Commuter Backpack

justinjd79

Hi all,

New here.

As I am about to start my daily cycle commute to work (15km), I would like to know if anyone can suggest a good backpack that can easily fit and keep corporate work clothes uncreased? All I will have is pants, shirt, shoes, food...

I was looking at this and it seems perfect:

http://henty.cc/shop/wingman-backpack/

Does anyone know of another/cheaper option?

Thanks,

Justin

peat

Lots of cheaper options.

If you are prepared to spend that sort of money, I would seriously consider a pannier rack and some Ortlieb luggage. Make the bike to the work, much nicer experience.

cookeeemonster

Peat wrote:

Lots of cheaper options.

If you are prepared to spend that sort of money, I would seriously consider a pannier rack and some Ortlieb luggage. Make the bike to the work, much nicer experience.

Or go one better and look into a Carradice saddle bag

lancew

I just ordered a Crumpler Muli XL which I will be picking up tonight.

I liked that its waterproof and has an opening which can be widened, but not just closed with a zip. There is also space for a D-lock on the front, spaces for tools and a spot for a light.

My worry is that its quite large but I will test it out tonight.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZnTH-vr2Du8

http://www.crumpler.eu/index.cfm?seite= ... uctID=9149

Emphursis

I use a Camelbac Mule. More than enough space for rolled up shirt/trousers in the main pocket, and there's an expandable pouch in the middle that's perfect for my lunch. It's waterproof, fairly breathable due to the vents on the back and designed for cycling so sits in a good position.

apreading

Lancew wrote:

I just ordered a Crumpler Muli XL which I will be picking up tonight.

I liked that its waterproof and has an opening which can be widened, but not just closed with a zip. There is also space for a D-lock on the front, spaces for tools and a spot for a light.

My worry is that its quite large but I will test it out tonight.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZnTH-vr2Du8

http://www.crumpler.eu/index.cfm?seite= ... uctID=9149

Sorry, but that looks like an epic fail. Lots of effort put into (over)thinking the storage side but zero effort put into thinking about even the basics of fitting your back comfortably, spreading the load and reducing sweat by letting your back breathe. Its just a box with no ergonomics at all...

apreading

Same goes for the wingman thing - VERY clever storage but not designed to be worn on your back.

Bur a simple rucksack from Decathlon or somewhere would be better, or if you want a fancy name and water reservoir then look at Camelbak/Deuter etc.

OR be really clever and get a pannier bag or Carradice and enjoy cycling without a sweaty back and aching shoulders...

mrkev83

I use one of these and commute 16 miles each way. Too make completely waterproof add a high vis cover

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Berghaus-Twentyfourseven-Backpack-Jet-Black/dp/B005DGA2K4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1426713365&sr=8-1&keywords=berghaus+rucksack

dgunthor

timbuk2 messenger bag for me

glenwatt

Timbuk2 are a good brand.

Sigma Sport have some bags on offer at present if it helps.

http://www.sigmasport.co.uk/brand/timbuk2

Also I found this rucksack from Wiggle good for the price.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/dhb-slice-30l-rucksack/

lancew

apreading wrote:

Sorry, but that looks like an epic fail. Lots of effort put into (over)thinking the storage side but zero effort put into thinking about even the basics of fitting your back comfortably, spreading the load and reducing sweat by letting your back breathe. Its just a box with no ergonomics at all...

Its actually really quite good as long as you don't get tempted to get pack it down too much as it goes hard.

The fact that it spaces out what I'm putting in there (suit, shirt, lunch, lock and commuter tools*) means that it sits rather nicely. I'm not sure I'd want to wear it much past a 1 hour commute but if I was going that far I wouldn't want to carry that much stuff on my back in any case.

The back sweat isn't really an issue currently because I shower at work. It might be more of a problem in the summer when I have to shoulder the bag post ride, but that remains to be seen.

Assuming that you want to keep your shirt tidy I'm still very happy with my decision. Although I would say that anything that can carry a laptop would probably fit the bill really.

*Shoes are kept at work.

