Advice for bag/rucksack to get kit to work

DuckSeason356

I would be very grateful for any advice on how to get from home to the office by bike (and potentially running) so that when I get there I am still presentable for a professional workplace.

I have been looking at taking my kit in using some of the following:
- Henty Wingman (this is the current favourite as they do a version suitable for running as well).
- Evoc Commuter rucksack.
- Ortlieb Vario pack.

My situation is:
- Typical work outfit is trousers, shirt and tie with odd days needing a full suit for client meetings.
- I am a bit of a fussy one and ideally don't want a shirt looking like a dish rag in the office.
- I live about 2.5 miles from the my nearest train station which takes me into London.
- I don't need to cycle when I get to London as the office is 5 minutes walk from the station.
- I will be doing the trip 3-4 times a week and all year round.
- There are free showers at work.
- I can sign up for a locker to store clothes but it costs £10 a month.
- I would like to try running to work as well as I stupidly signed up for a marathon.
- Price isn't too much of an issue as I am saving £110 a month not parking at the station.
- Don't need to worry about the bikes as I have an old MTB and an ok road bike (although I might invest in some mudguards or panniers).

landerson07

I use this and find out great http://www.wiggle.co.uk/dhb-slice-30l-rucksack/

DuckSeason356

landerson07 wrote:

I use this and find out great http://www.wiggle.co.uk/dhb-slice-30l-rucksack/

Thanks for the recommendation.

Do you manage to get a shirt in that and to work without it being too creased the other side?

I reckon I can manage some trousers and the other kit I need in the locker at work leaving shirt and laptop as the main things to take each day.

Anonymous

Get some non iron shirts (I use Charles tyrwitt which are adequate. Code UKGS22 gives you 2 for 45 posted), leave them at work along with your suit, ties and shoes. Then all you need is pants and socks.

Bring them home once a week to wash. Repeat.

Deuter Air Race or Air EXP Race should fit your needs. I use a Bike One as it fits a large Tupperware if I want to take a large Tupperware in (I eat a lot!)

landerson07

DuckSeason356 wrote:

landerson07 wrote:

I use this and find out great http://www.wiggle.co.uk/dhb-slice-30l-rucksack/

Thanks for the recommendation.

Do you manage to get a shirt in that and to work without it being too creased the other side?

I reckon I can manage some trousers and the other kit I need in the locker at work leaving shirt and laptop as the main things to take each day.

Yeah it has a separate bit for a laptop and a spacious section for everything else. So long as you fold everything right they shouldn't crease!

Crease free shirts are a good idea or take a weeks worth one day a week?

secretsqirrel

Wrong thread!

Dman01

Personally I would always opt for a pannier bag over rucksack - its much more comfortable and convenient. There are a huge range of options out there so which one you go for will depend on your budget and planned usage

-=mike=-

Have you tried Alpkit Gourdon, come in several sizes, rolltop so waterproof. Used one for 3 years now and survived a daily commute.

Quins

Osprey escapist , 30 ltr . I asked the same advice in another thread. I ordered the DHB and the osprey, the osprey is worlds apart for me, much better. You could run with osprey , good straps. I commute 12 miles each way to a station, carry shirt pants socks, lunch, spares , lights, phones,keys,passes, helmet clips in the back, gloves and overshoes in the external picker, extra clothes ( montane fireball and cargo trousers) to warm down in train into London. Plenty of room, clothes in the laptop compartment in a carrier. You could by a specific packing cube thing if you are that particular.

Order a couple of bags from wiggle, returns are easy.

tenohfive

Quins wrote:

Osprey escapist , 30 ltr . I asked the same advice in another thread. I ordered the DHB and the osprey, the osprey is worlds apart for me, much better. You could run with osprey , good straps. I commute 12 miles each way to a station, carry shirt pants socks, lunch, spares , lights, phones,keys,passes, helmet clips in the back, gloves and overshoes in the external picker, extra clothes ( montane fireball and cargo trousers) to warm down in train into London. Plenty of room, clothes in the laptop compartment in a carrier. You could by a specific packing cube thing if you are that particular.

Order a couple of bags from wiggle, returns are easy.

I've no opinion on the Escapist but I own 3 Osprey packs and they're all top notch quality. They don't always get it right but everyone I've tried I've been very happy with (none used for cycling mind, I pre-dump clothes on the drive commute.)

OT but how are you getting on with the Fireball?

Quins

OT , Tenohfive, thanks for the recommendation, it's a spot on piece of kit, warm and packs down well. Have used it in anger post ride on a couple of chilly mornings, 4-8°. I know it will be warm on even colder mornings. I love it.

benkxk

I bought an Altura Sector 30 and it's great for me, if a little small. But looks amazing

fenix

For a 2.5 mile journey ? Yes as has been said - look at the alpkit gourdon dry sack. No need to spend a bomb. Great piece of kit.

pedal_power556

I have one of these http://www.provizsports.com/en-gb/provi ... itres.html rucksacks and rate them highly, if you want to be seen

prawny

I bought a cheap rucksack from decathlon as an ocassional commute bag (normally use a carradice SQR slim) and it's the comfiest one I've used. I think it was an Arpanaz 20 (can't be 100% sure though) and it cost £6.99.

Road home in an absolute deluge the other day and the rain beaded off, but I always keep my stuff in carrier bags anyway, and it's guaranteed for 10 years.

Second the advice on non/easy iron shirts, I just roll my shirts and have no issue looking smart enough in my office. Wouldn't want to be carrying a suit though, I leave mine at work for when one is required.

netwiz

I like this
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00 ... UTF8&psc=1
Converts between a rucksack and a pannier bag, and there are two sizes to choose from.
Nick