Classtime 

Been commuting for 20 years on drop bar road bikes with the last 15 years being a 35 -40 mile round trip 4 days a week. I used a daypack for years and was happy. Then went to a Carradice Barely for years and was happy. Then got tired of squishing my lunch in the Carradice with my clothes and put a Rando lunchbox on a front rack. When that got to be annoying to pack and unpack and moving work stuff to another bag for the day I drive, I have gone back to backpack. The straps were annoying so I installed a rear rack with a basket to put the pack in. This latest set up is ok ... but carrying the bike upstairs to my classroom is no fun and fixing a rear flat last week with all that weight was work.

I like the simplicity of putting Whatever I need for the day in a pack and then putting it on my back and getting on my bike or in my car and off I go.

So, I'm looking for back pack recommendations.

1. I do do not care about a sweaty back.
2. I want straps that disappear when the pack is on my back and I'm in the drops.
3. 15-20 liters
4. Pockets or not.
5. I don't do bladders.

Thanks.

The Banjo Brothers Metro looks promising.

well biked

From my experience, browse the Osprey offerings that best fit your needs. Osprey's the best when it comes to backpacks, IME/IMO.

Classtime 

ok. My kids use Ospreys for backpacking and day hikes and luv them. But how do they do when you put 10-15 pounds in them and pedal while in the drops with a headwind for 20 miles twice a day 4 days a week?

BobbyG

Classtime I have one drop bar bike without a back rack. I've commuted to work and ridden it for years with a few different backpacks (mostly two both 30L). What works for me is to leave the straps long and let the back rest on the small of my back. It seems like the back would fall off to the left or right, but the straps usually come into play before that happens. In the winter months the packs would be heavy with office clothes and sweaters, plus tools, batteries, etc. The last two main backpacks have been this:

https://www.bikeforums.net/commuting...-improved.html

Classtime 

OP here. I'm back to my old backpack. Using the straps very long and that helps. I weighed it yesterday:10 lbs.

MAK

I agree with Well Biked above that Osprey makes excellent backpacks that are very comfortable. I use a mirror that attaches to my glasses and sometimes the pack blocks my rear view. You may want to consider a messenger bag. I find that they truly 'disappear' once riding (a bit less so off the bike). Chrome bags are excellent in my opinion.

Rage

Recently got a Chrome Industries rolltop backpack. So nice! And super comfortable.
Probably the nicest backpack I’ve ever had.

zandoval 

Lets see... Weight low on the back to take weight off shoulders and keep center of gravity low. Needs to be not too big but expandable if needed. It should also have the ability to have attachments as needs for different ridding tasks. Hummmmm.... Think I have seen something like this before... Some of us wish we could forget...



No really its just the concept of being able to carry gear as needed. I have an old Kelty back pack with comfortable straps that was trashed when dropped off a cliff. I took the pack and cut it down length wise so that it is 4" wide at the top and 10" wide at the butt. It has a waist strap. What ever I put in the top settles to the bottom. Kinda tear dropped shaped from the side. I would post a picture but its one of those things I lent my son and will probably never get back cause it works... Ha