Pufftmw

I have one of these

http://www.wiggle.com/deuter-race-exp-air-rucksack/

Had it for about 5 years and it works perfectly, has stood up to the ravages of all year commuting, is flexible (in terms of storage), comfortable, own rain cover etc

tincaman

Pufftmw wrote:

I have one of these

http://www.wiggle.com/deuter-race-exp-air-rucksack/

Had it for about 5 years and it works perfectly, has stood up to the ravages of all year commuting, is flexible (in terms of storage), comfortable, own rain cover etc

+1 for this, quality is outstanding and has the Aircomfort back if you are particularly sweaty. I can hold all the clothes I need plus puncture repair (tubes etc), multitool, and some food if necessary, and it will also expand a bit more with another zipper if I need another 3litres capacity

SebGr

We just purchased a 15L Osprey ZEALOT for my wife.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Osprey-Zealot-1 ... ot+ospreys

Great quality bag, comfortable to wear, tight-body fit + equipment pouch at the bottom of the bag within an easily reachable pouch she's planning to use for keys/phone/headphones/office entry card/etc.

iPete

tincaman wrote:

Pufftmw wrote:

I have one of these

http://www.wiggle.com/deuter-race-exp-air-rucksack/

Had it for about 5 years and it works perfectly, has stood up to the ravages of all year commuting, is flexible (in terms of storage), comfortable, own rain cover etc

+1 for this, quality is outstanding and has the Aircomfort back if you are particularly sweaty. I can hold all the clothes I need plus puncture repair (tubes etc), multitool, and some food if necessary, and it will also expand a bit more with another zipper if I need another 3litres capacity

This. Fantastic piece of kit. Been abusing mine for a few years now on and off the bike and often forget I'm wearing it.

lostboysaint

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/littlelife-toddler-disney-buzz-lightyear-daysack/ This one!

jimmocrates

I've had my Edinburgh Cycle bag now for about 7 years. It's proved great value. I think mine expands to 25l - don't usually need it this big, but did the TransPennineTrail and it was fine for that too (kit for stopping 2 nights).

They don't do the same bag, but do similar ones now http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/product ... ation-bags

Made by Vaude, loads of clever features. Would recommend to anyone!

MountainMonster

I picked up a cheap Mountain Experts (the hiking/outdoors shop) backpack for around £20 many years ago. It has worked well and I've simply bought a rain cover to put over it it when it gets wet out. I'm not in a hurry to change it, but am looking for something that is a bit bigger and rolls up as a treat.

I saw some nice big backpacks at one of my LBS's that fit the bill perfectly. I've just got to wait a month to get enough cash ready to get it.

wisepatrick09rl3KxQh1

Riderbag Bike Commuter Backpack .This backpack has a storage capacity of approximately 35 liters, making it one of the largest backpacks available. It has numerous compartments and storage areas for all of your bike supplies and additional items you'll be bringing along for the ride. There is enough for a laptop and, if you have one, a water bottle. It can also hold clothing, jackets, and other emergency things in case they are needed.

andyh01

Seriously, I commuted for years with backpack before seeing the light and moved to pannier why oh why hadn't I done it earlier.
I had a fylltset up rack and rollers with shoulder strap 100% waterproof and absolutely no issues , unfortunately the bike got nicked and I replaced with Giant Defy Adv Pro full carbon so can't fit rack. As I only need to carry shirt trousers socks pants I went for the largest Orlibital saddle bag 10l iirc which I can just about fit everything in, tools in bottle and in bottle cage, lunch in jersey pocket..
If needed a bit more I'd seriously look at something like the Blackburn saddle pack 15-20l obviously has weight limit but not carrying laptop it's fine. Use non iron shirts hang up in shower room to drop any creases... Seriously get weight off back and put on bike. It's like not running mud guards BC of looks

pangolin

andyh01 said:

Seriously, I commuted for years with backpack before seeing the light and moved to pannier why oh why hadn't I done it earlier.
I had a fylltset up rack and rollers with shoulder strap 100% waterproof and absolutely no issues , unfortunately the bike got nicked and I replaced with Giant Defy Adv Pro full carbon so can't fit rack. As I only need to carry shirt trousers socks pants I went for the largest Orlibital saddle bag 10l iirc which I can just about fit everything in, tools in bottle and in bottle cage, lunch in jersey pocket..
If needed a bit more I'd seriously look at something like the Blackburn saddle pack 15-20l obviously has weight limit but not carrying laptop it's fine. Use non iron shirts hang up in shower room to drop any creases... Seriously get weight off back and put on bike. It's like not running mud guards BC of looks

Why do you keep dragging up threads from years ago?