Recommend a bag for commuting

frag420

Hi Folks,

I have started commuting to work by bike and I am loving it!

However the bag I use is not ideal. Can anyone recommend a bag that I could keep a laptop in if needed but also keep a work shirt that wont crease if that is possible(i heard someone mention it on the tube before xmas). Also space for repair kit, jacket if needed, wet compartment etc.

Any help greatly appreciated,

frAg

qb123

I'd get a good pannier rather than a bag to put on your back - just check it can fit the laptop (have personally found it much easier when laptop has slimline cover only, rather than a bag. With regard to not creasing shirt, what you need to do here is use tissue paper when folding it up and then put it into a plastic bag - I've found this leaves it as if off the hanger. Look up You Tube videos for best way to fold it for travel.

Wishbone Ash

I've gone through many over the years but my present High Sierra one is the best I've had yet. It has 3 separate compartments and 2 pockets on each side (i.e. 4 in total) which means I can keep spare tubes, tools and other essentials separate from the main compartments. It holds a surprising amount of stuff and is very comfortable. It has reflective strips on the rear and on the front of the shoulder straps. It also has a loop to attach a rear light. (I also use it as hand luggage when travelling).

I got it in the Samsonite outlet in Kildare Village. I think it was €40 but can't recall precisely. It's similar to this one:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sierra-Elite-Business-Stealth-Black/dp/B00DGD7PQK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1453467910&sr=8-1&keywords=high+sierra+backpack

(PS - regarding panniers, I tried one for a while but couldn't get used to it and went back to backpacks. You also need a rack and a frame with appropriate eyelets capable of taking it. Not worth it IMO.)

Alanstrainor

I use a Timbuk2 classic messenger large. It's actually the best bag I've had, large and expandable so carrying clothes, tools, laptop etc is not an issue, and it's also water proof. And I find it very comfortable too. I bought mine on sale for under €50. Worth checking out if you could live with a messenger style bag.

cython

qb123 wrote: »

I'd get a good pannier rather than a bag to put on your back - just check it can fit the laptop (have personally found it much easier when laptop has slimline cover only, rather than a bag. With regard to not creasing shirt, what you need to do here is use tissue paper when folding it up and then put it into a plastic bag - I've found this leaves it as if off the hanger. Look up You Tube videos for best way to fold it for travel.

One caveat I would offer on this is that a pannier may do damage to the laptop if it is a conventional or spinning HDD, as they don't tolerate vibrations too well. In contrast a backpack or messenger bag (basically anything mounted on your person) would probably provide a lot more damping of these vibrations than a rack mounted pannier. I commute with a pannier myself, but would probably rethink that if I had to put a laptop or hard drive in there.

frag420

HI all,

Thanks for the replies, some great bags there. Regarding the shirt part I was told by a colleague over lunch of a bag with a specific shirt part.

Essentially the shirt is placed in a waterproof sleeve that wraps around the bag meaning minimal creasing. Anyone familiar with this as while my colleague remembered the bag he had no idea of brand?

thanks

frAg

Edit - just been made aware of this, could solve my problem http://www.menkind.co.uk/shirt-shuttle-mk3?gclid=CjwKEAiAw4e1BRDfi7vghaWU9jESJACzo9juQQoYzw7VGAHfq5Omp4li7qeLMZmUPmw2hadLSmGmIhoCKHbw_wcB

mattaiuseire

Over the years my bag has been of exceptional use to me while commuting.

Although unfortunately very very expensive, with some signs of wear and tear, and a little rough around the edges, my wife has always been there.

Fian

http://www.ospreyeurope.com/ie_en/pack-selector/momentum-22?

http://www.ospreyeurope.com/ie_en/pack-selector/escapist-25-14?

I use the second of these, is ideal for me.

I have seen an osprey bag since with better back ventilation than these - a mesh system that rests on your back with a deep cavity behind it - it looks great though I am not certain how robust it would be in the long run - whether the mesh could tear.

frag420

mattaiuseire wrote: »

Over the years my bag has been of exceptional use to me while commuting.

Although unfortunately very very expensive, with some signs of wear and tear, and a little rough around the edges, my wife has always been there.

