+1 on the Zephyr. I use it on commutes when I don't need to carry much. The curvature of the frame makes the space inside much less then would seem from the pic. I use messenger beg for larger load and my Eagle Industries Airborne large pack for the heavier loads.

Bungie'ing your load to the rack is the way to go. Just use an old inner tube to tie it down, or buy some bungies for a few bucks. It is simple, cheap and effective. Millions commute this way.

I'm sure bungies would be fine but I feel better with the straps just because there is no give. The way bungies allow weight to shift is just kind of annoying, but that's personal preference.

For two-strap bags, I find that a sternum strap makes things a lot more comfortable. Waist straps really don't do much.

Chrome makes a really nice line of two-strap bags designed for riding. they're comfy and durable, but pretty expensive. Judging my the fact that my older one is 5 years old and still going, I'd call it worth the money. I just got the backbone, their largest two-strap bag, and like it a lot-- but it's huge.

Waist straps might not make a big difference on short rides, but the difference is painfully noticeable on longer rides, especially with large loads.

How much weight are you carrying in your pack? I'll switch between a pack and pans depending on my ride, but if I know I'll be carrying a heavier load, I'll usually opt for pans because:

It's easier on my back
The center of gravity is lower
I feel less restrained

If you're carrying enough weight where using a waist strap would seem like a good idea to keep the pack from shifting around on you in transit, maybe considder pans?

The Northface pack looks like a good little pack, there are some other good packs put out by Ortleib too.

I'm not averse to carrying large loads (I'd guess 40-50 lbs) on my back for long rides (around 50 miles) because I prefer the form factor and convenience of a backpack. It may be easier on my back to ride with panniers, but I prefer a bag on my back (especially on shorter rides), and oftentimes I don't even have a rack on the bike I'm using.

You might also want to look into the Ortlieb Flight back pack.

https://www.ortlieb.com/_prod.php?lang=en&produkt=flight

It comes in 22 and 27 liter sizes, is waterproof, and has a mesh suspension system that actually allows airflow to your back while riding. I'm torn between one of these and one of the new BaileyWorks messenger back packs.

https://www.baileyworks.com/Backpacks...+Pack/options/

Deuter makes backpacks that will keep your back dry. While my back gets a bit more moist than when wearing no backpack at all, the Deuter Advanced Air Comfort series of backbacks (I have the AC25, a 25 liter backpack) will keep your back from getting sweaty by suspending the back of the packpack above your back by means of a steel frame and mesh. This sounds uncomfortable, but actually I am hard pressed to notice the bag is even there. I commute 31 miles a day, and this is the best biking backpack I've seen.

I heart my deuter bag. the mesh back does a great job keeping my back cool.

i agree the deuter packs are the way to go. i commute 25 miles round trip and this pack is comfortable, holds a lot and keeps me cooler than any traditional pack or messenger bag.

my sister has the bike specific model but i have the futura 32AC. my torso is a bit long for it, but thats not really an issue on the bike. ive shoved 40lbs of junk in it, strapped whole bikes to it, commuted with floor pumps and frozen pizzas and no discomfort. this bag is sturdy. ive carried a minimum of 10lbs of tools, gear and junk every day for the past 2 and a half years and it still looks new! it also comes with a rain fly though to be honest it could used extra waterproofing(scotch guard). other features include a couple pocket/stash areas and a water bladder setup though ive never used it. one bad thing about the hiking model is its a top loader(also can be a good thing) and bit long so it sometimes hits my helmet(hoping potholes).

i strap a bungee cord to the metal frame behind the back mesh area and store my ulock for easy access. bought it used for about $60.

Wow this thread is still getting replies? Thanks guys, I'm glad I didn't get a backpack yet and am still looking around cause the Deuter packs sound really good.

I use a Tatonka Ventrail S

https://www.outdoorsurvival.com.au/ca...1/1/40/TAT1669

But rack and panniers for me too.

I hear the Arkel Bug is good as both a backpack AND a pannier.

https://www.arkel-od.com/panniers/backpack/overview.asp

I used an old Korean war era military radio backpack for 26 years. It just had canvas straps that molded to my shoulders after a few months and was always comfortable. It was hot in the summer and nice in the winter, it held a lot of stuff, and was somewhat water repellant. It finally rotted and fell apart. God, I miss that thing.

Have you looked for something similar at army surplus stores?

Yes, and I continue to look. I am not sure it was a radio pack, it had been sugggested to me it was an ammo pack...it was a very large rectangular canvas bag with a flat top that snapped onto the body. Olive drab. It had no US markings, but some I never could identify. I have not seen anything remotely like it.

I have gone through several bags, but none quite as useful as that one.

Hey I was looking at the Futura 32 on Deuter's website. Is the Futura 32 the same thing as the Futura 32AC?