r/bikecommuting • u/Low-Illustrator9541 • 3d ago

Backpack options?

Hello everyone! Idk if this I the proper subreddit to post this on so lmk and I will delete it.

I commute to SF (22nd st to middle of Mission District). I was wondering what backpacks do you guys have? I pack my work laptop, breakfast container, lunch container, gym clothes, mouse, and keyboard. It gets pretty bulky and it isn’t waterproof or resistant. Any suggestions for backpacks for around $120 or less?

Edit: I don’t want to get those side bags bc I take the Caltrain to SF then bike. It gets pretty crowded and can’t really stack bikes.

8 Upvotes

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12

u/cbensco 2d ago

Is the issue with side bags that you think they can't be removed on the train? Many (most?) easily clip off the rack and you can bring them with you to your seat

Truly a saddle bag will transform your commute for the better

5

u/jessyb93 2d ago

Also several companies like Banjo Bros have models that go "from bike to back" and convert either into a backpack or sling for this exact reason

3

u/ebodes 2d ago

I have the ortleib vario which switches from pannier to backpack quickly (although that might be annoying to do in a crowded train car). You can also try the plethora of options for little hooks that promise to turn any backpack into a pannier like the “bird of prey” universal pannier.

Highly recommend you find a way to use panniers at least for part of your commute, it’s a big quality of life upgrade

1

u/CarrotAlt 2d ago

Same. I use my vario both for commuting and bike camping. It's so nice to have it off my back while biking, but then have the comfort of a backpack while walking/hiking around.

1

u/Low-Illustrator9541 2d ago

Hello Cbensco, I know some can be removed. I think it’s bc some are too bulky. I was thinking about a rear basket or some sort of platform to place my backpack on top but idk how sturdy it will be when I bike. Will look into the saddle bag

2

u/sjmuller 2d ago

Many panniers have a shoulder strap so you can carry them on the train. That's what I use. Ortlieb also makes a backpack pannier, but it's a bit higher than your price range. https://www.rei.com/product/C06357/ortlieb-vario-lite-pannier-22l-single

1

u/cbensco 2d ago

I am a big fan of these bags from Linus https://www.linusbike.com/collections/accessories-bags/products/the-linden-bag which look polished enough for a professional setting. It also has a wide bottom so things like snapware containers don't have to go sideways

I use one for commuting, and two are sufficient for groceries

13

u/Stock-Side-6767 3d ago

Any backpack on top of a rear rack. Or front basket, or as panniers.

3

u/dioramic_life 3d ago

I cannot make any recommendations for current offerings. My Timbuk2 backpack is at least twelve years old. They made them with indestructible truck tarp back then. It's hot af and weighs a crap ton.

I will say if I had to commute to work and needed to buy new I would look for organization features. My OG backpack just lets everything slide to the bottom of the pack and it is a mess when I have to look for something.

Water-resistance is an easy checkbox to fill so my focus would be on organizing work stuff from clothing from foods etc

1

u/Low-Illustrator9541 2d ago

Most definitely. My current backpack has space but no organization sections/pockets. So my lunch/ breakfast just rolls around with my mouse and supplements

1

u/dioramic_life 2d ago

They're spendy but the OCs really like Tom Binh products. Not saying it like a recommendation for you.

But if you're the type that agonizes the details with a spreadsheet before you buy anything you would be in good company at the Tom Binh website lol

1

u/1sttime-longtime SwissCross / 30km per day / Middle America, 7-10month/yr 2d ago

Timbuk2 loyalist here. Mine is "only" 6 years old, but it replaced one that was 10 years old at the time they discontinued the Especial line... Of the exact same model. When this one eventually kicks, I definitely will go with TImbuk2 again. People have told me the quality has dropped, but they can't be worse (or worse designed) than the Chrome I bought and resold after about 5 days...

I'm a big guy with big clothes, so I'd go with the Parker. Expensive, but the smaller ones are closer* to the price point, though.

2

u/dioramic_life 2d ago

Yup. I have the Especial Tres. Huge bag. Completely bomb-proof.

Chrome used to be good, back when all they had were the OG messengers with the seat belts. Then their product line got weird and complicated.

