HiYoSilver

I've had to adopt a backback as my pending bike will not support a frame or seat post mounted bag, so I thought I would share my experiences.

Initial backpack, smaller, typical insulated backpack for transporting a 17 inch laptop. Worked fairly well, except for two issues: 1- feel lots of weight on shoulders, especially when loaded, and 2- the killer issue, pack cuddled back and so after even short ride, back was dripping in sweat.

Replacement backpack. It's a Deuter futura pro 42 {number is liters in size**.

The good
-- barely touches the back above hip line
-- compacts nicely so extra size is not a hindernace
-- well designed, lots of adjustment straps for different needs
-- easy access compartment on top and bottom
-- option to put in hydro pack module
-- way too much room, you can carry most anything. It's only partially loaded with winter riding clothes for the pm ride home. Deuter's small packs are designed for females and "cycling packs" are just slightly too small.
-- built in rain cover on bottom on pack for easy pull up
-- great shoulder and hip pads
-- easy to adjust chest mini connector to keep shoulder straps from moving {sternum strap**
-- good top hand carry strap, wide opening and heavy strap
-- separater compartment for main area, that can be opened for long bulky items
-- feels like you are riding without a pack on. All weight is on hips, there is very slight
pressure on shoulders. Pack flexs with you
-- pack rides normally and so when turning to look for moving obstacles, there is no obstruction

The bad
-- no fastener for blinking, but bungie type cords attached designed for ski poles may work, until the cords weaken. Unfortunately it's off to the side and not centered
-- color is NOT high visibility
-- NO reflective elements
-- no easy way to contain the myraid straps so they are not blowing in the wind
-- just a tad heavy when empty, but again don't feel weight when on back

The challenges for new user
-- figuring out which of the multiple adjustments works best
-- figuring out what is the use of each of the compartments

If anyone else has tried this pack, it would interesting to hear their experiences as well.

myrridin

A 42 liter (2600 cubic inches) backpack? That is a very large pack.

How much weight are you carrying and how far?

HiYoSilver

I know. That was one of my primary concerns. REI was having a sale, and checking all others, there wasn't another that worked as well. It has build in straps to compress to 1/3 the possible size, so it's not very big. Most bigness is at the bottom, which is great for weight management. I had been using topeak mtx dxp which is 20.6L/1380 ci, but had to bungee the winter jacket on the top of it for the ride home. So I was looking for something in the range of 1500 to 2000 ci. Again as mentioned, the "right size" for volume was women's model so did not fit as well in the torso.

Carrying probably about 10 lbs, and short distance, about 6 miles.

pablosnazzy

good review, thanks

HiYoSilver

You're welcome. it would be nicer if more would put up a review when they get new stuff as I'm sure others would be considering a purchase of something similar and would appreciate a riders experience.