Best Backpack for Commuting/Cycling?

Blani · 09-12-2014 9:25pm #1

Hi guys,

Any recommendations for a lightweight durable good quality backpack? I spend approx 4 hours per day commuting between walking to the bus stop, an hour long bus journey and a 15 minute cycle so comfort is a must. Size wise - something to fit lunchbox, ipad and big enough to use as a shopping bag for my bits from the supermarket. I'm looking at a budget of between €50-80.

Thanks in advance.

C3PO · 09-12-2014 9:37pm

Just bought one of these in a recent CRC sale - a bit outside your budget but absolutely brilliant so far!

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/ie/en/deuter-trans-alpine-25-backpack/rp-prod88939

aFlabbyPanda · 09-12-2014 10:07pm

^^^^^^ I know a lad in work who runs, yes runs, 10k to work every day with one of them. He swears by it.

darkvalley · 09-12-2014 11:35pm

I have this one for about 6 months now and find it very good. All zips, catches seams etc still good. Gets daily use, although not always on the bike.
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/dhb-slice-30l-rucksack/
Well under your budget too

Unknown Soldier · 10-12-2014 12:19am

I've been using the following for about 18 months, well 9ish on my back.

http://www.elverys.ie/Product/under-armour-exeter-backpack-yellow/226828/0000000770

Water repellent <> waterproof.

I have an Oxford rain cover for it.

You can fit a lot into it.

I've never thought it "uncomfortable"

Still using it.

Jawgap · 10-12-2014 10:11am

C3PO wrote: »

Just bought one of these in a recent CRC sale - a bit outside your budget but absolutely brilliant so far!

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/ie/en/deuter-trans-alpine-25-backpack/rp-prod88939

I'll add my vote for the TransAlp. Very comfy and very configurable.

PLUG71 · 10-12-2014 10:14am

Can anyone recommend a backpack that is waterproof and will hold a laptop etc?

WillyFXP · 10-12-2014 11:41am

+1 on the Deuter, I have the trans alpine 30 and it's amazing quality.
Also a lot cheaper on bike24 than CRC
http://www.bike24.de/1.php?content=8;navigation=1;product=42795;page=1;menu=1000,5,127;mid=41

WillyFXP · 10-12-2014 11:43am

PLUG71 wrote: »

Can anyone recommend a backpack that is waterproof and will hold a laptop etc?

The trans alpine 30 has a waterproof hi viz cover in the bottom pocket. It will easily take a 15.6" laptop. I regularly carry my laptop in mine.

PLUG71 · 10-12-2014 12:05pm

WillyFXP wrote: »

The trans alpine 30 has a waterproof hi viz cover in the bottom pocket. It will easily take a 15.6" laptop. I regularly carry my laptop in mine.

Thankyou:)

RunRoryRun · 10-12-2014 12:48pm

I have this for the last 2 years and find it great. Only 20L but the mesh front and side pockets are great for expansion. Comes with rain cover and is very comfy.

http://www.greatoutdoors.ie/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=95&products_id=207635

cython · 10-12-2014 1:45pm

Trans Alpine 30 is on Canyon's advent calendar deal today only: https://www.canyon.com/en/accessories/#category=T046&id=37943

EDIT: Sorry, just realised it seems to be out of stock now, so little use

mirrormatrix · 10-12-2014 1:52pm

http://www.thescoutshop.ie/products//1.5-49_litre/ventis_25-3909.html

Cheap and comfortable

Steo M · 11-12-2014 12:16pm

PLUG71 wrote: »

Can anyone recommend a backpack that is waterproof and will hold a laptop etc?

There's a decent 2nd hand one on Adverts.ie, I can't put up the link here but type 'Bicycle Bike Laptop Bag Altura Urban' into the adverts search box.

Blani · 17-12-2014 5:43pm

C3PO wrote: »

Just bought one of these in a recent CRC sale - a bit outside your budget but absolutely brilliant so far!

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/ie/en/deuter-trans-alpine-25-backpack/rp-prod88939

Hi, just wondering how much does the Alpine 25 hold, items wise?

Thanks.

C3PO · 17-12-2014 9:18pm

Blani wrote: »

Hi, just wondering how much does the Alpine 25 hold, items wise?

Thanks.

TBH it's a little smaller than I thought it would be. Grand for me though - trousers, shirt, t-shirt, towel and my lunch! I can fit a pair of shoes also if required but not a whole lot else! I'd go for the 30 if you need to fit much more.

hardCopy · 18-12-2014 10:35am

Have you tried a pannier OP?

I switched to a rack and pannier a few years ago, no more chaffing under the arms and considerably less back sweat.

laoisfan · 18-12-2014 12:42pm

Hi,

I'm thinking of getting one of these.

Lomo High Visibility Cycling Rucksack Dry Bag 30L - Hi Vis

I cycle in the countryside so I want something that help me be seen in the dark mornings & evenings to/from the train station.

Regards

cdaly_ · 18-12-2014 12:55pm

laoisfan wrote: »

Hi,

I'm thinking of getting one of these.

Lomo High Visibility Cycling Rucksack Dry Bag 30L - Hi Vis

I cycle in the countryside so I want something that help me be seen in the dark mornings & evenings to/from the train station.

Regards

I wouldn't use a rucksack for that purpose. You're typically bent over so the rucksack is heading for horizontal and is therefore not that visible.

Decent lights on the bike to start with, then consider something reflective on feet or ankles. The pedalling movement will attract the eye.

laoisfan · 18-12-2014 1:13pm

cdaly_ wrote: »

I wouldn't use a rucksack for that purpose. You're typically bent over so the rucksack is heading for horizontal and is therefore not that visible.

Decent lights on the bike to start with, then consider something reflective on feet or ankles. The pedalling movement will attract the eye.

I have the following for front & rear already.

UniqueFire New Generation 2 x Cree XM-L2 Led X2 Bike Bicycle Light Night SolarStorm

Moon Comet Rear Light

I'm considering getting the rucksack because of how waterproof it is. It's a bonus that it is a hi-viz also. My current bag is just crap, having to empty & dry it each evening.

Plus I have a 9-led light (3 x AA battery) for my helmet plus the hi-viz jacket.

laoisfan · 02-09-2015 2:50pm

laoisfan wrote: »

Hi,

I'm thinking of getting one of these.

Lomo High Visibility Cycling Rucksack Dry Bag 30L - Hi Vis

I cycle in the countryside so I want something that help me be seen in the dark mornings & evenings to/from the train station.

Regards

Finally got around to ordering one of these

Have to say...so far so good. Keeping all my work clothes dry on my cycle to the train station. Been caught out in 1 or 2 downpours lately and the bag has not failed.

Ordered it direct from here as Amazon were out of stock at the time.

OleRodrigo · 02-09-2015 2:58pm

The deuter race x is great for small amounts of stuff.

rp · 02-09-2015 3:12pm

I've just got myself an Ortlieb Velocity as a scaled-down Messenger bag, fits a 17" laptop and a change of clothes, as well as my reduced toolset (no longer worried about punctures or chain problems). And it is Ortlieb-totally-waterproof. It's great, and as only e67 from nano bikes dot dee ee.

Best Backpack for Commuting/Cycling?

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