Trying to decide on a backpack.......?
 

So, got tons of mess bags, now I need a backpack. I will not be riding too much with this, more of a need for a cool backpack for my laptop and books and nicknacks, than anything else. And yea, i guess looks is part of it this time.
I really like the style of the Mission workshop rambler and sanction. But then, I wanted the red one and found out they were a small limited batch, and went to the apple store recently and found the Crumpler cut of horror, which i also like alot.
I thought the Crumpler was a bit girly for my taste, but i kind of like the simplicity of the bag with just two straps, very minimal, and I love the cool factor of the Mission workshop bags.
So, just wondering what you guys think of these bags, and am I missing any other bags like this that i don't know about yet before i purchase a bag? What are your thoughts and opinions? I appreciate any and all feedback about these and this type of bag. Thanks. I also posted in the commuting forum, but i spend a good amount of time here so would love to hear what you guys say......thanks again

dave

I use a MW Sanction. I'd never use another bag, unless I needed more space; then I'd use a MW Fitzroy or Rambler.

i have a rambler, it's pretty good... waterproof... holds a buncha stuff... comfy when loaded, even with awkward shaped items. i wish it had more accessory pockets tho, for the little stuff.

ynot gulper aint so bad either

Timbuk2 Swig. /cheapskate

http://www.ethnotekbags.com/collections/backpacks
Simple, quality, some of your money goes towards a good cause. I've used mine for school everyday for 3 years and it looks brand new. It does get a bit hot on your back on warmer days.

http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/008...large.jpg?2134
http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/008...large.jpg?2134

Wow, I dig those.

i like my osprey momentum

are they waterproof?

Boreas makes great stuff. I love my Bolinas. The adjustable frame curvature is sweet and helps lessen the dreaded 'sweatback' you get with most bags. Plus, for me, it's locally designed/made.

I was using a MW Vandal for a while, which is great for winter because I tend to carry more stuff on my commute, but in warmer weather I just don't need that huge thing on my back. I looked into the Rambler for a smaller option, but one thing I don't like about the Vandal was the lack of small pockets for things like my wallet, or keys. I mean, it does have a couple small pockets, but they're slightly TOO small. So I looked into Chrome backpacks, but they all seem to have a round-ish burrito shape when packed with stuff, which I didn't like either.

Anyways, I generally don't like timbuk2 bags, the styling, but I found one of theirs that is pretty awesome. In actual use, it's probably the best backpack i've used. Laptop sleeve, tons of pockets, built in bottle opener. It might not fit your "looks cool" requirement, but for functionality, it's great.

http://www.timbuk2.com/tb2/products/...aptop-backpack

It says, "840-denier water resistant ballistic nylon". I've never really put it through a thorough soaking since my commute, at least for school, has always been 2 miles or less. But when it has been pouring or dumping snow, I've never had a problem with stuff getting wet. Sorry I can't be of more help on that, but if you wanted a truly waterproof backpack, I'd look elsewhere.

Their product design is flippin sweet. I really want to work for a company doing the kind of stuff they do. Have you seen their new Bootlegger system? I want it so bad.

http://www.rei.com/product/825298/novara-eta-backpack

I got mine for $32 on sale. An external pocket would be nice, but I like its size and weight.

If I could do it over....I would get this one:
http://www.freightbags.com/products/rolltop

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=340321

Dude thats awesome.

http://www.bag-collector.com/


lots of reviews and links

No, I hadn't seen that. RAD!

I guess I'll jump in and ask if anyone has suggestions for bags for long rides? 50+ miles where I might bring a change of clothes/ulock maybe computer. ( I have no rack mounts )

definitely one of Boreas' suspension packs. when you order it can you get one for me too?

Wow guys thanks for the replies. I guess I have a lot of thinking to do. Just gotta convince the wifey I need another bag.

dave

On a related side note. I would suggest getting a pack that has a greater capacity then what is needed for your intended carry. It it nice to have the extra zoom for when you want to carry more then just the everyday stuff. Personally I really wouldn't even start to consider anything that wasn't close to 30 liters in capacity.

Interesting. I'm the total opposite. I'm a light traveller. My biggest backpack is 21 litres, and the one for cycling is 19. That helps me NOT carry anything unnecessary. If I do need extra space, that's when my panniers come in handy. :)

I've had a Vandal for a few years now and this is pretty in line with my experiences. Awesome pack for cold weather or wet riding (when I lived in Seattle it was great), but when its warm out its just too much and it makes my back sweat a lot. Agreed on the pockets being a little too small, I've considered getting one of these for little things. I like the look of that Freight bag linked earlier.

I had been looking into a smaller bag for summer but I'll probably put that off until next year.


Has any one tried out the MW Arkiv system or a similar modular bag? They seem pretty cool.