Another backpack thread
#26
No Talent Assclown
I prefer panniers but also have an Osprey Stratos 34L for commuting and hiking. Space gets tight when you carry lunch in reusable containers, necessary gear, and a full set of dress clothes. It’s just about right for picking up a few groceries. A few things sold me on this pack that I enjoy. One is the mesh trampoline on the back that keeps the pack itself off your back for a significantly less sweaty back. The other is the hip belt pads that put a bit more weight bearing on your hips than back. The last is the couple of aluminum stays and back sheet for rigidity. One downside is the pack will tend to fall over if you set it down. It’s also not meant to be a cycling bag and won’t have things like a laptop sleeve, helmet carrier, shoe compartment, or rear light tab.
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Fällt der Pfarrer in den Mist, lacht der Bauer bis er pisst.
Fällt der Pfarrer in den Mist, lacht der Bauer bis er pisst.
#27
My commute is just under a mile. I need to carry my work clothes, and I like to take the stairs up the sixth floor when I get there. After changing in a bathroom, all my riding clothes go in a backpack that gets stuffed in a locker. A backpack just makes it all so much easier and quicker. I was also rear-ended a few weeks ago, and the loaded backpack probably saved my back from serious injury. I've been using an Osprey Momentum 26 from for the last nine years, but the wreck finally blew out one of the side pockets. Time for a replacement! With that being said, I have some Ortlieb Back Roller Classic panniers that I love when I need to carry a lot of heavy stuff or get groceries. It's whatever works for the job at hand. Have you ever used a good cycling pack or messenger bag?
#28
Senior Member
A backpack could save you from a broken spine if you endo? Maybe a little out there..lol
#29
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2020
Location: Sacramento
Posts: 1,051
Bikes: Ibis Hakka MX / team machince alr2 / topstone 1 / Cervelo zht
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I commute to work ( 2 miles ) with 15 inch mac & gym cloths ( not shoes but I guess they would fit ). I am very happy with my Bullet Ruck back pack.
#30
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: midwest
Posts: 2,528
Bikes: 2018 Roubaix Expert Di2, 2016 Diverge Expert X1
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Last pack I used while commuting 30+ mi RT (retired now) was a Osprey Radial 26. I found this pack to be the most versatile. Really liked the "kickstand" feature ( backpack site up straight while you pack/unpack), raised of your back for cooling, comfortable straps, and storage organization.
#31
Member
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Lexington, KY
Posts: 40
Bikes: 2018 Jamis Renegade Explore, 2011 Raleigh Cadent FT0
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I've switched to a rack and pannier setup 100% because I just need to minimize the sweat, and now need to carry a change of clothes most days. My chosen commuting bag in a medium Timbuk2 messenger doesn't really help that. Were sweat not an issue and I didn't need to carry as much as I do, I'd still stick with the messneger. That ability to just be ready to go is something I definitely prefer, even as, yes, rack and pannier are definitely superior in an all around utility kind of way.