Rucksacks for commuting

[flying start]

Hi all hope everyone had a good Christmas
I know most people will tell me to go down the rack route
But don't want them on the bike! Nothing wrong with then but think it spoils the looks!
Anyway I'm needing a bag that will hold my work clothes, gym shoes and kit with towel as well as bike locks for when I'm at the gym been looking at 32l bags at my local outdoor shop (Cotswold) Lowe alpine do one for £65 would this be to big for what I need? The back design make the bag sit away from the back so should stop the sweatiness anyone give me some tips or advice??

 

[Supersuperleeds]

A 20l rucksack would be fine. Get yourself either a pack cover or dry bags as well. I personally use both as the pack cover keeps the rucksack clean as well as dry and the dry bags I squeeze the air out of it and lay the one with shirt in the bottom of my rucksack, minimises creases this way.

Work clothes wise leave your trousers and shoes at work if possible and take a fresh shirt everyday. periodically you will need to either take another pair of trousers or take them home to wash. I'm assuming you work in an office by the way and wear shirts and trousers! Also just realised i am assuming you are a bloke.

 

[PaulSecteur]

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.

Sure, racks dont look good but they do allow you to ride for longer with more comfort.

Besides, they only take 4 hex bolts to get them off for weekend rides and they dont really look that bad, do they?

 

[CopperCyclist]

I'm with you on the ruck v rack argument - just never liked the look of them. Also I change bikes to commute dependant on the weather so prefer the flexibility of a rucksack. Very vain I know, as I accept they are the more sensible option in every other way!

Also like you I prefer a larger bag - using a 30L Berghaus rucksack ATM, with a high vis cover. To be honest, all decent bags will be fine - what sold it for me was how many compartments the bag has, as I liked to be able to separate off my phone, keys, repair kit, spare inner, multi tool, pump, sunglasses, work keys, cash, warrant card, clothing.... etc etc!

Best advice is to get yourself down to somewhere like Go Outdoors and actually look at them in the flesh.

 

[ianrauk]

This month's Cycling Plus has a review of Commuting Rucksacks.

 

[Lance Jack]

At work I use a Snugpak Sleeka Force 35 day sack, at the moment £43.30 on outdoorgb.com Good hard wearing sack, built in waterproof cover although I use a canoe bag just to make sure. It's carried all sorts of things and been thrown about and abused and is wearing well.

 

[mr messy]

Currently using a dakine 26l jobby and would say thats typcally size you're after. Any smaller, unless travelling light, there's just not enough space. Have a 20l Deuter and just too small. Dont get hung up on back design, sweatyback goes with territory. Check out Decathlon and Sports Direct. Around £30 should get you something does the job and waterproof.
Be aware tho' the bigger the bag the heavier it gets!

 

[HLaB]

I commute with a very light draw bag (or whatever they are called) but I travel light (the bike is heavy enough ) and I occasionally use a hellfrauds ruck sack but try to keep journeys with that down to a minimum.

 

[Supersuperleeds]

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.

Sure, racks dont look good but they do allow you to ride for longer with more comfort.

Besides, they only take 4 hex bolts to get them off for weekend rides and they dont really look that bad, do they?

Getting a sweat on is one of the reasons why I use a rucksack. 15 miles each way, top is drenched by the time I get to the end.

 

[MattHB]

Get a good pack and sweat isn't an issue.

I commute with a jansport revolt 32 and its awesome. Space for laptop or tablet, perforated back piece and extremely comfortable straps. I can carry huge amount in it as it expands but straps down to very thin.

I've done upto an hour and had no issues with it. I've also commuted with a rack and panniers and ill tell you now, the extra sweat I produced when in a headwind with 2 air breaks on the bike was much more than any discomfort I get with a backpack.

 

[Crankarm]

Lowe Alpine Airzone series very good for cycling, 20 litres, 35 litres or 35 + 10 litres. You don't have to fill them compress them down if only half full. They can take hydration packs as well and have rain covers. No racksack is water proof as seems and zips are not waterproof. If you want a w/proof bag then buy an Exped small backpack which is basically a dry bag or an Ortlieb waterproof bag just like a cycle pannier but designed to be worn on your back.

http://www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=products.search&searchvalue=lowe+alpine+airzone

 

[Crankarm]

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.

Sure, racks dont look good but they do allow you to ride for longer with more comfort.

Besides, they only take 4 hex bolts to get them off for weekend rides and they dont really look that bad, do they?

Yellow dust caps for the valves ...... euhhhh!

The rear mudguard looks to have come adrift.

 

[flying start]

Thanks for the replies people Im not really bothered about the sweaty back as there's showers at work its just the fact I'm going to the gym 5 nights a week after work and need to take towel ,trainers,top and shorts aswell as shower stuff.! The bike doesn't look that bad really like the one where its on top of the back wheel.! Will have a try on and see what fits best.

 

[MattHB]

Lots of flouro backpack covers on eBay for about £4. Totally waterproof any backpack.

 

[redcard]

Lots of flouro backpack covers on eBay for about £4. Totally waterproof any backpack.

I lost mine the other day on the way home. My once immaculate backpack now looks like crap.

Off to eBay!