
Banjo brothers large commuting backpack $89.99

http://www.banjobrothers.com/products/01152.php#

I don't have any of these but check here.

http://www.timbuk2.com/wordpress_cms/packs/

I have the Chrome Ivan and love it.

http://o.imm.io/sBE.pnghttp://o.imm.io/sBF.pnghttp://o.imm.io/sBG.png

...Have had several beers/Four Loko's explode inside my bag...

It is always sad when a Quad doesn't meet its full potential.

my Timbuk2 Hemlock arrived yesterday.

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/416rVBZVHwL._AA300_.jpg
Haven't had a chance to test it yet, I only carried it home yesterday with nothing inside it. But I really like the construction. Maybe I'll go home and snap some pics tonight.

my Timbuk2 Hemlock arrived yesterday.

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/416rVBZVHwL._AA300_.jpg
Haven't had a chance to test it yet, I only carried it home yesterday with nothing inside it. But I really like the construction. Maybe I'll go home and snap some pics tonight.

please post a review I'm kind of interested in this pack

heres mine:

http://www.wired.com/images/productreviews/2009/08/pr_backpacks3_f.jpg

Also look at the Freight Baggage backpacks. I have the Medium and have easily fit 40 pounds of groceries in it without fully expanding the bottom of the bag. They started coming with a different compression system (two on the side instead of only one) just after I bought my bag. I am actually considering the small bag because I rarely need the compacity of the medium.

I wish PAC made a backpack. That thing would probably be amazing.

I like my Vandal. Had it around a month or so. It is worth mentioning that it is MADE IN USA with a LIFETIME warranty. Most of the Chinese bags posted in here are crap when it comes to build quality, materials, and warranty. I had an original Chrome Citizen messenger bag that is still running strong after years of abuse. Support your fellow bikers and countrymen. I don't think you'll find anything like the Vandal and certainly not for the price of a Chinese bag.

These look nice, USA made and waterproof but they don't appear to be expandable. If you don't need to carry a keg or case of bottles it might work. :)

http://www.ortliebusa.com/cartgenie/prodList.asp?scat=3

For serious bike hauling, consider a rear rack and panniers.
+1

At least try to borrow a big backpack, load it with some substantial weight, and go for an extended ride before investing in one of your own. My back lets me know that it doesn't like the combination of heavy backpack plus a cycling position, although it's fine when hiking. But I know some aren't bothered by the weight on their back so much. I'd rather have the bike carry any heavy loads. And when walking I prefer a backpack with a good hipbelt for carrying substantial loads.

I agree somewhat with the buying U.S brands, as i have a freight baggage. It's a medium i load up all my books, netbook, clothes, etc and it' so damn comfy and really distributes the weight evenly. The timbuk2 custom bags ARE made in the US. there is one that has a nice pad on the back but the rest don't have anything, so if you have weird shaped loads then it's going to pierce your back.

i love my $30 crumpler mahoubar.

mission workshop, chrome, saglife, blicks does bags and they are pretty sweet.

Not a high-capacity cargo bag, but I carry my MacBook Pro laptop and a few notebooks and whatnot in a booq Boa Squeeze. If you don't have cavernous space requirements, it works great.

http://www.pivotgear.com/images/products/101527a05.jpg

http://www.pivotgear.com/products/backpacks/booq/boa-squeeze-black

please post a review I'm kind of interested in this pack
ask and ye shall receive

here goes.

size
I bought a Timbuk2 Hemlock size S. I also have a size M messenger bag from SAG. Here's the size comparison.
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e179/ichitz/timbuk_sag.jpg
The size S Hemlock measures roughly 13" wide by 20" tall.

construction
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e179/ichitz/timbuk_frontback.jpg
In a nutshell, it's like a giant oversized envelope with a long roll top. The roll top is velcro secured closure, rolled, then buckled down. The back of the bag have a dense foam lining so nothing is going to poke u in ur back. The straps are also padded for comfort.
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e179/ichitz/timbuk_construction.jpg
Four small buckles (2 on each side) of the main compartment tightens the whole bag so everything feels secure and not jumping around. The buckles are actually easy enough to loosen and tighten with one hand but secure enough that it doesn't slide out and gets longer.

