blujosh

wondering if anyone can recommend a good backpack for cycling that combines the convenience and capacity of a messenger backpack, and the ergonomics of a daypack.

for reference:
i haul a lot of stuff back and forth on my bike and have owned many a messenger sling bag and am done with them due to neck and back strain and pain. i do however miss the convenience of being able to quickly get in and out of them as well as the large main compartment for stowing stuff.

i currently have a large size timbuk2 lex pack which i really like for the capacity and single large flap, but i don't like the sweat inducing padded back panel or lack over-the-shoulder visibility on the roll as much as i do on my north face hot shot backpack. things i don't like about the hot shot are the smaller capacity and that it is harder to quickly get things in and out of it.

in summary, i'm looking for a backpack with a comfortable back panel with good airflow (like the hot shot), decent visibility over the shoulder (not like the lex pack), but with the capacity / large compartment of a messenger style bag (like the lex pack). bonus points for laptop compartment and all black design.

can anyone suggest a happy medium?

thanx,

_j

ps. no, i'm not interested in panniers

Cyclist0383

Check out the deuter Trans Alpine. The ergonomics are near perfect, it has great venting, and a bunch of pockets. The raincover is quite nice too.

paulwwalters

Well I'd have to recommend Banjo Brothers.
I wouldn't know about back ventilation, because every backpack I've had makes my back sweat. But I'm weird like that. Weird to the point that any sock other than cotton makes my feet sweat constantly, and that makes my hands sweat. Anyways....
The Banjo Brothers bags are all black with silver stripes, waterproof, and hold a ton (more than most daypacks for sure). They are also pretty affordable as far as messenger backpacks go.

Ken Wind

Deuter has nice backpacks.

You should also check out Ortlieb. I have the Ortlieb Flight 27, which is nice, but too small to be my every day bag. The Ortlieb Messenger Backpack may be what you're looking for because it has a simple one compartment design, foam padding on the back to reduce sweat, and it is waterproof.

Pragmatik

I've had good luck with a Jansport Equinox 33. I think you can find them on REI's outlet pretty cheap too

no1mad 

For under $100, go w/Banjo Brothers, or check out the Axiom Quasimodo.

Above that, Chrome.

no1mad 

I've had it w/multi zippered 'packs. Does that Banjo Brothers have any kind of padding on the back?

DesnaePhoto

When you see Soldiers with personal backpacks, they are almost always Piper Gear. I wore one out over several years and bought another one. Just plain LOVE IT!!!! Hydration kit compatible. Very comfortable. Lots of pockets, keeps things separated and secure.

See them at www.pipergear.com I have the 3 day pass and the bug-out bag. The bug-out is too big.

Love it.

metaljim

Chrome Roll Top Pack.

You can thank me later.

AndrewP

This Vaude backpack is very similar to the Deuter, with the frame that allows airflow between the pack and your back. https://www.vaude.com/epages/Vaude-de...ucts/150630400

Nightshade

As strange as it may sound a military pack is what you need. That said,visit a military surplus
store to check out the packs they offer. Now I mean real military stuff not wanna be knock offs.

InfiniteRegress

I have a North Face Recon backpack and love it. I use the side pockets and mesh front pocket for storing things that I need to get to quickly. It has plenty of room for whatever I need to bring to work. I have used many Timbuk2 bags and like them when I'm carrying a light load. However, when carrying what I usually have to carry to/from work, I find that the Timbuk2 bags strain my neck and back. I like backpacks because they evenly distribute the weight on my back. Just make sure to use the hipbelt and sternum strap, as this will take a lot of the pressure off your back.

MadCapsule

At $200 it's crazy-expensive, but the Ergon BC3 backpack looks to be really nice. Also seems to fit most of your criteria. I don't know what the over-the-shoulder visibility is like though.

superdex

Santa brought me a Pearl Izumi backpack last year and it does the trick for me: large main compartment, padded laptop sleeve, side pockets, a rain cover, and a trapezoidal shape that even when stuffed to the gills I can peek over my shoulder

chipcom 

For comfort and over-the-shoulder visibility I prefer my Mountainsmith Day lumbar pack with the optional shoulder straps. Not sure if it is large enough for your needs at 854 ci.