Backpacks for commuting
#26
Senior Member


Joined: May 2010
Posts: 2,528
Likes: 152
From: midwest
Bikes: 2018 Roubaix Expert Di2, 2016 Diverge Expert X1
Sorry man, Osprey is overpriced/underperforming gear.
In German, we joke that the wearer must be American or from Cali. Also, the company isn't as green as it should be.
They should be more like these guys...
https://www.fjallraven.us/pages/sustainability
My large rucksack is a 65L Kajka ... unfortunately, it's lasted too long (it's the pre-woodframe model) from 2008.
In German, we joke that the wearer must be American or from Cali. Also, the company isn't as green as it should be.
They should be more like these guys...
https://www.fjallraven.us/pages/sustainability
My large rucksack is a 65L Kajka ... unfortunately, it's lasted too long (it's the pre-woodframe model) from 2008.
#27
Banned
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 8,543
Likes: 41
From: England / CPH
Bikes: 2010 Cube Acid / 2013 Mango FGSS
My Arc'teryx has been used for every single commute since 2010, plus a lot of non-commute travel. So it's been through roughly 2000 bike commutes without a single strap/buckle/etc... failure. Nice lightweight aluminum back-curving plate.
Black, which is excellent so it doesn't look dirty, it is getting worn though, the fabric.
The material around the front zipper just tore ... but that's after 8000 zips minimum (minimum of 4 per day ... pre-work home, pre-work office, post-work office and post-work home).
Thus, I need to get the zipper replaced.
The roll-top is excellent and 20L is perfect for a lunch/clothes change/weekend trip.
Osprey ... hahahaha ... I wouldn't waste the money.
#28
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,145
Likes: 83
From: Salt Lake City, UT (Formerly Los Angeles, CA)
Bikes: 2008 Cannondale Synapse -- 2014 Cannondale Quick CX
If I needed the convenience of a backpack throughout the day (such as college student) but commuted by bike, I'd be looking for one of the following:
I have Ortlieb Shopper panniers (a set of two) for my aluminum road bike and find them great for commuting on those occasions when I'm able to commute, which is about once a week. They are easy to remove and carry around, but are not suitable replacements for a campus backpack.
I suggest going to the Oritlieb website and looking at whatever pannier seems to be most appropriate for carrying the type of stuff you commute with, and then purchasing the backpack adapter for that pannier:
Ortlieb Backpack Pannier Carrying-System
The reason I prefer a pannier on the bike over a backpack is sweat, ride comfort, and balance. I feel better balanced with a pannier on the side than a pack on my back. And am able usually to arrive without a soaked back, when I use a pannier. The Ortlieb backpack adapter seems like a cool way to take your pannier with you when you leave your bike at the rack. ...matter of fact, I may have to order one.
- Panniers that are large enough to hold a backpack.
- Panniers that can BE a backpack.
I have Ortlieb Shopper panniers (a set of two) for my aluminum road bike and find them great for commuting on those occasions when I'm able to commute, which is about once a week. They are easy to remove and carry around, but are not suitable replacements for a campus backpack.
I suggest going to the Oritlieb website and looking at whatever pannier seems to be most appropriate for carrying the type of stuff you commute with, and then purchasing the backpack adapter for that pannier:
Ortlieb Backpack Pannier Carrying-System
The reason I prefer a pannier on the bike over a backpack is sweat, ride comfort, and balance. I feel better balanced with a pannier on the side than a pack on my back. And am able usually to arrive without a soaked back, when I use a pannier. The Ortlieb backpack adapter seems like a cool way to take your pannier with you when you leave your bike at the rack. ...matter of fact, I may have to order one.
#29
Banned
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 8,543
Likes: 41
From: England / CPH
Bikes: 2010 Cube Acid / 2013 Mango FGSS
If I needed the convenience of a backpack throughout the day (such as college student) but commuted by bike, I'd be looking for one of the following:
I have Ortlieb Shopper panniers (a set of two) for my aluminum road bike and find them great for commuting on those occasions when I'm able to commute, which is about once a week. They are easy to remove and carry around, but are not suitable replacements for a campus backpack.
I suggest going to the Oritlieb website and looking at whatever pannier seems to be most appropriate for carrying the type of stuff you commute with, and then purchasing the backpack adapter for that pannier:
Ortlieb Backpack Pannier Carrying-System
The reason I prefer a pannier on the bike over a backpack is sweat, ride comfort, and balance. I feel better balanced with a pannier on the side than a pack on my back. And am able usually to arrive without a soaked back, when I use a pannier. The Ortlieb backpack adapter seems like a cool way to take your pannier with you when you leave your bike at the rack. ...matter of fact, I may have to order one.
- Panniers that are large enough to hold a backpack.
- Panniers that can BE a backpack.
I have Ortlieb Shopper panniers (a set of two) for my aluminum road bike and find them great for commuting on those occasions when I'm able to commute, which is about once a week. They are easy to remove and carry around, but are not suitable replacements for a campus backpack.
I suggest going to the Oritlieb website and looking at whatever pannier seems to be most appropriate for carrying the type of stuff you commute with, and then purchasing the backpack adapter for that pannier:
Ortlieb Backpack Pannier Carrying-System
The reason I prefer a pannier on the bike over a backpack is sweat, ride comfort, and balance. I feel better balanced with a pannier on the side than a pack on my back. And am able usually to arrive without a soaked back, when I use a pannier. The Ortlieb backpack adapter seems like a cool way to take your pannier with you when you leave your bike at the rack. ...matter of fact, I may have to order one.

