dnuzzomueller

So I have been looking for a new commuting backpack/ general use backpack. Now I just want to specify I am looking for a BACKPACK I am not going to choose panniers or a messenger bag.

Just for a little background I am currently using a Kelty RedWing 3400 but I have found that while biking it just simply is not a good bag. It is simply too large and unruly to manage. That being said I do need a good amount of storage space so that my bag can act as a riding bag, commuting bag, grocery bag, and a bag to transport my books. That being said I am looking in the 27-32L range of sizes.

I should also note one of the important things to me is how a bag feels when it is sitting on my back, I don't like it when bags flop around like crazy, I also enjoy attachment features (Helmet carriers, pockets, access flaps).

Because of this I have narrowed down my options to a few bags and I was hoping that people here could give me a few first hand experiences and feelings about the following bags (Or new bags if there are some that are very similar to these bags that I haven't )

Ortlieb Flight 27L
Deuter ACT Trail 32L
Deuter Trans Alpine 30L

I like the Ortlieb's full weatherproofing but it seems to lack the features of the Deuters and being more expensive and smaller then the deuter's makes me lean away from it but I want to know how comfortable it feels on longer rides?

The Deuter ACT Trail has a good mix of features but I question if it carries it's weight correctly for longer rides (Anyone have some experience?). I did get to try one on though and it feels VERY comfy and secure.

The Deuter Trans Alpine is what I am leaning towards. It has a alot of features I really like (Helmet holder, bottom access, pockets, seperable lower and upper main compartment). Yet I cannot seem to find any store that carries it so I can try it on. Anyone want to give me some experience on how comfy it is?

Also I was debating doing the airmesh thing that Deuter does. I know someone suggested a bag series that uses the airmesh and Ortlieb's waterproofing but because the airmesh makes the back of the bag bow in towards the pack it makes it harder to load things like books and laptops into the bag so is there any bag that has an airmesh that doesn't bow the back of the bag? That may just be wishful thinking.

Anyone have any suggestions here? I am very heavily leaning towards the Trans Alpine but I would like some info on how it feels compared to other Deuter bags/ how well it carries it's weight when fully loaded.

opie

The Deuter bags look nice. IF you haven't already check out Kreiga bags. They fit superb and are weather proof. You can get a 25L or 35L

CCrew

I don't see where you're looking for a messenger bag. I see where you're looking at backpacks.

Have you tried using a pack like you've posted the examples of? Your mileage may vary, but I've found the waist belts to be overly restrictive and cause the bag to hug so close that they're drenched with sweat on a warm day.

If I were looking for that style I'd probably stop right here: https://www.ergon-bike.com/us/en/product/bc3

dnuzzomueller

The Ergon is a little to small for me and yes I am very specfic about wanting a backpack. I have tried messenger bags and they just aren't for me. I am far more into looking for a decent capacity bag that has ergonimics for riding.

no1mad 

Poke around on the Jandd site.

FGG has reviews of various backpacks. A bunch of the mess bag makers also offer backpacks as well. Unfortunately, most of those designs sacrifice utility/organization for weather/water proofness.

dwr1961

Make sure you actually "test ride" whatever pack you're planning to buy. I've found that (just like shorts, shoes and saddles) one cyclist's pleasure can definitely be another's pain.

As mentioned by CCrew above, the beefy waist belts featured on a lot of hiking-oriented packs are just too restrictive for comfortable biking. I rode to work for several years with a Colorado Cyclist's "store brand" pack. The belt kept my load from swaying but didn't impede leg or hip movement. Unfortunately it's no longer made.

Sounds like you've put a lot of thought into your search. I wish you well. Let us know what you eventually choose.

coffeecake

If you're in Canada, MEC sells the Deuters. I looked at a smaller Deuter, but the suspension system they use means you can't carry any large books or binders, so it was out for me. It looks like the Trans Alpine uses a different system, so you may be able to cram books in there. There are three reviews of it on the MEC site.

electrik

https://kentsbike.blogspot.com/2010/0...ing-thing.html