I've read reviews that the strap that holds the roll top is too long and some people cut it off. I'ld like to think that there's a purpose for that. And it just so happens that it fits a yoga mat perfectly :)
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e179/ichitz/timbuk_carry.jpg

The bag measures about 28" when expanded. Unrolling the top lets you carry taller objects (duh).
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e179/ichitz/timbuk_size.jpg
My cat broke my guitar.

There is a side compartment for easy access to your laptop and a even smaller side compartment that is just the size of an iPhone. The tag that came along with it says that a size S will fit a 13" laptop while a size M fits a 15" laptop. I guess they mean loosely or that PCs are mainly a little thicker than Mac laptops. I can almost wriggle my 17" mac laptop into it, I don't see how a 15" mac wouldn't fit. But who knows.
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e179/ichitz/timbuk_access.jpg
Water bottle holder to the left side of the bag.

The pouch in the front allows you to carry ur little things. There's 1 zipper pocket with 4 little card slots and 3 pen holding slots sitting on top. This front pouch is also slightly expandable with enough room to carry my Kryptonite Fahgettaboutit Mini U-Lock with a lot of room to spare.
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e179/ichitz/timbuk_frontPouch.jpg
One thing about this front pouch is that it's velcro secured. And when you put a lot of stuff in it with odd shapes it feels like the velcro is not perfectly tight though it did handle my u-lock's weight.

comfort
Now the important part. There are NO waist or sternum straps. However, the bag really doesn't need it. I've had a lot of back packs before (not really bike specific) but every single backpack I own likes to slip off my shoulders. Until I owned a skateboard backpack which has sternum straps and waist straps. That was really comfy to walk in, but to bike with that bag i need the waist strap too.

The Timbuk2 Hemlock does NOT slip off my shoulders one bit, walking or biking. This is the most comfortable back pack I have owned. There is really no need to put on ur bag and then buckled urself twice. The bag distributes weight really well and the foam padding feels nice on your back and it's just the right thickness. Not too thin that it softens the load but still uncomfortable, and not too thick that you feel hot.

in conclusion
If you are not regularly hauling giant irregular shaped objects, if most times you just need to carry a few things like laptop, books, clothes, groceries whatever the average person carries, it is a GREAT buy. If you are regularly hauling giant irregular shaped objects, then that other thread with the Chrome Berlin (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?644213-Chrome-Berlin-Review) might be your better bet.

As far as a casual backpack goes, this is the best I've ever owned. And if you need more persuasion,
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e179/ichitz/timbuk_beer.jpg
Every review or diy thread on BF isn't compete unless you have beer :)

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e179/ichitz/timbuk_approve.jpg

Deuter makes some extremely comfortable cycling specific packs. I'm very fond of my Trans Alpine, and it holds quite a lot.

http://www.deuterusa.com/img/products/lg/ta30lg.jpg

http://www.deuterusa.com/products/productDetail.php?packID=ta30&sub=hydration&tert=commuter

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e179/ichitz/timbuk_size.jpg

That busted headstock is the saddest thing I've seen on this forum. You say the cat did it, eh?

That busted headstock is the saddest thing I've seen on this forum. You say the cat did it, eh?
Yehhh. My guitar was on a stand near the wall which is also close to the window ledge. Basically my cat hit it while jumping off the ledge one day and knocked it to the floor. Next time i'm investing in wall mounts (and away from windows).

Anything's fixable. One of my Martins just came back from the repair shop after I dropped it on my basement floor. Side crack and compressed the top at the binding. $300 repair. Ouch, babe.

back on topic, it's impressive that the guitar nearly fits in that backpack. Regular size Epi LP?

