BikesAreCool123

I was going to post this in the commuting forum, but I wanted to see what the readership of the 41 would recommend. I am looking for a backpack to use for my commutes. I have been using an old messenger back, but it slides around and the sudden shift in weight is annoying. I saw this Hincapie bag. What do people use other than Chrome bags?

joejack951

If you don't want the pack to move around, get something with at least a sternum strap and preferably a hip strap. How much stuff do you need to carry? Camelbak makes some larger size, hydration pack compatible packs that might be perfect for you. They will come with straps as they are intended for cycling.

halfspeed

A big Carradice or a bike with a proper rack for panniers. Back bags suck.

nahh

I'd go for something with a hip strap, and sternum strap always feels like it's making it harder to breath for me.

roy5000x2

Get a Chrome/Bailey Works/etc messenger bag. Problem solved.

CrimsonKarter21

I'm happy with my Gravis, it's not this one, but WhiskeyMilitia hada previous model year for sale for only $25 or $30, so I got it. The SureShot looks like the successor.
https://www.gravisfootwear.com/#/prod...mens/sureshot/

waterrockets 

My favorite commute packs have water bottle pockets for the trip inside, and compression straps to keep the pack compact when not at capacity.

Buying today, I'd probably buy one of these:


https://www.rei.com/product/778451 (yes, I know it's "women's")


https://www.rei.com/product/778464

roadiejorge 

I have the Deuter Race EXP Air and while it isn't that big it's fine to take my clothes and lunch. They have other models that are bigger but I'm not keen on lugging loads of stuff on my back so I keep a pair of shoes and a jacket at work to minimize what I carry daily. My favorite part about their backpacks is they have a mesh back that separates the bag from your back and let's air through which keeps that area well ventilated and the straps have the same mesh material so they don't get saturated with sweat either. Most come with a rain cover and straps to attach a helmet to the back.

pkpsu

https://www.competitivecyclist.com/mo...acks.1989.html

I've been looking at these Ergon packs for awhile now, they look awesome.

Randochap

+1

WildH

Damn.....never seen the ergon packs before. Look very nice and would be great for the all day MTB epic ride. I live to bring my SLR camera, and have been finding ways to strap it to my Camel, but always found it uncomfortable on fast decents as it bounces around. The Ergon pack looks great.....maybe for this fall in AZ.

johnny99

https://www.bicycling.com/article/0,6...47-1-P,00.html
https://www.crumplerbags.com/Lite/Eng...r---MB05A.html

BikesAreCool123

Thanks to everyone for the help. Looks like there are some good options out there. Those Ergon look interesting...

geist

I have a SÄG Megatron that's awesome.



This new one from Manhattan portage looks good for a bigger bag.


Also, the Incase stuff is a good option.

agarose2000

BANJOBROS medium size commuter backpack. Waterproof (not just water-resistant), HUGE reflectors, perfectly angled loop for blinkie, and bulletproof construction. Also, the medium is very big - but not too big; just big enough in case you need to bring a full set of raingear and change, you're covered.

Best backpack I've used, on or off the bike.

GP

I use a Detours Sienna 30 . The design lets air flow between your back and the pack.

Maxxxie

I use a Deuter Cross City backpack. You can read my review here. I really like it. It's comfortable and carries everything I need it to (laptop, bike lock, rain gear, miscellaneous bits and pieces for the laptop).

Max

zrossiter

tom bihn makes some really good bags, very very durable

AngryScientist 

i use a chrome mess bag for my commute, i particularly like it because of the buckle design which makes adjusting it at speed a snap. with the cross strap its super secure while riding. they are built to last too.

CCrew

+1. I commute 50 miles a day with a Chrome Citizen.

gnome

When I'm using my rain bike or need to carry extra gear I use my Aarn Natural Exhilaration day pack. Very comfortable and holds a reasonable amount. I've done some light touring with it as well.

I prefer to use a rack and panniers though for commuting.

clutchy

I use THIS camelbak for commuting to work, although i take out the hydration pack part and just use it to carry my suit, tie and shoes if i haven't left a pair at the office. It's a great little pack and doesn't move around much. On the upside it also doubles as a great day hiking pack w/ the 3 liter hydration pouch and i use it for mountain biking as well. My back still gets a little sweaty but it does have a pretty good vent system on the back, better than other i've used atleast. I also use it for vacations as well and put my DSLR in the mesh in the back... easy access and difficult to rip from the bag if someone was so inclined. I haven't found a pack this versatile in a long time. It can also fit my 15" laptop as well but if that's in there not much else of any substance will fit.

It has a rain cover in a pouch on the bottom in case the weather doesn't cooperate. As i said before it's a pretty slick pack. That top zip is rain protected and it's designed to fit your phone or a music player or something.

I highly recommend it.

Seedy J

I used a Deuter Cross Air for my 13 km commute. It held everything I needed it to, the mesh made a big difference in hot weather, and the rain cover came in handy often.

Eclectus

Figure out what you want to carry. Some things need panniers. Some things need total waterproofing, and here a lot of stuff will fit into 2.5 gallon Hefty zip locks so a waterproof pack or panniers are not de rigueur for riding in the rain even with a laptop. You have to decide how much you want to spend.

I mainly wear a pack for hydration on long rides in summer. Hyrdrapak makes some white models, which make sense for reflecting sunlight, and keeping fluids cool longer, so I got a Big Sur. Aluminized-mylar outer would be even better, and often more visible to drivers.

schnee

Here's the best backpack for cycling I've found.

Ortlieb Flight


It's got a rigid frame like a high-end hiking pack. All the weight is carried on your hips. It's barely on your shoulders at all.
Where it sits on your back, the frame has a loose mesh stretched across it, like a trampoline - so it's suspended almost 1" off your back - awesome ventilation.
Waterproof with taped seams, handles anything short of throwing it in a river.
Camelbak ready - inside it's go a clip and a dedicated pocket to hang the bladder, and an opening to route the drinking tube.
Reflective stripes, and a blinky clip.
Two stretch pockets on the outside can fit water bottles or mini U-locks.
One separate long skinny outer zipped pocket that can hold your pump, tools, etc.
Also has a stretchy mesh net on the outside to hold a helmet. It tucks away into a small pocket. (I never use that feature.)

The best cycling pack I've owned. Can't recommend it enough.