Does anyone have a recommendation or experience with a backpack for running that can carry a laptop and a few other odds & ends?
I live in NYC and work ~3.5 miles away from home on the straightest path, but I can take alternate routes up to 7.5 miles. As I ramp up volume I need to figure out better ways to optimize my training time. Right now I take the train home (20 min) and I take another 10 minutes to get dressed and out the door, which is a waste of 30 minutes at night (Usually I bike or swim in the AM and run at night (BarryP 6x per week)).
Unfortunately there is no way around it - I have to have my laptop on me at all times for work, so I can’t leave it at the office. I’m looking for a backpack that can a) carry a laptop, phone, wallet, keys, maybe a notebook or two, and some other small odds & ends b) is lightweight and snug to my body so it doesn’t rock around a lot. I will just be using it for my easy/recovery days, not long runs or tempo (~8-8:30 pace usually). So far my searches online haven’t come up with anything that useful.
No product recommendation but I predict it will kind of suck.
I ran to work for a while carrying my clothes and shoes in a backpack. Stuff really bounces around so you want a backpack which will secure the laptop inside and also secure the whole thing on your back. I would look for both a sternum strap and a waist strap. You also need a secure zipper and maybe a secondary closure. All of the stuff bouncing against the top of the backpack tries to force the zipper open.
I have a backpack that was sold as an accessory to my HP laptop so it fits it well. It does not have a sternum or waist strap. I wouldn’t try to run with it.
I would look for both a sternum strap and a waist strap.
i second this. i’ve done OK with a camelback-type pack on long runs. it wasn’t just perfect (like the rest of my life), but
i adjusted to it and got the sternum and waist straps at the right tension to make it work well.
peggy
It will suck. Your back and bag will get very sweaty-- a waterproof liner for the laptop and any paper is a must. If you don’t wash it religiously, it will eventually smell like death. If you wash it too much, it will probably fall apart. The best I have found for bike commuting is a suspended mesh back bag, which keeps your back cooler and the bag somewhat dry. Two that I like are the Osprey Talon 22 and the Deuter Superbike, but I have never tried running in them.
I thought I needed my laptop with me all the time, but arranged for remote network access from home. Now I just leave the laptop at work 95% of the time. I also have a locker at work, so I can rock it Mr. Rogers style with office shoes and plan ahead on vehicle days to bring in/take home clothes and towels. With a little planning, I can usually get one or two days a week where I just run/bike home with nothing but my workout gear and my phone/keys.
Hmm, thanks. The common theme here is “it will suck”, though I’m still willing to give it a try. Running after work has been a beat down for me lately - dark, subzero temps, tired after getting home late on a packed train full of annoying, sweaty people. A functional pack would change everything for me (until summer arrives, that is).
I found an interesting product after doing some googling - http://latlock.com/ - anyone tried or heard about this bag? Reviews say there is no bouncing but that arm chafing is an issue. It is waterproof but sweaty back will probably still be present. The video is pretty cool.
I use a Macpac adventure racing backpack, about 20 litres, all the straps (prob too many) are great for cinching everything in so it doesnt all swing about, does have a pocket for a water bladder that holds a tablet nicely.
but has great waist and chest straps done some big miles in it as well, as long as you wear a t-shirt rather than a singlet it doesn’t rub much either.
I am in a similar situation & distances, but I managed to have a laptop at work and one at home. Originally I was moving most of the files in an external hard drive, now mostly leave them on cloud. Running with a laptop is a real pain, though cycling is OK. I would recommend to explore transporting only files. Shoes: can you leave them at work? After years of playing different options I now transport cloth only when I cycle and run with a minimal amount.
I am in a similar situation & distances, but I managed to have a laptop at work and one at home. Originally I was moving most of the files in an external hard drive, now mostly leave them on cloud. Running with a laptop is a real pain, though cycling is OK. I would recommend to explore transporting only files. Shoes: can you leave them at work? After years of playing different options I now transport cloth only when I cycle and run with a minimal amount.
I wish I could do the same - have tried this with my company before and they are super strict with data security given some sensitivities around some material that my group handles. If I even use a USB flash drive I get an email from Compliance detailing my activity with a warning.
I can access email from my home PC through Outlook remote access but I also need files off the network drive which is off limits without my laptop. Such is life
I have an office and can leave dress shoes at work so can commute in the AM with my running shoes.
