Some packs have systems that will keep it off your back, along with ventilated straps, it can reduce the sweat factor.

The one I bought has such a system called Airspeed. I bought the pack at Wiggle (cheaper), based on the following youtube review:


The Airspeed system does seem to work. I'm much less sweaty than when I used a Crumpler pack that didn't have a suspension system.

I'm still a little sweaty after an hour commute, especially as temperatures start to rise.

My shoulders seem most affected, as that's where the pack rests, and doesn't ventilate well.

Most of my packs have some back ventilation, although I'm not sure how effective it is.

I've started wearing breathable synthetic shirts, and don't worry about it much.

I just got a cycling backpack. I can't find the email that shows what I bought, and I can't remember where I got it. But I like it. I hope to recall it soon enough.

I have a radial 34 it is great. I have had 2 part failures on it but they replace them asap.

I don't know how much the grooves on my osprey radial 34 help but my back is less sweaty wearing it over a shirt than riding with no backpack but a raincoat (fancy showers pass one with all the vents cranked open) over the same shirt.

I think you just showed me my next back pack. I have been using a PAC Messenger back and I really like it but it doesn't have protection for my laptop. The Osprey looks good in this regard.

Did you ever mention a budget for said backpack? I ask because I'm a backpack connoisseur. I have so many different types. You tell me your budget and I can point you in the right direction based on what you mentioned using it for.

Oh boy, think of how much beer you can fit into that thing.... xD

I am using this currently:

https://www.rei.com/rei-garage/produ...r-cycling-pack

Got it in a clearance sale on REI. Probably that's why it is not available any more.

Aha, that's the one I got. Thanks for jarring my memory. I've only worn it a few times now, but I like it. It is small, so it has room for less stuff than other bags, but it will be fine most of the time. If I need to carry more stuff, I can put it on the bike. My intention was to have something for when I ride my racing bike which has no provision for luggage, and I plan to keep it that way. I have a bike with a rack for when I have more than will fit in the small backpack.

I have the pannier backpack and it's not what you're looking for (although it's a great backpack-sits very well above your waist, very comfortable on your back), but I second the banjo brother recommendation. They're great bags and not terribly priced either.

Another vote for Osprey!!!

I've got an Osprey Escapist 32 too! I absolutely love it and I use it everyday (usually only weekdays unless I'm on a trip). I have been using it for a couple years now and it is not showing any wear/tear!

I use everything (all pockets/compartments/mesh areas), but surprisingly, I don't use the external helmet holder that is built in. I usually just leave my helmet on my head if my hands are full. :p

The Osprey packs are water resistant, but some of them (like my Escapist) comes with a built-in rain cover that is hiding in a bottom pocket. If it's a major downpour and I'm on my bike, I do have to use it. When it's just a light rain (or even a heavy rain but you are just running to your car), it has never been enough to soak through.

No problem!
I have been using it for my commute without fail. The rides back home in 95 degrees weather do make me wish i had a bike rack though.

If you have a shorter commute, a backpack with an air system will probably make a difference. But after an hour of commuting only the socks will be dry, backpack or no backpack. My bike does not have rack mounts or I would consider a rack.

[MENTION=167216]a1penguin[/MENTION] there are various ways to mount a rack to a frame that doesn't have provisions.

Yeah, my commute is 30+ mi RT, so I sweat no matter what.

The lightest one you could get the better. I had a heavy duty one for a while and while all great, having a lighter load on the back made a huge difference

I don't commute to work on my bike but I use a backpack from Green Guru Gear for work. I've used it as a vacation bag as well.

Just got one of these Radial 26. Will commute with it tomorrow. It packs nicely. Need to compare it to my mission workshop sanction. :D

These guys make awesome bags: https://roadrunnerbags.us/

I've got the medium roll-top with all the options and use it daily. Waterproof as well.

I roll with an ARC'TERYX SPEAR 20 that I bought in Frankfurt about 6 years ago. Was about €90 but has been used every single day for work.

Did about 6000km on the bike and every other day on the subway/car/tram/boat/foot/hovercraft that I have commuted.

Very nice and hope to get a few more years out of it. There is a little wear on the corners and in the liner where I add the computer, but otherwise it should last a very long time.

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=ar...w=1281&bih=595

Congrats! I hope you like it. I find it very comfortable but still sometimes wish it could hold more, there's always the 34.

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4288/3...3edcc734_b.jpg

Plenty of capacity for me. My sanction is 2 litre. I rode in with a 14lb load today (short 12 mi in) and it was pretty comfortable. I thought the "kickstand" would be a gimmick, but it is really useful.

Arcteryx makes some great packs. For those that wear their gear...it is that deal!

I agree. The durability has shocked me. The bag has been used to carry items 5-6 days/week every week for 6-7 years and the only visible wear is that the grey text is slightly darker and it's become dirty.

I'm extremely impressed and I don't impress easy, I'm very cheap and use everything up to completion.

This bag impresses me.

One huge advantage is that the top is a roll top and thus a zipper can't break.

Very nice piece of kit.