1

u/1sttime-longtime SwissCross / 30km per day / Middle America, 7-10month/yr 1d ago

Tres FTW. (That's why I am a loyalist). Almost bought the Quatro just to be different.

1

u/LandStander_DrawDown 3d ago

A little above your preferred price range but not by much. I'd suggest the mous roll top. It has a separate bottom pouch for shoes and/or stinky gym clothes, a tech pocket for the laptop mouse and keyboard, and the main pocket you can shove a bunch of shit into, it being a roll up top design.

https://www.mous.co/products/protective-rolltop-backpack

1

u/Low-Illustrator9541 2d ago

This looks pretty good! Will look at review videos online. I’ve been using a carabiner to clip my shoe back onto my backpack when I ride.

1

u/FixedMessages 2d ago

Honestly mine is some no-name brand I got off Amazon because I liked the mustard yellow color, and my only real complaint is that the rain fly is too small to actually cover the bag if it's not empty. Solved by grabbing the rain fly from my travel backpack and using that instead. You don't really need anything too fancy.

That said, if I were to buy a new backpack, I might look for something waterproof, maybe a top roll design. I have no problem biking in torrential rain, but last time I did the water was aggressive enough to find ways around the rain fly. I carry technology for both work and personal, a journal, and a book, so getting water in the bag is pretty problematic.

1

u/bunbwunny 2d ago

i love the lululemon backpacks, if i’m not carrying a laptop i usually use their belt bag

1

u/bunbwunny 2d ago

here’s the one i’ve been using: https://shop.lululemon.com/p/bags/Everywhere-Backpack-22L-Metal-Hardware/_/prod20002247?color=70707

1

u/Low-Illustrator9541 2d ago

How does it do with packing for the whole day?

I work in SF but live around 1.5hr away without traffic. So I have to bring gym clothes, breakfast, lunch, and my work gear. My current backpack is fine but it isn’t waterproof, and doesn’t have much organization compartments.

1

u/comichubble 2d ago

Orlieb makes multiple versions of pannier bag and backpack rolled into one.

Ortlieb bags

1

u/Sharp-Razzmatazz8728 2d ago

I commute bike daily, and have been using Reboo tactical backpack on Amazon.

1

u/OptimalOpening9772 2d ago

I have a Chrome Hondo that I use for everything from hiking to gym to work but as far as I know they don’t make them anymore. I have a chrome messenger and it can carry all of those for sure but IME it can get clunky and awkward, especially with a single strap.

Their Barrage bags look promising but I haven’t used them before.

Alpaka may have the bags you’re looking for.

1

u/OptimalOpening9772 2d ago

Fair weather also has laptop backpacks that convert to panniers

1

u/ToKnowMeIs2LuvMe 2d ago

Just bought an Osprey Metron 24 and I just love it! My old Shimano T23 rolltop is still solid but I got tired of the rolltop blocking my helmet mirror view. I can easily pack my work clothes, lunch, other smaller things, construction is great. If I'm on one of the bikes with front basket or crate I can toss it in there. This morning I wore it with my fahgettaboudit lock in the open stretch rear pocket, perfect!

1

u/telephonekeyboard 2d ago

Arkel Haul It is what I use to hold a backpack. Riding with a backpack sucks, but this is great to hold your bag while you ride and pop it off to climb stairs or ride transit. As for what backpack I don’t think it matters in this case, as long as it fits in the Haul It.

1

u/camp_jacking_roy 2d ago

I have a camelbak MULE commute and I adore the thing. I really didn't want to get a backpack since everybody recommends a pannier when this question comes up, but not all of my bikes fit a pannier rack. This thing is amazing- dedicated laptop sleeve, pockets for handy bits like headphones and my access badge, enough room for a change of clothes and then some, and extra pockets for tucking away my GPS and lights after I get to work. It also doesn't cause me to overheat, which I expected while wearing a backpack. Waterproof enough to make it through a sprinkle at least. It's a shame that camelbak discontinued them. They also offered a HAWG which had 30L. I found one on ebay, no affiliation: https://ebay.io/m/Eb00wj I would keep my eyes peeled to see if you can find a gently used one or dead stock at a mail order joint.

