backpack recommendations?
 

right now i'm riding around with a cheapo, small camelbak/backpack dealie. i've looked around at some of the bigger bag companies and i haven't seen any small backpacks. the camelbak bag is alright, but i'd prefer something that's a little more waterproof and well constructed (i.e. not going to fall apart).

do any bag companies make high quality, small backpacks? i'm not a messenger or anything, so i don't want to carry around a bag big enough to carry packages. these are what i normally carry: ulock, spare tube, a small multi-tool, wallet, headlight (if it's light out), and a couple wrenches. i'm looking for something that can facilitate that, and preferrably some small purchases if i ride around to grocery stores and pick up a drink/quick snack, or a couple records.

also, i know there was a thread about mini pumps a while back, and people were recommending a really nice one that had a gauge and everything. i'd look for the thread but i'm at work so i'm trying to keep my posting/lurking to a minimum so i can get out of here at a decent hour. so i'd want to throw that in there too...

thanks for any suggestions, sorry for me being lazy :P

The pump is a topeak road morph. As for bags, ask the companies, but my understanding is that they think the small backpack market is kind of covered, they're only making bags for people that need huge and/or boxy. Deuter and the better jansports are good, and look into the smaller ortlieb if you want more waterproof than waterproof (though back sweat is an issue)

I like my North Face Recon for riding. Easily carriers a laptop and other random stuff. You can stash tools, pens, notepads etc in the outer pocket and keep the big pocket free for other stuff. Not waterproof but crunches down small with compression straps and carries well. Has water bottle pockets and an outer main pocket that fits a bike helmet perfectly.

i don't need anything big enough to fit a lap top or helmet. in theory, the biggest thing i'd have to fit would be a pump and a ulock.

I have a North Face Cloud. I'm pretty sure it's been discontinued, but take a look. It's made as a hydration pack for skiers, but it sounds like the size and construction you need.

GoLite make quite a few good packs, of differing sizes. I've been very pleased with the fit of mine. www.golite.com

I've been using the same North Face backpack for something like 6 years. It's well constructed, decent looking, and still waterproof.

chicago wig pack fin huge and very comfy

Chrome Backbone

http://www.chromebags.com/images/gallery/IMG_4760.jpg

Patagonia has some small ones. Price isn't commensurate with size though.

Banjo Bros. makes a nice small backpack. They are sending me one to review for my website. I should have it in a week or so, and I will let you know once I have tried it out for a bit.

I'm in a similar situation as the OP and don't want some mammoth bag either. That one looks pretty good. Thanks for the link. Definitely not as huge as the other bags.

The banjo looks kind of cool, but at $80 for a 25L pack you're paying for gonzo waterproofness that you may or may not need.

Arcteryx has some sweet ass daypacks.

I roll with a Dakine backpack now.

The North Face Slingshot holds a helmet well.

Whoa! It's $80 for that little thing. It's not so cool to me anymore. Oh well.

dude my pack was 280 but it is also freakin huge and the chrome bleh that thing stinks very envelope shaped

Camelbak Outlaw Series are alright. Dakine has a some nice larger hydration packs too. For either of those lines, I'd just remove the bladder when you're riding around the city and toss a bungie cord in for the random times you need to tie down a large object that you can't get w/ the existing compression straps. I still keep my messenger back around for big grocery store runs, but for day to day I love the comfort of a backpack.

... The Chrome one's nice, but that blind spot is kinda nasty.

Mountain Equipment Co-op make some really nice, inexpensive, commuter-oriented, cycling-specific backpacks. They're also a really socially responsible company with an excellent returns policy (if those things matter to you).

Check them out.

This is going another direction, but for that kind of hauling I much prefer my Carradice saddle bag. My Barley holds a u-lock, pump, tools, and rain jacket with plenty of room for a sandwich for lunch. Plus, my back stays dry.

Wild Things Spectra Andinista

Re: MEC ... yes, the company has some nice aspects and I shop there myself, but do some research on why they no longer carry Crank Brothers and Park Tool products. You can draw your own conclusions whether you think it's just part of doing business or something that's unethical.

I was under the impression that they stopped carrying Park because of a dispute about pricing. MEC were selling park stuff at a very small markup, LBSs complained to Park, Park complained to MEC, MEC dropped the brand. Is there more to the story? I would assume it was the same thing with Crank Bros...?

OK, I tried to google this and got bubkes, what's the deal? Huge buyer getting PO'ed at near-monopoly seller?

The Banjo someone suggested looks perfect for your needs, not large enough for records but it'd hold everything else you mention plus a mini pump. You could probably fit a few albums under the flap, backpacks don't sit at an angle so they might stay under there with the flap buckled.

Canadian shops have to buy from approved distributors in Canada. MEC bypassed those suppliers and bought products at a cut rate from distributors in the U.S. and Australia. They not only sold those products for essentially Canadian wholesale to customers in Canada but also sold them to people in the U.S., violating more agreements and screwing over shops there. The brands weren't happy about their products being devalued like that and all the shops around North America getting screwed over. Some shops just stopped carrying the products because they couldn't compete or even come close. MEC got cut off from the brands they had been screwing around with and the distributors who sold to them got cut off from the brands too.