Can you give me a quote for your wife, Mon - Fri. I promise to have her back to you at weekends.

markusz

http://road.cc/content/tech-news/175743-slicks-launches-modular-backpack-kickstarter-and-gets-great-start

tomasrojo

Alanstrainor wrote: »

I use a Timbuk2 classic messenger large. It's actually the best bag I've had, large and expandable so carrying clothes, tools, laptop etc is not an issue, and it's also water proof. And I find it very comfortable too. I bought mine on sale for under €50. Worth checking out if you could live with a messenger style bag.

I use a Timbuk2 extra-small messenger bag. It's big enough for a netbook, rain gear and a few other bits and pieces. I use this bag for walking and cycling, and it's very waterproof. I use a pannier for carrying bike-specific stuff, such as repair kit and lights, and any stuff I might need beyond the usual.

As mentioned already, probably best to avoid putting computers with conventional hard drives on racks, even in panniers.

Seaswimmer

I use the Deuter below. No complaints. I have used it daily for 8 years cycle commuting and still going strong..

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/ie/en/deuter-trans-alpine-30-backpack/rp-prod88941

ted1

I fold my jock, socks into the middle of my shirt, then fold my shirt, then fold a towel over them, throw them in a plastic bag for extra water proofing and put them in a back pack . Always arrive crease free.

Lumen

Keeping tools and a tube in a bidon cuts out the need to carry them in the bag. CO2 and a mini pump can be stored on a bottle cage mount.

gk5000

http://www.halfords.ie/cycling/bike-accessories/bike-baskets-panniers/ridge-pannier-bike-bag

cheap, works, but check it fits your rack/carrier

frag420

Seaswimmer wrote: »

I use the Deuter below. No complaints. I have used it daily for 8 years cycle commuting and still going strong..

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/ie/en/deuter-trans-alpine-30-backpack/rp-prod88941

Awesome looking bag, great reviews but £84!!:eek::eek::eek::eek:

Is it worth it? Any recommendations in the sub £50 price bracket?

Inspector Coptoor

I got this bag as a Christmas present.

It's a great commuter bag.

http://www.ewetsuits.com/acatalog/high-visibility-drybag-cycling.html

g0g

Anyone else got other options to add to this thread? I'm finally about to start the dream (!!) of commuting to work by bike, well at least the odd day anyway! It's just under 15km each way and one big concern will be waterproof-ness of bag to protect laptop. Is it realistic to spend <€ 50 and have a decently waterproof bag? The Lomo one linked seems good from that point of view but appears to lack compartments which I think would be useful.

What about the option of buying a cover, or are they more hassle than they're worth, having to stop to put it in place?

This one seems interesting too, but seems like every reviewer got a free one so can't be sure....

Wishbone Ash

g0g wrote: »

Anyone else got other options to add to this thread? I'm finally about to start the dream (!!) of commuting to work by bike, well at least the odd day anyway! It's just under 15km each way and one big concern will be waterproof-ness of bag to protect laptop. Is it realistic to spend <€ 50 and have a decently waterproof bag? The Lomo one linked seems good from that point of view but appears to lack compartments which I think would be useful.

What about the option of buying a cover, or are they more hassle than they're worth, having to stop to put it in place?

This one seems interesting too, but seems like every reviewer got a free one so can't be sure....

Roll the laptop in a bin liner. I've been doing it for years.

g0g

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

Roll the laptop in a bin liner. I've been doing it for years.

Thanks yeah that's a good idea, but I'd also rather the rest of the contents stay dry enough too especially if they're my clothes for the day!

Wishbone Ash

g0g wrote: »

Thanks yeah that's a good idea, but I'd also rather the rest of the contents stay dry enough too especially if they're my clothes for the day!

I should have added that I wrap the clothes up in another bin liner.

tomasrojo

My Timbuk2 has never let in water, and I got it for €35 off sigmasport.co.uk, including delivery. But I think that was a special offer, as new designs were coming in and they were selling off the old stock.

g0g

Found a good list to work from here.

I quite like the Deuter ones. Does anyone here have the Bike One 20 or the Giga Bike? Both appear to get good reviews. I'm wondering if 20L would be enough to fit computer and change of clothes?

I do have a locker now in work, so do other commuters leave one pair of shoes permanently in work to save lugging them in and out or what? Rather than have to plan and bring in a few shirts for the week, I'd like to spontaneously decide on a given day whether to cycle or drive.

