back packs
 

Hello
so I was reading the latest topic of going from panners to backpacks. Rather than I hijack the thread I figure I would start another one. I HAVE A JANSPORT backpack so what is a good brand for comutting? I know they make longer ones for motorcycles. I also ride 30 miles round trip. Thanks

Regardless of the brand, so long as a backpack has the capacity/features that you need and is comfortable to you while wearing it, then it's a good backpack. But in your case, I'd probably consider putting a crate or basket on your rack and tossing what you have in there.

If you plan on wearing the backpack during the commute (and not strapping it down to a rack or whatnot), then one of the more important features would be having lots of straps to tighten and minimize the sway of the pack. You don't want your belongings to be slooshing around inside your pack when sprinting for a stale green light. Ventilation is also nice in the warmer weather.

backpack
 

Yeah,
On my Mtb I can not mount a rack on my bike I was commuting on a 10 speed with a rack but like some of the other people I did not like the weight back there. I saw a couple of backpacks I think it was REI website that was pretty spendy and on the back of backpacks it looked rubberized or plastic. they had good reviews though. It gets to be 115 degrees here so ventilation is a most. thanks

I am all with backpacks. All my bikes are roadies and racer type bikes. Just like my motorcycles, I don't want anythng hanging off the side of my bikes. I got one of those waterproof backpacks, that I can carry a lot of stuff. I have been known to carry a pair of jeans, cowboy boots, and other gear in that bag. I also have a smaller cheaper one that I used almost everyday.

Well what kind of backpack do you use and or website. What is a good commuting backpack

Waterproof and ventilation are two features that I have as yet to find in a single pack. I had a Banjo Brothers backpack that was waterproof but it didn't allow my back to breathe very well.

You might have to settle for a pack that breathes well and then use a rain cover- not totally waterproof, but a good compromise.

How much gear do you need to carry on your commute? I realize that a rack would be problematic with your bike, but if all you need is a bag to carry your stuff in on your commute, maybe a saddlebag like Carradice would give you the capacity to haul your stuff and allow your back to breathe on those long rides.

I have a Spire Torq. It's really good for my purposes. In my personal experience, I've found that having a chest strap and waist belt to keep it from shifting side to side is very helpful. Keeps it snug up against your body.

Osprey Momentum 34 works for me.

http://www.rei.com/product/813370/os...muter-backpack

Here is the one I got. It so good, that I can pack it up twice to three times as much as I do a smaller one, and the way it is made and connects to my body, it feels lighter and almost like it is not there. Check out the way it wraps around your body, and distributes that weight. It is a Aqua Quest.. Waterproof too.
check it out here..

http://www.amazon.com/Aqua-Quest-100...ef=pd_sim_sg_1

Thank you all,
For me and m gear it is quit a bit I am a security guard and wear the whole BRUSH uniform even a bullet proof vest. But the vest duty belt and boots stay at work but when I come home I have my full uniform to pack home my lunch stuff and tools and such.

Okay, don't know about what kind of budget you're wanting to shoot for here, but since you're in Cali, try to find someplace that stocks Mission Workshop bags. I think that the Vandal or possibly the Rambler might be beneficial to you.

+1 to the Mission Workshop Vandal. With the amount of gear you are carrying, I highly recommend getting the optional waist belt for it. The Vandal feels much lighter with it.

I have used many type/size/brands of backpacks over the years. I recently was given a "mesh" type back pack. Didn't think I would ever use it until my main bag was out of service temporarily and I needed it. Now I absolutely swear by it. It's very lightweight and very breathable. A clear advantage in the heat. Only thing I don't like is there is no waist belt and sometimes that is a problem. A quick search found this one:
http://www.ebags.com/product/high-si...roductid=70307