Hello all
I decided this year to forgo panniers on my new ride after over 8 years of panniers and try backpack. The thing with panniers is if they're convenient in putting on and taking off, they'll fall off at a most inconvenient time. So I secure them on and leave them, and after a season they need replaced. I wouldn't get any high end panniers as they'd be a huge loss in case of theft.
I was able to get a NOS timbuk2 swig off of Ebay for just 40 bucks incl. shipping. I recieved and found I liked it. Unlike other years, I have been more anxious to ride after having taken a year off of commuting. I've been riding in the cold, which I've never done before. I found the pack kept my back very warm. It also held a week's worth of groceries and was handier than having to load up my panniers.
I was also looking for a smaller hydration pack for my long rides later this spring. I found a Camelbak Alpine Explorer on Jenson USA for 40 bucks + shipping. It was rated larger than the Swig pack so I resisted. After much shopping and finding the quality hydration packs are generally 50 to 60 bucks, I dropped the hammer and ordered the Alpine Explorer.
I have found the AE to be superior to the Swig pack in pretty much every way. I can wear it real low on my back, put the waist belt on and take the weight off of my shoulders. The left side pocket holds my mini tool, tube and patches. The right side mesh pocket holds my lock just fine. It's not as easy to get into as it has zippers instead of buckles and velcro, but then I don't get into 20 times a mile so that's okay.
The only thing is the Swig pack has more rugged material, but the Camelbak should hold up well. Ultimately I guess the perfect pack would be an Alpine Explorer made with the same material as the Swig pack. I really like the AE's quick access pocket between the main compartment and the small front compartment.
I could go on and on. I do like the waist belt. At first I didn't like it then it occurred to me that it's called a 'waist belt' for a reason. I loosened up the shoulder straps so the belt would go around my waist below my stomach and no longer effected my breathing.
It also has cinch straps to secure a load or to make it more compact when empty.
Presently I don't keep the water bladder in it, I'll use the bladder only on my long rides.
I hope my post is informative for anyone considering a backpack, I won't say I have the best pack out there but so far the Camelbak seems like it will work best for me.