^^^
true. But the MSRP for that Epi LP is $349. I don't know if it'll justify the repair price. Heh.

Yea, back on topic. Yes it's a regular sized Epi LP. I didn't have anything else in my room tall enough or recognizable enough to put into the bag so even tho it's broken, thought that should give people a good idea on size.

I never really liked timbuk2's until i saw the hemlock, I might just have to get one of these

it has no chest strap though, might be a deal breaker

ask and ye shall receive

here goes.
And if you need more persuasion,
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e179/ichitz/timbuk_beer.jpg
Every review or diy thread on BF isn't compete unless you have beer :)

I ordered my small on sale from Timbuk 2 I'm surprised and how big it is, it swallowed the stuff that has been bulging out of my backcountry snowboard bag. very nicely made though I am happy that I didn't buy the medium

I have the Hemlock in brown, medium size. For those of you who are concerned about its lack of sternum straps, I've never wished I had them. The straps are well designed and it really stays on your shoulders. The medium size bag is huge when fully rolled out, but not unwieldy. Waterproofing is excellent, as I've been through some serious downpours and everything stayed dry. I'd definitely recommend one.

Has anyone considered getting a backpack from an ARMY Surplus store? I've seen some bags that look like they would make great bike backpacks and would hold a ton of ****, plus I think you can find some that are waterproof, I went to look for one this weekend but I showed up 15 minutes after closing.

just ordered the hemlock. but i have a question, is the roll top waterproof on the inside (in case i wanted to use it as an ice chest)? thanks

Has anyone considered getting a backpack from an ARMY Surplus store? I've seen some bags that look like they would make great bike backpacks and would hold a ton of ****, plus I think you can find some that are waterproof, I went to look for one this weekend but I showed up 15 minutes after closing.

I've got a surplus alice pack but it really needs a frame to keep from being just a big sack. But riding with the frame would make you the ultiimate Fred.

Anyone have any feedback on how bad precip needs to be before non-rolltop packs like the Chrome Warsaw start letting water in? I'm moving to a rainy place and I'm not sure what direction to go with my next pack...

Update on my backpack situation:

I managed to find a Missions Workshops Vandal on eBay for $152 shipped. Snatched it up pretty quick, and it arrives tomorrow.

I'm torn between a backpack or a single-strap messenger bag.

Talk me into one or the other.

I'm torn between a backpack or a single-strap messenger bag.

Talk me into one or the other.
Backpack. I like how it distribute weight equally across both shoulders. I kinda ditched my messenger bag ever since I got my timbuk2 hemlock.

Yeah that's what I figured.

That hemlock does look good. Been looking at that one and the grubstake (also from timbuk2) and feeling very tempted to get either.


EDIT: Well, after some deliberation, I decided to bite the bullet and go with a new Hemlock ($68 on ebay). Went with a Medium, since I have a 15" Macbook Pro and wanted to err on the "safe" side.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y37/aquatek/2_f_mission6black-mission6black-mis.jpg

I was looking at a small hemlock bag too. I didn't want a bulky bag but I needed something that fit a 15" mac. I settled on a Timbuk2 Q. Slimmer profile than a medium hemlock but bigger than the small. Also has a sternum strap but no bottle opener or water bottle holder :( very happy with it tho

I'm torn between a backpack or a single-strap messenger bag.

Talk me into one or the other.


Are you going to be walking with your bag at all? Messing bags are notoriously uncomfortable on your spine when walking. I have an old Waxxed Canvas Timbuk 2 Bolo (I think its 3600ci its certainly larger than the modern XL) I can't wear my messenger bag for any length of time though it's very comfortable on 2 wheels. My new Hemlock on the other hand is just comfy all the time

Are you going to be walking with your bag at all? Messing bags are notoriously uncomfortable on your spine when walking. I have an old Waxxed Canvas Timbuk 2 Bolo (I think its 3600ci its certainly larger than the modern XL) I can't wear my messenger bag for any length of time though it's very comfortable on 2 wheels. My new Hemlock on the other hand is just comfy all the time
Thanks. I ended up actually going for a Hemlock (see my previous post) :thumb:

Yeah that's what I figured.

