Backpack for commuting

jae-so
jae-so Posts: 85
edited September 2012 in Commuting general
I decided I don't really like panniers so would just like a decent back for commuting. My commute is 8.5 miles each way and takes about 40 mins. I would like it to have the following;

- can protect the contents from rain
- has capacity for a towel, formal trousers, polo short, maybe shoes, thin jacket
- ties snuggly to my body to avoid movement when cycling.

I have been looking at the Osprey Raptor 10 but would appreciate recommendations

Comments

  • thistle_
    thistle_ Posts: 7,147
    Even with a waterproof rucksack, you might want to put stuff like clothes inside a carrier bag. It also stops sweat from your back making your clothes damp :oops:
  • desweller
    desweller Posts: 5,175
    The problem with a waterproof rucksack is that eventually the bottom gets thin where the bag is being placed on the ground all the time and water gets in through this route. So yeah, as thistle says, it's simpler to just stick things in a suitably sized plastic bag.

    I've been using a North FaceJester bag every day for almost 5 years and it's still in pretty good nick.
    - - - - - - - - - -
    On Strava.{/url}
  • bails87
    bails87 Posts: 12,998
    Alpkit gourdon in whichever size suits.

    Simple, cheap(ish) and 100% waterproof. I got soaked to the skin in a Laotian rainforest thunderstorm. I was unbelievably grateful that my clothes in the Gourdon were warm and dry when we reached our 'accomodation' for the next few days!
    MTB/CX

    "As I said last time, it won't happen again."
  • inkz
    inkz Posts: 123
    Have you considered a Saddlebag?

    I use a Carradice and when you take it off, there's nothing left apart from a braket.

    http://www.carradice.co.uk/products/type/sqrtour.

    Love mine!
  • rolf_f
    rolf_f Posts: 16,015
    Anything with an airvent back and a capacity of at least 30 litres should be fine.
    Faster than a tent.......
  • Blandiblub
    Blandiblub Posts: 134
    Very happy with my Deuter Race backpack. Holds everything I need (I leave a towel at work though rather than carry it each time).
    Specialized Allez Elite 2011 *NEW*
    Specialized Sirrus Elite 2011
  • monkeydan
    monkeydan Posts: 95
    Blandiblub wrote:
    Very happy with my Deuter Race backpack. Holds everything I need (I leave a towel at work though rather than carry it each time).

    This. Really nicely made bit of kit.
    When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro
  • jae-so
    jae-so Posts: 85
    I am quite liking that Deuter Race actually, keep the suggestions coming
  • jae-so
    jae-so Posts: 85
    That Deuter Race is only 12L so I am not sure it is big enough
  • jae-so
    jae-so Posts: 85
    This looks good though, it is the Deuter Trans Alpine 30L

    http://www.wiggle.co.uk/deuter-trans-al ... 2f_Granite
  • monkeydan
    monkeydan Posts: 95
    jae-so wrote:
    That Deuter Race is only 12L so I am not sure it is big enough

    It's quite surprising how much stuff you can fit in it, also it has an integral expansion 'thingy' (a zip all the way around the bag which gives additional space when unzipped).

    It might be a squeeze but I reckon you could fit everything you listed in your post above into it. I leave my trousers, shoes and towel at work but could probably get them in if necessary. My mate has one which is very similar but 20L which sounds like it would be perfect. Not sure what it's called though.

    Like I said before, they're really well made items. I've only had mine since Christmas (well, February, Tredz were out of stock!) but it's in absolutely perfect nick and I've heard of people having theirs for many years with no issues.
    When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro
  • jae-so
    jae-so Posts: 85
    monkeydan wrote:
    jae-so wrote:
    That Deuter Race is only 12L so I am not sure it is big enough

    It's quite surprising how much stuff you can fit in it, also it has an integral expansion 'thingy' (a zip all the way around the bag which gives additional space when unzipped).

