Backpack alternatives
10-29-09, 09:49 PM
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Backpack alternatives
To All,
As a bag freak, I always love the threads about messenger bags and backpacks. I use both types. Messenger bag wise I have a Timbuk2 XL messenger bag and my whole family uses the Timbuk2 Metro. I find the company to put out a high quality product that is well thought out and practical. I do wish they were made in the USA as they were back in the day But, as many have pointed out, messenger bags are not the "end all" in portage. Sometimes, a backpack is a better idea. I tend to be picky. The smallest detail can make me walk away. I've went to many of the sites and looked at a lot of the bags many have spoke of in other threads. I am beyond impressed. I had no idea there were so many homegrown companies doing so many great things with bags. That said, I still felt a bit wanting. So, I looked at home and found a few backpacks that really do a top-notch job. These are not bicycle bags. The first bag I'll mention for medium loads and general all around capability is my Dakine Heli Pro. It's a ski/snowboard backpack. It has all the features I need to include exceedingly convenient kidney pockets on the waist belt. But, the real claim to fame of the Heli Pro is how it conforms to my back and essentially evaporates once in place. I swear you will forget it's there. It is built for activity so it sits well in all circumstances. I cannot recommend this backpack enough. When I need a little more room and find it necessary for my bag to be waterproof I've recently been hauling my Vaude Tofana hiking pack. What a wonderful bag. Again, designed to be comfortable while in motion and has a singular advantage over my Dakine in that it has a brightly colored, waterproof cover zipped into the bottom that covers the entire bag save the padded back. Both bags have dedicated bladder pockets that easily double as laptop pockets (unless you have something massive like a Mac Pro), ejection ports for hydration hoses that double as headphone cable routing ports, are attractive, high quality and built for the elements. Plus, they both have the right amount of the right type of pockets. This is my biggest issue with the bicycle industry backpacks I've seen. I need pockets. No or inconvenient pockets are a deal breaker for me.
Well, that was pretty winded and I apologize. But, if you are looking for a good backpack do not be afraid to reach outside of "the industry". You might be pleasantly surprised.
As a bag freak, I always love the threads about messenger bags and backpacks. I use both types. Messenger bag wise I have a Timbuk2 XL messenger bag and my whole family uses the Timbuk2 Metro. I find the company to put out a high quality product that is well thought out and practical. I do wish they were made in the USA as they were back in the day But, as many have pointed out, messenger bags are not the "end all" in portage. Sometimes, a backpack is a better idea. I tend to be picky. The smallest detail can make me walk away. I've went to many of the sites and looked at a lot of the bags many have spoke of in other threads. I am beyond impressed. I had no idea there were so many homegrown companies doing so many great things with bags. That said, I still felt a bit wanting. So, I looked at home and found a few backpacks that really do a top-notch job. These are not bicycle bags. The first bag I'll mention for medium loads and general all around capability is my Dakine Heli Pro. It's a ski/snowboard backpack. It has all the features I need to include exceedingly convenient kidney pockets on the waist belt. But, the real claim to fame of the Heli Pro is how it conforms to my back and essentially evaporates once in place. I swear you will forget it's there. It is built for activity so it sits well in all circumstances. I cannot recommend this backpack enough. When I need a little more room and find it necessary for my bag to be waterproof I've recently been hauling my Vaude Tofana hiking pack. What a wonderful bag. Again, designed to be comfortable while in motion and has a singular advantage over my Dakine in that it has a brightly colored, waterproof cover zipped into the bottom that covers the entire bag save the padded back. Both bags have dedicated bladder pockets that easily double as laptop pockets (unless you have something massive like a Mac Pro), ejection ports for hydration hoses that double as headphone cable routing ports, are attractive, high quality and built for the elements. Plus, they both have the right amount of the right type of pockets. This is my biggest issue with the bicycle industry backpacks I've seen. I need pockets. No or inconvenient pockets are a deal breaker for me.
Well, that was pretty winded and I apologize. But, if you are looking for a good backpack do not be afraid to reach outside of "the industry". You might be pleasantly surprised.
Last edited by oldfixguy; 10-29-09 at 09:53 PM.
