Backpack Recommendations
 

Was wondering if anyone was familiar with a backpack that met the following criteria:

• Waterproof (in a downpour)
• Sidepockets large enough to securely hold a 32oz Nalgene bottle:
  http://store.nalgene.com/v/vspfiles/...20Mouth-2T.jpg
  
• Sidepockets wide enough to securely hold a mini U-lock (I like being able to reach back and pull it out rather than having to open up the bag)
• "MP3 pocket" situated inside the main compartment near the top of the bag (for the iPod; I don't like having it mingle with my keys and other items)
• Big enough to hold a 17" laptop

Understandably, this is quite specific. If you have even a close recommendation, I'd appreciate it.

Thanks.

I saw this OR pack in a store yesterday.

I use this one:
http://www.rei.com/product/780465/no...muter-backpack

Has two good-sized sidepockets that fit 32 ounce bottles.

Has a fleece-lined upper pocket for phone/music player separate from keys/wallet storage area.

Has a waterproof shell that stored in bottom zipper.

There is a separate zipper for u-locks. A mini one should fit into sidepocket, but I don't use one.

PS Looks like the 2012 model did away with the side pockets....

17" laptop (at least a modern widescreen one) fits.

Not a huge amount of space, so if you have a beast of a laptop, things may start to get tight depending on how much other stuff you need to bring.

I had the Novara REI backpack, and it is one of the few items ever returned to REI. The main strap started tearing from the bag at the top. Bought it specifically to carry a laptop. Not since replaced with another backpack, because there is rarely a need to transport a laptop, so I'm unable suggest a better one.

For heavywieght items, you may want a stronger backpack. But then you need to consider whether to carry all that weight on your back, or go to rack and bag. Maybe a combo of the two would work best. The jarring and bumps could potentially damage a computer in a bag on a rack, at least on my route, so the back is the preferred location to transport.

Hard to find a bag that will carry a 17" wide screen. Those suckers are big.

My Ortlieb office bag fits my 14.6" laptop in a sleeve with barely room to spare, and it already sticks out a good 5 or 6 inches past my rack.

I havne't used it, but it gets good reviews-the Mountain Hardwear Enterprise backpack. Travelcountry.com has them on sale right now for $50-$70. They look like they'd meet your guidelines. I've had great luck with MH backpacks in general over the years.

My GoLite Vo24 is 3 out of 5

except "waterproof". Water resistant, but not proof. . I spilled 1 liter water inside the pack and it sloshed around for a bit before I dumped upsidedown

and laptop. . . holds a 15.4 just fine. I've not tried a 17 size.

The V024, I think is discontinued.

Check out Osprey Talon

Check out Deuter. I have the RacerX backpack. It has side pockets and a rain cover. It has soft ridges to raise it off your back, providing ventilation. The quality seems great so far (had mine a few weeks).

Have you thought of using a pannier? Backpacks make me sweat too much.

Heard countless positives about panniers. My commute is only 1.2 miles long (and I have a FG bike, but it has rack support so the bike's irrelevant). >.< It's just at the moment I have to switch over to my messenger bag whenever it's raining outside and I'd rather not do that. If I can find something that suits my needs, I'll sell the two bags I currently have and just stick with one.

A Banjo Brothers Large would get you 4 out of 5 (no mp3 pocket, but you could use the phone holster on the shoulder strap) and you have to provide your own sleeve. However, the Banjo Brothers lacks organization, but All-City Cycles took a few packs from BB and modified them to provide more versatility and capacity. Check out the Captain Phil.

I just ordered this http://www.rei.com/product/813370/os...muter-backpack yesterday based on many great reviews.

Very simply, get a Timbuk2 backpack... You couldnt find anything more biker friendly/ savvy and most models are made to hold either a nalgiene or u lock or both!

Check out Mission Workshop, Chrome, and Timbuk2. They're all doing good things with bicycle friendly waterproof backpacks.

seconded...I use the same one (as do a lot of others). Thinking of buying a second and third spare one incase they ever discontinue it. It's not only the best fitting and best equipped commuter bag, but the best all-round day-pack, that money can buy.

...THE BEST :thumb: :D

I am beyond happy with my Mission Workshop Fitzroy. I had to get over the fact it had no external holders for my bottles.

The Osprey Momentum 34 should handle all your needs.

1. Integrated pull-out rain cover
2. Side pockets for water bottles.
3. U-Lock storage in outside stretch pocket.
4. Awesome phone/MP3 pocket on shoulder strap.
5. Laptop compartment is big enough to hold a 17" Macbook Pro

It has a ton of other bike commuter specific features also. Perfect for a short bike commute, and a lifetime warranty. Available in Bamboo or Carbide.

http://www.ospreypacks.com/en/produc...te/momentum_34

Here's a link to the owner's manual:
http://www.ospreypacks.com/en/document/download/155

http://www.ospreypacks.com/images_pr...223_546_lg.jpg
http://www.ospreypacks.com/images_pr...223_547_lg.jpg

I bought a Rapid Transit Shrapnel backpack a year ago and I must admit it has been the best backpack I have ever bought. I use my bicycle or motorcycle to commute depending on the errands and how many places I need to go determines which mode of transportation I will select in the morning. Even though my mode of transportation may vary my backpack remains the same, I load this pack with my laptop and all other essentials, it has big side pockets for large water bottles, location for my celphone for music, and many other amenities to accommodate the commuter. Anyways, here is where I bought it and they provide superb customer service and delivery.

http://www.revzilla.com/product/rapi...aptop-backpack

I use a North Face Recon backpack every day. Work clothes and laptop are yet to be wet when I arrive at work. Plenty of room for everything I need. Water bottle pockets on each side, and a pocket on the front that holds a ulock.

Rixen and Kaul , Klick-Fix . have a rear seat post mount
and a back pack that clips into it.
so you only have to wear the back pack when you are off the bike.