Was wondering what you guys were using in terms of a backpack to commute to work and if anyone could recommend a decent smallish backpack to use to commute to work 7 miles each way. Just need to be able to fit shoes, pants, shirt, socks, and underwear and a towel for the shower.
Thanks!
Bump as I would like to know as well…possibly also to fit a smallish laptop (do not mean to hijack your thread :-))
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My favorite is the North Face Solaris 40. Very comfortable, plenty of storage space, durable and the straps that latch around you make it fit very snug around your body without allowing a lot of movement. I got hit by a car while commuting with this pack strapped around me and about 30 pounds of stuff in it and it acted as a cushion to break my fall, it may have saved my life!
Running or riding?
Most of the time I just use those drawstring sling bags you get from races. I’ve also used more traditional backpacks. Soft, wide straps help for heavier loads…and a mesh backing always helps. I also always choose a bag I know can easily go in the washing machine (put in a laundry bag first).
Running or riding?
Sorry this would be solely for riding
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Whatever you use, either make sure it’s waterproof or keep your work clothes in a sealed plastic bag.
I am not talking about rain. However, this IS experience talking.
Take care,
Brian
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I’ve got a Timbuk2 Q backpack. I love love love this pack. Its a bit on the small side but should work for your needs. You could put the pants and shirt in the laptop sleeve and everything else in the main compartment. I really like the size as packs have a tendency to be too large for riding in my opinion.
As mentioned, this is designed as a laptop bag (fits a 15" MacBook Pro with ease) but should work for your needs.
I use the Chrome Bravo. Not cheap, but I like the setup. My clothes/shoes go in the main pocket. Laptop goes on the outside instead of against your back - this was my main gripe about my last bag. Enough space for tossing in a few tools, deodorant, etc. plus a zipper pocket for phone or other valuables.
My favorite feature is an accidental one. There is a holder for a notebook that fits a small u-lock perfectly and keeps it in the perfect spot. I did cut out the liner that lets it expand. If I need more space, I’ll just use a bigger bag:
They now have a “night” version with a reflective coating, but I bought the white for better visibility.
I use a Dakine Heli Pro. Has lasted me about 10 years so far, nice and slim if I’m not carrying much but can fit in suit, shirt, shoes and a small laptop if I need to.
You might want to look at one of the Osprey Talon’s - they’re very well constructed and have multi-use capability.
http://www.ospreypacks.com/en/group/multi-use_mens/talon_series
I use a messenger bag.
Mine is the medium Timbuk2 custom laptop messenger. The cross-strap is invaluable in holding the bag in position comfortably and the clasp on the chest strap has a cam thingy to set the length when closed, so the open/close mechanism is just a clip. (Sorry, words are failing me today - trust me, it’s a nice strap closure).
The small classic messenger would work for your purposes, as would some of their other bags. Lifetime warranty and really good build quality.
For pie:
The laptop pocket in my bag fits a 13" laptop easily and a 15" is snug in the laptop pocket (but fits). Probably wouldn’t work in a small, but in the medium it’s fine. The large size appears to be for camping, so you can just curl up and sleep in it… I wouldn’t want to ride with a full large messenger.
I agree with the point made about waterproof or at least a plastic bag to keep the clothes in.
Other than that, I’m not sure it really matters that much for a 7-mile ride. Reasonably comfortable is the key. But even then, I’ve used my daughter’s Hello Kitty school book backpack before.
Two things,
Leave a pair of shoes at work if you can. Shoes are big and bulky and (unlike everything else) the same pair can be worn every day. It also saves ware and tare on nicer shoes.
Get a rack and panniers instead of the backpack.
I’m using this backpack from Patagonia, and I have a North Face that is nearly identical that works the same.
http://www.patagonia.com/us/product/chacabuco-pack-32l-backpack?p=47925-0
Good straps to keep it tight and not flopping around. Good space to fit shoes, towel, pants, button up shirt (folded very carefully), tshirt, toiletries, etc… The bag has enough space without having too much, if that makes sense. I also don’t experience any issues with sweat going through the bag. I don’t have to deal with rain much here in Socal, so I can’t speak to it’s performance in the rain.
The bag works for me.
jake
My wife grabbed me the Rocket Science “Rocket Bag” for xmas last year and it’s been fantastic for work and the gym. Thing is somewhat pricey (truth be told this is the first time I looked at how much it cost…$210)…would not have spent that myself but hey…I’ve got it now! It’s been bombproof for the past year and really do love how smartly this bag is laid out.
Agree with leaving a pair of shoes at work.
Also, leave a belt.
Roll clothes, pants on outside, then folded shirt; underwear and socks in middle. Rubber band to hold together.
Leave a lock at work too.
If you are riding a nice bike to work and security is in question, use both a C-lock (smallest feasible) and a chain or cable. Each requires a cifferent technilogy to crack.
You might want to look at one of the Osprey Talon’s - they’re very well constructed and have multi-use capability.
http://www.ospreypacks.com/...se_mens/talon_series
This is what I use too.
I have a Dueter Trans-Alp and I love it. Good size and plenty of goodies like key pockets, wet gear section and helmet holder
Mission Workshop Rambler. Absolutely incredible piece of machinery. Check out the video on their webpage.