Waterproof/resistant backpack recommendations?
#1
Batüwü Creakcreak
Thread Starter
Waterproof/resistant backpack recommendations?
Hi!
I have a short commute and ride with a backpack during the sessions. I have a rear rack that I'm planning on putting a wald-esque low basket on to be able to put my backpack on there with a net around it so I don't get a nice case of sweaty back. Ideally, I'd want something waterproof/resistant in case I get rained on a bit. My current chrome backpacks are pretty big and just wouldn't work well in the basket and it doesn't make sense to throw a huge basket on there.
So does anyone have any recommendations? Ideally, I'd like to be able to fit my laptop and charger, a notebook, some food, and a change of clothes/sunglasses.
I have panniers for the bike, but they're really not convenient for this purpose off the bike. A pannier backpack could be an interesting solution, but I haven't really seen one that would fit my use case well.
Thanks in advance!
I have a short commute and ride with a backpack during the sessions. I have a rear rack that I'm planning on putting a wald-esque low basket on to be able to put my backpack on there with a net around it so I don't get a nice case of sweaty back. Ideally, I'd want something waterproof/resistant in case I get rained on a bit. My current chrome backpacks are pretty big and just wouldn't work well in the basket and it doesn't make sense to throw a huge basket on there.
So does anyone have any recommendations? Ideally, I'd like to be able to fit my laptop and charger, a notebook, some food, and a change of clothes/sunglasses.
I have panniers for the bike, but they're really not convenient for this purpose off the bike. A pannier backpack could be an interesting solution, but I haven't really seen one that would fit my use case well.
Thanks in advance!
#2
climber has-been
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Palo Alto, CA
Posts: 7,525
Bikes: Scott Addict R1, Felt Z1
Liked 4,065 Times
in
2,003 Posts
IMO, the best cycling backpacks are made by Ortlieb. I commuted with one for several years.
One of their day packs ought to suit your commuting needs. Waterproof, like all Ortlieb gear.
One of their day packs ought to suit your commuting needs. Waterproof, like all Ortlieb gear.
Likes For terrymorse:
Likes For m.c.:
#4
Senior Member
Roll top dry bags are very cheap and likely more waterproof than anything else. Just strap it down. No need for a backpack if you aren't carrying it on your back.
Likes For RH Clark:
#5
Full Member
Ortlieb is great for a double strap backpack style. I prefer the one strap messenger bags. I have several Timbuk2 bags, one of which has a built in laptop compartment. Perfect for your needs.
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Colorado Springs, CO
Posts: 6,053
Bikes: 2015 Charge Plug, 2007 Dahon Boardwalk, 1997 Nishiki Blazer, 1984 Nishiki International, 2006 Felt F65, 1989 Dahon Getaway V
Liked 1,761 Times
in
873 Posts
Plastic kitchen trash bags....that's what I do.
You'll notice there are holes where the D-clips meet the bungee cords. After a few uses I change bags.
If you don't want to use such a wasteful disposal method, there are more permanent backpack covers. for sale.
By the way, this is how I carry my backpack on all my racked bikes.
You'll notice there are holes where the D-clips meet the bungee cords. After a few uses I change bags.
If you don't want to use such a wasteful disposal method, there are more permanent backpack covers. for sale.
By the way, this is how I carry my backpack on all my racked bikes.
#8
Batüwü Creakcreak
Thread Starter
I need the backpack part because I need to walk with the dang thing. I'll often stop for groceries etc on the way home.
I'm still trying to figure out how to mount the tray so I can still mount the panniers without an issue.
I can't ride with a messenger bag anymore sadly. It bothers my back to walk around with one.
#9
Likes For m.c.:
#10
Senior Member
Fair enough! Thanks for the tip. I guess I could always also use a water resistant sleeve for the laptop but that should be a backup imho.
The chrome backpacks are roll tops, though one has an annoying habit of working itself open. I think I need to clean off the velcro and maybe have a clasp stitched on to keep things closed.
I need the backpack part because I need to walk with the dang thing. I'll often stop for groceries etc on the way home.
I'm still trying to figure out how to mount the tray so I can still mount the panniers without an issue.
I can't ride with a messenger bag anymore sadly. It bothers my back to walk around with one.
The chrome backpacks are roll tops, though one has an annoying habit of working itself open. I think I need to clean off the velcro and maybe have a clasp stitched on to keep things closed.
I need the backpack part because I need to walk with the dang thing. I'll often stop for groceries etc on the way home.
I'm still trying to figure out how to mount the tray so I can still mount the panniers without an issue.
I can't ride with a messenger bag anymore sadly. It bothers my back to walk around with one.
Likes For RH Clark:
#11
Full Member
Try a water repellent like ScotchGuard.
#12
Junior Member
Arkel makes backpacks that converts to panniers. They also have commuter bags that have pannier attachments.
Bike Panniers (arkel-od.com)
They have the Haul-It pannier that you can throw your backpack in too
Bike Panniers (arkel-od.com)
They have the Haul-It pannier that you can throw your backpack in too
Last edited by WilliamT; 08-01-22 at 08:42 AM.
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2020
Location: Sacramento
Posts: 1,051
Bikes: Ibis Hakka MX / team machince alr2 / topstone 1 / Cervelo zht
Liked 278 Times
in
204 Posts
When I used to commute on motorcycle ( in the rain ) everyday with my mac laptop I used kriega.com . Mine was the roll up kind to keep the rain out.
They make great products.
They make great products.
#14
Batüwü Creakcreak
Thread Starter
I ended up buying a chrome barrage backpack off ebay which looked like it was either NOS or slightly used. Price was right. I'm going to try fitting a wald 585 basket or such to the top of the rear rack so I can just drop the bag in with a cargo net on top. I think this should work out okay! Ordered a new saddle too which will secondarily help with clearance as well (i think).
The basket will also help with grocery runs since I don't carry my panniers with me all the time.
In my search, I also found this line of backpacks which looks really good and pretty dang well priced! Thought it might help someone else looking.
https://craftcadence.com/collections/backpack
The basket will also help with grocery runs since I don't carry my panniers with me all the time.
In my search, I also found this line of backpacks which looks really good and pretty dang well priced! Thought it might help someone else looking.
https://craftcadence.com/collections/backpack