Backpacks

[stefan]

Hey gang,

I want to start commuting to/from work, no matter the weather. I'll need to carry my laptop, miscellaneous nerdy gadgetry, and probably a book or some papers at times. Something weatherproof would be best. Does anyone use something like this? I've tried a regular backpack, and it's a pain to ride around with a laptop flopping around inside the bag.

Thanks!

-Stefan

[bike>>rider]

They make backpacks with laptop pouches in them now. I have one made by Samsonite that I got from Best Buy for school. Any of the places that sell laptops usually have a selection of backpacks like this. Mine was about $40 as I recall.

I haven't ridden with it though so can't say how comfortable/uncomfortable it would be on a bike.

I'm sure there are bike-specific bags for carrying laptops that might work better though.

[manual63]

Check with REI. They have a ton of options. The only thing is that if you want something that will work really well, it will be expensive. Try to get one with the mesh backing that has an airspace between your bag and your back. Also make sure it has a waist strap and maybe even a chest strap. There are some commuting backbacks made specificly for biking too.

The other option is to use a messenger bag, those are pretty slick and will fit a computer with no issues. I have one and it works well for commuting. I can't jump around when it's on, so I don't wear it much (because I like to jump around on my commute too sometimes.....:)), but it works great if you keep your wheels on the ground.

[manual63]

Speaking of backpacks.....

This is not in reply to the thread, but I did get a new Camelbak. It's one of the freeride ones from their Outlaw series called the Mayhem. There is a smaller one and a bigger one, but this one is just right (no my name is not Goldielocks). The best part about it is the pouch that can hold larger objects. It is big enough to hold pads and a helmet (it's intended use), but can hold a ton of other stuff. I got this because I needed something bigger for when I do bike patrol. I will be able to fit a first aid kit in the pouch and all my other stuff in the other pockets. The bladder is in a pouch in the backing. Then there is a big zippered pouch the whole height of the camelbak. There is a small pocket on the top for a video camera, must need a newer super small one, and a smaller outside pocket for tools and other stuff. It's perfect and the best part, even when really full, I hardly notice I have it on. It straps securely to my back and doesn't move around, which is important when doing freeride stuff.

Now all I have to do it have the helmet on my head and not in the pouch when I fall.....:). Yes, I did this already.

[steef]

Was that the parking lot fall at Theo?

I hadn't seen Goldilocks in over 10 years and he promptly falls down. :D

Classic.

[manual63]

Was that the parking lot fall at Theo?

Yep. Thanks Bill for having moto brakes.....:D:p

[Sevadari]

Hey Stefan,

You've got a variety of options depending on what you really want/need and how much you value your computer gear (or whatever your hauling)...

But, in general I think an earlier post is right regarding needing to shell out a bit of cash if you're going to do it right...i.e., if you want something that's going to be simultaneously comfortable, protective, and functional. (Reminds me vaguely of the 'ole saying "cheap, light, strong...you can only have two of those, not all three!).

Along those lines, I've been a long and big time fan of an outfit out of Santa Cruz, CA called Tom Bihn Packs. It's run by...well Tom Bihn (!!!), a guy who started with a small shop making backcountry internal frame and other daypack backpacks. He's resisted going real big time and has, in the process, kept a real soul-ful business going with extremely high quality products.

I've never bought one of their variety of laptop bags, but if they're ANYTHING like the other bags I've bought from him...top, top, top quality gear (great fabric, stitching and seams, functionality, comfort, etc.) that has literally lasted me years. Even today with all the abuse I've dished out, all they need is bit of a washing every once in a while and they're still in great shape. Definitely check 'em out-they've got a variety of options for what you described above.

Here's the URL (make sure you check out the "egg-drop test" video link posted in the description for the Brain Bag):

http://www.tombihn.com/page/001/CTGY/300

Hope this info helps!

[MisterClaw]

Hey gang,

I want to start commuting to/from work, no matter the weather. I'll need to carry my laptop, miscellaneous nerdy gadgetry, and probably a book or some papers at times. Something weatherproof would be best. Does anyone use something like this? I've tried a regular backpack, and it's a pain to ride around with a laptop flopping around inside the bag.

Thanks!

-Stefan
If your bike will take a rack and you're biking more than a couple miles, having panniers (and a trunk bag) is much nicer than using a backpack.

when you have to slam on your brakes, you won't have a backpack trying to fly off your back, you won't have sweaty, soaked back, and you'll have a much lower center of gravity.

The Deuter backpacks do have the vented backs, but put the weight farther away from you, which is worse for control issues. I own a deuter rucksack, so I know this from experience. Great for hiking, not so for biking.

A cheap rack + panniers will be a little more money, but well worth it, imho.

