thats the rub.

The Underpants Gnomes are back!

On the subject of bags, my Norman Porter [ https://www.normanporter.com/shoulder_bags.html ] arrived a few days ago and I've gotta say it's one of the more comfortable bags I've worn. Great integrated shoulder pad design on the Silver Fox model (the smaller of the two, but really not small at all). More velcro than you can shake a stick at (which helps for big and oddly shaped cargo still getting a good seal) and big reassuring buckles to boot.

I'll probably do up a little more detailed review in a couple weeks after I've had more chances to kick it around, but it's been working nicely thus far. Been very comfortably hauling around a laptop+gear, pair of pants, lunch/snacks, 1L nalgene, and some tools/various sundries.

Only complaint thus far: The pen-holders in the outer pocket at a little shallow, so I don't feel like they're holding my pens as securely as they could be.

glad to see you are digging that bag. i have been eyeballing them. i think i gave you the heads up on them. i am anticipating your full review.

Yep, you sure did. If you are really on the fence shoot me a pm and I can take some more pictures and stuff, but otherwise I plan to put together a more comprehensive review in a few weeks. Gotta see how it really handles day to day before I can give it the final thumbs up, but outlook is good.

That's a nice looking bag, dsh. I, too, am looking forward to your review!

Those Chrome backpacks sure look well-built. They just look a bit different from other backpacks with the fold-over top flaps. I don't suppose they make waterproof backpacks that look like more conventional backpacks, do they?

Thanks in advance...

i got me's a messeger bag, and i keep my trust fund in it

Do they make waterproof backpacks that look more like conventional backpacks?

Thanks in advance...

https://lmgtfy.com/?q=waterproof+backpack

... that are highly rated by the bikeforum community, and if they're not -- then why?

You want advice from the same community that rated H Plus Son rims, technology older than the riders, and Aerospokes highly?

Good luck with that.

... That made no sense to me. So you're saying that this community is elitist in their tastes and is more likely to pick old technology that is really expensive and hard to maintain?

I'm just looking for a waterproof backpack that would be recommended by the community to replace my backpack of many years. I don't see why you're being a jackass... "let me google that for you"? Seriously?...

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Back to the topic -- would a messenger backpack have advantages over a regular waterproof backpack, and what sort?

Thanks in advance...

Yeah, I was being a smartas*. Sorry about that. But my point is still the same. Asking the SSFG forum for a waterproof cycling backpack is sort of like walking into The Gap looking for a raincoat when REI is right next door. I would try the Bike Forums Commuting, Long Distance, or Living Car Free subforums.

Now that was helpful. Thanks! I'll go ask there...