Australian Cycling Forums - Bicycles Network Australia

Hi,

thinking of starting commuting to work by bicycle instead of a car. It's a 8-9km trip one way.

One of the requirements is that I need to carry 17" Macbook Pro with me, plus maybe some clothes, lunch etc.

If you know good backpacks which could do the job please share. Price is not the biggest concern.

Thanks in advance!

If price is not a concern, get a pannier. Summer riding will be much more pleasant without a sweaty back.

I have an STM Loop backpack that I've used a couple of times on the bike with my 17" Macbook Pro (circa early 2007). I don't need to transport it on my regular commute though. The backpack is quite good but a tight fit for the MBP and an accidental drop of the backpack onto a driveway (20-30cm drop) didn't stop the aluminium laptop case from denting near the DVDROM drive.

K-Mart have a large size back in black only for $30.00 or so.....I forget how much I paid.
Internally are two large compartments with extra smaller ones, externally are two zippered pockets and the shoulder straps are riveted in place.
Mine is holding up to heavy shopping loads perfectly fine and I highly recommend this model.
I had a stitched strap fail on another backpack approaching a downhill roundabout...the pack slid down my arm to my hand and flung into the front wheel - really dangerous.

Be warned, your butt will notice and suffer the extra weight on the saddle....instead I carry a light weight netbook in a smaller 'No Fear' back pack that I bought at K-Mart also.

Eric 'equipped' Mc.

I have a Crumpler Beer Back which will hold a 17" MacBook and stuff nicely. It is a nice like pack and is very comfortable. It's not cheap, $260.

I used it 3 times before I realised it was hurting my back and detracting too much from the pleasure of commuting. I have since bought a very light Tubus rack and Ortlieb panniers to carry my stuff and I'm much happier. Although I have decided I don't really need my laptop as much I as I thought so I leave it at work most of the time but it's nice to be able to cart it around when I do need it.

I have a Deuter City Cross backpack which I've reviewed here. I regularly carry a 15" Dell laptop in it. I don't know if a 17" laptop would fit. If you measure your laptop, the Deuter web site should be able to help you there.

Overall, it's a good backpack and does what I need it to do. The laptop is in its own little pocket, and the rest of the main part of the backpack is big enough to carry clothes, shoes, toiletries etc. It's comfortable to wear unless I'm carrying a very heavy load. My most common complaint about it, however, is that my view of what's behind me is somewhat limited. Shoulder checks are difficult to do effectively.

After 12 months of commuting with it, I'm ready to move to panniers. This is for two reasons - one, I can do visibility checks much more readily, and two, I can carry more stuff. That said, if you can confidently carry the weight of the backpack with laptop etc, then go for it. It's worked for me for the last twelve months, no reason it couldn't work for you too.

Max

I've been using a High Sierra 'Access' for the last 2-3 years. Its been great. Secure padded pocket for a 17" laptop, I can fit a change of clothes, work documents, my lunch etc. all in it no problems. Very well made shoulder and waist straps, chest strap - 3 years of daily use and no sign of any seams failing or buggered zips etc. Highly recommended.

http://www.luggagedirect.com.au/catalog ... cts_id=906