What Rucksack - For Communting

[Mista Preston]

As per the title. I am potentially going to start a commute in a couple of weeks. I need to carry a laptop and some basic clothes. What rucksack do you use?

Ta Mr P

 

[mikezero]

Hi Mr P,, check out deuter and osprey.Both make cycle specific packs and have a good range to choose from.Both these companys make top quality rucksacks and are allways at the forfront of pack innovation.I allways think if you need a rucksack then go to a company that makes rucksacks.

 

[smokeysmoo]

I've been using one of THESE for about 3 years now. It's showing as discontinued now, sadly as it a phenomenal rucksack. Not sure if DHB have replaced it with anything else, but if you can find one snap it up

 

[ianrauk]

Get the rack and pannier on your bike. A far better option then a rucksack.

 

[smokeysmoo]

FWIW I've just taken the rack and panniers off my commuter. I like the idea, and I might re-visit it one day, but I just plain and simple prefer using my rucksack, perhaps it's because that's what I've used for years, perhaps it an aesthetics issue, (sad I know ), perhaps it's an age thing, (still associate panniers with my old geography teacher ), I can't put my finger on the reason.

SO MP, If you're interested in a Tortec Tour rack with Cateye light mount and P clips, and a set of Panniers PM me for details

 

[threebikesmcginty]

Get the rack and pannier on your bike. A far better option then a rucksack.

+1 as they say.

 

[Norm]

I've got a Lowe Alpine Airzone Active28 and it's fantastic, the Airzone works really well and, because they were thinking of cyclists, the design works well riding a road bike with drops.

Lots of compartments, sternum and waist straps, compression straps, mesh side pockets which are a perfect fit for anything designed for a bottle cage, solid backplate (to reduce anything digging into you if you land on it), reflective bits and loop for a light and the best bit, IMO, is the built in rain cover.

 

[sabian92]

Another one here for rack/panniers. You can get a rack for just over 20 quid and a pair of panniers for 50. I've got a Tortec Rack that can carry up to 25kg, and these panniers that carry a surprising amount. I get a light waterproof, hi-viz and lock in one side and my college bag in another with loads of room to spare. In my bag I've got a 1.5L bottle, my dinner and my work, so it's not like I've not got much.

That and backpacks make your back sweaty and pull up your sleeves if you have short sleeves on.

 

[Moby Jones]

What would you recommend if you bike does not take panniers

 

[thnurg]

What would you recommend if you bike does not take panniers

I absolutely love my Topeak rack and bag. The rack fastens around the seat post and is easy to remove for non-commuting rides, and the bag simply slides onto the rack and clips into place without any faffing with straps or bungees. It has a detachable shoulder strap for when your bike is parked.
I got mine from Wheels in Callander which may be worth a visit for you.

 

[ttcycle]

Another one in support of panniers or a saddlebag - it's nicer to have the weight off your back and less sweaty.

Glad to hear about the commuting though - that's top news!

 

[wiggydiggy]

What would you recommend if you bike does not take panniers

Carradice saddle bag, just dont order it from wiggle as it will take them ages!

I'm still waiting on my Barley (9 litres) but they do all sizes upto 30+, only bad thing is like I say over-demand and under-supply

 

[SavageHoutkop]

I have a Victorinox (?) backpack with a laptop pouch. My laptop is small enough to fit; and the bag is fine to walk with - but on the bike, when I lean forward, it ends up digging into my spine if there's any amount of weight. Also, I find the saddle uncomfortable if I have weight on my back. So, yes - panniers are the way to go! And, of course, less heat build up in summer (less of a problem now).

Also means if you get an Onya Back (or similar) and combine with your panniers you have some extra space if needed...

 

[smokeysmoo]

it's nicer to have the weight off your back and less sweaty.

See i'd rather have the weight on my back from experience. My commuter feels like a right old donkey with a rack and loaded panniers, but now I've binned them and gone back to my rucksack it feels like a much livlier bike.
A sweaty back is easy to avoid, buy a decent rucksack

 

[diapason]

Keep the centre of gravity as low as possible. That's the theory behind using a rack and panniers. I'd never go back to a rucksack.