velofinds

In another forum, I mentioned the scourge of getting a sweaty back from wearing a backpack on my commute, and someone mentioned that the Novara ETA from REI has a mesh back panel, presumably for breathability. I wanted to solicit feedback from the BF crowd:

- are there any other similar products (i.e., "breathable" backpacks) that are available?
- does anyone have/use one, and if so, does it actually work in terms of making your back less sweaty?

Trying to avoid going the racks/panniers/saddlebag route, though I understand if that's the only way to keep the sweat off your back.

HardyWeinberg

Osprey makes several w/ foam ridges for airflow and then mesh over them for ventilation, and they ... well, they don't make anything worse. Don't take up extra volume, don't make the pack too rigid (or not rigid enough). You're going to have a sweaty back no matter what, but the ridges and mesh at least keep you from sweating through the backpack onto whatever is the cargo.

We just got this one for our son: Osprey Ozone 46 Travel Pack - REI.com the person at REI showed us the next size down, said obviously you wouldn't want the big one. Well, for his commute, he needs the big one (2 5" binders, geometry text, lunchbox...) and it all fits, together w/ the sleeves and dividers his organizational system revolves around.

I have a day+ pack from osprey that I love, has the same foam ridges/mesh thing, but an internal frame makes it unusable on the bike for me (the angle my back usually is while riding, the internal frame jams into my neck).

fietsbob

Consider ones you dont wear while riding the bike, but can be carried on the bike off your back ,

but put on when you lock up the bike and walk away from it.

Klick Fix , Rixen and Kaul of Germany make several, one .. Freepack Sport(bike backpack for seatpost) (0276S)

Rixen & Kaul, KLICKfix Adaptersysteme Fahrradzubehör, Solingen, Taschen, Körbe, Werkzeug

I have their seatpost clip on one bike that could be used, but didn't buy that bag to go on it..

Darth Lefty 

My Camelbak Blowfish is/was sold in the bike department at REI and has the foam pads and channels.

For me it's not so much the sweat, it's the constraint I don't like. But I haven't had my tail bag installed on a bike since I sold my Super Sport.

ptempel

I currently use a Columbia Crescent Peak 23L Backpack:

https://www.amazon.com/Columbia-Cresc.../dp/B004ZCJXY8

and it also has the breathable ribs on the back. Seems to work ok for me so far. Had some rubbing on one side a few months ago but was due to uneven load and/or strap adjustment.

noglider 

Those mesh-back backpacks with the extra space are a welcome invention!

09box

I have one of these:
Commuter 17L Backpack- Made in USA- Recycled Bike Tubes ? Green Guru Gear

velofinds

How "breathable" is the back panel?

09box

I've worn the bag walking around Denver on vacation and I had no sweat issues with it on.