Australian Cycling Forums - Bicycles Network Australia

I am after a new backpack to replace my current one which has seen better days. Can anyone recommend a good cycle backpack for carrying change of clothes/lunch and the odd pair of shoes or jacket to work each day. My current one has a waist strap but no strap across the chest which allows the bag to move a little too much on my back so any opinions on bags with the extra strap would be good too.

I've never had one with a chest strap and have never had any trouble in 10s of thousands of commuting k...maybe I'm missing out on something and should try one??

I run a fluid hydration pack with no bladder insert which go on sale for about 29 I think.

Looks small but I can fit everything in including size 13 shoes, lunch, jeans, work shirt, tools, wallet etc. Has lots of small pockets with side mesh and helmet holder plus, and there's more, a yellow rain fold out cover.

Has two straps and vented section sitting away from your back.

I got myself a Deuter Cross City backpack some time ago. When I do commute to work (it's been a while - I've been lazy), it's a 53Km round trip. It's pretty comfortable for the whole ride. Check out my review here. I've since added a backpack cover to it, which makes it hi-vis and able to withstand rain.

Max

I have been loking around the net a bit and found these two that took my fancy. I also saw a few of the Deuter range that looked pretty good. I am travelling overseas soon so plan to pick up something good at a better price than we can get on OZ. Anyone had any experience with either of those two.

Vaude BIKE ALPIN AIROFLEX 30+5
http://www.woolyswheels.com/shopping/pr ... ts_id/1097

Vaude Bike Alpin Vent 30+5
http://www.woolyswheels.com/shopping/pr ... ts_id/1098

I got a Deuter Cross Air EXP from online. Its great for the 20k each way every day and can expand to carry heaps (lunch,shoes,full change of clothes and lunch time running gear). Plus it can go down pretty flat with a light load.

Pax wrote:I've never had one with a chest strap and have never had any trouble in 10s of thousands of commuting k...maybe I'm missing out on something and should try one??

Believe it or not, the chest strap takes most of the weight off your shoulders.

Personally, I use a High Sierra hiking backpack which has a fold out fluoro rain cover. Works well.

aussieorchid wrote:I have been loking around the net a bit and found these two that took my fancy. I also saw a few of the Deuter range that looked pretty good. I am travelling overseas soon so plan to pick up something good at a better price than we can get on OZ. Anyone had any experience with either of those two.

Vaude BIKE ALPIN AIROFLEX 30+5
http://www.woolyswheels.com/shopping/pr ... ts_id/1097

Vaude Bike Alpin Vent 30+5
http://www.woolyswheels.com/shopping/pr ... ts_id/1098

Sorry no experience with those specific models, but I've commuted with a Vaude Splash Air 20 +5 for the past 2-3 years and would say it's by far the best cycling backpack I've ever owned.

Good points:
- so comfortable I sometimes think I don't have it on & have to look down at the waist strap to check
- Back venting system comes into its' own in summer
- little sign of wear after 2-3 years
- storage: nice mix of pockets and storage
- waterproof cover works well and can be installed quickly (at traffic lights during sudden downpour for example).

Bad points:
- Cost. I bought mine at Burwood cycles in Sydney & it wasn't too expensive but they've gone up a fair bit since then.
- I drive my shirts into work & don't carry shoes, but if you need to do that the next size up would be the go

aussieorchid wrote:I am after a new backpack to replace my current one which has seen better days. Can anyone recommend a good cycle backpack for carrying change of clothes/lunch and the odd pair of shoes or jacket to work each day. My current one has a waist strap but no strap across the chest which allows the bag to move a little too much on my back so any opinions on bags with the extra strap would be good too.

Deuter 28 as discussed in this thread

anyone recommended http://www.mboye.com.au/

cheap, has reflective strips all over the place, carries my shoes, change of clothes and other bits and pieces no worries. comfortable and reliable.

had it for a year and i half and can't speak highly enough of it.

