Anyone have a recommendation for a good bike commuter's backpack at a reasonable price? Something about big enough for a change of clothes, a pair a shoes, and maybe a jacket.

when i don't wear one of my messenger bags i wear my camelback backpack (usually without the bladder)..not sure of the model but it's one of the biggest ones that i mainly use for backcountry skiing. it offers a good waste belt, sternum strap, and excellent back ventilation.

I've done TONS of long distance backpacking as well..i'm a big fan of GoLite packs as well.

I've got an Ortlieb Velocity, and I love it:

https://www.ortlieb.de/_prod.php?lang...odukt=velocity

comfortable padded straps, totally waterproof, plenty of room inside. Also 100 percent pick-pocket proof if you ride the subway or bus sometimes. My only complaint is that there's no place to clip a blinking taillight on it.

Not sure what "reasonable price" is for you, but it costs around 100 bucks.

that's way too much stuff to carry in a backpack. remember, the weight of it bears down on your saddle via your butt.

you want to get a rack and bag for your bike, really, trust me

My son is very pleased with his Deuter "Aircomfort". The frame holds the pack off his back for ventilation. It has chest and waist straps to keep it steady through swerves. Leave the shoes at work.

The Buzz from Tom Bihn is just fabulous. It's truely possible to forget you're wearing it. From my standpoint, and the OP, it has a fairly low capacity, more so because it's designed to protect a laptop. If you can live with this issue, I can't recommend it too highly.

I agree. At one time, I used a backpack. It's too much strain on the back for long hauls, and over extended periods, such as commuting day after day, year after year. Do yourself a favor, and purchase a rack with a mounting bag. There are a lot of great designs out there.

+1

Nothing worse that a tired, sore, sweaty back.