metz1295

after quite a bit of research, I've found that quality commuter backpacks are pretty expensive and the cheaper ones are pretty cheap. can't seem to find a versatile middle ground pack for a decent price. my thought now is to consider an internal frame hiking backpack. even the less expensive ones come with a rain fly whereas as a waterproof commuter back is heavy and more expensive. I can't really think of a downside to this. I would probably pull out the internal frame bars to save weight. here is the pack I'm closest to choosing at this point:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...pf_rd_i=507846

my son has a larger Teton pack that he uses for scouts and it works great. I have no reason to mistrust this brand.

thoughts?

joeyduck

I see a lot of people about Vancouver with hiking packs. They seems to get along okay. They just seems so top heavy and uncomfortable and I personally do not like the idea.

The compression on the seat and the wedding tackle and associated pinching and numbness seems like it would be an issue.

Otherwise, why not? No good reasons. It all come down to personal comfort and practicality and what works for you.

Hub Spanner

Probably hard to go wrong at that price point. How far is your commute? And how much stuff do you need to carry?

I have two different bicycle-specific backpacks -- a Timbuk 2 Swig and and a Banjo Brothers "Large Commuter".

I got each brand-new on ebay at a price point similar to yours...needed patience, though.

One nice thing about both my packs is that they are designed for "over-the-shoulder" backward glances when cycling...not sure if the frame pack you point to will block your view or not.

Take Care,
Hub @hubspanner

metz1295

only 12 miles each way. that's a good point about the sight line. i think the pack in the link narrower than the pack i'm currently using which is my son's school backpack. also, the pack above is only 25" tall. i'm 6'3". i could wear it low and it would still not be below my lower back. on the heavier days, i would have a full change of dress clothes including shoes and a full size bath towel. i have no need to protect a laptop on my commute. the large banjo is on my list. not sure i like the swig, though i don't think it's big enough for my needs. i do like the idea of a rain fly over a waterproof bag, as it will add to me being visible if i get caught in a downpour.

Hub Spanner

Sounds like the Swig might be too small for your needs, and it is not downpour-proof.

The Banjo is very well made (as is the Swig) and it is "cavernous." The waterproof liner is easily removed and (apparently) replaceable if it is ever damaged.

Twelve miles is pretty far for backpack commuting but it sounds like you've done it a while and understand the pros and cons. I'm a wimp -- I'd be using panniers at that distance.

Given your height, I agree that you can probably wear the frame pack low-ish on your back and have good sight lines.

Take Care,
Hub
@hubspanner

metz1295

it's a short 12 miles as there are many direction changes, but a long 12 miles as there many direction changes. tomorrow will be day 3, so if by "a while" you mean more than 2 days. yes, i've been at it a while. : ) seriously, it's a fun route. good mix of hills, bike path, residential and busy traffic streets. however, my longest single segment is only 1.5 miles.

back on topic, i've read nothing but good things about the banjo. i just haven't pulled the trigger. my safeguard if the hiking pack doesn't work out is that i can use it for hiking or camping which i do on occasion. if the banjo doesn't work, i wouldn't have much use for it.

oh, and unless it made the load completely unmanageable, i would probably pull the frame out for biking.

Hub Spanner

One last pro-Banjo nugget: I've happily used mine as an airplane carry-on (liner removed).

It doesn't offer much in the way of conveniences (pockets, etc) but man can it haul a ton of stuff.

Good luck with the commute!

-Hub
@hubspanner

prathmann

I found a backpacking type pack to be very uncomfortable when cycling. The pack I have is designed to be used when walking upright, not bent over like one usually is on a bike. As a result the padding and other support structures didn't end up hitting my body in the right places to be comfortable.

TinkerinWstuff

I use a Camelback Fourteener and am very pleased. Sourced locally for $100. I remove the bladder for my commute. Carry a change of clothes and lunch. I leave shoes at the office. I like that it's vented on my back.

CamelBak Fourteener 24 Hydration Pack - 100 fl. oz. - Free Shipping at REI.com

I did 42 miles last Saturday and never gave a second thought to my pack

no1mad 

I used to own a large Banjo Bros. backpack- I can vouch for the cavernous main compartment and dearth of organization. Another con against (unless they've improved the design) is that it does a poor job of venting against your back (or a really good job of insulating you during the winter).

metz1295

very good point about the pad positioning. think amazon would notice if I used the Teton for a day then changed my mind?

no motor?

