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What rucksack size for commuting

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  • September 10, 2017 at 7:43 pm #27618
    Canyon48

    I’m soon to be starting a 15 mile commute (each way) to uni and I need a rucksack to carry a few things.

    I need to be able to carry a pair of trousers, a top, underwear, pen, paper (plus an a4 sized book), calculator, charger, wallets, keys, phone and lunchbox (big enough for sandwich banana apple and orange).

    10 litres is too small, but I’m thinking 22 (like the Osprey Talon) is too big.

    I think the Deuter Race X could be a good one at 12litres, or would the Deuter Race EXP (12 litres but expandable to add another 3) be better?

    I’m able to leave a towel, toiletries, shoes, lock and a few other things at uni – any opinions on what size bag I might need?

    Cheers!

     

     

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Viewing 15 replies - 16 through 30 (of 39 total)
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  • September 11, 2017 at 7:43 pm #901985
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    ktache

    Timbuk2 large courier bag.

    Timbuk2 large courier bag.  Bit bigger, but good compression and you can really fill it.

    September 11, 2017 at 7:35 pm #901983
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    srchar

    My very similar requirements

    My very similar requirements were fulfilled by a Deuter Race 15 pack up until it suffered terminal rips and tears in an off a few months ago. I replaced it with a Rapha item that was cheap in the sale, because I liked the idea of all the pockets and compartments. I’m on the verge of binning it off for another Deuter. The pockets and compartments are restrictive and take up too much space!

    September 11, 2017 at 7:29 pm #901981
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    Nat Jas Moe

    20l waterproof backpack no

    20l waterproof backpack no zips, good price, very waterproof, from overboard. I also have the 30l but find it very big and only use it on the odd occation when I need the extra space, go for the 20l it will be enough.

    Classic Waterproof Backpack – 20 Litres

    September 11, 2017 at 6:06 pm #901979
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    ooldbaker

    Careful with sizing . I went

    Careful with sizing . I went first for a ebay cheap bag which was stated to be 28L. It lasted about 6 months before the zips broke. I then went for one from a more reputable source which was 20L I thought it might be too small but when I got it, it was way bigger than the supposedly 28L one.

    I carry shopping and it is as big a bag as I can carry fully filled. I wouldn’t want a bigger one but then it is 20 hilly miles to and from the supermarket for me.

    I don’t know if they still have them but I found one which is just big enough for my D-Lock and wallet and perhaps two or three small items from a shop. Its not waterproof or anything but it cost a full Â£2 from Tesco. Pound for Pound it is probably the best buy I have ever made. It might look silly (I think it was intended for 5 year olds) but it is perfect if I don’t want to take the big bag you can carry it in a pocket if empty.

    My advice is go for YKK zips as they just last longer and several other bags broke there relatively quickly.

    September 11, 2017 at 2:42 pm #901977
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    Simboid
    Paul7189 wrote:
    Cant help with sizing but i would say go for something like the Alpkit Gourdon.

    They are out of stock at the moment but should be back in soon.

    They are basically a roll top dry bag so the weather will not break through to your belongings and they are super lightweight. 

    Gourdon 20L

    Bargain also!

     

    Seconded.

    I have the old Gourdon 20 in fluo yellow and it’s superior to anything at twice the price. It’s very durable, extremely light and totally waterproof and the elasticated cording across it keeps the volume down if you’ve not much in. The mesh pockets are reachable and the straps are comfortable. It’s worth waiting until they come back in stock.

    Don’t really see the point of a drybag if you can have a wearable drybag instead. You’ll still have a waterlogged, heavy, expensive Deuter to deal with even if the contents are dry.

    September 11, 2017 at 1:39 pm #901975
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    TypeVertigo

    I just came from a trip to

    I just came from a trip to Paris and bought a Samsonite Paradiver Light L+ laptop backpack. In yellow. 

    https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4356/36892249046_71483fe761_b.jpg

    I’m a sucker for yellow bags, and the thing’s usefully weather-resistant, with a tarpaulin-like material and rubber lining along the zippers. It’s rated for about 24L; there’s a smaller L version that gives up 5L. It’s got a rather trim profile for a rucksack its size, and usefully “hugs” its load against your back closer than, say, a 28L Deuter Giga – despite having only a sternum strap.

    https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4409/36892250896_362bc3bf6c_b.jpg

    My only real complaint is the top carry handle. It’s set a little too far up the top. When bent over on a road bike it tends to rub on your nape, which can be irritating since it’s textured for grip, but can be dealt with in a few creative ways I suppose. Also no reflectives.

