Small backpack for small items needed

jeremyrundle
jeremyrundle Posts: 1,014
edited March 2011 in Commuting general
Having gotten into cycling I have now removed my handlebar bag as it is clumsy, however when I go out I do want to carry a small camera, a sandwich and a few small things.

Can any of you proper cyclists please advise on a not too expensive, small cyclebag, that will fit a larger chap please, I have looked ar rucksacks from say Halfords/Argos but they are all school size, I want something that fits lightly on the back with say the capacity to carry a large loaf, if that helps.

No hydration needed, there are pitstops for that.

Rehards
Peds with ipods, natures little speed humps

Banish unwanted fur - immac a squirrel
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article ... heads.html

Comments

  • redvee
    redvee Posts: 11,922
    Have a look at the Tesco hydration bag for around £12 and don't use the bladder, I use mine more without than with the bladder.

    http://direct.tesco.com/q/R.100-0611.aspx
    I've added a signature to prove it is still possible.
  • AndyManc
    AndyManc Posts: 1,393
    I've just bought one of these, I got it for £28, discount for being a Wiggle customer that has spent more than I'm willing to admit. :roll:

    I've been looking ages for a 'decent' size rucksack, this one is perfect.

    http://www.wiggle.co.uk/deuter-speed-lite-10-litre-rucksack/

    deuter-speedlite-10-10-med.jpg
    Specialized Hardrock Pro/Trek FX 7.3 Hybrid/Specialized Enduro/Specialized Tri-Cross Sport
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  • AndyManc wrote:
    I've just bought one of these, I got it for £28, discount for being a Wiggle customer that has spent more than I'm willing to admit. :roll:

    I've been looking ages for a 'decent' size rucksack, this one is perfect.

    http://www.wiggle.co.uk/deuter-speed-lite-10-litre-rucksack/

    deuter-speedlite-10-10-med.jpg

    +1 on that. I've got the race exp air which is brilliant, a little bigger and more expensive, but i reckon AndyManc's suggestion is what you'd be looking for
    Giant Defy 3
    FCN 5

    All wrenching and no riding makes me frickin' angry...
  • mudcow007
    mudcow007 Posts: 3,861
    i have been through a few camelbaks now, i normally forget to wash em out an they grow all kinds of weird and wonderful things inside the bladder...

    for my daily commute i use one of these

    http://www.webtogs.co.uk/Berghaus_Freef ... 20Backpack

    well this is actually the newer one of mine but they really fit to your back really comfy
    Keeping it classy since '83
  • Some superb suggestions thanks.
    Peds with ipods, natures little speed humps

    Banish unwanted fur - immac a squirrel
    http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article ... heads.html
  • just got myself an Osprey 5.5
    http://www.ospreypacks.com/detail.php?p ... escription

    it's great, so slim against your back yet I seemed to get loads in it, the outer pocket is flexible so you can stuff a bit extra in if needed, and it has a lid-lock

    this is my 2nd Osprey bag, got the Talon 22 and have used it for cycling, its very comfortable and reasonably waterproof in a decent downpour
  • I favour a bum bag / fanny pack over a rucksack when there is not too much to carry. It has been discussed before here.

    I have a 9 litre North Face lumbar pack like this. Pretty comfortable to wear and can bungee to rack if required.
    Nobody told me we had a communication problem
  • redvee wrote:
    Have a look at the Tesco hydration bag for around £12 and don't use the bladder, I use mine more without than with the bladder.

    http://direct.tesco.com/q/R.100-0611.aspx

    i picked one up today, strange pricing tho, the bladder is the same price as the whole bag, as you suggested, take bladder out, and you can easily fit a waterproof in there as well
  • I'm another bum-bag user - Mine's the Innov-8 one that Wiggle sell - it doubles as a hydration bag if necessary but I've never used it for that. Can get plenty in it - Montane Featherlite jacket, spare t-shire, wallet, blackberry, iPhone, spare tubes, levers, micro pump, co2 inflator, 2x co2 canisters, work pass and keys, and a couple of MuleBar megabites... Waterproof, robust and very comfortable with the advantage of not having a sweaty back or pull on shoulders
    ROAD < Scott Foil HMX Di2, Volagi Liscio Di2, Jamis Renegade Elite Di2, Cube Reaction Race > ROUGH
  • crazy88
    crazy88 Posts: 560
    I like the look of that Tesco bag, think I may have to get myself one of those. Am i correct in assuming that the bladder is not included?