#30
aka Tom Reingold




Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 44,223
Likes: 6,480
From: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
Bikes: 1962 Rudge Sports, 1971 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Raleigh Pro Track, 1974 Raleigh International, 1975 Viscount Fixie, 1982 McLean, 1996 Lemond (Ti), 2002 Burley Zydeco tandem
I use a Timbuk2 backpack. I like it, but it's really floppy, which is both good and bad. It's good because it's very lightweight. It's bad because it makes filling the back a little cumbersome. Overall, I'm very happy with it. I understand some of the newer models have a kickstand, which sounds funny, but now I see the point.
__________________
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
#31
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
So I'll be started school again in a few weeks, and I've been looking at better charging backpacks for commuting. There are a couple I had in mind, like the Osprey Radial 34 and the Momentum 32. However, there are issues about both bags that concern me, particularly the elastic cords that would have to hold up the weight of a fully loaded bag. They both have some really nice features, such as an integrated rain cover, and a spot to attach a helmet when not in use.
#32
So I'll be started school again in a few weeks, and I've been looking at backpacks that would be better for commuting. There are a couple I had in mind, like the Osprey Radial 34 and the Momentum 32. However, there are issues about both bags that concern me, particularly the elastic cords that would have to hold up the weight of a fully loaded bag. They both have some really nice features, such as an integrated rain cover, and a spot to attach a helmet when not in use.
I tried the Radial 34 for commuting, the S/M. And still my back of head/helmet would run into the pack. I'm still looking for a good alternative.
#33
Senior Member


Joined: May 2010
Posts: 2,528
Likes: 152
From: midwest
Bikes: 2018 Roubaix Expert Di2, 2016 Diverge Expert X1
#34
Junior Member

Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 184
Likes: 208
From: Philadelphia
Bikes: Fuji Touring Series V 1985, Motobecane Grand Touring 1982, Specialized Stumpjumper 1993, Raleigh International 1972, Raleigh Grand Prix 1972, Kuwahara Count 1983, Trek Cirrus 1987, Shogun 2001 1983, Cannondale SM700 1990, Raleigh Super Course 1976
I got a North Face bag since the back of it has bumps to keep it off my back some making it less sweaty
#35
Senior Member


Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 2,509
Likes: 997
I use a Timbuk2 backpack. I like it, but it's really floppy, which is both good and bad. It's good because it's very lightweight. It's bad because it makes filling the back a little cumbersome. Overall, I'm very happy with it. I understand some of the newer models have a kickstand, which sounds funny, but now I see the point.
#36
Disco Infiltrator




Joined: May 2013
Posts: 15,339
Likes: 3,525
From: Folsom CA
Bikes: Stormchaser, Paramount, Tilt, Samba tandem
Four semesters and one summer break later…
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Genesis 49:16-17
"Well, well!" said Holmes, impatiently. "A good cyclist does not need a high road. The moor is intersected with paths and the moon is at the full."
Genesis 49:16-17
"Well, well!" said Holmes, impatiently. "A good cyclist does not need a high road. The moor is intersected with paths and the moon is at the full."





