I use a Brown RC Cruis been great so far, rainy season is just arriving here so it will get a real test now! The Bag Collector site may be useful for finding brands you were not aware of.

Me too. It is very nice.

Yeah that's a fantastic feature. I never get tired of wearing it.

Descending on the trail, though, I find that the back of my helmet hits against it. Only very steep when I'm coming off a rock or something slowly and looking waaay up from the fork, and that can be adjusted out pretty easily.

I use a Mission Workshop R8, but all of the backpacks they sell are 100% waterproof and look amazing, you can easily go to a formal work setting with them. A bit pricey but they are made in the USA and the quality is as good as it gets.

Chrome messenger bag. Does the job, but I would really like some ventilation on the back and people who don't bike to stop wearing them.

Mission Workshop Rambler.

Another Deuter user here. I have had an AC Lite 25 since 2003. It has an internal frame that keeps the pack off of your back, as well as a pull out rain cover that I use quite frequently, as well it is ready to go for using a water bladder.

For me when I was shopping for a back pack I was tired of deal with zippers so I wanted a bag that had an open top.

deuter-ac-lite-25

Since we are on backpacks here, anyone have experience with either the Timbuk2 Phoenix or the Ospery Momentum 26?

Osprey Momentum 26 user here -- I love it. I consider it the best invested commuting money ever (after the bike).