The Best Commuting Backpack?
 

What brand or type of back pack have you found to be the best. I would need one to put a change of clothes, lunch, shoes and helmet. Thanks for the input!

I've been using the Kelty Velocity for many years now (based on the name of the pack, it was clearly designed for commuting). I've found it to be great, enough space for either tall work boots and a lunch, or a full set of clothes, jacket and a lunch. It has a large mesh pocket on top made for a helmet or to dry clothes, the essential strap for a blinkie, rain cover and a few reflective areas (see picture with flash lol). I can also carry two water bottles on the sides. Sometimes I wish it had a bit of extra capacity but it probably would make it uncomfortable (maybe, maybe not, who knows).

Unfortunately, they don't make it anymore, or anything equivalent. :( But I think that any pack with the same features would be exactly what you need.

http://i629.photobucket.com/albums/u...s/IMG_0465.jpg

Good luck with your search !

J-S

Thanks for the reply.....

Shoes are bulky and best to not to be carried if at all possible. However, if you have no other option than to carry shoes, you're going to want/need a pack that has some volume to it. Though I have no experience with any of their products, one of the Mission Workshop bags should fill the bill nicely.

http://www.rei.com/product/801675/th...ace-recon-pack

http://www.rei.com/product/808614/mo...ear-agama-pack

After some research, those two packs could work. :)

For anything on my back, I like Timbuk2. I've got their Classic Messenger bag in Medium and I've been using it to haul my nice dress shoes as well as slacks and a couple shirts; All with room to spare for other stuff. (I keep food at work on my desk so I rarely haul lunch or snacks for the workday during my commute).

They make backpacks specifically for cyclists too. Their bags are a little expensive (IE, my medium Classic was about $90) but it's top-quality and hand-made in the good ol' US of A (San Francisco, to be precise).

I spent quite a bit of time searching for a backpack that fit my needs. I landed on the Banjo Brothers medium backpack. Waterproof, with a removable liner. Cycling specific, I really like the fit. Will work great for the winter commute, but will be a bit warm on the back for summertime. Big enough for my clothes (that will stay ironed), lunch, computer, etc.

I use the Osprey Momentum. It is made for cycling, fits great, has four pockets as well as two main storage compartments, each of which is divided into two sections, an attached nylon rain cover that tucks away when not needed, a loop for a blinkie, an elasticized strap for my helmet and a lifetime guarantee. It also comes in a nice bright yellowish color that is hard to miss. I am very happy with it.

North Face Bandwidth 1850 cu.in two mesh side pockets and a padded laptop pocket that does double duty as a hydration pocket...

http://www.polyvore.com/north_face_b...hing?id=464505

I have the Detours Sienna 30 liter. It has a curved insert to keep your back ventilated, but the insert reduces the true capacity (volume). It has a detachable helmet harness which I find quite ineffecient. It's easier to just clip my helmet to the handle. I also took it hiking in a Sierra Thunderstorm and discovered that the stowable rain cover can become saturated and will allow water to penetrate. Other than that, I like the fit and the stitching seems sturdy. I just need to Scotch-guard the rain cover.

I have a "basic" EMS backpack that I use every day. EMS is expensive, but I've had this pack five years, and it's still in perfect condition. Adjustable straps, adjustable belt strap, mesh side pockets, three main inside pockets, keychain snap and a bunch of stash pockets. I think it was just shy of $100.

Can't beat MissionWorkshop. They now have a few styles and many sizes to cover the bases. I have two and are among the very few things I own that don't leave me looking for a slightly more refined or sturdy replacement.

I can recommend the Ortlieb Track. It comes in two sizes - 27 and 35 litres. I own the 27 l size, and think its great. Best thing - it's totally waterproof, so my notebook and my clothes stay dry. Can't imagine to commute with a non-waterproof backpack anymore.

I also have this backpack and really like it. The only beef I have with it is that its construction such as stitching and zippers is not as beefy as it should be. I sure hope its lifespan is equal to its rather high price.

I'm trying one of these... looks like a Chrome style... but costs a lot less. It's not bad if you can get past the color.

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/col...colorFamily=03

I third Banjo Brothers. I have the white version, medium. I like how it has no internal compartments so you can custom pack every load and how the roll top allows you to essentially customize the size of the bag (read: want to make an impromptu stop for groceries and a six pack on the way home? Not a problem!). I used it through the hideous Philly summer and found it reasonably cool for a backpack, and it's truly waterproof. I also get lots of compliments on it, which always makes a day nicer.

Though I mentioned the MSW bags earlier, I have been using a Banjo Brothers backpack longer than I've been bike commuting. It's functional, but I prefer a bit more organization. And I also believe that I should have gone with the Medium over the then new Large. Mind you, when I ordered the only color choice was black. Now you can get them in black, white, and (most of them) in red. Thinking about the Metro, but I think that might be a little too small...

I use a Crumpler Mahoubar backpack. It's well made, has a TON of capacity, and sits low and flat across my back. However, it doesn't have many compartments, and the extra pockets aren't very useable when it's fully loaded. Overall it's a pretty interesting design. Crumpler makes good stuff, and I was able to score it for cheap.

I've been using a Timbuk2 Bender for the past month and a half and it's been wonderful companion.

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51pWRxEeASL.jpg

It holds my books, binders, laptop, spare clothes and more on the inside and I strap my helmet, jacket (if I think it might rain) and sweaty cycling clothes to the back when walking around. There's a u-lock pocket on the side but I stuff a blender bottle in there.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=nYxX2-nzkIk

I would hold out for the new backpack that Arkel is coming out with for 2012. It's got a cool way to mount to the back of your seat, or to their seat post mount rack or you can wear it.

You can download their 2012 catalog here.
http://www.arkel-od.com/legacy/PDF_d...talog_2012.pdf

J.

For me, it's the one that fits good. Stupid answer I know. But it's honest. I've tried various through the years and there's only been ONE that fit my back shape (when slightly hunched from riding) and where the shoulder and breast straps actually fit. It's some old cheap North Face something. I have some camelback things that are all completely terrible. I hate that company :)

Oh, and the pack I like has exactly ONE compartment and one zipper. Which means there's no wasted space on padding, pockets, compartments, etc. I can fit everything in there you just mentioned. I'm sure they don't sell it anymore as it's probably 10 years old now.

I've got the large Banjo Brothers backpack in white. I love it. It's got one large pocket, so it's flexible in what it can carry, and has so much room, I've yet to get it close to full. The large size is a big backpack, but I'm a big guy, so I don't notice it much.

I use an oakley assault 2.0. The mesh pockets on the side are great for a change of shoes, and they're basically bomb proof. Kinda heavy though.

I evolved long ago to putting the weight on the bike with a rack and pannier, but if I was forced to use a backpack, it would 100% be a Wingnut product designed to be placed 'low' on the back.

Wingnut Gear

http://wingnutgear.com/images/produc...Lite%203.0.jpg