Sorry I know this is all additional info but it links back to the decision on what bag to look at!

frag420

g0g wrote: »

Anyone else got other options to add to this thread? I'm finally about to start the dream (!!) of commuting to work by bike, well at least the odd day anyway! It's just under 15km each way and one big concern will be waterproof-ness of bag to protect laptop. Is it realistic to spend <€ 50 and have a decently waterproof bag? The Lomo one linked seems good from that point of view but appears to lack compartments which I think would be useful.

What about the option of buying a cover, or are they more hassle than they're worth, having to stop to put it in place?

This one seems interesting too, but seems like every reviewer got a free one so can't be sure....

OP here, after a lot of consideration I went with bag...http://www.wiggle.co.uk/osprey-escapist-32-rucksack/

One of the main reasons being the extendable back panel. Arrives on Monday so I will try report back on what is like.

Wishbone Ash

g0g wrote: »

... so do other commuters leave one pair of shoes permanently in work to save lugging them in and out or what?...

I have four of five pairs of shoes at work as well as a selection of neck ties, jackets, overcoats, toiletries etc. I only have to bring in trousers, shirts, jocks and socks. I try to bring these in bulk the odd time I take the car.

Qualitymark

Maybe the Altura

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Altura-Dryline-Cycling-Briefcase-Pannier/dp/B00U00JJZW/ref=sr_1_3?s=sports&ie=UTF8&qid=1454240620&sr=1-3&keywords=altura+laptop+pannier

combined with one of the Eagle Creek packing bags

http://www.amazon.co.uk/SPECTER-GARMENT-FOLDER-MEDIUM-BRILLIANT/dp/B00SPGH9CS/ref=pd_sim_sbs_198_2?ie=UTF8&dpID=41FP2S4RFmL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&refRID=01D3RN16WWCCF8F89531

Wishbone Ash

Qualitymark wrote: »

Maybe the Altura

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Altura-Dryline-Cycling-Briefcase-Pannier/dp/B00U00JJZW/ref=sr_1_3?s=sports&ie=UTF8&qid=1454240620&sr=1-3&keywords=altura+laptop+pannier....

I think g0g is looking for a back pack - not a pannier.

Qualitymark

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

I think g0g is looking for a back pack - not a pannier.

Ah, my mistake. I'm not cracked on backpacks myself, because they raise the centre of gravity, making the ride less stable.

PaulieC

I went for this one in orange. It has plenty of space for clothes, a laptop sleeve, a lock pocket and seemingly endless other little pockets for nits and bobs. It's very comfortable to wear and also has a packaway rain cover (in dayglow yellow).

Masala

Strange... Non of the recommendation above allow for carrying a water bottle.!!

I find that its a must for a rucksack... Especially if going to be used socially as well on walks, holidays etc.

Wishbone Ash

Masala wrote: »

Strange... Non of the recommendation above allow for carrying a water bottle.!!

I find that its a must for a rucksack... Especially if going to be used socially as well on walks, holidays etc.

A lot of the back packs referred to are cycling specific - it would be assumed that water would be carried in the cage as it's much more accessible.

triggermortis

I use an Ortlieb Velocity bag and have found it excellent. It only has one compartment, which I prefer as I have to remove most the contents for security at work.

frag420

frag420 wrote: »

OP here, after a lot of consideration I went with bag...http://www.wiggle.co.uk/osprey-escapist-32-rucksack/

One of the main reasons being the extendable back panel. Arrives on Monday so I will try report back on what is like.

PaulieC wrote: »

I went for this one in orange. It has plenty of space for clothes, a laptop sleeve, a lock pocket and seemingly endless other little pockets for nits and bobs. It's very comfortable to wear and also has a packaway rain cover (in dayglow yellow).

My bag arrived yesterday to the office and I used it going home and on my commute this morning. Also just noticed PaulieC has got a similar bag.

I have to agree with PaulieC that there is plenty of space for clothing (my bag in slightly bigger), space for laptop, tools, lunch, shoes etc! There are more pockets than I need but I am a firm believer in looking at it than looking for it! Rain cover at the bottom in bright yellow which is very convenient!

The main thing is the comfort, the weight distribution is exceptional along with the extendible back panel for taller cyclists like me.
My other bag which was a bog standard backpack that felt uneven and uncomfortable however with my new bag with the segmented compartments for tools(not lying at the bottom of the bag) clothes, belly straps etc it is super comfortable and genuinely feels like you are carrying an empty bag sometimes!

