Rucksacks for commuting

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Sandra6

Veteran
Location
Cumbria
I have a small berghaus rucksack that I use when I've been to the gym before work or if I'm picking up shopping on the way home.
It's got that "clever" design that's supposed to stop you sweating but even after a mile on a warm day my back is ringing.
Mr 6 has a bike hut one from Halfords and it's much better in terms of sweatiness.
 

jarlrmai

Veteran
Deuter Speedlite 10L

Light, just big enough, has a nice water pocket which I only use for keeping my stuff dry.

Has 2 chest straps which are important.
 

fossyant

Ride It Like You Stole It!
Location
South Manchester
Get one with the air venting on the back if you do. I happily commuted with a 25l rucksack for years, but switched to panniers after a shoulder injury.
 

redcard

Guru
Location
Paisley
I have a small berghaus rucksack that I use when I've been to the gym before work or if I'm picking up shopping on the way home.
It's got that "clever" design that's supposed to stop you sweating but even after a mile on a warm day my back is ringing.
Mr 6 has a bike hut one from Halfords and it's much better in terms of sweatiness.

I've got the Bikehut one. Bit overpriced at £25 but got it on a 3-for-2 promo. Good sized for my needs (10L I think), enough compartments, plenty of strap adjustability, included flouro cover keep it clean and dry.
 

gaz

Cycle Camera TV
Location
South Croydon
I don't agree that a good backpack will sort out issues with a sweaty back for everyone.
I get a very sweaty back during any exercise and all of the backpacks I have used have made it 1,000 times worse, even if they have lots of ventilation and if the bag is kept away from your back.
 
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??

http://www.alpkit.com

I have Gourdons of all 3 sizes, the flo one is especially good and they're cheaper than anything else of the same waterproof level.
 

mangid

Guru
Location
Cambridge
I use an Ortlieb Flight rucksack, 27l, external frame, waterproof, and very comfortable.

I've cycled for 5+ hours in the pouring rain and everything inside remained dry, and never suffer any discomfort when carrying my 15" mac book pro on my 40 mile commute.

An external frame helps a lot in giving ventilation, and comfort keeping the contents of the bag away from you back.
 

vickster

Squire
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?
 
I've used a few rucksacs over the years. The Rucksac/Paniers debate seems to down to personal preference.

One around 30L, with straps to make it smaller when you have less in is good. A few different pockets so you can keep work shirts, tools, and damp gym kit seperate. A waterproof cover makes a big difference. I personally wouldn't bother with the curved back (to reduce sweat) as I not sure they work that well having tried one last year.
 

vickster

Squire
It would give your back some protection. As long as it wasn't too heavy I can't see it being a problem.
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
 
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

Laptops are actually quite soft, although a laptop protector would cushion both yourself and the laptop.
 

sabian92

Über Member
It would give your back some protection. As long as it wasn't too heavy I can't see it being a problem.

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.
 
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