Trying to make more time for cycling, so I’m entering the world of commuting.
Any reccomendations for daypacks? I want a padded compartment for my laptop and room for clothes.
Depends. I’ve got two different types of Dana Design backpacks, and they are both great (the Bomb Pack is about the right size and build for commuting), but the bike messenger-style bags are actually more convenient and lighter. There is a good reason all the messengers use them. With the extra chest strap, they stay in place nicely while biking. Check out the the timbuk2 bags. (http://www.timbuk2.com). They are great quality, water proof, and you can build your own custom bag, with lots of colors and accessories, including laptop sleeves, cell phone and iPod holsters, etc. Also check out www.ebags.com, which has some good deals.
If you want to carry a suit with you, I have seen garment bag backpacks, but forget who makes them.
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I have a Lowe Alpine Countour Mountain 40. I know a bunch of people that use the Oakley backpack (dunno the name). The Lowe one is a traditional hikers daypack, but it works great for commuting. Doesn’t have a laptop section exactly, but it does have cinch straps so you can pack everything in snug once you’ve loaded it.
This is what I use: a Jansport Odyssey 38
http://www.jansport.com/productdetail.php?tid=6&cid=8&pid=T236
It will carry everything that you need and then some, plus it is very comfortable with both a sternum and a waist strap. The backpaack I used before this didn’t have the extra straps and it was always shifting around and beign uncomfortable. This one stays in place.
Its got a bunch of compartments so it is easy to keep things separated. It will easily fit a laptop but it is not padded, thats where clothes can come in handy. On the way to work put your clean bike clothes under the laptop, on the way home use your work clothes. Or just put laptop in the main compartment and don’t wory about it. I know if I am crashing my last concern is for my laptop.
Look at the packs from Deuter - I have the Deuter Cross Air for commuting & it is awesome.
The best feature is that it keeps the pack suspended away from your back, so you get airflow over your back. With other backpacks I used to sweat through them & get my work clothes wet. Never had the issue since I bought the Deuter.
Altrec.com sells them here: http://www.altrec.com/shop/brand/deuter/
That looks like a very nice pack. I like the airflow over your back idea.
My commute runs between 10 - 25 miles one way depending on the route I take and if I ride to my office or to the train station where I have a bike locker. The longer rides are normally more of a summertime option due to warmer temperatures and more daylight hours. But sometimes I will do it during the winter.
My building has its own fitness center so I shower there before work. I wouldn’t think of commuting on my bike without one. I also have a closet to store my work clothes so they don’t go back and forth. Once a week I go to the cleaner across the street to have them cleaned. Working in DC occasionly does have a benefit. The main things I carry are my computer, clean cycling and running clothes and of course my breakfast, lunch and snacks.
Lighting is what gets tricky. Its hard to get a light that is both bright and long lasting unless you go to a pricy HID light. I have a home made light (twin 20 watt bulbs) that will give me about 1 hour of bright light and then 30 more minutes of questionable light.
For cold weather wear layers, I rode to work earlier this week when it was 30 degrees and was comfortable for all by the last 5-10 minutes.
16 miles one way is a doable distance especially during the summertime.
Yeah! I’m glad to see other’s using the Lights and Motion products. I use their helmet mounted version and LOVE it. They are great folks also.
For the pack, I would second the vote for Deuter packs. I upgraded for our annual ride down the coast (SF-Santa Barbara 3days) and the pack was awesome. I now use it three times a week for my 15 mile each way commute. The air flow keeps one’s back from getting too sweaty.
Anyone tried this backpack? Looks very interesting.
http://www.lockitt.com/LGSpeedPac.htm
During the spring & fall my ride is 15.4 each way - takes 35 minutes by car and 45 minutes by bike.
We live in a lake cottage in the summer, when I ride 28.6 miles each way… I can’t do this more than twice a week or else I’d never be able to run or swim, but it explains why i’m strongest on the bike.
I hadn’t looked hard enough at panniers until now. I think I’ll go that direction eventually, but start out with a new pack.
Lights are covered.
Must stop buying new gear.
Try a messenger bag, Timbuk2 make some great ones, that is what I use
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I have been commuting for 5 years, no car during that time. My current commute is 14miles one way. Buy a Chrome bag they are the worlds best messenger bags. www.chromebags.com
Grant,