Backpack for Commuting: Down to 2 choices
 

First, thing is first. No pannier recommendations. I mean it. It doesn't work for my commute and I spend about equal time hoofing it as riding throughout the day.

The requirements are:
Large - 45 - 55 liters or 3,000 - 3500 cubic inches
Waterproof - (at least have a raincover option)
Some kind of organization
Can handle about 25 - 30 lbs

Right now I have this - http://www.cascadedesigns.com/images...dary_packs.jpg
It works decent enough. It is definitely waterproof but is nothing more than a garbage bag with some straps glued on. The straps/load carrying leave a lot to be desired.

I am considering:
http://www.rei.com/zoom/vv/df204967-...4bf05b.jpg/150
http://www.rei.com/search?query=vaga...x=0&button.y=0
Pros - It is big, has a raincover, has some pockets, has an internal framesheet giving it structure.
Cons - Not actually waterproof only because of raincover. A bit on the small side. My pile of junk barely fits in here.

http://www.chromebagsstore.com/skin/...mpRanchero.jpg
Pros - Waterproof, should be comfortable enough, I was happy with my messenger bag
Cons - A big improvement but still a garbage bag with straps.

Go check out a ski/snow board shop. They should have some nice units for backcountry skiing and boarding. They will be expensive, but much time and attention put into the design to make them somewhat comfortable while skiing or boarding like a maniac. Make sure you actually try on a few, and put some stuff in them to simulate your real world use. Buying something like this from online might not be the way to go.

Not waterproof, though quite water resistant is the Crumpler Famous Wine Bar. I have the smaller version and it is a great bike backpack. It sits in such a way on your back as to not impede shoulder checking, and is very comfortable. One large main pocket with an internal pocket good for folders etc, and two large zippered external pockets. Wide anatomic should straps with removable waist belt and sternum strap. I love mine. If waterproofing was of major importance to me I would use this same bag and get a couple of dry bags / stuff sacks for inside.

Now that I think about it, my favorite backpack of all time though is a 35litre Lowe Alpine bag I bought about 10 years ago. :love:

It is very comfortable and has a great harness, and is waterproof. I had a waterbottle in a side pocket that leaked, and the pocket held the water inside while not letting it transfer through to the main compartment. I had to pour the water out of the pocket. Simple main compartment with two pockets in the lid and two external side pockets. Lots of lash down points.

You can't shoulder check easily with it fully loaded but it sits snugly, doesn't move around and lets me carry really heavy loads (groceries, cat litter etc) in comfort.

I doubt they still make this model, but I wouldn't hesitate to buy from Lowe Alpine again. Like the poster above mentioned, I am pretty sure this bag was designed for backcountry skiing.

I imagine they're more expensive, but I've heard awesome stuff about Chicago Wig's backpacks: http://web.mac.com/chicagowig/www.ch...backpacks.html

Their large also has the distinction of being 6000 ci when fully expanded, so you could basically smuggle people in it.

Zugster is another one I've heard good stuff about: http://www.zugsterbags.com/products/backpack

Banjo Brothers is also supposed to be great, and relatively inexpensive: http://www.banjobrothers.com/product...gbackpacks.php

I know lots of people with Chrome packs who love them and they're certainly well made and last for years, so between the REI and the Chrome, I'd say go for the Chrome.

My Chrome Citizen is my all-time favorite bag, so had to go the Chrome route..

Go Chrome. I've been down the road you have and a normal bag plus rain cover is simply a pain. Also, standard daypacks can roll around a bit on your back while on the bike, depending on how they are built. I had a SeaLine and it wasn't anywhere near as comfortable or strong as the Chrome, and lacked organization. The only bag other than a Chrome I would consider is a Mission Workshop, but they are quite pricey.

Chroooooooooooooooome

Holy backache Batman! How much stuff do you plan to carry on your commute? I use an LL Bean ESCAPE daypack for my commute - 28 miles RT. I leave my shoes at work, and our work is business casual dress code. I can fit my clothes and a laptop in the bag. It's not specifically waterproof but I've ridden in downpours in it and it has kept my stuff dry. It is pretty low profile and doesn't create drag -- I've ridden with bigger packs and they are definitely a problem. It's not pricey either - $70 I think.

Use the smallest pack you can get away with...those things above look huge. I guess if yoru commute is short it might not make much difference.

Corrected -- thought my pack was the Ridge Runner...is actually an Escape. Not sure they still make it.

AT least you can use the backpack you currently have as a flotation device in the event of a water landing.

