TheRCF

I have a Camelbak "Mule" which I only use to carry odds and ends (for the beach mostly). It has a small beachmat, a light jacket (just for some protection in case it rains though it isn't a rain jacket), a cable lock, spare tube, patch kit, etc.

But sometimes I would like to carry a bit more - like a change of footwear. Also a book (though I can squeeze one in sometimes).

So, I'd like recommendations on backpacks that are not for carrying water, especially one that would hold a bit more than what I have now. Comfort, of course, is a prime concern since I have been known to ride over 50 miles before stopping at the beach.

Bob

efrobert

I have a small Gregory Reactor pack.
700 cubic inches
Weight - 1 lb 6 oz

rt_hat

I have the Burton H2O Pack:
https://www.burton.com/ca/gear/produc...umber=B6848301 .
Volume: 18L/1,100 cu. in.

I guess its actually a snowboarding pack and it comes with a hydration pack but give this one a second look.

Its great for the ride to work - carries my shoes, cable lock & u-lock, change of clothes, pump, spare tube, and lunch. It also works nice for rides in the bush because you can cinch it tight against your back.

VIConjugate

https://www.sportsauthority.com/produ...entPage=family

My coworker uses this bag for running around town. Pretty big and it has a sleeve for a hydration bladder. Jansport may not make the best bags but if you ever wear one out they'll just ship you another one. Gotta love that kinda warranty!

Nubie

These backpacks from REI are great - I have the women's version. There's a ton of room and can fit a hydration bladder (purchased separately, or one from your Camelbak) + extras quite comfortably.

https://www.rei.com/online/store/Prod...HP_CAMPING_TOC

https://www.rei.com/online/store/Prod...HP_CAMPING_TOC

https://www.rei.com/online/store/Prod...HP_CAMPING_TOC

Women's:
https://www.rei.com/online/store/Prod...HP_CAMPING_TOC

o-dog

I use an LL Bean Super Deluxe:

https://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/sto...Search&feat=sr

it's comfortable, it has lots of pockets for organizing stuff, and even two mesh water bottle holders on either side. it also has a big reflective strip on the back which is good if you're riding at night.

古強者死神

I have a backpack I found in my closet that my ex girlfriend left behind, its called rocky mountain (the brand) I think its just a normal school type backpac but it does have side reflectors on it.

Works for me, Have taken it on every ride, up to about 40 miles a ride so far with no problems except it gets abit sweaty on my back with no ventilation, but that quickly goes away when I take it off.

I am not "spoiled" by the small light stuff tho I am still semi used to the packs we had on our backs in the Marines so this is childs play, when we go on group rides I offered to carry anybodies stuff they didnt want in my backpack as the weight does not bother me.

diff_lock2

I ride with a back pack, very simple dockers, i stuff my hex keys 1.5 or 2L bottle and a light jacket or sweat shirt. BUT i get this horible SOAKED patch of shirt(s), from sweating! its horible... dont you "persons" get that? and if your not, are you preventing it some how, i would like to know. thanks...

TheRCF

I've looked at all the suggestions and the above comment brings up something I should have commented on before.

My first backpack was something really small and cheap ($12). I got it just because I was leery about using a backpack while riding and didn't want to spend much money in case it didn't work out.

It worked fine, but it did result in a "hotspot" were it touched my back which I really didn't like. The Mule doesn't have that problem much.

So, I definitely want a pack that is as good in this area as well as being designed well to make it comfortable to carry the weight.

Bob

dauphin

I also own a mule which I use mostly on short day hikes. I used to take it on rides but I didn't like the heat buildup on my back. My regular backpacking pack is an Osprey Atmos 50 with a specially ventilated air flow back that is unbelievably comfortable. Osprey now makes a similar smaller pack called the Stratos that has the same feature. I would seriously check it out if I were you! Our local REI sells them. https://www.ospreypacks.com/packs/23/Stratos18/

TheRCF

That's very useful info, especially since you can compare it to my Mule. Most of my riding is before sunrise so I don't get the opportunity to see how bad it would be during the day much and, except for one metric century under overcast and often rainy conditions, any daylight rides are typically 14 miles.

So I figure anythnig that is more comfortable than the Mule would satisfy me in that area. Thanks!

Now if I can just find a place here that sells them so I can try one on.

Bob

stapfam

Try any backpack for a long distance and it is not comfortable- Only exception I have ever found is the Camelback, and I feel naked without that, but that is all it is. A small basic water carrier with no space for anything else.

I use a seat mount posted Pannier with a top bag and this works. Even have different size top bags for differing amounts I want to carry.

Flamingmb

I always ride with a chrome bag. Really comfortable. Its a citizen.

TheRCF

Well, as I've mentioned, I've ridden with the Mule for 50 miles, though under cloudy and rainy skies (temperature was probably ranging from 75-83) and I could live with it and since I usually ride in the dark, it is even less of a problem.

But it wouldn't hurt to find something better as well as bigger!

I also wonder if carrying a backpack is less of a problem on a bike - at least a road bike. After all, you are leaning over so the weight should seem like less of a burden.

Bob

TheRCF

What's a chrome bag?

eubi

I used to shun backpacks for bicycling but for my current commute I find it's the easiest way to go.

It's a generic Jansport, just big enough for my work clothes, shoes and business stuff...phone, PDA, pencils.

I'd recommend looking for a bag big enough for your purposes that has a belly belt and chest strap. They really help to keep the bag in place while cycling.

john bono

OT, but what's that thing your seat is sitting on?

Jed19

I think it's a suspension seatpost of some kind.

Regards,

barba

Chrome is a company that makes messenger bags. They are very nice, but a tad pricey. I like messenger bags fairly well for riding/commutes, but maybe a rack/pannier would be a better solution for you.

TheRCF

I used to use a rack and, if I need to, used panniers, but that was only for shopping. I really don't want the wind resistance those would involve on my long rides. A backpack mostly stays out of the wind so that is better for me plus it is fairly easy to carry wherever I need to after parking the bike.

Bob

barba

Ah, well if you don't want to use a rack I would definitely consider a messenger bag. They don't make my back near as sweaty as a backpack.

Eatadonut

Looks like a 3" travel thudbuster. Take the bumps out of the commute, for sure!

TheRCF

Don't know anything about them - but looking at pictures, I figured they would be less stable (backpacks typiically having a couple straps to lock them in position.

It also seemed that if much was in them, you would have a lot more weight to one side.

I'd appreciate any insight on these.