gsusser

I see this was last discussed about 2 years ago; hope it's okay to bring it up again. I'm looking for a suggestion.

I'm looking for a roomy but not too cumbersome backpack, one that can be used for general purpose as well as biking. I would use it to do light grocery shopping and other chores around town on my bike as well as air travel, etc. Hydration is not an issue. I'm looking at the Timbuk2 Phoenix. It's advertised as a bicycling backpack though I don't know why.

Thanks for any suggestions.

Ozonation

If you've got the money (well, it might not be that much more than other bags), check out Tom Bihn bags. I have his "Brain Bag" backpack: it's survived 12 years and looks 95% like when I first bought it - no popped stitches, broken zippers, etc. Made in the USA, top notch quality, and thoughtfully designed. I've taken it on plane trips, train trips, walking, and to work as well. If you get it in black, it looks decent enough for casual business use.

cassdiddy

check out Chrome bags, pretty common option among urban bikers. They can be kind of pricey but are absolutely worth the money in my opinion. I have an older, out of production backpack model (basically a slightly smaller version of the Kirov PRO), that I absolutely love. I've had it for over five years and taken it to hell and back and it still looks new. Waterproof. Very roomy. Logical pockets, I wanted something that wasn't cluttered with hundreds of different compartments. Quick single buckle and velcro messenger style closing, but with two shoulder straps. My only issue with it is no water bottle holder, but you said hydration wasn't an issue for you.

While I was looking for bags I also was interested in a lot of Mission Workshop bags, they are definitely worth checking out.

acidfast7

Arc'teryx Spear 20

IcySmooth52

I use an Osprey FlapJack to cover that base. I have a few other packs for other rides like just taking my iPad and a lock, or a six-pack to a friends. But the Osprey is durable, convenient, and not overpriced.

https://www.ospreypacks.com/en/product/performance/flap_jack_pack

wobbooze

i literally just today ordered a timbuk2 especial tres

gsusser

wobbooze, this looks awesome. Can you report back after you've used it? Did you pay list, $209? I don't see it cheaper anywhere.

Thanks for the other great suggestions, some of which I'm considering.

stayfed

Mission Workshop trumps all.

Miles2go

In Mission Workshop's dreams!


In any suppliers' of such gear dreams. 1,000 different bag suppliers, a best pack or two per user, all dependent upon the user's perspective. No one producer "trumps all" for all.

spare_wheel

i am an ortlieb velocity convert. completely water proof and roomy enough for a 6-pac and some groceries.

https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_no...+Messenger+Bag

usndoc2011

I have the Ortlieb Track 35. I found that I needed 35L to do EVERYTHING I wanted to do (carry an extra set of clothes plus shoes, and I have BIG feet, lunch, a couple books and misc supplies) or a decent load of groceries, and this size fits the bill. I like the bags suspension the most: it is a mesh back that is suspended off the bag, so there is uber ventilation, and it moves with your body just enough to stay comfortable, in addition to being highly adjustable and able to be retightened. It also has a FULL hipbelt with pockets, which is nice if you have a heavy load to carry or are hiking instead of biking. The bag itself is nice, with fully waterproof large main and much smaller front pockets. both pockets are roll-top a la watersport drybag style, which is nice for the guarantee (rightside up in a drizzle or inverted in a waterfall), but not the most convenient, easy in-and-out access. I have a beef with the smaller pocket, since the designers didn't make it very expandable and thus anything placed in there pushes in and takes up some room in the larger pocket. It has a hydration port built in such a way as to be waterproof as well. side pockets are helpful for small gear or bottles, but there is no good way to attach a u-lock (probably better kept on the bike for transportation anyway). The bag is super high quality and I would definitely recommend it if you are looking for a larger all purpose waterproof bag with a badass suspension system.

Shimagnolo

When I started commuting some years back, I just used the old REI backpack I used in college to carry my books. It worked like a charm.

flake

I use Deuter Trans Alpine 30L. Comfy and comes with a rain cover. I use the hydration slot for my laptop in sleeve, tight fit for 13" Macbook but not larger. Not bad overall, but looking at the suggestions, I think the design is a bit dated now :-)

https://www.deuter.com/en/DE/product/...pine%2030.html

wobbooze

yea I paid 209.

ill let you know how it performs when it arrives

phulin

I have a Patagonia Yerba 22L. It's perfect for my (short) commute.

rebel1916

Mountain Hardwear Agama. It is amazing and cheap as dirt at STP. Sign up for their deals and wait for them to send you the super coupons for 30% or more off.
https://www.sierratradingpost.com/mou...processed=true

PennyTheDog

Ever since I got my first banjo brothers bag that's all I've bought. They all well made and inexpensive. I have a waterproof backpack that I like a lot.

gsusser

The video's a riot though...

https://missionworkshop.com/products/...rge_vandal.php

GeneO 

Anybody have any experience with the Ortlieb Packman Pro 2? I am thinking about it for my commute.

merkong

Banjo Brothers Commuter. Done.

curbtender

Like that lifetime warranty...who's life? Thiers' or mine? Nice packs.

Miles2go

***Does anyone actually own one of these missionworkshop packs, who can prove that they do?***

All I've seen is glamor shots and the results of an marketing team with a limitless budget.

There are way too many critical details missing about the packs, including particulars of what the inside looks like for me to even consider one of them seriously. That's a big issue for something placed at the top of market's price range. Too much focus on pretty advertising, not enough product detail.

Mumonkan

freight baggage rolltop

cant wait to order mine

Timber_8

My commute is to long for backpacking. My pack is for day hiking and it more tactical looking than what you guys are using. I have a large number of different bags and gear I use commuting and other activities.

DTG

+1

I have an Osprey Momentum but also have the Especial Tres and that bag is BOMBPROOF. The back panel in my opinion is one of the best on the market. The bag is a little on the heavy side at a little over 4 lbs but once you put some weigh in it then you hardly even notice it.