While it has only been two commutes for me I would defo recommend this bag, has everything you need and more. Oh and to address the comment from Masala, while there is no official holder for a water bottle there is more than enough options to carry one that is easily accessible while commuting!

I hope this helps....

frag420

frag420 wrote: »

OP here, after a lot of consideration I went with bag...http://www.wiggle.co.uk/osprey-escapist-32-rucksack/

One of the main reasons being the extendable back panel. Arrives on Monday so I will try report back on what is like.

PaulieC wrote: »

I went for this one in orange. It has plenty of space for clothes, a laptop sleeve, a lock pocket and seemingly endless other little pockets for nits and bobs. It's very comfortable to wear and also has a packaway rain cover (in dayglow yellow).

My bag arrived yesterday to the office and I used it going home and on my commute this morning. Also just noticed PaulieC has got a similar bag.

I have to agree with PaulieC that there is plenty of space for clothing (my bag in slightly bigger), space for laptop, tools, lunch, shoes etc! There are more pockets than I need but I am a firm believer in looking at it than looking for it! Rain cover at the bottom in bright yellow which is very convenient!

The main thing is the comfort, the weight distribution is exceptional along with the extendible back panel for taller cyclists like me.
My other bag which was a bog standard backpack that felt uneven and uncomfortable however with my new bag with the segmented compartments for tools(not lying at the bottom of the bag) clothes, belly straps etc it is super comfortable and genuinely feels like you are carrying an empty bag sometimes!

While it has only been two commutes for me I would defo recommend this bag, has everything you need and more. Oh and to address the comment from Masala, while there is no official holder for a water bottle there is more than enough options to carry one that is easily accessible while commuting!

I hope this helps....

Hasmunch

g0g wrote: »

Found a good list to work from here.

I quite like the Deuter ones. Does anyone here have the Bike One 20 or the Giga Bike? Both appear to get good reviews. I'm wondering if 20L would be enough to fit computer and change of clothes?

I do have a locker now in work, so do other commuters leave one pair of shoes permanently in work to save lugging them in and out or what? Rather than have to plan and bring in a few shirts for the week, I'd like to spontaneously decide on a given day whether to cycle or drive.

Sorry I know this is all additional info but it links back to the decision on what bag to look at!

I use the Giga bike, it fits laptop, small towel, change of clothes, lunch and waterproof cover.
Cant fault it in any way to be honest.

Dave_White

Personally I use Chrome Metropolis. Its big (40 L), tough and waterproof. Fits all you might need at work/school and much, much more. On the plus size: adjustable, can fit odd shaped things (on more than one occasion I carried extra wheel sets, bike frames or whole bikes and about 48 cans of beer) and sort of bends around your body (which is comfy). On the minus side: expensive, no padding what so ever (I use sleeve for laptops and such), main strap buckle is exposed, so if you have weird shaped chest (like I do) with the heavier loads it might rub against it.

If you are looking for messenger bag, there are quite many cheaper alternatives : bagaboo, yugo, rickshaw.

If you are looking for more of the backpack, you might want to look into rolltop style ones. They are quite versatile. My girlfriend uses one from Ortlieb and she is pretty happy with it.

But yeah, if you want to go easy on your back you might want to look into pannier bags. Or a front rack. Or a cargo bike

Dave_White

Personally I use Chrome Metropolis. Its big (40 L), tough and waterproof. Fits all you might need at work/school and much, much more. On the plus size: adjustable, can fit odd shaped things (on more than one occasion I carried extra wheel sets, bike frames or whole bikes and about 48 cans of beer) and sort of bends around your body (which is comfy). On the minus side: expensive, no padding what so ever (I use sleeve for laptops and such), main strap buckle is exposed, so if you have weird shaped chest (like I do) with the heavier loads it might rub against it.

If you are looking for messenger bag, there are quite many cheaper alternatives : bagaboo, yugo, rickshaw.

If you are looking for more of the backpack, you might want to look into rolltop style ones. They are quite versatile. My girlfriend uses one from Ortlieb and she is pretty happy with it.

But yeah, if you want to go easy on your back you might want to look into pannier bags. Or a front rack. Or a cargo bike