ridethecliche

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!

terrymorse 

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.

m.c. 

I'd start with looking for a waterproof computer backpack. If it were me I'd want to shop for the part that protects the computer first and then look at other features.

RH Clark

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.

krakhaus 

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.

BobbyG

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.

andrewclaus

I use a trash compactor bag as a liner inside my backpack or pannier.

ridethecliche

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.

m.c. 

There are several computer backpacks on Amazon that say they are waterproof.

RH Clark

Yea, that makes sense. I might still put my expensive electronics inside a dry bag inside the backpack. It might save it if you get caught in very hard rain.

bikehoco

Try a water repellent like ScotchGuard.

WilliamT

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

sean.hwy

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.

ridethecliche

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