Commuting Backpack

dannbodge

Hello
I need a new backpack for my commute as i've now got to transport my laptop to and from the office and my current one is too small.

I'm looking for some recommendations for a backpack that will fit a laptop that measures 38 x 26cm.

So far the only ones that looks any good are the Proviz ones.

I ride a drop bar road bike that's had the stem slammed, so needs to take that into account.

oxoman

Why not try a carradice saddle bag with the SQR release system. I can get a laptop in mine if I wanted plus lunchbox or workwear and I don't have the biggest. No good for carbon or aero seat posts though.
https://www.carradice.co.uk/bags/saddle-packs-sqr-bags

elbowloh

I have one of these:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lomo-Dry-Bag-Daysack-30L/dp/B00E8JFT4G/ref=asc_df_B00E8JFT4G/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=310668525489&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=15810700518207397560&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9045918&hvtargid=pla-499591871164&psc=1#ace-3536363283

It's essentially one big dry bag, with a small pocket on the front for keys. Its big enough for my 15" work laptop, plus a change of clothes and lock etc. No dedicated pocket for the laptop though. It's comfortable enough and cheap.

joe_totale-2

I've got a Osprey Radial 34, it's pretty big but carries everything I need for work.
It wan't cheap but I've had it for 5 years now and it looks as good as new.
i also sometimes ride a slammed bike into work and it's been fine as long as you do up the chest strap.

dannbodge

oxoman said:

Why not try a carradice saddle bag with the SQR release system. I can get a laptop in mine if I wanted plus lunchbox or workwear and I don't have the biggest. No good for carbon or aero seat posts though.
https://www.carradice.co.uk/bags/saddle-packs-sqr-bags

Ah.
Mine's carbon and aero haha

Harry182

dannbodge said:

oxoman said:

Why not try a carradice saddle bag with the SQR release system. I can get a laptop in mine if I wanted plus lunchbox or workwear and I don't have the biggest. No good for carbon or aero seat posts though.
https://www.carradice.co.uk/bags/saddle-packs-sqr-bags

Ah.
Mine's carbon and aero haha

Carradice might look weird on a carbon aero bike but ironically would probably be the most aero option.

FWIW - I rarely commute with my laptop but when I do I use an Osprey Escapist or (older + discontinued) Rapha backpack. The Rapha is very low profile which I like but the Osprey has better back/shoulder ventilation and more capacity.

dannbodge

Ended up buying this.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/383816659104

Everything else seemed too big for what I need so hopefully this will do. It's probably utter rubbish but worth a go.

elbowloh

16l isn't very big though, will it fit your laptop dimensions?

Charlie_Croker

elbowloh said:

I have one of these:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lomo-Dry-Bag-Daysack-30L/dp/B00E8JFT4G/ref=asc_df_B00E8JFT4G/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=310668525489&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=15810700518207397560&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9045918&hvtargid=pla-499591871164&psc=1#ace-3536363283

It's essentially one big dry bag, with a small pocket on the front for keys. Its big enough for my 15" work laptop, plus a change of clothes and lock etc. No dedicated pocket for the laptop though. It's comfortable enough and cheap.

If you have to carry something on your back, that looks really good and waterproof

www.lomo.co.uk/acatalog/drybag-daypack.html

dannbodge

elbowloh said:

16l isn't very big though, will it fit your laptop dimensions?

Yeah based on the measurements on the listing it will do.

dannbodge

Thought I'd update this.

Backpack arrived. It's definitely cheap and I doubt it's waterproof as stated but it's just what I needed.

Laptop fits perfectly but the lack of a dedicated pocket meant I had to buy a neoprene sleeve for it too (makes it a bit more comfortable on my back).

Straps are good and it's plenty big enough for the laptop and my lunch/other random bits I take/bring home from work.

Overall. Very happy for the money. Exactly what I wanted for the odd trip to the office that I do now.