    Not particularly cycling-specific mind you, and it will serve you better riding on a more upright bike, but pretty damn good considering. Cost me 96 euros.

    September 11, 2017 at 1:17 pm #901973
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    Goldfever4

    I’d go for a tailpack if it

    I’d go for a tailpack if it weren’t for the size of the book. No heavier than a backpack but keeps the weight off your back and should be 100% waterproof. Much lighter than a pannier arrangement.

    Two things to consider with backpacks – First, I’d recommend using a Hump cover on any backpack – adds waterproofing and visibility to pretty much any backpack and you can take it off so you don’t look like too much of a dork at your destination. If you did that, waterproofing on the bag itself shouldn’t be so important so that opens more design types to you.

    Second, when I’ve done my 20mi commute with a backpack, it’s only been with a Vaude 17l backpack which has a frame that spaces the bag away from my back to retain some airflow – limits the sweatmachine. Worth considering that side of things too.

    September 11, 2017 at 1:05 pm #901971
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    Dnnnnnn

    For that distance of commute,

    For that distance of commute, I’d really prefer panniers to a rucksack. Some panniers have straps so they can be carried like a holdall, or even a rucksack too.

    September 11, 2017 at 11:39 am #901969
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    Wafty Crank

    I’ve been using a DHB 25l
    I’ve been using a DHB 25l waterproof rucksack for the last 6 months and it’s superb. It’s just one of those roll-top jobs but it’s light and completely waterproof.

    September 11, 2017 at 10:52 am #901967
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    davel

    I got this 18L drybag and it
    I got this 18L drybag and it has handled my commute for a year (same distance as you’ll be doing) without flinching. Looks brand new after a wipe/enough of a downpour. https://huubdesign.com/collections/triathlon-bags/products/huub-triathlon-dry-bag

    £70, but I’m a wally of a triathlete who has to spend a certain % of his income each year on stuff that there are cheaper versions of.

    I’m sure that there’ll be decent stuff half its price, but I never bothered looking because HUUB make Good Shit, and I’m a wally of a triathlete who…

    September 11, 2017 at 10:39 am #901965
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    number9dream

    I have a Deuter and 2 Ospreys

    I have a Deuter and 2 Ospreys – while both have waterproof covers i find the Deuter, despite supposedly being cycling specific sits too high up and interferes with my helmet (if you know what i mean). Whether it’s that specific model or not i dont know but i have no such problems with the Ospreys I have.  So my advice is to try first if possible.  

    September 11, 2017 at 10:02 am #901963
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    sergius

    DHB slice 30L (http://www

    DHB slice 30L (http://www.wiggle.co.uk/dhb-slice-30l-rucksack/)

     

    Best rucksack I’ve ever bought, has all the pockets you will ever need and a built-in high-vis and waterproof cover.

    September 11, 2017 at 9:52 am #901961
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    CygnusX1
    wellsprop wrote:
    Thanks for all the replies đŸ™‚

    Definitely thinking of something between 15 and 20L now, just need one with compression straps…

    Think I need to go to the local bike shops again :p

    If you go down the compression strap route, make sure you can tuck the ends in – nothing more annoying than a loose strap flapping against your bag in the wind (except perhaps a loose strap that ges caught in a wheel, and sends you over the bars).

    September 11, 2017 at 9:44 am #901959
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    CygnusX1

    Mungecrundle wrote:

    Mungecrundle wrote:
    My underpants are transported by a special hazmat disposal company.

    The comments on this site always have something to make me chortle on a monday morning!

    Sounds like the OP needs a properly waterproof bag like these from OverBoard:

    Waterproof Backpacks

    I’ve the 20L pro-sports model and never seen a drop of water on the inside, but its too bog for my daily commute.  Or perhaps, you might want to consider roll-top panniers:

    Waterproof Panniers & Bike Bags

    (Other brands – e.g. Ortlieb – are available)

    Like Mungerundle, I roll my clothes into a lightweight dry bag and stick them in a small (non-waterproof) backpack. Outside the drybag the pack contains a minipump, lightweight waterproof etc.

    The drybag keeps my clothes clean and dry even if I pull everything out to fix a puncture at the side of the road in a torrential downpour. They are also useful for keeping wet stuff inside your bag from soaking everything else.    

    My drybags from LifeVenture and Exped both work well:

    http://www.outdoorgb.com/p/Exped_8L_Bright_Fold_Drybag/?SelectedItem=715029

     

    September 11, 2017 at 9:34 am #901957
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    lazyusername

    http://www.wiggle.co.uk

    http://www.wiggle.co.uk/osprey-momentum-32/

     

    This is very good, could have got away with the smaller version, 26L 

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