Commuting - Backpack suggestion for commuting

I'm going to start commuting to work this season. Can anyone suggest a quality backpack that has a laptop compartment and waist & sternum straps?

thx

I don't have a suggestion because I hate backpacks for commuting, but if you choose to go that route I strongly urge you to pay attention to ventilation between your back and the pack. Some packs have stand-offs that let air in underneath, and especially in the summer you'll grow to hate how sweaty and uncomfortable a backpack can be if you don't try to anticipate it.

I've heard good things about this pack: http://www.terrybicycles.com/BPA/7404100.lasso but I don't know if it would fit a laptop or not.

I used to ride with backpacks but never will again. The discomfort, the sore shoulders, the added instability of weight so high above the center of gravity... takes all the fun out of commuting, for me.

If your bike can mount a rack, take a look at something like Arkel's briefcase pannier at http://www.bicyclebags.com/. Why not let the bike carry the load while you enjoy the ride?

RichC

I used to bike with the Kensington Astropack that was especially designed to carry an Apple iBook (but could carry any laptop):
http://www.karlsplanet.com/pics/astro.jpg
However, just like Rich I’ve started hating biking with backpacks. The Astropack makes your back sticky with sweat, so I can’t recommend it...

I tried the backpack route, but it just left my back too sweaty. For my road bike, I have a seatpost rack and trunk bag with a quick-release, which is sufficient to carry my lunch, a spare shirt, tools, etc. Probably not enough room for a laptop, though. On my foul weather bike, I have a permanent rack, from which I could hang a more substantial pannier, although I have not had a reason to do that.

But hey, Ortlieb makes an office bag that you attach to the side of the seatpost. Plenty of space for laptop and other stuff. Why don’t you try that? http://www.ortlieb.com

I've used both pannier bags and backpacks. Since i wanted to add some variety to my bke commute and ride another bike once in a while and not worry about adding racks to all my bikes I went with the backpack. I spotted the Vaude pack in a Terry Bicycles catalog last year, tracked down the company and ordered it directly from Vaude. I didn' t have a local dealer. There are other places on-line and catalogs that sell them too.

Vaude - Siena 40 backpack (http://www.vaude.com/packs/pack_detail.cfm?ID=4&subcatagory=Multi%2DSports%20Packs)

I really like it even in hot weather since it was designed for cycling and had a special internal frame and mesh that keeps it from contacting you back too much and getting that dreaded wet spot. You do get some moisture (very slight) on the straps, but it is rock solid, doesn't sway, has lots of cool features (like built-in rain cover, side pockets, etc. If I was going to buy it again I could get the Siena 40 instead of the 30 that I got. With shoes, clothes,, extra junk and a bag lunch it is a bit snug. Spend the extra $10.00 and go with the 40.

Or get panniers, although a think a laptop computer would fair better on your back when it comes to jarring bumps in a pannier. Just don't fall down on your back;)

I too hate the idea of commuting with a backpack. If you insist on doing so try to get one of thise which has a support away from your back to allow air to circulate.

Much better with an ali rear carrier. Less chance of a spinal injury if you fall.

Originally posted by bikeman
Or get panniers, although a think a laptop computer would fair better on your back when it comes to jarring bumps in a pannier. Just don't fall down on your back;)
I biked 95 km * 2 with my iBook on the rack! :) I wouldn’t recommend it though, I was nervous at every bump and felt like I was lucky that the computer was still intact afterwards.

But it was a nice nomadic feeling over it... :D