That hemlock does look good. Been looking at that one and the grubstake (also from timbuk2) and feeling very tempted to get either.


EDIT: Well, after some deliberation, I decided to bite the bullet and go with a new Hemlock ($68 on ebay). Went with a Medium, since I have a 15" Macbook Pro and wanted to err on the "safe" side.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y37/aquatek/2_f_mission6black-mission6black-mis.jpg

How di dyou land one for $68? I dont see any of them in this price range?

Thanks,


SEN

How di dyou land one for $68? I dont see any of them in this price range?

Thanks,


SEN
i picked up a small black hemlock for 68 bucks off ebay too but i think i got the last one cause when i searched for it after they were all 90 and up lol

would you say these bags are sufficient for grocery runs?

How di dyou land one for $68? I dont see any of them in this price range?

Thanks,


SEN
I googled it and found it in the shopping results.

Update on my backpack situation:

I managed to find a Missions Workshops Vandal on eBay for $152 shipped. Snatched it up pretty quick, and it arrives tomorrow.

Do tell how it is. I am looking into getting a rambler

would you say these bags are sufficient for grocery runs?

Timbuk2 Q is good for a small ass grocery run. Today I stuffed it with a bag of frozen vegetables, 2 frozen dinners, premixed salad bowl, half gallon of juice, and a bag of string cheese. I probably could have put more stuff in there but it would've been packed! oh yeah, plus a u-lock w/ the groceries.

Chrome Ivan is pretty good. Fit a case of red bull, a pair of jeans, 4 shirts, 5 pairs of socks, a rain shell, a 12" laptop and charger, a pro DSLR, flash, 2 extra lenses in cases on a belt, u-lock, lockring wrench, multitool, chain tool, front and rear lights, pump, tube, pens, and a 375ml bottle of scotch. Granted, I only had to ride 4 miles with it (that load with that suspension system approaches critical mass), but it fit somehow. Just gotta pack real carefully, and not be afraid to put socks/shirts wherever they will fit.

CAN OF WORMS


I really like the Manhattan Portage Ballistic bag
(not for biking specifically, but its awesome, and only 99$)

http://prollyisnotprobably.com/wdfvqwefvgwqegvqwegev.jpg
http://prollyisnotprobably.com/sdvedbvdbw.jpg

How di dyou land one for $68? I dont see any of them in this price range?

i got my hemlock small for $48! whoo! i did post up that sale link couple months ago. Anyway, every couple of weeks I have to ride a very short distance (1.5mile) to carry over 10lbs of cat litter. My mess bag used to make this trip very uncomfortable. The strap will really dig in to my collar bone with 10lb+ weight. But the hemlock is great. Kitty litter + some other groceries + Fahgettaboudit U-lock, no pain.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4041/4630103948_28fc292daf_b.jpg

I've been rocking this Ortlieb backpack for 2.5yrs and love it (http://thelazyrando.wordpress.com/2010/05/26/ortlieb-velocity-backpack-2-5year-review/)...they sell two larger models if you want to carry a ton of stuff. Waterproof, rugged, simple...high quality bag you'll be using 10yrs later.

i got my hemlock small for $48! whoo! i did post up that sale link couple months ago. Anyway, every couple of weeks I have to ride a very short distance (1.5mile) to carry over 10lbs of cat litter. My mess bag used to make this trip very uncomfortable. The strap will really dig in to my collar bone with 10lb+ weight. But the hemlock is great. Kitty litter + some other groceries + Fahgettaboudit U-lock, no pain.

you have the medium or small?

small