    It might be a squeeze but I reckon you could fit everything you listed in your post above into it. I leave my trousers, shoes and towel at work but could probably get them in if necessary. My mate has one which is very similar but 20L which sounds like it would be perfect. Not sure what it's called though.

    Like I said before, they're really well made items. I've only had mine since Christmas (well, February, Tredz were out of stock!) but it's in absolutely perfect nick and I've heard of people having theirs for many years with no issues.

    Perhaps this one? http://www.wiggle.co.uk/deuter-speed-li ... ompatible/

    looks good, not too big, not too small

    maybe this http://www.wiggle.co.uk/deuter-giga-off ... -30-litre/
  • matt@theforce
    matt@theforce Posts: 647
    It might not be a cycling specific rucksack but I use one of these, good value for money & 5yr warranty, No Zips (for letting water through), just stick my clothes in a carrier inside.
    http://www.decathlon.co.uk/arpenaz-20-green-rucksack-id_8172773.html

    Matthew
  • rolf_f
    rolf_f Posts: 16,015
    Lots of people liking sweaty backs here! Really, the only time when the air vent backs become a bit annoying is if you are trying to carry a laptop as the curved inside back makes for an awkward fit for something large, rigid and rectangular. But that still doesn't mean you can't carry one.

    Seriously, avoid all these rucksacks without the air vent backs - there's really no need for them. Air vent backs don't entirely eliminate sweaty backs but they do reduce them considerably. I wouldn't use a non airvent back rucksack for walking and the same goes for cycling.
    Faster than a tent.......
  • bails87
    bails87 Posts: 12,998
    Rolf F wrote:
    Lots of people liking sweaty backs here! Really, the only time when the air vent backs become a bit annoying is if you are trying to carry a laptop as the curved inside back makes for an awkward fit for something large, rigid and rectangular. But that still doesn't mean you can't carry one.

    Seriously, avoid all these rucksacks without the air vent backs - there's really no need for them. Air vent backs don't entirely eliminate sweaty backs but they do reduce them considerably. I wouldn't use a non airvent back rucksack for walking and the same goes for cycling.
    I really don't find it a problem.

    It's cold and raining more often than it's sweltering hot. And even when it is swelteringly hot I'm going to be sweating all over so a sweaty back makes no real difference.

    On that basis I'm happy with my properly waterproof Aplkit Gourdon (now available in Fluoro Green) but if they did a Gourdon with an airvent back that would be good too.

    My MTBing bag has an airvent back (Northface Hammerhead) and my back still gets sweaty, so I don't stress about not having a vented bag on the commute.
    MTB/CX

    "As I said last time, it won't happen again."
  • jae-so
    jae-so Posts: 85
    That Decathlon site is brilliant, I have some new picks now

    this
    http://www.decathlon.co.uk/arpenaz-27-x ... 07917.html
    and
    http://www.decathlon.co.uk/forclaz-30-a ... 07915.html

    leaning towards the Arpenaz 27 XC Backpack
  • jae-so
    jae-so Posts: 85
    Also guys do these shoes look good for cycling on flat pedals, I need something that is grippy in the rain.

    http://www.sportsdirect.com/lonsdale-fu ... e=11501903
  • small_bloke
    small_bloke Posts: 222
    Deuter Race EXP Air Rucksack

    http://www.wiggle.co.uk/deuter-race-exp ... tAodEkkA8g

    Had mine for 3 years commuting on bike everyday. Best back-pack I ever bought. Its quite small but does have expandable zip. I can fit medium towel (not large bath sheet). trousers, shirt, under garments etc. Bit of space left at the top for fruit. Has side meshes to carry a rainproof jacket and gloves etc.

    The raincover is brilliant and keeps out the rain well.
  • fgaffney
    fgaffney Posts: 49
    small_bloke wrote:
    Deuter Race EXP Air Rucksack

    http://www.wiggle.co.uk/deuter-race-exp ... tAodEkkA8g

    Had mine for 3 years commuting on bike everyday. Best back-pack I ever bought. Its quite small but does have expandable zip. I can fit medium towel (not large bath sheet). trousers, shirt, under garments etc. Bit of space left at the top for fruit. Has side meshes to carry a rainproof jacket and gloves etc.