    Do camelbak's have a removable bladder and do they come with one? If so, their price doesn't look so bad when you consider the need to buy both the tesco items.
    Out with the old, in with the new here.
  • mudcow007
    mudcow007 Posts: 3,861
    tesco bag comes with the bladder inside, becareful when/ if you get one though i split the screw cap on the bladder by tightening it too much
    Keeping it classy since '83
  • crazy88
    crazy88 Posts: 560
    mudcow007 wrote:
    tesco bag comes with the bladder inside, becareful when/ if you get one though i split the screw cap on the bladder by tightening it too much

    Thanks mate! Really appreciate that...I have been known to be heavy handed on more than a few occassions. I am really liking the bag though, I may get one ordered to my local tesco and go grab it sometime this week. I refuse to pay £5 delivery :) I wonder if I could get one attached to the wife's tesco food shop :) haha
    Out with the old, in with the new here.
  • jeremyrundle
    jeremyrundle Posts: 1,014
    Many thanks for all your help, with the photographs you added and links I managed to locate a Dakine session (never heard of it) with loads of pockets for £30. Now I am able to get my sons eggs and bacon when I go out without carriers hanging from the handlebars.

    Thanks again.
    Peds with ipods, natures little speed humps

    Banish unwanted fur - immac a squirrel
    http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article ... heads.html
  • I use one of these for commuting
    Cheap and waterproof and can fit in an amazing amount of stuff

    http://www.alpkit.com/shop/cart.php?target=product&product_id=16379&category_id=251
  • mudcow007
    mudcow007 Posts: 3,861
    crazy88 wrote:
    mudcow007 wrote:
    tesco bag comes with the bladder inside, becareful when/ if you get one though i split the screw cap on the bladder by tightening it too much

    Thanks mate! Really appreciate that...I have been known to be heavy handed on more than a few occassions. I am really liking the bag though, I may get one ordered to my local tesco and go grab it sometime this week. I refuse to pay £5 delivery :) I wonder if I could get one attached to the wife's tesco food shop :) haha

    i bought the tesco bag as my camelbak grew some funky furry stuff inside plush the bite valve had a hole in it where i had bitten it with my teeth (not good!)

    the tesco one split after 3 rides Doh!

    ended up getting another camelbak (on offer from halfrauds) but is cleaned religeously now.

    i think the tesco bags are in stock in the Huge tesco stores, so no need to order :)
    Keeping it classy since '83
  • I use one of these for commuting
    Cheap and waterproof and can fit in an amazing amount of stuff

    http://www.alpkit.com/shop/cart.php?target=product&product_id=16379&category_id=251

    these alpkit bags are great, I have one, but I wouldn't use it everyday as the shoulder straps aren't that comfortable. trouble with them is that they are just one big pocket, not even a hook to hold your keys or little pocket for small stuff....they are great and waterproof though.
  • jimmocrates
    jimmocrates Posts: 131
    Now despite not exactly fitting the brief you've set out, I got an edinburgh Revolution rucksack http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/comms/s ... rt-new.htm

    I think at the time I bought it, it was £35-40, but that was 3 years or so ago. I've used it solidly since then for commuting, going to the shops and did Trans Pennine Trail with it - the build quality is absoluetly superb, and it has loads of great features - detachable/washable rain cover, clip for putting a light on, helmet holder, off-the-back mesh thing, side pockets, optional camelback compatability, expandable, different compartments/reflective bits/VERY comfortable shoulder pads, lots of adjustable bits to make it fit snugly...

    Although pricer than you were looking to pay, if you use it everyday/regularly, it soon looks like money well spent. The ones they have now are different to the one i bought, but i'd definitely buy another