Bike Commutes To the Office - What Backpack?

[Hicks]

The title says it - plan on using the bike for regular office commutes and need an according backpack.

The packs I found with a suitable interior arrangement for laptop, folders and stuff are all lacking a proper waist belt. I am looking for something like
this

http://www.deuter.com/de/DE/product/...%20Office.html

but with better support on the waist.

Any ideas/suggestions? Thx in advance.

[bfree]

If you're carrying enough weight that you want waist support, I'd just get the load off your back altogether and put a rack on the bike.

I've put a few hundred days on this guy and really like it: http://www.rei.com/product/828408/os...-commuter-pack

[Hicks]

If you're carrying enough weight that you want waist support, I'd just get the load off your back altogether and put a rack on the bike.

Yes I sometimes have quite a load and I'm commuting with a Fully so rack is no option.

[sb]

Messenger bag not enough?

[mntlion]

seat post rack?

[joetron]

Mission Workshop has great bags and you can get a waist strap for them.

When I went from Chrome msgr bag to MW backpack I thought I might want the waist strap, but I found that with a pack on the bike, there isn't much weight that can actually hang on your hips. It just kind of spreads out on your back.
The MW bags have carbon stays in the back panel that supports and distributes the weight nicely across your back and shoulders. The Rambler or the Vandal would be my recos, depending how much volume you want. They are collapseable so if you get the big one, you can always run it zipped up if nec, and it's nice and flat.

Pricey, but well made, lifetime warranty, made in the USA.

That Osprey mentioned above is a really nice bag too. Cool little pockets and features.

[Danno]

I have a Pattagucci messenger bag, Critical Mass I think it is called? Have used it for years, sometimes with lots of stuff in it, it's great.

[sb]

Your ? got me curious, found a Dakine pack called the Builder. Kind of spensive but would be multi use.

For me I have an old karrimor europack or my old standby ALICE pack.

[Hicks]

Thanks for the feedbacks so far, keep it coming.

More in detail 28 - 30 liters is what I am after again. That's what I have now minus waist and compression straps. I sometime have to carry a lot of documents which feel like weighting a ton. Also like to have some sort of organizing compartments inside which for instance the Builder does not have. During shite weather I am mounting a splashguard, leaving no space for a seat post rack either.

[Benny Profane]

I have a Pattagucci messenger bag, Critical Mass I think it is called? Have used it for years, sometimes with lots of stuff in it, it's great.

I bought one way back for commuting, but found that the angled messenger bag thing is horrible for the back. You're immediately being twisted in a certain direction. Add to the fact that the Pattagucci can hold a kitchen, so now you have all this weight hanging over one side. Personally, I like a regular type of symmetrical back pack. I own a Vaude from ten years ago which is excellent, because they designed an air space in between the pack and back to cool things off. Unfortunately, no longer made. Check out a local REI for a nice fitting and light day hiker. Comfort is very important, trust me. Oh, and, keep the weight down. Your back will thank you.

[Tap]

Look at Vaude bags....made for cycling, great back mesh panel

[shirk]

Thanks for the feedbacks so far, keep it coming.

More in detail 28 - 30 liters is what I am after again. That's what I have now minus waist and compression straps. I sometime have to carry a lot of documents which feel like weighting a ton. Also like to have some sort of organizing compartments inside which for instance the Builder does not have. During shite weather I am mounting a splashguard, leaving no space for a seat post rack either.

The Giga/Gigant is a good choice if you need all of the compartments to keep things organized.

On the bike you won't be placing the weight of the pack on your hips so a padded hip belt is of little use. The hip belts will hold the pack from shifting around.

If you think you can get away with less compartments to separate your files have a look at the Cross Air Exp 20. It has the Aircomfort back panel that really makes a difference in hot weather. You can use the water bladder sleeve as a laptop sleeve (note it's not the same as the padded and lifted laptop sleeve in the Deuter office packs). I use an older Trans Alpine 25 for riding to work and use the water bladder sleeve to hold my laptop daily.

* I am pro Deuter as I work for the Canadian distributor.

[Benny Profane]

Look at Vaude bags....made for cycling, great back mesh panel

Alas, they don't seem to make them anymore. Love mine.

