Commuting - Banjo Bros Commuter Backpack

There's been several threads discussing backpacks the last couple of weeks. The Banjo Bros Commuter Backpack has been mentioned a couple of times and while it's easy enough to find reviews and descriptions, I thought it might be useful to see it pictured next to something we're all familiar with in terms of capacity. That something is a grocery bag.

The model I got was the large which is 2000 cubic inches as compared to the medium which is 1500 cubic inches.

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff216/tjspiel/bikeforum/5af58f93.jpg

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff216/tjspiel/bikeforum/907b865b.jpg

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff216/tjspiel/bikeforum/9449f7a6.jpg

The other backpack I seriously considered was the Ortlieb Messenger classic. I didn't like the "wings" at the top that obscured rear vision and it was lacking in terms of organization. It was basically a big bag and had no smaller pockets. There was an optional pouch to provide some of this.

It did have better padding on the back than the Banjo Bros and the waist strap was nice and wide.

The Banjo Bros backpack has a handy side pocket you can reach while wearing it, along with cellphone caddy attached to one of the main straps. It also a zippered pouch, a smaller one that closes with a flap and a few pen holders.

That looks really nice. How much did it cost?

I am using my old jansport backpack from school, but everything I put in it just settles at the bottom, so it feels like I'm carrying a bowling ball on my lower back... I'm looking for a waterproof backpack that can keep everything 'vertical' on my back.

That looks really nice. How much did it cost?

I am using my old jansport backpack from school, but everything I put in it just settles at the bottom, so it feels like I'm carrying a bowling ball on my lower back... I'm looking for a waterproof backpack that can keep everything 'vertical' on my back.

I paid $70 for it on sale. I've seen the mediums for as little as $59.

You might have the same problem with this as far as settling to the bottom depending on the dimensions of what you're carrying. I keep my laptop in a sleeve and I load it so it's on it's edge then wedge my clothes next to it.

When I use a backpack, this is what I use.
The cell phone caddy holds an MP3 player just fine too. ;)

Looks almost as big as that dog food dish. You got a Great Dane or something?

When I use a backpack, this is what I use.
The cell phone caddy holds an MP3 player just fine too. ;)

It's handy for my iphone.


Looks almost as big as that dog food dish. You got a Great Dane or something?

Just a Lab/Husky mix. Not very big really but it's nice not to have to refill the water constantly.

Did some grocery shopping today, figured I'd take a few pictures of the medium Banjo Brothers backpack for size reference. Also got a new camera phone, and needed an excuse to take pictures of things...

I really like the roll top design because it rolls down small, and flat when you've have nothing in it. When you do need to load it up you can fill it all the way to the top, and the flap is still large enough to go over it, and buckle.

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_CyjGmYVUEvA/TNGp1R_S7tI/AAAAAAAAAl0/EyMKiBpoKO8/s400/1103101353c.jpg

Room for a little more. Got lazy, and didn't roll the top, but it wasn't raining
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_CyjGmYVUEvA/TNGpf5J0FRI/AAAAAAAAAlw/4J914BQbK3E/s400/1103101358a.jpg

What fit in there.
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_CyjGmYVUEvA/TNGpfSwEf3I/AAAAAAAAAls/4Adk7SJXj14/s400/1103101359a.jpg

That medium was the original sized bag, then the Large was released (I own the large). Now they have medium in white (http://www.banjobrothers.com/products/cycling-backpacks/whitey-von-backpack/) as well. They will also be releasing their newest model called "Metro" early 2011- February, I believe. That's gonna be my new man purse. Here's a link to both the white commuter and metro from bikecommuters.com coverage of Interbike: http://www.bikecommuters.com/2010/09/25/banjo-brothers-the-best-dressed-interbike-2010/

Thank you for taking the time to review it, especially since there has been some talk about their product line

The photos here don't really show it, but the Indigo (http://www.indigosnow.de/home-DE-2.html) packs are truly spacious, too. (But good luck finding one in the states, though)

I use this one and its been great thus far. Its got some wear and tear which is acceptable. This is it. http://76.my/UserImages/Items/1008/20/carlpang@11.jpg

http://www.lelong.com.my/outdoor-vortex-camping-backpack-bag-70838996-2010-10-Std-P.htm