Serious backpack for bike commute « Columbus Underground Messageboard

Columbus Underground Messageboard » General Columbus Discussion

Serious backpack for bike commute

[24 posts] [15 contributors]

Topic Rating:

(Total Ratings: )
Rate this topic:

Started 12 months ago by Coy
Latest reply from michaelcoyote

Tags:

bikes
biking

12 Next »

Coy
Discovery District
Login to Send PM

So, I'm trying to commute via bike to work as much as possible from now on.
Problem is, I have fairly substantial weight to carry along with me. I have a 25-30min ride, and carry probably 30lbs of gear total. I have two laptops I take to work, along with books, change of clothes, lock, tools, lunch, etc...

I have a couple of messenger bags hat aren't working out. The Seagull bag I have is uncomfortable and will not stay in place while riding. It doesn't have enough compartmentalization to work out so well with the two laptop situation, either.
I am actually using a messenger bag that was issued to me by my work, stuffed super full, but it kills my one shoulder by the time I make it in. Its probably a fifth of what the Seagull bag cost, and functions far better... I'm just way exceeding what it should be pushed to do.

I'm having a really hard time figuring out what is a decent option.
I'm guessing I need in the 2000cu in, or 30 liter-ish, (at least) and want something quality.
No one in town seems to carry any great commuter packs.
Currently, I've narrowed it down to two, but could use some other suggestions.

Theres the Osprey Momentum 34, but its a little pricy.
http://www.backcountry.com/osprey-packs-momentum-34-backpack-1920-2040cu-in

I do have an Osprey Aether 70 for backcountry camping, but not sure I want to drop another $150 on a backpack after the Seagull (now my microphone/cable bag...). Plus, I feel like Osprey goes overboard will all the straps, buckles, etc... till it becomes maddening to get into the pack.

Or possibly the Gregory Kalmia 28, seen here...
http://www.departmentofgoods.com/gregory-kalmia-28-backpack-1709cu-in
Seems to be a quality product...

Anyone have any suggestions of bags, or good places to try some out in town?

Posted 12 months ago #
Coy
Discovery District
Login to Send PM

http://shop.ful.com/productdetails.cfm?nt=&type=Messenger&itemno=6031MG-ORANGE&name=Almost%20Famous&line=Core

This is what I am using now, for reference.... Guessing its around 900cu in...

Posted 12 months ago #
Snarf
Dystopia
Login to Send PM

Ogio is often well regarded..

32L http://www.bikebandit.com/ogio-dakar-1950-backpack

Klim is definitely a badass brand..hydration too..

http://www.bikebandit.com/klim-krew-pak-hydration-backpack

30L here..

http://www.bikebandit.com/rapid-transit-shrapnel-laptop-backpack

Posted 12 months ago #
Mercurius
First Avenue
Login to Send PM

You are heading in the right direction. 20 to 30 L is getting a bit large and heavy for a messenger bag. You are going to need a backpack or going to need to cut weight. Osprey and Gregory are both good companies (I see people using them on the A.T.) - but for this, I'd make sure to buy something that is specifically designed for a laptop i.e. waterproof laptop compartment, can take a fall and more than just shoulder support stabilization. Something like this?

Posted 12 months ago #
Coy
Discovery District
Login to Send PM

Wow, great suggestions already... None of them that I've ever heard of before, either...
I'm kinda diggin those seal lines...
THANKS!

Posted 12 months ago #
groundrules

Login to Send PM

Timbuk2 has several:
http://www.timbuk2.com/tb2/products/backpacks/#backpack-bike

Ortlieb has some cool ones too:
http://www.ortliebusa.com/cartgenie/prodList.asp?scat=3

ETA: Ortlieb also has some backpacks listed under their "messenger bag" category: http://www.ortliebusa.com/CartGenie/prodList.asp?scat=11

Posted 12 months ago #
0Angle
A brewery or my kitchen or my bicycle.
Login to Send PM

I sure do like my panniers. With a sturdy rack, 30lb would be MUCH more comfortable... Sorry if this is a derail, but I haul some heavy stuff myself.

Posted 12 months ago #
Tenzo
Chicago Lakeshore
Login to Send PM

Ohhhh, From the Timbuk2 site.
I've been looking for a new Tenzo bag ever since the last one was stolen

Posted 12 months ago #
JonMyers
HCMC ✈
Login to Send PM

I have decent Swiss Army backpack I had picked up for about $45 bucks at Target, which I was going to recommend until I saw that Osprey backpack, which I'm now lusting after.

