Cycling rucksack for commuting?

[Min]

Hi all,

I currently commute on my bike back and forth work and need a good rucksack to transport my things.
My main requirements are that it can fit a 13 inch macbook air with 2 or 3 notebooks and laptop accessories (like charger and some cables) and with some good back ventilation so I dont arrive at work soaked in sweat. If possible, also waterproof. Panniers are not an option as they keep getting hooked onto things as my commute involves a bit of offroad.

Any recommendations?

 

[Canrider]

I've had good success with trail-running packs, and there are cycling-specific packs out there (I think they probably have better back ventilation). You could also try a courier bag as your load doesn't sound especially heavy.

 

[vickster]

Deuter make good packs for cycling. Have a look in Evans or similar

 

[DWiggy]

I have a Deuter race EXP and its awesome, it's not the biggest but I can get trainers, small towel, Jeans, T-Shirt, duds, socks, repair bits and packed lunch in it (tight squeeze). Its an amazing bit of kit you'll forget you have it on, it stands away from your back so you don't get sweaty and also supports a camel back pack if required, the waterproof cover that I use even in the dry keeps everything dry and most importantly keeps me visible as fluorescent yellow.
I got mine from Wiggle, and had for a year and a half and its as good as new!
http://www.wiggle.com/deuter-race-exp-air-rucksack/

 

[Mile195]

I use something similar by Berghaus, but slightly cheaper:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Berghaus-Me...060686&sr=8-1&keywords=berghaus+freeflow+25+5

Comes with a rain cover built-in to a pocket, that you can take out when you need it. Gives plenty of back ventalation, and will be more than big enough for your macbook and other bits and pieces. Mine is big enough to always carry a complete change of clothes, wind jacket, waterproof overshoes, kindle, massive D-Lock, and it still leaves enough space to bring back 4 pints of milk and a loaf of bread on my way home!

 

[citybabe]

I have a Deuter race EXP and its awesome, it's not the biggest but I can get trainers, small towel, Jeans, T-Shirt, duds, socks, repair bits and packed lunch in it (tight squeeze). Its an amazing bit of kit you'll forget you have it on, it stands away from your back so you don't get sweaty and also supports a camel back pack if required, the waterproof cover that I use even in the dry keeps everything dry and most importantly keeps me visible as fluorescent yellow.
I got mine from Wiggle, and had for a year and a half and its as good as new!
http://www.wiggle.com/deuter-race-exp-air-rucksack/

I have this too. Certainly not the cheapest or the biggest but very comfy

 

[SamC]

I second (third?) Deuter. I have an Alpine one, a Speedlite 18l and it's great. It's extremely comfortable to wear whilst cycling - I've cycled with it packed with stuff and hardly notice it on my back. It has loops on the outside that I've threaded my D-Lock through when the bag has been full too. I'm sure that isn't the purpose for which they were designed but it worked well!

It's nice looking and a nice compact shape, but fits loads in it. It doesn't have the proper airflow back (it has the foamy kind), but I don't find it makes my back too sweaty. The Deuter Race EXP Air does have the airflow back, but I was swayed by the much lower price of the Speedlite . I can't say enough about the quality of Deuter stuff in general though.

 

[StuAff]

Plus yet another one for Deuter. Regularly carry my white MacBook in my Bike 1. Absolutely fantastic bit of kit. Very comfortable, very capacious, rain cover, airflow stuff on the back, superb quality. If and when it dies I'll buy the (slightly tweaked) new version.

 

[slowmotion]

I bought an MTB backpack from Lidl about nine months ago, on an impulse. I have used it every day on my commute through the winter. That's a lot of London road water sprayed off the back wheel. Sometimes the stuff was a bit damp, but nothing too awful. It isn't too big or too small...you don't want to encourage yourself to carry "hand bag lint". It's remarkably comfortable, nice wide straps and a tensioned mesh back to allow air circulation. The lateral chest/waist strap is rubbish so I cut it off.

It's quite good for £9.99.

 

[Col5632]

I use one from Lidi and have done for years, not really waterproof but fits everything i need in it and you barely know you are wearing it

 

[Supersuperleeds]

Whatever pack you go for I would recommend getting a pack cover for the outside, not only will it keep the rucksack dry but also clean. For the contents I would recommend you put everything in dry bags just incase you have a pack cover failure, it also makes it easier to find things quickly and keeps your tools away from clothes etc.

I use these http://www.amazon.co.uk/SEA-SUMMIT-ULTRA-SACK-LITRE/dp/B002OYML48/ref=pd_sim_sbs_sg_9

 

[Easytigers]

I got my backpack from Aldi. Big enough for laptop and everything else I need...waterproof cover, webbing for stuffing a top etc into and pockets for tools. Think I got in the reduced section for £5.99!!! There are many things that I say were 'the best thing I ever bought'...but this is one of them :-)

 

[simon the viking]

I use a "No fear" rucksack from sportsdirect It's really fab as it has 2 compartments inside the large part and a front pocket with 2 pockets on the sides and a chest strap for security best 12 quid I've ever spent.

 

[MickeyBlueEyes]

Vaude Alpin Air 30+5. I couldn't find another that tops this in any way.