Any recommendations for one that isn't into the hundreds. Only needs to be for an occasional 8ish mile ride, but needs to be waterproof.
No panniers unfortunately due to budget and the possibility of taking a variety of different bikes.
Circumstances have changed size I last commuted so needs to be able to take a 15" laptop (this is the thing that's stopping me using one of the many ones I already have!)
Around £50 would be lovely, but may be a pipedream.
Altura Thunderstorm seems to fit the bill?
I had a really nice one from from Osprey that was really nice. It had all the appropriate compartments for commuting to work and a frame that held it off your back to stop the dreaded sweaty back. Can’t remember the model though.
I've got an orange Osprey Momentum 30 I no longer need you can have for £50? Message me if you're interested. I used it for a few years commuting, it has a laptop compartment and is a quality piece of kit. Isn't waterproof but it does have a luminous yellow waterproof cover that pulls over. All in pretty good condition.
I had a cheapo back pack and then upgraded to one with a frame to keep my back free of sweat.
It just meant I sweated at the top and bottom of the frame and the sweat ran down the center of my back. Net result- no gain.
Because it was further off my back when loaded up it increased the force. Normally not super noticeable but with a small 1kg bag of potatoes and some tins from shopping it changed my center of gravity noticeably
After getting fed up of the above I took the frame out. Just as sweaty, but much less annoying with larger weights.
I now commute on one bike with panniers. Same vaude panniers since 1997 with maybe 14 years of regular commuting
No idea how helpful that is! I'd suggest trying on some in shops with your full mass of commuting kit.
Or a backpack made by vaude.
Oh, looking at the price of vaude backpacks, a second hand vaude backpack : (
Actually quite intrigued by this thread as I've been doing a mostly offroad commute (with laptop) of circa 15+ miles each way a couple of times a week for a good while now and I do wonder if a commuter specific rucksack would offer any benefits for the cost. I just can't see what the spend would offer over the pack i use which is:
https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/_/R-p-167161?mc=8382548
(Not waterproof but i just put the laptop in a padded bag and then waterproof bag plus use a rucksack rain cover when it's wet/muddy. Can also get additional clip on compartments for the rucksack which I've added)
Alpkit Gourdon.
Fully waterproof.
Good value pack.
Lomo always seem to the bargain suggestion, but been beaten to it
A few years ago HUMP stopped trading (although they now seem to be online again).
I picked up loads of kit: socks, shorts, leggings, overshoes, jackets and backpacks for dirt cheap.
All great quality , and the most useful/best thing was a waterproof drybag style backpack for £5.
It has been used most days for either bike commuting, or as an office bag for train/car commutes for about 5 years now.
I've just checked eBay and there are some that look the same for £41.
If my £5 one broke, I would happily pay £41 to replace it
I used to commute with an Alpkit Gourdon. Wasn’t suitable once I started having to carry a chunky 17” laptop but was fine for clothes and the odd heavy shopping pickup. If it’s a nice light laptop it might be fine.
I bought a Stormhold from SportPursuit. Perfect size for work 15" laptop, pants and lunch 🙂 Properly waterproof and very comfortable too.
They have some left - £40 - https://www.sportpursuit.com/products?bid=2358&sp_src_search=stormhold
Chrome are on Sportpursuit at the mo, bit over £50 but you'll get a bag that will last forever
I use whatever backpack is big enough, currently use a cheap but comfy no brand bag. but put laptop in a dry bag inside so it doesn't matter if the outer bag wet.
I also use an Alpkit Gourdon with a neoprene laptop sleeve to keep my laptop safe.
I've been using it for 4-5 years and no problems - it keeps everything dry and happily carries my clothes, lunch etc.
I have an Ortlieb Velocity, it's never let me down.
Spendy at rpp but often available in the sale somewhere.
Came here to say this
Alpkit Gourdon.
Fully waterproof.
Good value pack.
I would put the laptop in a soft case
If you already have a pack in the house that will work,just stick a drybag inside it.
Unless of course, you need an excuse to buy a new backpack.
!!:-)
Excellent, some great suggestions, thanks all!
I've plenty of backpacks already, bit none fit my laptop. I used to commute pre COVID for about 4 years, but had a workstation and a locker so it was a _lot_ simpler. Hence the requirement for a new bag.
Ta again.
https://www.freewheel.co.uk/hump-reflective-waterproof-20-litre-backpack-varhum22w44
I use one of these for my commute. I have a fancy commuter rucksack but this does the same job, keeps everything dry, plus it weighs a lot less.
Solid 100% waterproof bag at a bargain price
+1 for the lomo pack above.
Daily use for last few years, totally waterproof & hi Vis. Laptop in a neoprene sleeve (to protect it from the other bits in the bag) & you're good
also +1 for that hi-Viz lomo bag with padded laptop sleeve
If packing light take a look at the alpkit skytrail 14. My 15inch laptop fits perfectly in the zipped, side opening bladder compartment.
For me, it's just about exactly the right size to take what I need to to work , so isn't an empty flappy-about thing. (laptop, a bit of lunch, a change of shirt&undies - I leave trousers and a hoodie at work to save weight)
Not waterproof so if raining I just shove the laptop in a carrier bag and also put a cover over the outside of the bag.