I would check out the Ergon Bags which are sahweet for biking. Largest of that series here. The chest straps rotate on a magic flink so the weight sits on your hips and you can wiggle around your torso without the bag flopping. I shouldn't send you these links.. expensive. Anyways.. :p

Yes. My Indigo is very spacious. I bought it used at a sporting goods consignment shop. Very huge, comfy, and no damn messenger bag sliding and/or straps to worry about.

Ortlieb Velocity

I rode with bag on my back, from Portland to Ventura, Ca.

awesome bag.

http://www.ortliebusa.com/CartGenie/prod-22.htm

My pick of all backpacks is the Trager Transcontinental 755B. They are pricey, but the old addage, "you get what you pay for" certainly is true. What I like about the 755B is that you can use it as a shoulder bag, a backpack, or carry it by hand. It also has a seperate padded sleeve inside for your laptop plus a side pocket for a cell phone. They enlarged it to carry the current wide-screen laptops too. I have had mine for about 5 years now, and it is still wearing like iron. I consider these as cheap insurance for the computer.

More info can be found at: http://www.tragerusa.com/catalog_main3.html

Crumpler Wine Bar

Drybags are painful enough on a 1-km canoe portage, riding with one would just be needless suffering.


Check out: Deuter.

I did some shopping over the weekend and caused some more problems for myself.

First, I checked out ski packs. I didn't find much there mostly because the gear organization was setup for skiing not book and laptops.

What I did find was this: (sans camo)
http://www.rei.com/zoom/dd/7e5f63e6-...3c1dfa.jpg/150
It looked great. Enough room for all my stuff and the rolltop gives me a little overflow if required. It said something about waterproof on the tag, great. The straps are ok at best and the laptop compartment is a bit annoying. Nothing cheap can't fix. And it was cheap. I buy it. Get it home. Inspect the inside a bit more. No rubber lining on the inside. It would appear it is not actually waterproof.:notamused: It would be great, if waterproof.

I think I will go try to check out some chrome bags. They seem like the best choice so far...

Heh. I just ditched my Sealline Urban Backpack for an REI Traverse 30 (smaller than what you're looking at, but in the same vein). I would gladly use a rain cover and give up total waterproofness for some organizational sanity and proper-fitting straps. I am freakin done with drybag-style bags.

Sealline makes a messenger/shoulder bag, it's virtually waterproof without needing the rain cover... no issues with mine.

Chrome makes an excellant product. I recently purchased a chrome pawn and it comes in handy in Louisiana. Fully independent during festivals.

I'll second the Ergon BC3 (http://www.ergon-bike.com/us/en/product/bc3) recommendation. I have the Ergon BC3--it's a really nice backpack. The pack is held completely off your back (no vented foam padding) and allows for tons of air flow. It has a removable "organizer" (for pens, pads of paper, etc). The "f-link" system they use is pretty neat too, you can shift your weight around (I believe the pack was initially designed for MTBing) and your pack stays put.

I did have a small issue with one of the seams coming up a little, but I gorilla glued it back into place and it's working fine. It's nice because it has a hydration bladder in addition to being big enough to fit just about anything you'd need on a commute. The pack quite rigid though, so if you need to compress it and stuff it somewhere, you may have a hard time (the hip straps are reinforced with plastic). The front has an elastic bottom, so you can stuff extra stuff in there (I used to store my u-lock in it).

It's a great pack unless you're trying to carry a ton of stuff. Most non-messenger cycling bags are relatively small and will typically only fit about a pair of clothes (shirts and pants, maybe shoes if you really cram it), bike tools, and a couple of other small things.

I picked this pack because I wanted something: waterproof, large enough to carry more than just the "bare essentials" (without being a closet like those Chrome backpacks), and hydration compatible. The Ergon BC3 fit that bill, and even though it's expensive (I guess it's not that expensive when you compare it to some of the other packs being posted here), you can find them for about $150ish on eBay if I remember correctly. I've had mine for about a year.

I'm a sucker for trying different things, so I recently picked up a Camelbak's H.O.S.S. bag. I picked it up for pretty cheap (about $70 I think). I've been using it lately instead of the Ergon BC3 just to see how I like it. It's got a waterproof rolltop, a bunch of different pockets/holders in the front pocket, an expandable front "holder" area for a helmet/lock/big things, and a hydration bladder. It's also got a suspension frame, which keeps the pack off your back, which is also quite nice.

I don't like the hose that Camelbak included with their pack (it's shorter than what a typical Camelbak bladder would come with), but that's a cheap fix.

Overall, I'm not sure which I like more. I think I like riding with the Ergon BC3 more because the f-link system works so well, but I like the Camelbak more in terms of storeability (it's much smaller, while having the same storage space--if not more due to the rolltop and less rigid). Not that I really care since I'm on a bike in goofy clothes anyway, but I think the Ergon also looks a little funky off the bike (if I stop to do some quick shopping).

