I just got a Camelbak Mule in black from amazon for about 70. I put my iPad2 in the back compartment where you would normally carry the water reservoir. It's the most padded part of the pack.

Another vote for Osprey packs! I recently got a Stratos 24 to replace an old JanSport, it has a tensioned-mesh back. I can fit a 17" workstation laptop, 130W charger, basic tools, and sometimes even a few reference manuals, and it does way better than my old pack. I also do a lot of hiking, so it doubles in that regard. For cycling I would prefer if the padded mesh belt was removable, as it is I just tie it around behind the bottom of the pack. Also comes with an attached raincover, I got it for less than $100 at REI (with rebate coupon). The main complaints I have are that it has poor organization (one giant pocket and two tiny ones, I use one of them for tools/batteries/lights), and an over-abundance of straps and buckles which would be more appropriate for hiking/light camping.

WO2W forced me to try out the Osprey Talon 22, and compare it to my Dakine Apex. Both packs are awesome for cycling.

I still use the Dakine for commuting, just because of all of its organizational pockets. Dakine takes a much more compartmentalized approach in the Apex design. This works out very well if you pack a lot of gadgets, like me. I'm also addicted to the infinitely useful helmet pocket on the outside of the pack, and the armor straps on the bottom. They have a million and one uses.

I use the Talon for cycling trips with my daughter, where she sits on a tag-along style third wheel. Much of this riding is road riding in the evening, where visibility is paramount. The plethora of reflective material on the Talon is perfect for evening riding. Osprey took the exact opposite design approach with this pack, utilizing a cavernous main compartment, but with minimal organization. This is perfect for throwing in a few small items, and a couple of hoodies in case it gets cold.

I prefer the fit of the Dakine while cycling, and love the ability to remove the hip belt when it isn't needed. But the Talon feels more supportive when off the bike, and is definitely cooler on the back when cycling.

Also keep in mind that the estimated cubic inch capacities of Osprey's packs are much larger than some other company's estimates. I've noticed this on a couple of Osprey packs now, in comparison to some North Face, Dakine, Maxpedition, and Kelty packs. I bought the S/M 1220 cubic inch Talon 22, and it's a noticeably larger pack than the 1600 cubic inch Dakine Apex, and the 1400 cubic inch Maxpedition Pygmy Falcon.

If anybody would like, I can take some side-by-side pics of the packs.

Pics, please. :popcorn

Kind of expensive when you include the seat mounted rack, and it's limited to (I think) 11 pounds of gear but the Arkel Switchback looks like a great bag to me. (I haven't used one yet, but that will certainly be my next bag once my current setup wears out.) It's a backpack that is built to fit on the seat mounted rack. The rack takes seconds to put on or take off the bike, so it's feasible to remove it, as well as the bag, when you get to work if you want. If you can live with the price & the weight restriction, it's the best of both worlds.

I've noticed the changes in sizes too. It seems like backpack sizing is underestimated, unlike the sizing for tents.

You got that right. Tent sizing assumes that you and your companions are all hobbit sized.

I use a Deuter AC Lite 25. I bought it in 2004 for $50 (CAD) on sale (regularly was $100). Doesn't look like it is available anymore.
It is a top loading bag, so don't need to deal with zippers. I love it, I have panniers, but like yourself I ride my road bike and this bag makes my back happy.

commuter bag
 

Though it's a bit pricey, here is what I just got for my commuting purposes:

http://www.chromebagsstore.com/bags/...g---large.html

This holds everything for me: a change of clothes, rock climbing shoes/harness, lunch, water bottle etc...

ok you have me sold on this pack. How much did you get it for and from where?

I got mine at EMS.com, but I had a 20% off kind of deal. For everyday street price, Amazon is hard to beat.

http://www.amazon.com/DAKINE-Apex-Hy...8097640&sr=8-2

Here are the side-by-side pics of the 1600 cu in Dakine Apex and the S/M 1220 cu in Osprey Talon 22. Sorry about the long dangling straps on the Apex. I forgot to tuck the armour straps back in.

http://i784.photobucket.com/albums/y...6-57-47_38.jpg
http://i784.photobucket.com/albums/y...-58-59_812.jpg
http://i784.photobucket.com/albums/y...n_Guy/rear.jpg
http://i784.photobucket.com/albums/y...n_Guy/side.jpg

+1 to chrome metropolis. Love, I would not buy anything different if I had to look for a new bag.

