Rucksacks for commuting

[ian emmerson]

Like others have said I prefer a rucksack and have used a berghaus with an airzone feature for the past 3 years and would highly recommend. Along with a vespro high viz cover I have had no issues on my 10 mile commutes.

 

[SportMonkey]

It can also be the downfall and potentially destroy your neck/shoulders depending on the crash you have. The protection would only really be if you were hit from behind but not by something at ground level.

Not that this is of any concern but motorcyclists shouldn't wear full rucksacks as they can cause body roll once you're on the road and cause you a lot of damage, even fatally.

The impact coming off a cycle is very different to a motorbike, I've been left hooked and landed on my back on a curb, smashing a TV aerial I had in my bag. If you think about most plastic laptop constructions they will break before your bones much the same as a the structures on most cars where the impact is dissipated. My worry would be losing my laptop in the case of an accident.

As for shoulders/neck, the edges may cause impact to the shoulders or neck, but the car impact could be far worse. It then is down to which is more likely to dissipate the force evenly.

 

[fossyant]

Cheers - what about potential impact on neck and shoulders, if there is any? And falling on something hard wouldn't be great - thinking specifically about carrying a laptop say

I wouldn't worry about the laptop - it's going to smash in a crash.. The rucksack saved my back in my big off 4 years ago, but as I landed on my left shoulder and head, it only stopped grazing to the back.

 

[ricnott]

I agree that the rucksack vs panniers debate is a personal one. I personally prefer to use a rucksack and I do suffer from sweaty back syndrome. Having said that in the Autumn/Winter/Spring with a jersey and a jacket on and no rucksack I am often sweaty.

I used to use a conventional rucksack with Exped dry bags as a liner/grab bag. I kept clothes that I was carrying for work in one, rain kit/repair box/overshoes etc in another and my mobile/wallet/keys/change in another. I had no issues with leaks and having my clotes in a dry bag meant that they did not get wet on the shower room floor at work.: http://www.exped.com/
Now I have an Overboard Dry Rucksack http://www.over-board.co.uk/ I have found it absoultely great. I still use the dry bags inside as grab bags as my morning routine developed to include packing them erach night and I just have to check that I have the 3 couloured bags to know that I am good to go.

I would say to just try whatever system you like and to see what works for you.

 

[flying start]

Thanks for all the tips and help ill go try some this weekend see what I think I use them exped dry bags my self in the lakes when I finally do get a bag ill be putting my gym stuff in one so I know I have it all like its been said there different colours and very bright to thank again guys ill post pics when I finally get one.!

 

[MickL]

Ive was using a proviz rucksack for over a year on my roadie until I switch to rack on my new Subway, the rucksack nicely padded and not to much of sweaty back even for a fatty like me, the light that comes with it as well gets you noticed

 

[snapper_37]

I've used the same Deuter Cross Air for over 10 years now. Still in great condition and plenty big enough for my 'stuff'.

Might sound weird but I don't like cycling without a back pack (feel bare ) , and use smaller one for non-commutes.

 

[mr messy]

What are people's thoughts on the safety of carrying a heavy pack while cycling - in the event of a crash - especially with a laptop?

Only had 1 "proper" off, where lost frontend on a wet bend, and loaded rucksack definitely acted like an airbag. Lots of rucksacks have padded laptop sleeves built in.

 

[mr messy]

Might sound weird but I don't like cycling without a back pack (feel bare ) , and use smaller one for non-commutes.[/quote]

I agree, like there's something missing or forgotten!

 

[The Horse's Mouth]

After cycling 6.5 miles each way for 4 years I find a cheap back pack ok for just a shirt/boxers & socks. Bit sweaty in the summer but in the winter just fine. I do have a Hump cover. Mostly to protect it from the rain and because its luminous.

I do have a small Top Peak saddle bag for the small tool kit and a spare inner tube.

 

[Brains]

Personally I'd never even consider a rucksack for a regular run, however if you don't like the rack and pannier route how about getting a saddlebag ?

Lots of different types to choose from, including traditional strap on the saddle types and click fix ones that go on the seat post.

Strikes me as the best of both worlds, you get you cake and you eat it

 

[Kins]

I use a little 10L Mountainlife rucksack for every day and its excellent. Came with chest strap , and a larger Mountainlife one for food shopping, both are easy to ride in. Get one with a chest strap though, makes a world of difference.

Size wise, that seems a pretty big rucksack at 32L. I would think a 20L or 25L one would be fine.

 

[MontyVeda]

i decided to give up the rucksack for commuting after getting a fungal (yeast) infection on my back. This i put down to the warm damp sweaty patch under the rucksack, coupled with me being a bit of a scruff.

 

[PBB]

I find a rucksack too sweaty in the summer, and ended up buying a basic rack and using an elastic to tie on a normal bag.

In the winter a rucksack should be bearable, but some milder days can still make you sweaty.

 

[jonny jeez]

Have you commuted with a rucksack?

If its only a couple of miles you will be ok, but for longer rides they are `orrible! Sweaty back and sore shoulders.

Never get a sweaty back or sore shoulders from mine...plus its totally waterproof IN ALL WEATHER with the high vis cover on.. Vaude 30l, tons of compartments, frame back...very comfy.

Chair sold separately