There's been several threads discussing backpacks the last couple of weeks. The Banjo Bros Commuter Backpack has been mentioned a couple of times and while it's easy enough to find reviews and descriptions, I thought it might be useful to see it pictured next to something we're all familiar with in terms of capacity. That something is a grocery bag.

The model I got was the large which is 2000 cubic inches as compared to the medium which is 1500 cubic inches.







The other backpack I seriously considered was the Ortlieb Messenger classic. I didn't like the "wings" at the top that obscured rear vision and it was lacking in terms of organization. It was basically a big bag and had no smaller pockets. There was an optional pouch to provide some of this.

It did have better padding on the back than the Banjo Bros and the waist strap was nice and wide.

The Banjo Bros backpack has a handy side pocket you can reach while wearing it, along with cellphone caddy attached to one of the main straps. It also a zippered pouch, a smaller one that closes with a flap and a few pen holders.