Bag for commute to work

Irish Gunner

ok back into the office and wet gear and winter gear now required.

I have about a 40 minute commute to work and back pack I have not waterproof. Previously I bring in change of clothes, wet gear, puncture repair etc bits, lock, towel to name a few. Have locker in work (not massive) so can leave stuff there. Only in office 2 days a week and showers there also.

Looking for a waterproof bag good pockets that anyone can recommend. Was looking online at decathlon saw a few there.

Anyone got any recommendations

ted1

This one is good.

https://www.wiggle.co.uk/dhb-slice-30l-rucksack-1

Irish Gunner

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119602797#Comment_119602797

Cheers

looks good only issue not waterproof but does come with rain cover

mr spuckler

Do you have a rack/rear carrier? I'd strongly recommend getting panniers which tend for the most part to be waterproof. It takes the weight off your back and reduces the inevitable horrible sweat patch you'll get from wearing a bag on your back in the summer!

They might be more expensive upfront but for example I'm just now wearing through my first Ortlieb back roller that I bought around 10 years ago and used for a daily commute for several years.

ted1

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119602935#Comment_119602935

There’s a bright hi vis waterproof cover in a pocket at the bottom

there is a picture and review here: https://www.londoncyclist.co.uk/dhb-slice-cyclist-backpack-review/

I’ve had it a few years and have no complaints

Seweryn

One of these or similar:

https://carradice.co.uk/shop/saddlebags/super-c-sqr-tour/

Best thing I have invested in when I started commuting.

Irish Gunner

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119603436#Comment_119603436

thanks no rack

I might pay a visit to decathlon to get a feel for size etc and if anything up there

Flinty997

Ortlieb and rack. Well worth it.

mr spuckler

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119604392#Comment_119604392

Decathlon have racks from €18 and a set of waterproof panniers from €66, which sounds like pretty good value starting out and if not wanting to overcommit. There are panniers that can also be used as a backpack if you like the flexibility.

thekooman

I use this https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B00E4PNV2G?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title and no issues. i commute to work 50 mins one day a week but it's good for laptop, lunch, clothes but i leave shoes at work.

CramCycle

I had a rear rack for awhile, great but to be honest, a backpack is handier. A rack may save you sweating but you'll notice that weight over your rear wheel for the first while. A back pack is something you have used since childhood. I have a Chrome one, stupidly expensive but it is still waterproof after 14 years. Yes I have sweat patches in the summer but it keeps me warm in the winter. I carry a laptop, change of clothes, papers, lunch and other stuff without issue over 20km each way. It also has acted as a great back protector on two occasions where I lost my front wheel and rolled. No faff when I get to the other end. Anyway, they are nice but by no means necessary and for commuting a backpack is my preference.

smacl

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119606136#Comment_119606136

I ended up doing the opposite. Not wearing padded cycling shorts on the short commutes and shopping trips and found the extra weight of a backpack made things less comfortable on the rear end. As a kid cycling to school the bag was on the back with bungees, probably missed the opportunity to toughen up the undercarriage back then ;)

Flinty997

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119606136#Comment_119606136

I was never carrying as much weight as a laptop. I had a change of clothes at work, so it was only ever when I rotated that.

I dunno what the faff of pannier is. Quick release off in sec. I wasn't carrying it far, it has a shoulder strap but I never used it.

I guess if you have to carry it a lot then a backpack might be handier.

Took a bit of effort to get the right rack so my heel didn't catch the pannier.

mr spuckler

Actually if I have to carry a lot then I far prefer the panniers rather to a backpack, especially as I can just as easily bring the second one to carry anything extra. The weight over the rear wheel only becomes at all noticeable when hitting bumps or potholes and even then it's never bothered me.

How Soon Is Now

I've been using these two bags for a while now depending on what I want to bring into work or home.

This deuter Race X | Bike backpack

and then this one that's a bit bigger deuter Speed Lite 16 | Hiking backpack

The smaller one has a waterproof cover included and has better ventilation for your back and arms.

The first one I have been able to fit a pair of shoes jeans two t shirts spare tube multi tool and few other small things into it.

The bigger one fits a good bit extra without feeling heavy on your back.

There really good quality bags I got both of them in one of those out door shops weren't crazy money either biggest one was 65 euro.

MisterJinx

I've used a Swim Bag for my commutes for the last couple of years. It can take a huge amount of stuff with a sleeve inside for the laptop, 3 x side pockets for tools and a water bottle. Carry whatever gear is necessary inside the main pouch and then it's got a separate section at the bottom that I keep my rain gear in and if I have wet gear it goes in there. I bought a rain cover to go over it for very heavy downpours and low light conditions.

Something similar to the below but I think mine is smaller (30/5 L not 45L)

https://www.tyr.eu/en/swim-bags/2479-alliance-team-45l-backpack.html

CramCycle

A backpack I throw on, walk out, grab the bike, hop on. Hop off at the train and can take out my laptop and whatever else for the trip, repack and cycle up to work. Drop the bike and walk in. The faff is minor, if not non existent, but it just feels like less with a backpack. I say this as often I walk in and am greeted with issues so often have a walk around before I even change. Something stuck to my back is more convenient.

I just prefer a backpack having used both. I'll never go back to panniers unless going on a camping trip.

The Davestator

Panniers also make it a bit more difficult to cut through traffic.

They are more comfortable though

Flinty997

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119613025#Comment_119613025

Jeez how big are they? Mine make no difference. Haven't used them in a while though.

comete

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119603489#Comment_119603489

2nd vote for this one, had one for commuting for years, til I swapped to a proper rack and pannier setup on a dedicated commuter bike.

smacl

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119613149#Comment_119613149

Well now.....

Flinty997

I think I under estimated your commute.

joey100

Cramcycle, what Chrome back pack are you using? Looking for something that can take change of clothes, laptop and lunch but most things seem little small. Are you using one of the messenger style ones or the 2 strap back pack ones?

CramCycle

Messenger style, the one I have is no longer for sale but it was a Chrome Kremlin. Large enough to fit a rotund child was how I used to describe it. I can carry a laptop, books, change or two of clothes, track pump, set of Allen keys, repair kit for the year, wheels can go under the front flap.

triggermortis

I use this: Ortlieb Velocity 17 Litre Backpack - £76.49 | Bags - Rucksacks / Backpacks | Cyclestore for commuting and it has been brilliant. I got the bright yellow one for better visibility. There's one large pocket with a small detachable bag inside for phone, wallet etc and it has been 100% waterproof

Irish Gunner

Ended up with the below maybe overkill but you'd fit a small baby into it. Not that I do😂

Still to test it on rainy day

https://www.decathlon.ie/cycling-bags-and-backpacks/336018-147990-cycling-backpack-speed-520.html#/demodelsize-254no_size/demodelcolor-8666186?queryID=921f9d614a8856f8d5c71a94b4b34f45&objectID=4392678

CramCycle

Alot to be said for the ability to carry that size of stuff (not specifically a baby). On my way home with a clothes change, books, a circular saw, laptop and thermos without issue.

thejaguar

I looked at that in Decathlon last week after reading this thread - didn't seem massive to me. I'm torn between that one and this one posted by thekooman.

Irish Gunner

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119667037#Comment_119667037

I was looking at one amazon but liked decathlon one and there is plenty of room for me including change clothes, wet gear, lock, toiletries