Backpack suggestions please

Page may contain affiliate links. Please see terms for details.

nevz

New Member
looking for a cycling backpack with the following criteria:
- at least 30L capacity
- waterproof
- high visibility

any ideas??
 
LOMO or Alpkit make drybag backpack s with reflectives on.
 

Cycleops

Legendary Member
Location
Accra, Ghana
Unless you like a sweaty back you’re better off with one of these and panniers:

1631351694457.jpeg
 

presta

Guru
I remember using a rucsac to ride half a mile from a youth hostel to the shop and back for a few groceries, and that was enough to put me off doing it again. I just don't see why you would want a load bouncing on your back and jarring your shoulders over every bump when you can put it on the bike. And that's from someone who's used to walking thousands of miles with a rucsac.
 

Drago

Legendary Member
I too prefer a backpack, and a waistpack for lighter loads. I don't load the buke and make it leaden and unresponsive unless I absolitely have to. Properly adjusted theres no loose bouncing, and with or without one I sweat like President Biden at a pub quiz, so that makes no odds.

It would help enormously to know your budget, and the type of riding you have planned for it.
 

Dirtyhanz2

Senior Member
Ortlieb city velo I use for commuting very comfortable but not sure about all day touring
 

Wobblers

Euthermic
Location
Minkowski Space
For the backpack detractors, there are some advantages to using rucksacks:
- no need to fit a pannier rack, or have a bike that has the appropriate eyelets
- a pannier has a fair amount of drag
- the obvious solution if you have more than one bike
- easier to carry around off the bike; a pannier is a rather awkward thing when you're on foot
- not bike specific, so just as useful for things such as hill walking or just walking to the shops

I used a rucksack for years commuting, usually going home the long way (18+ miles), often carrying a laptop. One thing to note is it acts as an extra layer - not so great in summer but quite welcome in colder weather. The one thing I'd advise is getting one with a mesh backsystem which allows air to circulate between the body of the pack and your back, reducing sweaty back syndrome.

I use a Lowe Alpine AirZone 35. It's not waterproof but does come with a rain cover. You'll find similar from other manufacturers such as Deuter or Berghaus.
 

CanucksTraveller

Macho Business Donkey Wrestler
Location
Hertfordshire
I've had a Lowe Alpine Airzone 35 for over a decade now, they're great little rucksacks, and they still make that model. They're water resistant (good enough for showers) but also have an integral rain cover to make them fully water proof for the heavier downpours.
They don't do them in hi viz but there's a bright blue one in the current line up, there's an argument that bright colours are just as effective as hi viz anyway, and possibly more so.
 
Top Bottom