I have two camelbak type rigs, which don't hold much, & generally use an REI Flash 18

minimal pack, but it is sweaty & shapeless. Looking for a pack that can hold a day's worth of stuff including a pair of shoes

has mesh/ airflow back panel, rides well on the bike, & is reasonably aerodynamic.

Maybe something like this: https://www.deuter.com/AU/ae/bike/ra...7318-blue.html

Suggestions?

I used something similar for a while, just slightly larger, and that did the job well:

https://www.deuter.com/AU/ae/hiking/...0218-blue.html

The downside of using a backpack is the sweaty back problem. If you don't have to carry anything particularly large and solid (eg a laptop), a bikepacking seat bag may be a good option, and I recently started doing this for commuting with a Topeak Backloader:

https://www.topeak.com/global/en/pro...969-backloader

With the 10l version it fits food, clothes, and shoes with loads of room to spare, and tightens up easily so the spare capacity isn't hanging loosely at the back.

I found that a messenger bag works really well. I got one of these from Timbuk2: https://www.timbuk2.com/pages/custom...ze/4/customize

If a smaller bag is sufficient, I really like my Osprey Syncro hydration pack. You can take out the hydration bladder if you don't need it (and in Europe they sell versions without it altogether), and it has an aluminum frame that suspends the backpack off your back for very good ventilation. It's extremely light, and the version I have has a 15L volume. I can actually stuff my laptop computer in it. It's not cheap though.

Yep. Got my first Timbuk2 back in the late 90s. Messenger bags distribute the load so it's not pulling straight down.

But ultimately, a rack and pannier is the way to go if you have more than a few miles like I normally do. My usual commute is 1.75 miles each way, but whey I did the bike-train-bike commute to a different state (17 bike miles round trip), I use a pannier.

I have an Osprey Momentum 30 which has served me very well. They no longer make it but there's a 32 version now. Not cheap, but a high quality, durable product.

That seems like a nice option if you have a rack. It's always nicer to not have the load on your back if you can manage it.

I don't have a rack on my bikes, and use an Ortlieb Messenger Bag as my commuting bag. Used to have the smaller Velocity model, but it was often too small for everything I needed for work: a change of clothes, shoes, lunch, laptop, etc...The Messenger Bag size is just fine, though.

I commuted for work for two weeks this summer in France. I had to carry a backpack style getup kind of like posted above. Not long enough like some people on here commute for years, but enough to know I was freaking miserable sweaty. I'd much rather have had panniers and something off my body.

I was keeping the power in the right zone, the only place I sweated other than my brow was a pool on my back. Yuck.

It was about 25min to work and 32ish way back, one good "hill" there and back.

Thanks for the feedback.

Leaning toward Osprey Talon 22- big enough, airflow & seems to be an all-time favorite. Color choices could be better.

Also tried on & liked Gregory Citro 25

My daily work commute is short, but involves hundreds to thousands of lbs of tools & materials,

so the bike trips are for various non-work activities.

Don't really get the messenger bag thing beyond an urban trips-to-the-office range, but if you say so.

IME, it's non-stop elbowing of the load out of the way.

Just to put it out there...Axiom makes a rear rack that will fit on bikes without eyelets, goes on the quick release skewer/axle. Years ago I used to commute with a backpack. These days I'm all about a rear rack, would never give them up. Just sayin'. I love racks on commuter/grocery getters!

+1 on bikepacking seat packs. They're lighter and more aero than racks and panniers, and won't give you a sweaty back either.

I like this one from Vaude, the gap is quite big which supposed to give airflow and load balancing, it's not entirely sweat-free but better than some of the mesh-style backpack I've used

I have the osprey radial backpack. Most comfortable and breathable backpack I have ever owned.
Tons better on the bike as compared to my messenger bag.

Have one of these too. Really like it breathable and has some nice conveniences (kick-stand). Waist strap is useless though,

I tried that on at the shop- very well done for the laptop-wielding commuter.

The Vaude pack above also a great suggestion- the kind of thing I'm looking for.

Here's another option, Macpac rapaki.
https://www.macpac.co.nz/packs/endur...e_active_packs

I have been using the Deuter Race EXP Air that the OP suggested for commuting for the last 2 years (33 mile round trip, ~900' climbing each way). Absolutely great pack and not sweaty at all. Very comfortable even when heavy

BUT forget it if you are carrying shoes + clothes + lunch, its just not big enough unless you are wearing flip-flops or have toddler-sized feet. My 15" macbook pro just barely fits into it and if you are carrying a computer forget any type of footwear.

I suggest getting something 22+ litres. I use an old crappy LL bean pack about once/2 weeks to stage clothes to/from the office but it really makes me appreciate the Deuter when I wear it.

Got the Osprey Talon 22 & went on the first couple of rides.

Good so far- comfortable, mesh back panel works well, holds a good amount, easy to get on & off without adjusting shoulder straps,

can even get a bottle in & out of the side pocket while riding. The straps don't flap much in the wind & wet clothes from spin class go in the back mesh pocket.

The wrap around waist belt is unnecessary on the bike but good for hiking. Hi vis color will probably look dingy after a while.