[col200]

Hey gang,

I want to start commuting to/from work, no matter the weather. I'll need to carry my laptop, miscellaneous nerdy gadgetry, and probably a book or some papers at times. Something weatherproof would be best. Does anyone use something like this? I've tried a regular backpack, and it's a pain to ride around with a laptop flopping around inside the bag.

Thanks!

-Stefan

At the distance of your commute, just hang on to it under your raincoat! :D
Worse case scenerio, you could get a canvas bag and paint a layer of tent sealant on it (for cost reason ONLY, cause it'll probably stink and would be heavy!)

[stefan]

At the distance of your commute, just hang on to it under your raincoat! :D
Worse case scenerio, you could get a canvas bag and paint a layer of tent sealant on it (for cost reason ONLY, cause it'll probably stink and would be heavy!)

I've done it with the Jansport a few times, and it's worrisome how hard my laptop can get smashed against my back. Even when wrapped up in a ninja turtles towel!

Thanks for the ideas, everyone.. I have some good options now!

[col200]

ah, there's you problem. Should have been a Dino-Riders towel!

[Ogre]

I used to do a hilly 9 mile commute (now it's only 1 mile).
I tried backpacks, panniers and eventually stuck with a large messenger bag. I would cynch the waste strap so that most of the weight was on the hips and not the shoulder.

The weight was too high up for the backpack and I didn't like the top heavy feel on the bike. I didn't like the weight in the panniers for hitting bumps and fast downhills. It seemed like I was eventually gonna break something and whatever was in the panniers sure took a beating.

The messenger bag was completely waterproof, felt comfortable on the bike and fit my needs. They come in a wide variety of sizes and features.

[tkb608]

I've been doing a 5 mile commute all year for 4 years now and I love my Vaude backpack. The bad news is I'm not sure where in the twin cities you can buy one. I bought mine at Midwest Mountaineering on sale, cause they weren't gonna carry them anymore. :confused:
I can see by the Vaude website that they still make a bike specific backpack. I can't quite tell if it's as big as the one I have though. The pack I have is big enough for a 14" T42, underclothes and a little this and that. It keeps most of the pack off your body for ventilation and has a built in rain cover. If you can find a place that carries the brand it is well worth looking at.

[mara]

I love my Vaude backpack

Agreed! I've ridden mine for about the same number of years and I love it! It sits low, so all the weight is on your hips, not back, a bonus for an eighteen mile ( one way ) commute.

Last I heard, there was not a US distributor for Vaude backpacks. I sure hope that either changes or has changed.

[Chauncy]

Dakine stuff is the best, looks cool and lots of their packs have padded laptop sleeves

[monkey1031]

http://www.axio-usa.com/site_home.html

[stoneage]

http://www.chromebags.com/

[manual63]

http://www.axio-usa.com/site_home.html

So that is what Bob Haro is up to. Funny, I saw Harodesign and just had to investigate.

Bob Haro is the alleged inventor of BMX freestyle and the one who started Haro Bikes, in case you didn't know.

[gordanfreeman]

http://www.chromebags.com/couldn't be happier with mine.

[xbobeahenx]

I ride (both commute and rec) with my chrome bag all the time. Its one of the most stable pack configurations (ie weight distribution, no-side to side wiggle etc..) They come in sizes ranging from women's purse all the way to gigantic NY messenger carrying a baby-big. Fully water proof, carries my laptop plus more. Eriks carries them at most of their stores. Check em out, totally worth it!

[gordanfreeman]

speaking of waterproof: the last week or so as it has been raining i have been forced to ride to work in pouring rain twice. i brought complete changes of clothes, work boots, mp3 player, spare tire/tools/etc all in my chrome metropolis bag and not only did everything fit like a charm, nothing inside the bag was even damp. its like giving mother nature a big one fingered salute :kiss:

[stefan]

I think I'm going to order a Metropolis Chrome bag today! Thanks to everyone for all the good suggestions. :banana:

[nord0306]

The Ivan and the Pawn are two new backpacks from Chrome. They will be in stock at most of the Erik's stores by this weekend.

http://www.chromebags.com/ivan.php

http://www.chromebags.com/pawn.php

The bags are waterproof, bombproof and use the tried and true roll top construction.

[bike>>rider]

The current issue of "Cycling Plus" has a shootout of commuter bags. It's one of those UK mags (why are the UK mags so much better than any of the US mags??) so they aren't that easy to find, but B&N has them, at least the one near me.

Anyway, as for messenger bags, the Chrome Citizen and some model by Howie tied for the top spot, and as for backpack-type bags, there was a tie of about four at 8/10, including Dakine, Camelback, Vaude, and maybe one other that I forget now. Anyway, check out that mag for the details.