    The raincover is brilliant and keeps out the rain well.
    +1 for the Deuter Race EXP Air... it's surprising how much you can squeeze in and it's really well made. I really like mine and it performs brilliantly.
  • jae-so
    jae-so Posts: 85
    Ended up getting thos, it was on sale, what you guys think of it?
    http://www.wiggle.co.uk/the-north-face- ... k-aw-2012/

    On sale for £52 and looks solid
  • small_bloke
    small_bloke Posts: 222
    jae-so wrote:
    Ended up getting thos, it was on sale, what you guys think of it?
    http://www.wiggle.co.uk/the-north-face- ... k-aw-2012/

    On sale for £52 and looks solid

    Are you sure it has the stiff arch shaped mesh on the back for ventilation? Some backs only have thick padded bulges to allow some airflow but these aren't effective at all.

    Here's a pic to try and explain the feature on the Deuter Race Exp Air.

    http://housegogo.blogspot.co.uk/2011/11 ... p-air.html
  • anton1r
    anton1r Posts: 272
    My mrs has one of these http://www.tiso.com/shop/osprey/sirrus-26-w/ and she thinks its great. I think the hip strap pockets are especially useful.

    I have http://store.berghaus.com/p/day-sacks/w ... ack/434553 (but an older revision) and i like it.

    Both have the air vent systems keeping the bulk of the bag off your back, both have plenty space and integrated rain covers also.

    Boxes = ticked.
    "I have a plan, a plan so cunning you could stick a tail on it and call it a fox." (from the Blackadder TV series)
  • jejv
    jejv Posts: 566
    Earlier thread:
    viewtopic.php?f=40012&t=12854498
  • dantheman251
    dantheman251 Posts: 5
    +1 for the Deuter Trans Alpine.

    My mate has it and I have the Deuter race, excellent bags for commuting!
  • project4cycling
    project4cycling Posts: 24
    I've used my The North Face Animas for three years and it is still completely waterproof and brilliantly comfortable. You can get them from Wiggle http://www.wiggle.co.uk/the-north-face- ... tion-pack/

    They are sold with a hydration pack (might be useful at weekends?) but I ripped it out. The pocket where the bladder used to go fits a waterproof jacket and overshoes, so I've always got them with me. The front pocket is the perfect size for a medium d-lock. The middle pocket fits shirts, ties, socks pants and trousers, but not shoes except at a push or a jacket. I use a courier bag when I need to be fully suited.
  • PlymouthSam
    PlymouthSam Posts: 64
    No matter what bag you decide on, make sure you get one of these.

    http://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/lifeventure ... re-p191459

    Will keep your stuff bone dry even in a monsoon !!!!!
    Specialized FSR XC Comp
    Scott Speedster S55
  • barrowmatt
    barrowmatt Posts: 104
    As above, forget about a waterproof rucksac and just get a couple of dry bags to go in whichever bag takes your fancy, one for your clothes, one for your towel. I've used these for open water swimming! dragged along behind me like a float with a few bits in. Such a simple design but genuinely air/watertight
  • Glasgow Calum
    Glasgow Calum Posts: 52
    Seriously...look no further http://www.amazon.co.uk/High-visibility ... 515&sr=8-2
  • Glasgow Calum
    Glasgow Calum Posts: 52
    anton1r wrote:
    My mrs has one of these http://www.tiso.com/shop/osprey/sirrus-26-w/ and she thinks its great. I think the hip strap pockets are especially useful.

    I have http://store.berghaus.com/p/day-sacks/w ... ack/434553 (but an older revision) and i like it.

    Both have the air vent systems keeping the bulk of the bag off your back, both have plenty space and integrated rain covers also.

    Boxes = ticked.

    £80 for a bag? :roll:

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