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Backpacks for commuting

Old 08-16-18, 07:26 AM
  #26  
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Originally Posted by acidfast7
Sorry man, Osprey is overpriced/underperforming gear.

In German, we joke that the wearer must be American or from Cali. Also, the company isn't as green as it should be.

They should be more like these guys...

https://www.fjallraven.us/pages/sustainability

My large rucksack is a 65L Kajka ... unfortunately, it's lasted too long (it's the pre-woodframe model) from 2008.
You said Osprey ius style over function. I asked where it isn't functional and you respond that you don't like its style, it isn't green.and some snobby comment. Like I said - no substance.
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Old 08-16-18, 10:22 AM
  #27  
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Originally Posted by crazyravr
Nahhhhhh you are full of it.
I love my Talon22. Gets used every single day for commuting to work. Does what its suppose to and in comfort.
How many years?

My Arc'teryx has been used for every single commute since 2010, plus a lot of non-commute travel. So it's been through roughly 2000 bike commutes without a single strap/buckle/etc... failure. Nice lightweight aluminum back-curving plate.

Black, which is excellent so it doesn't look dirty, it is getting worn though, the fabric.

The material around the front zipper just tore ... but that's after 8000 zips minimum (minimum of 4 per day ... pre-work home, pre-work office, post-work office and post-work home).

Thus, I need to get the zipper replaced.

The roll-top is excellent and 20L is perfect for a lunch/clothes change/weekend trip.

Osprey ... hahahaha ... I wouldn't waste the money.
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Old 08-16-18, 11:21 AM
  #28  
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If I needed the convenience of a backpack throughout the day (such as college student) but commuted by bike, I'd be looking for one of the following:
  • Panniers that are large enough to hold a backpack.
  • Panniers that can BE a backpack.
Preferably the latter, since leaving panniers on the bike while it's parked during the day might encourage a theft of the panniers.

I have Ortlieb Shopper panniers (a set of two) for my aluminum road bike and find them great for commuting on those occasions when I'm able to commute, which is about once a week. They are easy to remove and carry around, but are not suitable replacements for a campus backpack.

I suggest going to the Oritlieb website and looking at whatever pannier seems to be most appropriate for carrying the type of stuff you commute with, and then purchasing the backpack adapter for that pannier:
Ortlieb Backpack Pannier Carrying-System

The reason I prefer a pannier on the bike over a backpack is sweat, ride comfort, and balance. I feel better balanced with a pannier on the side than a pack on my back. And am able usually to arrive without a soaked back, when I use a pannier. The Ortlieb backpack adapter seems like a cool way to take your pannier with you when you leave your bike at the rack. ...matter of fact, I may have to order one.
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Old 08-16-18, 01:05 PM
  #29  
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Originally Posted by daoswald
If I needed the convenience of a backpack throughout the day (such as college student) but commuted by bike, I'd be looking for one of the following:
  • Panniers that are large enough to hold a backpack.
  • Panniers that can BE a backpack.
Preferably the latter, since leaving panniers on the bike while it's parked during the day might encourage a theft of the panniers.

I have Ortlieb Shopper panniers (a set of two) for my aluminum road bike and find them great for commuting on those occasions when I'm able to commute, which is about once a week. They are easy to remove and carry around, but are not suitable replacements for a campus backpack.

I suggest going to the Oritlieb website and looking at whatever pannier seems to be most appropriate for carrying the type of stuff you commute with, and then purchasing the backpack adapter for that pannier:
Ortlieb Backpack Pannier Carrying-System

The reason I prefer a pannier on the bike over a backpack is sweat, ride comfort, and balance. I feel better balanced with a pannier on the side than a pack on my back. And am able usually to arrive without a soaked back, when I use a pannier. The Ortlieb backpack adapter seems like a cool way to take your pannier with you when you leave your bike at the rack. ...matter of fact, I may have to order one.
Those Ortlieb are super-uncomfortable to use as a backpack, especially when they're the older variant with an inflexible rear facia.
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Old 08-16-18, 05:57 PM
  #30  
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I use a Timbuk2 backpack. I like it, but it's really floppy, which is both good and bad. It's good because it's very lightweight. It's bad because it makes filling the back a little cumbersome. Overall, I'm very happy with it. I understand some of the newer models have a kickstand, which sounds funny, but now I see the point.
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Old 02-07-20, 12:27 AM
  #31  
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Originally Posted by 2wheelride
So I'll be started school again in a few weeks, and I've been looking at better charging backpacks for commuting. There are a couple I had in mind, like the Osprey Radial 34 and the Momentum 32. However, there are issues about both bags that concern me, particularly the elastic cords that would have to hold up the weight of a fully loaded bag. They both have some really nice features, such as an integrated rain cover, and a spot to attach a helmet when not in use.
I prefer Osprey Radial 26 to Osprey Radial 34. Although the rope does not seem to be fully carrying the weight of this bag, this is a fact. Like everyone else, I don't worry about it, their warranty service is very good.
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Old 02-07-20, 10:11 AM
  #32  
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Originally Posted by 2wheelride
So I'll be started school again in a few weeks, and I've been looking at backpacks that would be better for commuting. There are a couple I had in mind, like the Osprey Radial 34 and the Momentum 32. However, there are issues about both bags that concern me, particularly the elastic cords that would have to hold up the weight of a fully loaded bag. They both have some really nice features, such as an integrated rain cover, and a spot to attach a helmet when not in use.
I love Osprey packs for hiking and mtbing...
I tried the Radial 34 for commuting, the S/M. And still my back of head/helmet would run into the pack. I'm still looking for a good alternative.
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Old 02-07-20, 11:54 PM
  #33  
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Originally Posted by Menel
I love Osprey packs for hiking and mtbing...
I tried the Radial 34 for commuting, the S/M. And still my back of head/helmet would run into the pack. I'm still looking for a good alternative.
No problem with the 26. 34 is quite big for commuting IMO.
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Old 03-15-20, 08:10 PM
  #34  
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I got a North Face bag since the back of it has bumps to keep it off my back some making it less sweaty
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Old 03-15-20, 09:41 PM
  #35  
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Originally Posted by noglider
I use a Timbuk2 backpack. I like it, but it's really floppy, which is both good and bad. It's good because it's very lightweight. It's bad because it makes filling the back a little cumbersome. Overall, I'm very happy with it. I understand some of the newer models have a kickstand, which sounds funny, but now I see the point.
yes like timbuk2 too but now that I have racks I don't use it much. hate having a pack on my back while riding.
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Old 03-15-20, 09:47 PM
  #36  
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