Good backpack for commuting?

iand-83

Looking for a good back pack for commuting duties, currently using a shoulder/messenger style bag which just swings about too much for my liking. All i carry with me is my lunch in a 3.5 liter lunchbox and the usual's of wallet,keys and phone. Also might need space for a rain jacket and maybe my work top when it's too warm to wear it. Also want something with reasonable venting for the back to stop me getting too sweaty. cheers

asprilla

Alpkit 20l Gourdon.

Cheap, comfortable, 100% waterproof and comes with compression straps.

I've got two.

skeetam

Deuter Bike 1. Had mine for 4-5 years. It's very durable and comes with a hi-viz rain cover tucked in the bottom and plenty of useful pockets.

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/deuter/bike-1-ec011770

dhope

viewtopic.php?f=40012&t=12944966

thepeopleschamp

I recently bought the large Proviz in yellow but without the battery powered neon triangle. Jury still out on durability, the stitching looks a bit dodgy but since I bought mine the website says the new 2014 ones are "tweaked" so maybe fixed that.

It's got pads that are meant to stop your back getting sweaty but I find that doesn't really work and I sweat like pig.

Other than that it's ace, good bits are that I've ridden in the rain and it is waterproof, the padding makes it comfy and the compartments are good. I like the little zip pocket on the top that takes my work badge without rummaging through the bag.
I carry a lot, laptop, charger, work clothes, towel, shower stuff (can't keep anything at work) and have plenty of room, maybe the small version would suit you.

iand-83

Cheers for the replies, will check out Deuter bags

dhope wrote:

http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=40012&t=12944966

Had a look at this post but it seems the guy is after a day to day backpack over a commuter one.

willy b

Asprilla wrote:

Alpkit 20l Gourdon.

Cheap, comfortable, 100% waterproof and comes with compression straps.

I've got two.

This. I've just got one and it's brilliant. Worth noting it's only £22.50 posted...

itboffin

Avoid any single strap shoulder bags I strongly believe my messenger bag is the reason I now have serious neck problems.

hegyestomi

3.5l lunchbox? Are you really filling that up with food?
What about leaving the box at work and storing everything else at the jersey's back pocket and in one of the bottle cages?
I prefer that way as I have a complete freedom of movement and nothing pressing against my back.

msmancunia

itboffin wrote:

Avoid any single strap shoulder bags I strongly believe my messenger bag is the reason I now have serious neck problems.

Would second that - girl in the office currently walking around with one of those warmed bean bag things around her neck for the very same reason.

tilt

willy b wrote:

Asprilla wrote:

Alpkit 20l Gourdon.

Cheap, comfortable, 100% waterproof and comes with compression straps.

I've got two.

This. I've just got one and it's brilliant. Worth noting it's only £22.50 posted...

Good bags but no venting on the back right? My 25l one doesn't anyway.

asprilla

tilt wrote:

willy b wrote:

Asprilla wrote:

Alpkit 20l Gourdon.

Cheap, comfortable, 100% waterproof and comes with compression straps.

I've got two.

This. I've just got one and it's brilliant. Worth noting it's only £22.50 posted...

Good bags but no venting on the back right? My 25l one doesn't anyway.

Does back venting actually work for anyone? Airflow between the pads is minimal. Snake oil as far as I'm concerned. I've got Deuter, Ortleib, Lowe Alpine, etc (thanks to cycling I have more bags and shoes than my wife) which have venting and I still find that the only things that stops me getting a sweaty back are riding slower, not using a bag or a combination of the two.

Despite all the bags I own, if I need a rucksack for the commute then I reach for the Gourdon without fail.

Also, it weighs almost nothing.

tilt

No, I don't think I've ever found venting actually works, but it was one of the OPs requirements

Tbf I just use panniers.

RC21

Another purchase made because of these forums - I really need to stop coming here. . .
£22.50 spent

Thanks!
RC

jimmypippa

Asprilla wrote:

tilt wrote:

willy b wrote:

Asprilla wrote:

Alpkit 20l Gourdon.

Cheap, comfortable, 100% waterproof and comes with compression straps.

I've got two.

This. I've just got one and it's brilliant. Worth noting it's only £22.50 posted...

Good bags but no venting on the back right? My 25l one doesn't anyway.

Does back venting actually work for anyone? Airflow between the pads is minimal. Snake oil as far as I'm concerned. I've got Deuter, Ortleib, Lowe Alpine, etc (thanks to cycling I have more bags and shoes than my wife) which have venting and I still find that the only things that stops me getting a sweaty back are riding slower, not using a bag or a combination of the two.

Despite all the bags I own, if I need a rucksack for the commute then I reach for the Gourdon without fail.

Also, it weighs almost nothing.

Yes - my favourite daysac /commuting rucsac.

And Alpkit are good on their customer service

iand-83

I think I can cross making me not sweat off the list I guess any bag will do that no matter how fancy it is!

I have seen an Osprey back pack that I might pop along to my local outdoor shop and have a look at, I seem to be quite fussy about bags so like to try them on first before committing to a buy.

hegyestomi wrote:

3.5l lunchbox? Are you really filling that up with food?
What about leaving the box at work and storing everything else at the jersey's back pocket and in one of the bottle cages?
I prefer that way as I have a complete freedom of movement and nothing pressing against my back.

Yes it is full of food! Most of it is fruit and a Muller corner yogurt! I could possibly down size it a bit and put anything that's not likely to make a mess loose in the bag of just inside a carrier bag in the backpack.

willy b

jimmypippa wrote:

And Alpkit are good on their customer service

Agree with that. You even get a little hand written thank you in your order. 8)

tetley10

http://www.outdoorclearance.co.uk/index ... googlebase

Got one of these, it's doing the job so far.

timothyw

Tetley10 wrote:

http://www.outdoorclearance.co.uk/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=152779&cPath=594&utm_source=googlebase&utm_medium=cse&utm_campaign=OCexport_feed&gclid=CNahjrSIr7oCFVDItAodbXoAJA#googlebase

Got one of these, it's doing the job so far.

Been using one of those for the past couple of months, nice and compact which keeps your back cool (venting may or may not help!) and has reflective details so you don't need to worry too much about a cover for it... unless it rains. Padding is also comfy.

Have ordered one of the 30l Lomo drybags recently but not had a chance to try it out yet:
http://www.ewetsuits.com/acatalog/drybag-daypack.html - probably worth considering though if 20l is too small for you in the Gourdon and you want the secondary storage.

jimmypippa

the 20litre gourdon has a couple of mesh poskets and shockcord netting(?) on the back, so it is more usable than the 25l or 30l for me.

I mainly use panniers on my bike and the rucsac when on the hill and there I find that on gentle sections you can get pretty reasonable venting on most backpacks by tightening the waist belt and having the straps really loose so that the rucsac hangs on the waist belt. This only works if it isn't too heavily loaded. I sometimes also have my rucsac off one shoulder for the same reason.

Again, not really useful on a bike - but that is why I use panniers most of the time