This point has been made countless times, but why would you assume that what works for you works for other people?

Some of us want to be able to stop for groceries on the way home from work. Some of us carry two or three books and a bag of tools. Some of us carry extra lighting, extra layers, coffee cups, thermoses, laptops in hardshell padded cases, etc... My bag is 2600 ci when fully expanded and that's not big enough for me be carrying my laptop, a change of work clothes, my coffee thermos, and still stop for more than a few small grocery items on the way home. I certainly couldn't get, say, a half gallon of both milk and OJ. It's big enough but sometimes not quite as big as I want.

And no, big bags do not get in the way or otherwise cause "a problem" when they're well designed. As long as it hugs the body close and folds down when you don't need that space, they're fine. Nor are they backaches if they're well made; I've ridden with over 40 lbs on my back.

One of the benefits of riding around with at least 10 - 15 lbs on your back (or just on your bike, as most people use panniers) all the time, is that when you squid up for a recreational ride and have little or no weight it feels like you're flying.

Well I visited yet another store last night and looked, in person, at the chrome offerings. They really do blow away everything else out there that I could actually see in person. It was comfortable, waterproof, and the Ivan had a rolltop for some overflow gear. It is complete overkill for what I need but everything else is just not quite there.

Now I just need a second job to pay for the thing. The good news is I will save money on a camelback. Just fill up the bag with a hose, stick some surgical tubing in there, roll closed and away we go.

You should be careful getting a giant messenger bag... can be hard on your collarbone if you dump heavy stuff in it since there is only one strap.

Most of the good messenger bag companies (Bailey Works, Chicago Wig, Pac Designs, Zugster, etc.) offer 2nd shoulder, or x-strap, options. This massively increases the amount of weight you can carry comfortably. Without using my x-strap I can comfortably carry 20 - 25 lbs in my bag, but with the strap, that about doubles.

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=138962

Bought one of these waterproof backpacks at Costco for about $35.

http://www.over-board.com.au//catalo...itres.p79.html

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I like the camelbak HOSS. The main compartment is waterproof with a roll top, has a second compartment for a hydration pack, and a smaller organizer compartment

I use a Kelty Antero which is just about the size of a regular school backpack but it has a lapbelt and side cinch belts for getting everything center (I have 22 miles RT). Its also what I go dayhiking with and it served as a diaper bag not too long ago. It has a large central pocket and an outside with little compartments for keys, phone etc. Its got a bladder pouch and place to fit a laptop I don't use. It also has a rain cover in a bottom pouch so its always there. If you deal with a lot of rain I'd stick with a cover. I've yet to see a real waterproof bag except those for river running. I fit my work clothes, all my food for the day, and my coffee in it (no shoes though). Thirty pounds sounds a little heavy for a commute. I can get get lost in the woods for three days with less than thirty. Where you off too?

Can't go wrong with Chrome, B U T check out Bailey Works before you make a final decision. My XXL Super Pro is 3,080 cu. in., waterproof, and has a useful number of pockets, etc. They also make assorted waterproof backpacks but I haven't tried them. Main thing is my bag carries a lot of weight comfortably IMHO. I like the extra room for groceries, whatever I want. Daily commute stuff fits easily: clothes, shoes, lunch pail, 1L filled bottle, lock, repair stuff, phone, small amt. equipment I use at work. Like Chrome, these bags are extremely well made, and I prefer the fastener over the metal buckle.

A quick note on my commute. It is a 5 part ordeal.
Home to park and ride - Ditch bike and gear in locker
Bus to Work
Work to school - 1 mile walk
School to P&R - Catch a ride with classmate
P&R - Home

That means dragging around: laptop w/sleeve, 2 800 page hardcover books, shoes, shirt, rainpants, jacket, and food daily. You can fit some books and a laptop in most bags but the clothes and shoes put it over the top. Panniers don't work because of the walk to school. Leaving stuff at work doesn't work because of the walk to school and leaving directly from there.

Yes there are some thing I can do to make it slightly easier but they are not worth it to me.

Unfortunately, I can't check out Bailey Bags. The closest store that carries them is in portland, lets just say that is a bit of a drive. They might be great but if I can't see for myself I am not going to spend 200 bucks on a bag. When I checked out the Rachero and Ivan from chrome I ruled out the Ranchero immediately. It just didn't fit. The Ivan fit great. The bags are almost identical but the fit was much different for me. And I will happily shell out the money to a shop that carries the bags (as soon as soon as I sell everything I own on ebay to fund the purchase).