i have this one and think it's extremely well designed. its way more comfortable than any messenger bag i have worn. i also think ortlieb makes great backpacks. their "velocity" model is happy medium between too big or too small. the reload is just so expensive.

http://www.rei.com/online/store/Prod...ory_rn=4500844

the only problem i have with ortlieb is the lack of extra pockets. i had one for a while, and loved it, but got tired of the no pocket thing. i didnt mind the sack-style set up, i just wanted something to keep my tools and tubes in.

I spent 3 years where everything I owned except the bike fit into a Boblbee, never got mugged with it on. Did fall on my back once and the laptop was all good. I know a dude who weighs about 250 and he used to stand and jump on his to show how freaking tough the shell is. As for the look, yeah I don't love it, but in the matte black it's relatively discrete and it's the only bag around that completely eliminates that nagging "watch out for the laptop" stress...

That said I've been tossing the laptop into the Bailey Works lately.

I slipped down an ice covered concrete staircase walking last winter. I would have broken my back or even my skull for sure if it weren't for my Boblbee. It's like a helmet for your back. I feel much safer strapped into it than without, and I've got the gashes in the hardshell to prove it too.

http://www.kelty.com/kelty/index.cfm

great back packs, they make one with a helmet net and pockets on the belt strap (kinda wish I had that). I go between a kelty pack and a chrome metropolis depending on what I'm carrying. The only problem with the kelty packs for riding is that the decent sized ones (meant for day hikes) come with a stiffener in the back that conforms to your spine. Sounds great until you try to ride in drops or out on horns and it keeps you from being able to bring your head up far enough to see comfortably. Fortunately you can pull them out. Mine also has a pocket and hangar for a water resevoir.

anyone with a reload backpack have pictures?

If you are not a fashionista (ie; you want function over BS style) check out the Deuter line of packs. They are very well designed, with the needs of the cyclists in mind. Very comfortable too. I use the Trans Alpine and love it.

http://www.deuterusa.com/fut28img/transalpine30.gif

http://www.deuterusa.com/transalpine30.html

If you want ultra mega 1 big pocket basics, old school Courierware will make that stuff.

I've had mine for ten years and it's still 100% waterproof, although I'm thinking of switching to a BaileyWorks for the reflectors/the fact that the velcro isn't completely falling apart after years of mistreatment. Maybe a reload if I'm feeling spendy. I dunno.

I can't stand timbuk2's. The plastic strap clip always feels like it's going to let go. And that was just walking around with it.

I have been using the Futura 42 for a little over a year. I have always been able to carry all that I wanted, but it can be tough at time. I have Lights in one side pocket, toiletries and tools in the other. I sometimes have a water bottle in one or both of the lower mesh pockets. The Top flap has an outside and inside zippered pocket, the upper carries my laptop power adapter, sunglasses, ipod, and misc items, the inside has writing tools, and a calculator. The bottom compartment has a change of clothes for the gym. Inside the main compartment I have a 15" powerbook in a timbuk2 sleeve (big), 1-2 textbooks, 3-6 notebooks, a novel, and an engineering pad.

My back still sweats, but not as bad as it would with all this stuff in a different bag. Sometimes the bag frame feels a bit small for me (6' 2"), but it is always comfy. The adjustment straps make it easy to carry weird loads and there is always room for a jacket on the outside of the bag.

I got the bag from REI, so if it ever really becomes a problem I can return it.

http://www.deuterusa.com/fut28img/fut42small.gif

http://www.deuterusa.com/futura42.html

I bought the inside pocket that clips into the ortlieb bag. it holds some tools and spare tube nicely. it would be pain to find anything in that bag when its full of other stuff.

Deuter has two main "systems" as they call them for their cycling packs. One is good for carrying light loads (Aircomfort- the one you have) and the other for heavy loads (Airstripes- the one I have). As for back sweat, I agree, my back still sweats, but less than with other packs.

Here are the differences as was explained by a customer service rep from Deuter:

As for the back systems, the Aircomfort back system provides a maximum
of ventilation, since only the mesh has direct contact with the back
whereas the pack is kept in some distance. However, when the pack is
loaded heavily it is possible that the metal frame may be uncomfortable on
the hips.

The Airstripes back system with it's contoured foam stripes on the back
is more flexible and adapts better to the differnt back positions when
cycling. The pack has closer contact to the back, which may be of
advantage for balance when cycling in difficult terrain or when carrying
heavier load.

buying bags sucks because they always seem awesome right away, but then you have to try them out for the long run to see how they really fit and feel (like a bike/saddle), empty and full of stuff. For a week, I thought my reload bag was awesome. I absolutely hate the bag and want nothing to do with reload. Good luck with finding an appropriate bag.

while perhaps a topic for another thread, why do you hate the reload?

since i started this thread, i bought a chrome. had it for like, eight months? im pretty happy with it. its not as convenient for messenger work as a shoulder bag, but whatevs. its comfy.