+2 , except I got the chrome marathon. Never had any complaints

I just started commuting and have worn the Kelty Redwing 3100 the past two days. I notice it is very heavy, and about 1/3 too big for what I need to bring. I also wish it had a bit better organization for tools, tubes, etc., as I am carrying them all in the pack and eschewing a seat bag. I have a Lezyne Power Pack that I really like, but its about 1/3 too small to carry my clothes (shoes mostly...size 13). I'm looking towards the Dakine, an Osprey Talon or the Novara pack I think, and am intrigued a bit by the Vaude packs.

It really is a never ending quest for me. I've got two backpacks, one sling bag, and a mess bag (which is up for trade). Each has their strengths and weaknesses- meaning I'm constantly packing/repacking depending on weather or cargo hauling needs.

Photos are blocked at work, so now that I can see them thanks for the Apex/Osprey review...I wonder if I can find the comfort and organization of the Apex with the cooling of the Talon...

I find making a pile of what I'm going to carry and then picking a bag helps avoid repacking like that. I know just what you're talking about!

Has anyone tried the Osprey Momentum? I think it looks pretty well thought out for my needs, anyway:

Osprey Momentum 26

I use a kelty redtail. Has a lot of cool pockets for stuff that you might need on your way. 2 side pockets that can hold extra water. 2 straps one goes around your chest the other goes around your waist. well built I have had it covered in mud sand and crap from the roads. It will wash right off. It looks like brand new after I used it during winter with no rear fender and you could never tell I have worn the bag before. hope that helps.

No experience with it, but noticed something interesting following your link. Click on the specs tab and you'll notice they have two sizes (S/M and M/L). Both have the same stated product dimensions...

If you can afford it, go right on ahead and get it. Then you can do a review of it here.

I own a Kelty Redwing 3100 that I use for groceries, travel, and pretty much anything non-bike related. I've had it for about 4 years, it's indestructible but it's also so large I can fit a 737 inside of it.

So when I got a bike, I went to REI for something smaller and better for a bike, and got the Novara Commuter Backpack from REI. It fits all of the tools I need, all of the other random stuff I need and a few small things I may pick up during the course of a day. It's laid out better than the Kelty for commuting. It has worked out quite well. It's yellow, but not an obnoxious yellow and it appears to be pretty bomb proof. I stopped at a liquor store on the way back from work and the clerk said "that bag looks pretty durable" as I attempted to shove several large bottles of beer into it. Seems to be the general consensus.

I was at REI today and I did like that Novara Commuter and next to it was a KoKi Vespa commuter bag. I really liked it, mostly, but I think it would be too small for me. Here is a link:

KoKi Vespa

It just felt expensive to try thinking it might be too small. Still trying to locate an Osprey Momentum I can play with in person to see if I like it.

another vote to this pack. I have one. I like it.

I tried on one of those at a store recently. . . It was ok, a little narrow for my purposes, though.

I run a REI Flash for my 10 mile commute - http://www.rei.com/product/778466/rei-flash-18-pack

It's super light, packs down to nothing when I don't need it, and has plenty of room for my change of clothes/lunch/netbook. Also is hydration system compatible. My wife and I also use it as a daypack when hiking/backpacking.

I used to use a larger backpack (also REI) and more recently two different Timbuk2 messenger bags - the Flash beats them all in versatility and comfort. Best of all it's only $30 (and cheaper if it's on sale or you have a dividend to spend!).

jansport?

My gf has one of those, and I find the L L Bean Stowaway more comfortable and easier to use with the external pockets. Plus, it's got retroreflective parts for the night commute. They're both good packs, both the same price, almost the same size, and just about right for my regular commute.

I also have used the Kelty Shrike both on and off the bike, and it's the most comfortable pack I've ever worn. Especially when carrying heavier loads.

another vote for the REI Flash 18. It's a great pack. I use it for day hikes too, and hydration is optional.
I also have a Topeak seatpost rack with a Novara trunk bag. The advantage of the flash 18 is that it weigs nothing and rolls up to nothing so I can commute with the trunk bag and then go grocery shoping on the way home and fill the flash 18. The combo is versatile.

Those Flash packs look good, but for someone looking to replace seat bag and the rest and have one consolidated place for tools, tubes, and clothing, I'm not sure how it would work.