Posted 12 months ago #
lifeliberty
Here
Login to Send PM

0Angle wrote >>
panniers. With a sturdy rack, 30lb would be MUCH more comfortable...

that'd be my recommendation. (I was looking into transporting beer from store to house with bike)
stuff that heavy is going to want to move around too much, or you will be all strapped down

...of course a couple of milk crates are always around...

Posted 12 months ago #
michaelcoyote
!seabus
Login to Send PM

0Angle wrote >>
I sure do like my panniers. With a sturdy rack, 30lb would be MUCH more comfortable... Sorry if this is a derail, but I haul some heavy stuff myself.

+1 to this. Skip the backpack and go with panniers. Carrying a load around on top of your back for a 25min ride each direction is no fun no matter what you use.

You could probably just run with one pannier if it's big enough but two would be better. I've even seen panniers with straps so you can carry them around like a bag once you reach your destination.

You could also use a basket and bungee down your bags to it. You'd need a pretty stable basket for that setup though.

I actually use an xtracycle cargo bike now and it transports plenty with ease. Not sure if a cargo bike is in the budget though :-)

Posted 12 months ago #
pedex

Login to Send PM

a regular backpacking backpack with a waist/hip strap won't work, try it and you will immediately see why

just like backpacking it takes some time to get used to carrying a load, 30lbs is no big deal after doing it for awhile

when properly loaded and cinched a messenger bag will put most of the weight on your chest not your shoulder too, that is what the stabilizing strap does if it is properly designed

Posted 12 months ago #
cc

Login to Send PM

This may be too 'low rent', but I had a friend who hauled just about everything with a similar setup in college.
http://www.instructables.com/id/Milk-Crate-Bicycle-Saddlebags/

Posted 12 months ago #
Coy
Discovery District
Login to Send PM

Yeah, the back packs I'm looking at do not have the large waist strap... i'm aware of that issue, which is a big limiting factor.

I also want to stay away from paniers/baskets/etc.
I work at OSU and will be taking classes as well, so I'm looking to quickly transition from place to place.
My bike is a stripped down mountain bike (oversized BMX actually), a Swobo Folsom, and I want to keep it as simple as possible.
I have regularly carried 50-60lbs on hiking trips, so all I need is a decent commuter pack that isn't trying to kill my one shoulder, and I should be good.

Think I'm leaning toward the Gregory or Seal Line so far...

Anyone else looking for packs, check out Steep and Cheap.com.... it is indeed cheap. Takes some patience, tho...

Posted 12 months ago #
Coy
Discovery District
Login to Send PM

cc wrote >>
This may be too 'low rent', but I had a friend who hauled just about everything with a similar setup in college.
http://www.instructables.com/id/Milk-Crate-Bicycle-Saddlebags/

looks more like moonshine delivery....

Posted 12 months ago #
unejoliefille

Login to Send PM

I love my Crumpler bags. I have a Seagull bag and had the same problem with school books and my laptop --the lack of compartments just made them slide horizontally -- although it's perfect for other stuff!

I have a Nhil Heist, but I looked at their website and think what you're probably looking for is The Famous Winebar

Posted 12 months ago #
phaedrus
Clintonville / Beechwold
Login to Send PM

+1 on the crumpler mention. They make a very solid product.

Posted 12 months ago #
Coy
Discovery District
Login to Send PM

A buddy of mine has a Crumpler, and its a bit odd.
It is one of the smaller ones, though... they come up on steepandcheap.com a lot.
I like their other stuff, incl the Winebar...its just pricey.
If i could walk away from this spending $100 or less, I'd be super happy....

Posted 11 months ago #
johnwirtz
Evanston, IL
Login to Send PM

0Angle wrote >>
I sure do like my panniers. With a sturdy rack, 30lb would be MUCH more comfortable... Sorry if this is a derail, but I haul some heavy stuff myself.

I was going to suggest this too. When I started biking I would throw all my work cloths in my backpack for the hour ride, but it was pretty uncomfortable. I got a pannier bag to hang over the rear rack and it works out much better. That said, my pannier is a little too flexible and the corners will get into the spokes if I don't use some bungee cords with it. I would recommend getting a stiff pannier that won't bend into the spokes. Some even connect directly to a specialized rack, making it really fast to load and unload.

Posted 11 months ago #
groundrules

Login to Send PM

cc wrote >>
This may be too 'low rent', but I had a friend who hauled just about everything with a similar setup in college.
http://www.instructables.com/id/Milk-Crate-Bicycle-Saddlebags/

I just realized that rack is on the front. I'll be that handles like a motherfucker.

Posted 11 months ago #