Hello bikers.

I'm looking to buy a backpack for biking to put stuff inside. I have a cool looking jacket and pants but no backpack . Aside from looking cool... I want to bring some extra gear, also I've lost over 50lbs this year cycling and my current loop is not enough of a challenge so I need some extra weight. Any one else use a backpack for biking, what kind and what should I look for, it will be 90% for cycling, maybe school next year, and maybe some hiking but mostly I will be using on my bike.

What's your price range?

Do you need it to be waterproof?

Will you be carrying a laptop?

Your "extra weight" comment got me. I have been bike commuting for 23 years to stay in shape. I have never worried about bike or component weight since any extra weight would mean more of a work-out (althought maybe not so much) I use a backpack for commuting. I wear it on my road bike, and rack it on my other two bikes. I'm on my 4th backpack in 23-years. For me, toughness is the main voirtue I look for. If weight is not a concern, then the most robust bag within budget is the goal. I prefer wide, long straps that are solidly atatched to the bag. I wear the bag loose-ish and let the weight rest on the small of my back. This allows air to blow down my back. I like multiple compartments. I get water-resistant backpacks, and carry a trash bag to bag it when it rains. I can't cover the whole thing, but enough to prevent it getting soaked. Perhaps next time out I will see if I can find a waterproof bag. WHat I did a few years ago was go to Goodwill and other thrift shops and bought used bags of different styles to try out before I committed to a new bag.

My price range is around 120$usd. Waterproof yes. Laptop? No, but If I do carry a laptop in it, it won't be any long duration, like 5minutes outside at a time. Thanks BobbyG I will visit my goodwill store today

I have nothing against Goodwill and nothing against $120 backpacks, but I can't imagine paying $120 for any bag I would find at Goodwill.

At that price you can get a top of the line Ortleib, SealLine, TimBuk2 or Chrome bag brand new with manufacturer warranty against defects.

They are all slightly different in design philosophy so I would go try them on in person. REI would have all of those brands if there is one near you.

Camelbak mule NV. The NV is worth the extra

Shimano Cycling pack. They have different packs from 4L all the way to 32L. I have a 6L Unzen 6 because I'm never carrying a whole lot, but something like the Commuter Daypack would work a charm. The x-strap setup is just fantastic. Any other bag with a more conventional strap arrangement I try to wear while on the bike is just awful.

just put in more miles .. weight in baskets/panniers and bike-trailers wont block the sweat evaporation surface that is your back.

I used a backpack when commuting, and sometimes sweat would soak through. Put anything important inside a plastic bag to protect it.

Currently using a Chrome Yalta and it is great for commuting. Holds a lot of stuff, waterproof, laptop area if needed. Great bag at a great price if you snatch one off of Steep and cheap while they have them.

I have the Novara Commuter backpack (it's been discontinued by REI), which has been outstanding:

Novara Commuter Backpack - REI.com

A few features that I really appreciate after using it for three years that you might think about as you browse different packs...
1) Built in raincover - I frequently get stuck in torrential thunderstorms or wet roads and this is effective enough to keep my clothes/laptop dry until I get home.
2) Built in u-lock pocket - easy access on the side lets me not have to fully take my backpack off or disturb my other pockets to get out my lock.
3) Three large pockets for compartmentalizing items - one large one for laptop, clothes, and groceries for dinner, one medium pocket to hold extra tubes, pump, multi-tool (and other items covered in bike grease), and one small one that holds keys, wallet, phone.
4) Bright color, reflective tabs, reflective piping - not sure if it actually works, but when wearing this I feel as though I am more visible to cars.

Thanks, wow that camelback Mule NV lookes awesome. Exactly what I was looking for, Going to go size one up this weekend, there are no big department stores near me will have to drive 2 hours this weekend.

Wow, double-digit replies so far and we still haven't seen the inevitable "you should get panniers" scolding. Well done team!

Maybe?

Dammit! I missed that one. Forget what I said, we suck.

Wow
You are going to drive two hours this weekend just to size up a backpack for the purpose of adding a bit of extra weight to your ride and "to put stuff inside" Generic stuff that you don't even seem to know of yet?

Yeah. The backpack seems fit for what I need for hiking as well.

Yeah, that's crazy!

Need a workout? Have you tried shifting gears??? How about pedaling faster???

Sorry, but adding a backpack for more of a workout seems kinda silly and rather counter-best-practice as far as bike riding goes.

My advice is to reconsider...and I definitely wouldn't drive 2-f'n-hours to see a backpack! That's really crazy! One word: Amazon.