I prefer a backpack over a pannier for commuting, and my big backpack is similar to the one in your link. It's a no longer made version of the Kelty Shrike, that features a padded backpanel that helps some with cooling and the narrower profile that makes it easier when looking behind me. The internal frame is a sheet of flexible plastic that makes it more comfortable, I haven't thought about taking it out like you have. It also works well for carrying groceries and canned cat food when I'm on foot, you'll probably like the pack you've picked out but that's just my opinion. And you know what those are worth on the internet....

spivonious

The hip belt gets in the way. Don't do it.

I'd consider panniers or at least a trunk bag before going back to a backpack. The weight distribution is off and your back gets sweaty no matter what.

As far as waterproofing, just wrap your stuff in plastic bags. Waterproofing on fabric will eventually wear off. It's not worth the extra money.

metz1295

this was an early choice before I had the hiking backpack idea. with the comments about sight lines and the hip pads getting in the way, I may have to revert to it.

Amazon.com : Kelty Marmalard Backpack, Black : Hiking Daypacks : Sports & Outdoors

mel2012

Have you looked a Deuter brand packs? We have one of their day backs and a hiking backpack. Both have integrated rain covers and use the AirComfort system, which is great for ventilation when you're walking/hiking/biking in hot conditions:

https://www.amazon.com/Deuter-Futura-...r+daypack+rain

Deuter Futura 22 - eBags.com

Deuter AC Lite 22 - eBags.com

Deuter AC Lite 18 - eBags.com

Leebo

Looked at camelbaks? Rear rack and bag?

metz1295

the last time i looked at deuter i was impressed and willing to pay extra for them, but it was a pain in the butt to find a retailer. now that ebags has them, i may have to move them back up the list.

i like this one and it's closest to the size of the cheap school packer i'm currently using.

Deuter Futura 28 - eBags.com

thanks for the ebag links.

metz1295

i have, the camelbaks are a little pricey. though to be honest, as my price point moves up to get what i want, camelbak may be creeping back into the picture. yes, it's for commuting, but i also keep the pace up to act as my cardio workout. i think i would rather carry that weight on my back than on the back end of my bike.

Leebo

My camelbak mule is pretty big. Only worn mt biking. Vented back areas, wide waist belt, padded shoulder straps and can adjust the width of those as well. I find a rack and bag so much easier on the commute. Think about 10 lbs up high or below the seat for center of balance. Plus less sweat and backache. One more thought. I have a frame bag on the Karate monkey. Works well, can still fit water bottles in the main triangle, easy access below the top tube.

metz1295

i have a really old mule. it's been a great pack over the years, but it is too small for my needs. i'm not interesting in a rack with bags. i have one on the bike i use for family trips pulling a trailer and i can't see myself with a rack setup for the way i ride during my commute.

scaldin

I was just researching this very dilemma...biking bags often have a water resevoir (which I don't need on my 7 mile commute) and seem exceptionally pricey. I went with the Deteur Spider...It has the air channel, but no integrated rain cover. I figured I could buy one separately. I got mine for $63, or about half of what most "biking" backpacks were going for.

Deuter Spider Sack Pack - eBags.com

metz1295

that looks like a pretty good choice. what size shoes fits in that bottom compartment? or is it big enough for a full size bath towel? any chance you could provide pics of your bag stuffed and what you have in it?

kenwer

I'm 6'2" and I've tried using my Gregory backpack with the hip belt removed but found that at 5500 cu/in it's just too much bag. On top of that the shoulder straps are wider to spread the load. On the bike it's kind of like shrugging your shoulders and all of the padding is definitely noticeable and eventually annoying. Having said that I think a hiking pack somewhat smaller, with a removable hip belt (or cinch it tight and clip it backwards around the bag), maybe designed with some climbing in mind might work. I like hiking bags because they always seem more sturdy, and simply built.

treadtread

I had an Ogio Metro - very comfortable and pretty big. Wouldn't hesitate to use it on a bike, but I gave it away after it started looking too worn out for office.
ogio Metro

Just to add - used that backpack for 5+ years, was perfectly functional when I gave it away.

scaldin

I carry my size 11 tennis shoes, toiletry bag, work clothes, light jacket and lunch. Along with spare gloves, sunglasses, cell phone, wallet. You should be able to crush a full size bath towel in that bottom compartment, but that would be all you could fit in there. It's full to capacity when I leave for work in the morning. I can post a pic tonight.