I’ve been running for 4+ years with an older Dakine HeliPro and the waist + sternum straps keep the pack quite stable. I’ve only washed it a few times and there has never been any smell. Your back will get sweaty quicker but after 3.5 miles you’re going to be sweaty anyways.
If you plan to carry a laptop, be sure to place it against the back of the pack (closest to your body) and stuff some clothes in to keep it from moving around too much. It’s probably going to bounce a little regardless of pack or packing but hopefully it’s tolerable.
I’ve run to work for years, also with a laptop and a change (make sure the laptop is SSD drive and not a hard drive. No big deal now, but VERY expensive years ago).
I’ve tried many, but like the Dakine ones as well (the Deuters ones are nice as well). I think my last one was a Dakine Amp 18. Plenty big enough for my laptop, charger, food, clothes (I left work shoes at the office) and stuff. Comes with waterproof cover if that happens when not expecting. Doesn’t bounce around too much with nice waist belt with pockets for keys. Sternum strap to keep the shoulder pads in place. Not terribly expensive (about $100, including camelback thingy it comes with which I removed, but do use occasionally when mountain biking). Has nice suspension mesh backing so you don’t get too sweaty. The outer mesh covering also holds a bike helmet perfectly if you want to use for cycling/commuting or as a cycling bag for trips.
Id recommend this bag: http://ultraspire.com/product/fastpack/ I love it for backcountry running and it moves really well with your body. Its pretty sick and stays in place with no problem.
I think Timbuk2 may have what you’re looking for. They have a small bike commuter backpack that looks to have both sweatproof laptop slot and room for clothing and shoes. It’s also got all the straps to keep it stable.
I’ve done well with a camelbak without the bladder, but I run with a tablet, not a laptop. Perhaps some strategic syncing of data and stashing of wardrobe at work might allow you a lighter commuting load
I’ve used OMM backpacks, the Adventure and Classic (https://www.theomm.com/products/packs/adventure20/), for my ~10 k commutes (running and biking).
Yes, your back will get sweaty but otherwise it doesn’t suck that much. And it’s an efficient way to get workouts done!
Run commuting is an excellent way to improve your run fitness: you’ll probably run more than you usually do; you’ll run twice a day and there are no excuses; when it’s Friday afternoon and you’re shattered you’ve still got to get out that door and run (just make sure you can handle the mileage. Such a time efficient way of training, instead of sitting on your ass commuting you’ll be training and when you get home you’re done and you can focus on the other things in your life.
I’ve commuted with all sorts of bags with no real problems just make sure it’s stuffed full so nothing can bounce around too much and have a waist and chest strap.Who cares about the sweat? You train… You sweat.
Keep your work clothes at work if you can. Get a MacBook Air
Deuter, love mine for bike commutting and have used it for running home the 16km a few times and it has performed very well. Also has a bladder fro extra water and very little bounce if any!
Did the run commuting from UES down to battery park for years, now I’m in the suburb still run commute 12 miles round trip to train station on week days. I have to wear suits 4 days a week, on those days I use Henty wingman backpack, works well. On friday, I use various packs from Inov8, Osprey, Gregory, MDS, Ultimate direction, Saloman…etc depends on the season and load. Search ultra marathon backpack, running vest pack, ultra light backpacking…you’ll find tons of options out there. Get a laptop sleeve match the size of your laptop then you can use just about any pack that you prefer to run with.
Did the run commuting from UES down to battery park for years, now I’m in the suburb still run commute 12 miles round trip to train station on week days. I have to wear suits 4 days a week, on those days I use Henty wingman backpack, works well. On friday, I use various packs from Inov8, Osprey, Gregory, MDS, Ultimate direction, Saloman…etc depends on the season and load. Search ultra marathon backpack, running vest pack, ultra light backpacking…you’ll find tons of options out there. Get a laptop sleeve match the size of your laptop then you can use just about any pack that you prefer to run with.
Did you fold your suit up and put it in your bag?? Did it stay relatively wrinkle-free? I only wear suits occasionally and was thinking of leaving a suit at work. My commute is from Midtown East to Battery Park.
Also - to all - thanks for the detailed replies. I was looking in the wrong place. Lots of good ideas and I will check them all out before I make a decision.
