mikdes

Does anyone have any personal experience with this backpack?

https://www.rei.com/online/store/Prod...8000&langId=-1

marqueemoon

I responded in the Commuting forum.

luckycat

So that's basically a smaller version of the messenger backpack? I have one of those and it's nice, but if you're actually messengering the size is kind of limited, no big ports or boxes, etc.. Otherwise it's comfortable while riding and definitely waterproof.

marqueemoon

I've never been a messenger but you can use the waist strap to tie stuff down. I once rolled home with mine completely full and a 24 pack of tp strapped on. I got some funny looks but it worked.

piratically

i had one for a few months and didn't like it very much. when it's not full it stays puffed out and if you're carrying just one or two things in there they flop around. i like to have more pockets on the inside.

mikdes

Thanks for the input. I'll likely be commuting with it, though, and it will probably be full every time I use it with clothes, lunch, etc. If I don't have much stuff I'll likely carry my Timbuk2 Messenger or my cheapo little Gap backpack instead. I'm most concerned about comfort and the waterproof part as I'm in Portland.

piratically

i'm in portland too- it'll definitely keep all your **** dry.

WakeUpOnFire

I have used one for almost a year and I like it a lot. Despite its limitations (no external pockets, kind of hard to find small things that fall all the way to the bottom, limited capacity) I think it wins over any bag I've used before (timbuk2 shoulder bag, various daypack-style backpacks). In terms of comfort I really like the way the rigid plastic sheet that makes the back panel helps the pack keep its shape even when stuffed full. I hate the way non-frame backpacks tend to bulge out into your back, and the kind of weird-looking padding is surprisingly comfortable (and does succeed, somewhat, in keeping your back a little more ventilated than some other bags). It is totally waterproof, I would never worry about the contents getting wet, unless it somehow got submerged in water. I think it could be improved upon, but I still like it.

acavengo

I think rodny71 just bought that bag or something similar. Calling rodny71.