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backpack for commuting by bike

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  • July 27, 2020 at 3:01 pm #31004
    reuvenfg

    I have been looking for a good backpack for when I commute every day and I have been struggling to find one that fulfils all of my criteria.
    It needs to be breathable so I don’t look like I rode to work underwater.
    It needs a laptop sleeve.
    It needs to be comfortable and not block my line of sight (i have had this problem with other bags).
    It also needs to be on the cheaper side at around the sub-£70 mark.
    Any suggestions?

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  • July 30, 2020 at 6:38 pm #962759
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    Richbeck

    Carradice Nelson saddlebag –
    Carradice Nelson saddlebag – wrap your laptop in a towel!

    July 30, 2020 at 5:33 pm #962757
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    Anonymous

    A bit leftfield, but how

    A bit leftfield, but how about a trailer?

    Something like a Bob Yak, although obviously not a Bob Yak as they are bloody expensive, however they turn up on ebay on a regular basis at far more sensible prices.

    Personally I use an Osprey Hike Elite 18ltr, no laptop sleeve but roomy enough to carry one if needed, but then again computers are for doing work stuff, so why would I be taking one home with me anyway?

    If a bag was the only go to option I’d look at a messenger bag, somethong like a Timbuk2, bulletproof design and materials and ample room for carrying even the biggest laptops going. Doubt you’ll get one new for less than £70 but there’s always ebay.

    July 30, 2020 at 8:46 am #962755
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    gravelgraz

    Probably not in your price

    Probably not in your price range, unless you can find it on special, but I have an Osprey Radial 34 and find it quite good.

    The laptop sleeve is fine, the carrying capacity is big enough, there are enough pockets and the light aluminium frame which makes it stand up on its own is very handy.

    I do still get a sweaty back, but the breathability is much better with the Radial than anything else I’ve tried in the last couple of years – apart from other Osprey packs like a Talon 22, but that didn’t have the laptop sleeve.

    Expensive, not super light due to the aluminium frame, but works fine for my commute and as breathable for my back as I can find.

    July 30, 2020 at 8:03 am #962753
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    hawkinspeter
    Tom_77 wrote:
    hawkinspeter wrote:
    brooksby wrote:
    hawkinspeter wrote:
     

     went for the 55L as I needed something that could fit a large boardgame into it (it can fit two easily) …

    You know that the boards for most boardgames fold in half? 😉

    (Or are you intending to carry a goban with you?)

    It was a KickStarter one that got delivered to work – https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/253344/cthulhu-death-may-die

    Still waiting for FrostHaven – that’s a big box too.

    If my copy of Street Fighter ever shows up I’m probably going to need a cargo bike to transport it.

    I haven’t backed that, but it sure looks to be taking a long time. That’s one advantage of Lovecraftian based games – no copyrights to worry about. (The downside is you end up with lots of games and not enough time to play them all)

    July 29, 2020 at 10:54 pm #962751
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    mtb_roadtripper

    I too am obviously going to

    I too am obviously going to recommend panniers…however…

    I have an Evoc Trail 20 (20litre) mountain bike back pack for big mtb rides. 

    I also use it for anything else back pack related, including a lot of flights as hand luggage. It comes with a back protector which is easily removable and then a Mac Book Air fits perfectly in the protector/liquid bladder compartment (also removed).

    It has big, wide waist straps with velcro and a clip so it fits real snug to the body. Imagine a back pack that you barely notice when hooning down a trail. 

    Oh and it comes with a rain cover.

    If you HAD to get a back pack, i’d recommend it. 

    July 29, 2020 at 11:59 am #962749
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    Tom_77
    hawkinspeter wrote:
    brooksby wrote:
    hawkinspeter wrote:
     

     went for the 55L as I needed something that could fit a large boardgame into it (it can fit two easily) …

    You know that the boards for most boardgames fold in half? 😉

    (Or are you intending to carry a goban with you?)

    It was a KickStarter one that got delivered to work – https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/253344/cthulhu-death-may-die

    Still waiting for FrostHaven – that’s a big box too.

    If my copy of Street Fighter ever shows up I’m probably going to need a cargo bike to transport it.

    July 29, 2020 at 11:35 am #962747
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    reuvenfg

    do you know anything about

    do you know anything about the osprey daylight plus, it says that there is a laptop holder and it’s cheaper

    July 29, 2020 at 11:10 am #962745
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    arckuk

    I’d recommend my Osprey

    I’d recommend my Osprey Syncro 20 backpack. It’s got a design that gives decent ventilation for your back, a water reservoir pocket that’s big enough for a decent sized (not huge) laptop, a separate front pocket and a top keys/phone/wallet etc pocket. There are stretchy mesh outside pockets for stuffing in gloves, armwarmers etc in mid-ride and a built-in waterproof cover. It’s reasonably slim and not too high, so it doesn’t get in the way. I’ve used it daily for years on my 13 mile each way commute, and am very happy with it.

    July 29, 2020 at 8:44 am #962743
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    CyclingInGawler

    Having spent 20-odd years

    Having spent 20-odd years commuting by bike I’d have to recommend going down the     route of using panniers if at all possible. I just found it much more comfortable than using a rucksack, plus they place the load lower down which aids stability.

    July 28, 2020 at 1:50 pm #962741
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    hawkinspeter
    brooksby wrote:
    hawkinspeter wrote:
     

     went for the 55L as I needed something that could fit a large boardgame into it (it can fit two easily) …

    You know that the boards for most boardgames fold in half? 😉

    (Or are you intending to carry a goban with you?)

    It was a KickStarter one that got delivered to work – https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/253344/cthulhu-death-may-die

    Still waiting for FrostHaven – that’s a big box too.

    July 28, 2020 at 1:42 pm #962739
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    brooksby
    hawkinspeter wrote:
     

     went for the 55L as I needed something that could fit a large boardgame into it (it can fit two easily) …

    You know that the boards for most boardgames fold in half? 😉

    (Or are you intending to carry a goban with you?)

    July 28, 2020 at 1:05 pm #962737
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    nopants

    You could try a courier bag.

    You could try a courier bag. Not so stable, but you get much less sweaty and can see over your shoulder.

    July 28, 2020 at 12:30 pm #962735
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    Simon E

    UK company LOMO do dry bags

    UK company LOMO do dry bags and rucksacks that look similar:

    https://www.lomo.co.uk/acatalog/Dry-Bag-Rucksacks.html

    July 28, 2020 at 10:36 am #962733
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    hawkinspeter

    I’ve gone through a few

    I’ve gone through a few backpacks in my time and none of them are breathable enough to stop a sweaty back. I’ve tried “airflow” ones that have an open mesh against your back and space for air to go between that and the bag, but if you’re cycling hard, just having your clothes pushed against your back will cause sweating.

    I can recommend the ProViz ones though they’re not especially waterproof.

    My current choice is a huge Earth-Pak one: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Earth-Pak-Waterproof-Backpack-Front-Zippered/dp/B07BDQG6MG

    I went for the 55L as I needed something that could fit a large boardgame into it (it can fit two easily) and as the top rolls down, it’s not too big for ordinary use. I daresay that the 55L might be too big in terms of blocking your line of sight though I don’t find it a problem, personally. The big advantage of them is the cheapness and complete waterproofness. No laptop sleeve though.

    July 28, 2020 at 10:08 am #962731
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    mdavidford

    Quote:

    It needs to be breathable so I don’t look like I rode to work underwater.

    You’re going to be in the backpack while cycling?

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