Can't go past Deuter.

I have a Cross City and its great esp if you have to lug a laptop. My Mrs has the Trans-Alpine 26 SL. Both are fantastic packs. I have also not seen a bad word said about the Cross Air EXP mentioned above. The latter two are shown off here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=psJC5-AhgeY

I'll be honest, my favourite feature is the key fob!

I am currently trialing an Ortlieb Vario (F7703) and using it with the Ortlieb Notebook Sleeve (F881) for the laptop.

Very comfortable fit plus waterproof and chest strap (no waist). Can also fit on the bike rack (as a pannier).

Contact is importer Allegro Bikes or try Ortlieb to get details.

I've got an Osprey Halo which I've been using nearly every work day for 2 years. At a pinch I can get all my clothes, lunch, and my netbook into it. Normally, I just carry my lunch and used work clothes (I drive my shirts in once a week). It has a waist strap, which I don't use, but no chest strap and it sits nicely on my back. It cost me $70 from Paddy Palin's from memory.

Ortlieb Waterproof Messenger Bag.. Best commuting pack I've ever used.

I got a Mammut from one of the Mountain stores, cant remember, was on sale though. Waist and Chest straps, and you can put a bladder in it. It has an in built rain cover that pulls out from the bottom, all up pretty cool for the trip into work, looking forward to use this in Summer in Brisvegas and not get the super sweaty back

I'm really happy with the inov-8 backpack I bought off wiggle - sits very well (running or riding), and seems really well put together. It can also take a bladder if that's what you like. It's also very waterproof - I've ridden around with it when it's been absolutely pissing down, and stuff inside only got the tiniest bit damp where it contacted the outside of the bag. Only gripes would be it's a bit warm on the hot days as it sits flush with your back, and it would be nice if it had a few more reflective highlights and stuff (it's got some, but it'd be better with more).

After having neck and shoulder problems, I purchased an Ergon BC3 from c r c. It has 2 important features:

1. The shoulder straps have a pivot point, which makes it easy to move your head around (especially when in traffic on the commute)
2. The weight is transferred to the hips, the shoulder straps are more for balance and support than anything else

The weak point is the poor internal organisation, however the hugely improved comfort makes this a winner. For those who camel their fluid it looks like it can take bladders.

All, I'am bringing up an old thread, but wanted to know what is a good commuter bag, I do sweat quiet a bit on my back when I've got a backpack on so ventilation is a key.
Should look cool, also have decent capacity for usual things one would take while commuting.

kunalraiker wrote:All, I'am bringing up an old thread, but wanted to know what is a good commuter bag, I do sweat quiet a bit on my back when I've got a backpack on so ventilation is a key.
Should look cool, also have decent capacity for usual things one would take while commuting.

You missed a younger one HERE...

I use a Mountain Design's day pack - it has a cool vent frame that keeps the pack off my back, wide straps (including hip and chest strap), a waterproof pocket at the top, removable waterproof cover that goes under the bag, and heaps of room. I take all my food (5 meals), clothes, sometimes shoes, backup water bottle and laptop.

Plus, I get to use it when I go hiking with the family

This is my commuting backpack, super light weight and comfortable

http://www.macpac.com.au/endurance/endu ... 11803.html

The duratek seems to be very popular.

Might get this!

http://www.deuter.com/en_AU/backpack-de ... 0EXP%20Air" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Oddly, my daily commute backpack is a Lowepro Mini Trekker AW originally purchased for some of my camera gear :\

Stripped of its velcro partitions, not only does it have plenty of padding for my laptop, phones, etc but also has a built in rain jacket that can be pulled over it on a wet day.

one from Mont. it's mach 2 after number 1 got flogged. would buy another in an instant.

Considered getting a Pannier by any chance? I decided to get one instead of lugging a backpack to work every day, and my back is loving me for it, it also makes carrying big loads a hell of a lot easier (Groceries and such)