Backpack recommendation

Yakuza

Hello gentlefolk of the cycling forum,
I'm thinking of changing bikes from a hybrid (Trek 7.2) to a road bike (something in the Merida range caught my eye last time I was a bike shop).

I want to keep the bike weight down so won't be going with a rack / pannier solution for my commute. As I sweat like the proverbial pig, I'm looking for a backpack that lifts the storage area off the back a bit (creating a gap for air to circulate and stop my back getting sticky).

Any recommendations out there for a brand and where to buy?
A quick check of the forum would suggest Deuter as the brand to go for, just looking for some real world experience. I don't mind spending a few bob on it if it's good quality.

Thanks in advance,

ford2600

I've used an airflow rucksack for many years on hiking trips, they may be called freeflow now.

Recently as I couldn't find rack I used on a 100km plus spin with a couple of kilos in it. Found it very good.

I'd buy in bricks and mortar shop and load it up before buying, a good rucksack should
*be comfortable
* have adjustable straps to adjust weight between waist and shoulders
* keep your back dry

Lumen

You can't keep your back dry with a backpack on, regardless of the design.

How much stuff do you need to carry?

C3PO

I use a Deuter Trans Alpine every day for my 30kms round trip commute on a drop bar Langster. It's often fairly heavy but I don't even notice it once I get going! Highly recommended!

ThisRegard

I have a Deuter Superbike, does a good job. It has that airflow jibber jabber design on the back but you do a get sweaty back. However I don't notice it until I've stopped and removed the pack, when cycling it's not an issue, whether that's by design I don't know.

I've commuted with changes of clothing alongside laptops and it distributes the weight very well so it feels very comfy when cycling.

Yakuza

Lumen wrote: »

You can't keep your back dry with a backpack on, regardless of the design.

How much stuff do you need to carry?

Daily commute stuff - a towel and a change of clothes, as well as a mini pump, wet gear and the extension loop of my lock. I have a small seat post bag with a multitool and spare tube which I'd be happy enough to transfer to the new bike. I keep shoes and toiletries in work, so it's not that much weight wise. The odd time I might need to throw an A4 folder / notepad and a few pens in but not every day.

friso59

I've got a vaude alpine 25+5 that I use for a daily commute of 10km each way.
It's got the thing that lifts it of your back, it's ok but you still sweat. I've had it for about two years now and can't fault it, it still looks like the day I got it and it's been out in all conditions. I carry gym gear and a change of clothes and there's plenty of space for all that. I bought it in snow and rock in dundrum for about 80 quid. Hope that helps you.

GSOIRL

I have a Timbuk2 messenger bag and I find it great. It has extra protection for my laptop. It also have pockets for cyclists for instant access so you don't always have to take the bag off. It's really easy to adjust where the bag sits on your back meaning you don't get too sweaty. I'm really happy with it and would definitely recommend.

http://www.timbuk2.com/messenger-bags?gclid=CPKc0rK17MYCFSGe2wodRgMF4w

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LwZK7nhI7N8

http://urbanvelo.org/timbuk2-custom-laptop-messenger-bag-part2/

omri

Yakuza wrote: »

Daily commute stuff - a towel and a change of clothes, as well as a mini pump, wet gear and the extension loop of my lock. I have a small seat post bag with a multitool and spare tube which I'd be happy enough to transfer to the new bike. I keep shoes and toiletries in work, so it's not that much weight wise. The odd time I might need to throw an A4 folder / notepad and a few pens in but not every day.

Wouldn't be better to keep all that stuff at your desk at work and replace it once a week ?

Alanstrainor

I have a large Timbuk2 messenger bag which I use for commuting and find it great. Definitely not as sweaty as other bags I've used. But to be honest, every bag you get is going to be somewhat sweaty. If you do go the messenger route, get a large sized one. Tonnes of room, and yet collapses tightly on the occasions you don't have as much stuff in your bag.

My large classic messenger has:
Full change of clothes: Pants + shirt
Towel (once a week, as i leave it in the office)
Tools + tube
Laptop if needed (bag is large enough for a 15")

And to be honest, there is always room for more, but you'd have to question your sanity carrying such a heavy load every day!

Dades

omri wrote: »

Wouldn't be better to keep all that stuff at your desk at work and replace it once a week ?

That's what I do. And use one of those drawstring bags that go on your back and weigh nothing if I need to carry something random in/home during the week.

Leroy42

Just curious as to why you want to keep the bike weight down but are happy to put the weight on your back?

You say you sweat alot, then panniers really are the best way. A got a cheapo set from Lidl, nothing fancy but do the job fine for the commute and keeps the back dry. What I find the best is that even though I chance at work, not having that sweaty back feeling when changing (I don't have showers) makes a big difference.

Yakuza

omri wrote: »

Wouldn't be better to keep all that stuff at your desk at work and replace it once a week ?

I do leave the trousers there Mon-Fri and I could leave the towel there too (it's a microfibre so it's normally dry before I go home) but I'd want to be bringing at least a shirt as well as wet gear and my lock pretty much all the time.

Yakuza

Leroy42 wrote: »

Just curious as to why you want to keep the bike weight down but are happy to put the weight on your back?

You say you sweat alot, then panniers really are the best way. A got a cheapo set from Lidl, nothing fancy but do the job fine for the commute and keeps the back dry. What I find the best is that even though I chance at work, not having that sweaty back feeling when changing (I don't have showers) makes a big difference.

Balance / handling primarily and (admittedly this is a bit vacuous) I think the bike would look better without the rack). When I first started commuting I used a regular backpack with all the attendant sweat issues. When I changed to the rack and pannier solution I lost the sweaty back but the trade-off was handling and balance.

oheilis

+1 for Vaude bags. They're fairly indestructible and about the same price as a Deuter (haven't owned a Deuter so can't compare)

Hani Kosti

+1 Vaude (Alpin 25+5). Have mine for over 3 years, still in great condition,used daily. Appreciate the fact you can set up position of the backpack for your back (perfect even for petite frame sized women)
It has a mesh on the back, still sweat but the venting helps a lot.
Food, change of clothes (for gym) and some necessities, still plenty of space left!
Had Deuter before (3), feel Vaude provides better quality for money