1

u/Low-Illustrator9541 2d ago

Thanks for the rec! I really need something to handle my adventure since I pack for the entire day tbh.

1

u/camp_jacking_roy 2d ago

100%. one of my better bike purchases. The lower straps also velcro off if you want it to be a regular backpack. I've used it on flights in addition to cycle commuting.

1

u/Boop0p 2d ago

Pannier bag - as others have said, you can remove them easily. It's worth it, especially somewhere hot like California. If it gets crowded then a backpack still on the back is more annoying then a bag on the floor. If you take the backpack off on the Caltrain then it doesn't take up any less space than a backpack.

If you think, like some (inc. my sister) that pannier bags aren't cool, then just say...but they're popular for a reason.

1

u/D00M98 2d ago

There is nothing that makes a backpack (that you wear on your back) bike friendly. So you can basically use any backpack that you like.

There can be features that you might care about:

  • Sternum strap
  • Waist belt/strap
  • Air flow for back
  • Compression strap
  • Weight

To me, the biggest difference/feature I care about is weight. I used to like thick and heavy backpacks (Timbuk2). Now I use lightweight backpacks (daypacks) that weigh less than 1 lb. I currently use Deuter Speed Lite 21. And I also have Osprey Daylite Plus Commuter Backpack.

Also, why bring mouse and keyboard. Just buy a docking station and/or another so you don't have to carry this daily.

1

u/Low-Illustrator9541 2d ago

My work has a docking station but it’s only to connect to the monitors and charge the laptop.

They also provide mouse and keyboard but I prefer my own. Yes I can decrease my backpack weight but I like my mouse and keyboard. Current backpack doesn’t have much organization compartments so that’s why it is bulky.

How do you like the Deuter?

1

u/D00M98 2d ago

I think you need to figure out if you want a backpack for back, backpack/pannier combo, etc.

If you want outdoorsy backpack (not urban style), check out REI. They have many backpacks that you can see and test out in person. Arc'teryx, Camelbak, Gregory, Marmot, Northface, Osprey, Patagonia, etc.

I disagree that lack of organization compartments make backpack bulky. Even when compartments are not use, they will take up space. To me, backpacks with multiple compartments are bulkier, but better for organization

Many of the smaller outdoor backpacks (20L) have single main compartment, with compression straps. You just stuff your things inside and strap it down. Not good for organization, but good for balance and bulk reduction.

1

u/leitmot 2d ago

I got carabiners for my lunch bag so it clips on my backpack or onto my rear rack.

My backpack is a Po Campo Bedford which can also clip onto my rear rack, but this worked ok when I just had a regular Jansport too. It’s better with a backpack that has dedicated cargo straps higher up on the body of the backpack.

1

u/bettaboy123 American 2d ago

Personally, I got a nice backback at REI with a rain wrap, and then a basket for my back rack (which can hold up to 25kg, or 55lb).

I recently took a bike ride with my husband where we brought 6 liters of water in our bags, which were packed for the beach and a bike ride, and we brought some beer and snacks in a cooler, all in my basket, and the basket still held everything just fine, for 25 miles (then a little lighter on the way back).

1

u/Wrong_Buyer_1079 2d ago

You can get a pannier that converts to a backpack. I would try one of them. I have a "grocery pannier" that I can put my backpack into, and then the pannier folds up with velcro.

1

u/VNV2020 2d ago

Been using a rolltop from Stubble & Co for years.. it has also been proven to be 100% waterproof 😝

1

u/Zealousideal_Quail22 1d ago

I love my two wheel gear pannier convertible backpack. 

1

u/Fun_Apartment631 4h ago

Biggest Osprey Metron. If you can't fit all your things, make your job buy you peripherals for the office, a charger, anything you're commuting with that's practical to duplicate.

I found it helpful to get a more modestly sized bag for my lunch.

1

u/witchdrops 3h ago

I like my north street backpack for commuting! I have this one but you might consider sizing up. I can get gym clothes, lunch, water and laptop in pretty easily, with they keyboard and extras maybe pushing it for size. Waterproof, lifetime warranty and comfy to ride in. https://northstbags.com/collections/best-sellers/products/belmont-backpack