Communting Backpack

[robbo891]

Can anyone recommend a decent backpack for my commute?

Ideally i want the backpack to load from the side so that the bag opens fully rather than the bag need loading from the top. Think how a holdall would open where you have full access.

I now need to carry work shoes, gym shoes, gym kit, work shirt, trousers, towel, toiletries, snacks, lunch, wallet, keys etc

you can see why i need a big bag. on occasions i can leave shoes but i work from two offices now and go to the gym every lunch time.

cheers

 

[Custom24]

How far is your commute? Just wondering if air flow / sweaty back should be in your list of considerations

 

[Drago]

I'm a big fat sweaty heiffer and don't suffer unduly with the back sweats.

I use a light but fairly well constructed 25L Regatta rucksack with a hi vis and reflective waterproof cover.

When I get to work or get home the bag instantly comes with me with no need for clipping or faffing so it's my main choice for commuting, though I use panniers most other times.

It's not everyone's preference, bit works ok for me.

Highlander do a range of rucksacks with a second zip up the middle of the rear face of the bag, which is ideal for quickly accessing items packed half way down. They're cheap but very decent - we were donated a load to our SAR team by a local supplier and they're proving as durable as the much much more expensive stuff some of our members have bought themselves.

 

[slowmotion]

I use a Karrimor Urban 30. It cost about £15 from Sports Direct but you might find them cheaper on Ebay. It's not perfect but it's big enough to take a laptop and reasonably well made.

 

[Scotchlovingcylist]

Mist back packs will be top loading.
I use one of these

It is absolutely cavernous.
Carry's work gear, food, tubes, pump etc and doesn't move about like some messenger bags

 

[MickeyBlueEyes]

Although I only rarely, about maybe once a year, ride with it, I have a Vaude Alpin Air 30+5. As a backpack it is absolutely spot on. Lots of compartments & features, there is nothing that I need from a backpack that this doesn't give. It has a zipped divider in the middle (that can be opened to give one big space) so it has a top and bottom half to it, both have their own zips so loading is easy. Shoes in the bottom, kit in the top, it would swallow what you want to put in it then ask for more...

 

[Elybazza61]

Sounds like a lot to cram in rucksack for daily use,how about this as an alternative paired with a small rucksack?;

https://www.alpkit.com/products/koala

Or they do this to but they do say it may not stand up to lots of use as it's primarily an inner for the above;

https://www.alpkit.com/products/airlok-xtra-tapered

FWIW i have a 20L Berghaus which I got for about £25 that is perfect on the bike;wouldn't take all your gear though.

There's also Carradice packs which have quick release.

And this,pricey but was used by bods on thet trans-continental ride;

https://www.apidura.com/product/saddle-pack-regular/

 

[clid61]

View attachment 101536
I use a Karrimor Urban 30. It cost about £15 from Sports Direct but you might find them cheaper on Ebay. It's not perfect but it's big enough to take a laptop and reasonably well made.

This . I use the 10 ltr for an 8 mile commute . Put stuff in a dry sack when needed , was about a tenner if i recall , sports direct

 

[Wolf616]

Mod: Please move this to the communting forum, ta.

 

[confusedcyclist]

View attachment 101536
I use a Karrimor Urban 30. It cost about £15 from Sports Direct but you might find them cheaper on Ebay. It's not perfect but it's big enough to take a laptop and reasonably well made.

+1, I have this in red, I bought on sale for £5 and it's great. I put a 30L high vis waterproof cover on it on wet/dark days. The mesh pouches on the side are great for carrying water bottle and other ods and ends when off the bike. Front pocket large enough for all my tools so keeps me organised.

I get my shirt, underwear, lunch + loads of fruit and reading material in this no problems.

I also have a running/highvis 10L backpack from LIDL for smaller loads but rarely use it now because moving the tools back and forth is a hassle.

 

[robbo891]

some great ideas here guys so thanks. the holdall at the minute is a right chore as it keeps moving about. I will check sports direct today and see what i can find.

 

[vickster]

Panniers...they won't move around and are easy to access...no sweaty back either or pongy gym kit mixing with clean clothes

 

[Scuderia]

It's a little bit dear but the Henry Wingman got excellent reviews. I haven't come across a better commuter bag. It's available as a rucksack and an over the shoulder bag. http://henty.cc/uk/shop/wingman-backpack/

 

[Mr Foldy]

Another vote for panniers. they are designed to carry the loads you describe. The weight is carried lower and your torso is free to move. Comfortable, professional, easy. Panniers.

 

[Elybazza61]

Panniers are good but obv depends on what bike the op has;it may not have suitable mounting points etc.