Help choosing new backpack for commuting
 

I'm in the market for a new cycling backpack for commuting to and from work preferably a mid size one.

There are so many great cycling backpacks out there and I don't know which one I should get other that It's needs to fit 15" laptop and be very water resistant/waterproof.

The backpack that I'm currently using is the timbuk2 especial tres which I really love however it's too big for me most days so I want something smaller.

I want to get your help and see if you could recommend a backpack that would suit my needs?

MTB Addict (as I recall) offered their pick, which has a mesh back under tension, so your back sweat can evaporate..

Bag contents stays off of your back .

I just got one of these. After a couple months of commuting with it, I am very happy.

https://www.rei.com/rei-garage/produ...2-cycling-pack

The no-zipper top is excellent. It comes with a (yellow) waterproof cover in a dedicated pocket. I have used that two or three times and it works great. The pockets are good sizes. It has a dedicated space for my u-lock.

I've herd lot of great things about Osprey but the need of using waterproof cover is something I'm not excited about.

Fair enough. To be clear, my Osprey is as water resistant as my prior backpack (a North Face Recon), but now when it is really raining, I can slip the cover around it and be certain my stuff is dry.

I use this and like it. 26L. Labelled as "water-resistant" but that's probably the lawyers talking. For the length of a reasonable commute it would withstand showers.

Patagonia Lightweight Black Hole? Backpack 26L

I strap it on my rack or sometimes wear it on my back.

I also own an Arcteryx waterproof approach backpack, which cost double the above, but I doubt it's any more water-proof. Water runs down your back and dampens that area before it would seep through the zip or front covering. For anything truly waterproof, it's more efficient to invest in a dry bag and use a bag-in-a-bag approach.

I find cycling-specific bags to be much too overbuilt for commuting. You're not going to be carrying a hydration bladder. And it's natural for your back to sweat. Waffle padding and heavy harnesses have never solved that, at least for me.

A couple things to consider: first, placing your laptop inside a suitably large ziploc bag will ensure it is absolutely waterproof; second, bags designed for motorcycling are often quite good for what you're doing.

I just ordered one of these, not sure if they'll ship to Iceland, but worth a look:

https://www.xlmoto.ie/xlmoto-slipstr...of-mc-backpack

Indeed if you shop outside the outdoorsy hobby stores like REI there are probably a ton more options from computer and luggage outlets.

For what it's worth: outside of the ziploc bag trick, if I needed a bag that I was completely certain was waterproof, I'd spend twice as much on an Ortlieb pack (www.ortlieb.com). I bought one about 15yrs ago and still trust it.

But for carrying a laptop, a hard-shell pack is nice. I'm really curious to see what that XLMoto bag is like, especially at that price point.

Roll top backpacks are the way to go.

I have 2, one is from Cor Surf and that’s my everyday bag. The second is from Chrome Urban EX 28l, and I use that one mostly for shopping and hauling packages to the post office. Both are 100% waterproof ( tested by me on many occasions), and both have a very simple no-frills look.

Just ordered the Timbuk2 Raider and currently use the Osprey Radial 26.

I leave shoes at work and they have towels in the gym, but between laptop/clothes/pump/tubes/phones/wallet/deodorant, I've found the pack getting pretty heavy and it can take the fun out of the ride. The Osprey packs can be heavy and although the Raider is only about 1.5 pounds lighter, I suspect it will be a notable difference.

Not sure how long your commute is, mines about 12 miles each way, but weight might be something to take into account.

I've been running/commuting with messenger bags and backpacks since the early 2000's and am very partial to Chrome. I have used a Metropolis Messenger Bag that is now used for other stuff(s). I have also had a Roll Top Ivan and have been using their largest backpack (Original Warsaw) for over 10 years. I love these things. They are very durable, completely waterproof and very comfortable.* These last 2 ^^^^ are larger one's albeit they make Medium and small(er) backpacks as well.



*commute year round in Chicago's wonderful weather