Edit:Sorry, they still market bike specific packs, but, they eliminated the air space I mentioned. Still worth a look.

[nickwm21]

Osprey has three or four new commuter packs for next year....

Northface makes great backpacks too... probably the only great think they make....

sent from the future using my mind powers

[concretejungle]

I have a Pattagucci messenger bag

I'm floored, absolutely floored.

I used to have a messenger bag but I didn't like it for commuting. It might depend on how far you have to go and what type of bike but I wouldn't do it again. It's hard to get the weight right and not shift.

[mobygrape]

I got a lot of miles out of this one. http://www.over-board.com.au/waterpr...tr-yellow.html
Waterproof is great if you live in a rainy area. I was year-round commuting in seattle, so needed the waterproof version.

Not many pockets/organization if you need that integrated into the bag, vs using your own system.

They also have a 30L version.

My advise is to keep as much as you can in the office. A pair of shoes, sweaters, sweatshirts, suit coats ( depending on the work env). An office laptop so you're not carting that about. Keep docs on sharepoint or whatever.

Just do whatever to make your load lighter will make the bike commute more fun!

[Hicks]

Thanks again guys. I will have a closer look at the suggestions made.

@ mobygrabe: valid point - but does not help me since I started using same backpack on the plane as my only carry-on baggage too. I need that volume.

The Giga/Gigant is a good choice if you need all of the compartments to keep things organized.

On the bike you won't be placing the weight of the pack on your hips so a padded hip belt is of little use. The hip belts will hold the pack from shifting around.

If you think you can get away with less compartments to separate your files have a look at the Cross Air Exp 20. It has the Aircomfort back panel that really makes a difference in hot weather. You can use the water bladder sleeve as a laptop sleeve (note it's not the same as the padded and lifted laptop sleeve in the Deuter office packs). I use an older Trans Alpine 25 for riding to work and use the water bladder sleeve to hold my laptop daily.

* I am pro Deuter as I work for the Canadian distributor.

Thanks for your insight Brian. Since I'm chaotic and have already another regular backpack I got so used to the organizer compartments that I'd hate to miss out.
Are you aware of any separate hip pads to use with the office pack? Also what about the new Trans Alpine Pro 28 with the improved belt system?

[Danno]

I'm floored, absolutely floored.

I used to have a messenger bag but I didn't like it for commuting. It might depend on how far you have to go and what type of bike but I wouldn't do it again. It's hard to get the weight right and not shift.

I opened myself to that one, didn't I? Come to think of it, I bought it as soon as I got to Boulder, I guess it was my admittance ticket.

But I guess I don't understand yours and Benny's criticism. I have ridden with that thing ridiculously loaded and it doesn't shift much or bother me, Did you guys not attach the second strap (ie, not the primary shoulder strap, but a strap that comes from the opposite hip across the chest)?

[systemoverblow'd]

I like my Seagull Bags messenger. They make custom bags. Pricey but nice. I know they make backpacks but their mobile site sucks so I don't know if they make any that meet your requirements. Maybe check them out. You could probably have them make you a one off. They are nice, give em a call/email.

[Hugh Conway]

my critical mass it still shifts with the waist strap because you can't tighten the shoulder strap enough. Shit falls out of the side pockets on a bike so they are useless. It's not really waterproof. It's a fine enough walk around campus bag, shitty bike bag

[sb]

Saw an article out of sand otter that Osprey packs was coming out with a whole line of comutter packs. Might bee worth any wait.

[Benny Profane]

I opened myself to that one, didn't I? Come to think of it, I bought it as soon as I got to Boulder, I guess it was my admittance ticket.

But I guess I don't understand yours and Benny's criticism. I have ridden with that thing ridiculously loaded and it doesn't shift much or bother me, Did you guys not attach the second strap (ie, not the primary shoulder strap, but a strap that comes from the opposite hip across the chest)?

It's just the nature of the thing. You're immediately twisted. It's OK, I guess, for short runs, but, ten or more miles is self abuse.
I use mine like Hugh recommends, as an everyday gym bag and hauler. Love it for that, and super durable and kind of comfy. I actually have two, and I use the second generation to haul my portfolio and laptop. Just not on a bike.