Finding a backpack in Europe that doesn't look hideous..
 

Hey all! I'm looking for a backpack to carry my laptop, a change of clothes and probably some lunch. Needs to be waterproof.
I'm currently in Germany and my bike here has a rack and I use panniers whenever possible, but when I go back to Portugal where my bike has no rack.

It seems all the nice looking, no-complications backpacks I find are made in the USA and are seldom found here. I liked the Timbuk2 Swig, but I can only find the old version with no ventilation (I know it's not a miracle worker, but it's stil better than full contact with the nylon). Is there any european brand that does backpacks in line with Timbuk2, BanjoBrothers and the like?

Messenger bags are not in my mind right now, I can't imagine carrying my laptop's (14"btw) weight with just one shoulder

Thanks!

Ortlieb makes a few different backpacks. This one caught my eye, it's waterproof (like their panniers) and has a well-ventilated surface where it sits on your back. Not cheap, but its sounds like you prefer quality.

http://www.ortlieb.com/_prod.php?lan...kt=packmanpro2
http://www.ortliebusa.com/prodInfo.asp?pid=234&cid=2
(links are to the same backpack, one in German, one in English)

Except perhaps for Wingnut, German based Ergon probably makes the most advanced and ergonomic cycling backpacks in the world:

http://www.bikefix.net/2008/10/bikef...-bd2-pack.html

..They excel in putting the weight on your waist rather than your shoulders.

This is right up acidfast7's alley...

Have you checked out Deuter and Vaude yet?

Thanks so far! The thing about all these european brands (deuter, vaude, ortlieb, jackwolfskin, etc) is that their backpacks all remind me of camping/trekking equipment. I don't need so many pockets and internal organization (and the camping looks) I was thinking about buying a North Face Base Camp Hot Shot, but it's so complicated..

Is that too sporty?

http://www.ubergear.co.uk/media/cata...0731_248_4.jpg

I think i get what style you are interested in.. Freitag-taschen.de has some simple rucksacks though in smaller size.

Chrome bags also have dealers in Germany: Link i think they have something for you.

Check out Osprey Metron and Flap Jack then. According to Osprey's site, there are a few shops in Germany that sell their stuff, but I can't narrow it down any further than that. Not totally waterproof, either, so you'll need to invest in a rain cover.

Here: http://www.ospreypacks.com/de/partners/europe/germany
I know that at least two of them (Globetrotter and Unterwegs) sell stuff online

Mission Workshop makes some of the best back packs out there.
I have the Vandal for winter and the Fitzroy for summer.
good luck.

Arcteryx spear 20. I'm quite happy with its versatility and subdued looks in all black. Globetrotter in any reasonably sized city will have it for 90 euros. I travel with it as a carry on for my 13 inch macbookpro and commute with it. I find it extremely durable, it easily cleans in black and the roll-top is great for carrying baguettes. What else could anyone want?

op said he didnt want messenger bag since weight would be on one shoulder. not so. i use chrome citizen messenger and it distributes weight across my body. this is nonobvious to a non-user. find it preferable to backpack. if u can go to chrome retailer check out various models with load.

I have two Jack Wolfskin backpacks. The Moab Jam 28 and Moab Jam 32. Both are designed around biking, with light mounts and helmet straps. They are not waterproof, but come with a rain cover in a small pouch on the bottom that you can cover the whole bag with. I've been caught in some pretty terrible storms here and the rain cover kept the contents completely dry. They do not have a dedicated laptop sleeve though, I just use a padded neoprene sleeve on my laptop. Price was sorta reasonable, the 28 was 89 Euro and the 32 was on sale at 79 Euro.

Finding a backpack in Europe that doesn't look hideous..
 

Have you checked out "Lowe Alpine"?
http://www.lowealpine.com/

Check out the EVOC Commuter pack.

http://www.evocsports.com/city-travel/new-commuter.html


I use an EVOC FR Trail Team pack and I love it. I can't imagine that any of their other bags would fall short of awesomeness.

http://www.bashocyclingclub.com/

I found what I wanted.. affordable, custom, waterproof, good-looking and from my home country Portugal!