[Closed] Commuting rucksack

Big fan of deuter. Not sure how they compare to the osprey though.

Blimey that osprey is huge. Do you need something that big?

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Aiguille Alpine

I'm using a 28L Vaude at the moment and I struggle to fit everything in when I go to Uni. I might be able to get away with the 25L, but the OP questions still remain

@ap: What is that monstrosity? It's hideous 😆

I'm a massive fan of the Deuter range.

The Deuter Cross Air is great for bike commuting:

http://www.deuter.com/DE/en/bike/cross-air-20-exp-32094.html

The suspended mesh back keeps all of the weight from making contact with your back - I did several years of commuting 25 miles a day with one complete with a change of clothes, washbag, shoes, laptop and docking station.

I have an Escapist 25 and it's lovely. Much too nice for commuting, for which I use an Alpkit Gourdon 30 I think. It's cheap, tough and waterproof, and I don't really care that's it's covered in crap and generally abused every day.

I have an Escapist 25 and it's lovely. Much too nice for commuting, for which I use an Alpkit Gourdon 30 I think. It's cheap, tough and waterproof, and I don't really care that's it's covered in crap and generally abused every day.

I have a rain cover and it'll also be used for holidays, weekends away etc.

mikey74 - Member

I fear we may be at different location on the aesthetic envelope

I fear so 😀

That's a huge bag. A Timbuk2 Especial Raider (18 litres) does me fine with plenty of room to spare for waterproof, etc. But then I just need to bring shoes/shirt/trousers and a few other bits, no laptop or anything.

I need to take Uni stuff (books, writing equipment, notes, mapping equipment etc) in it. I could probably get away with the 25 but is it really that much smaller?

mikey74 - Member
I have a rain cover and it'll also be used for holidays, weekends away etc.

Fair one, that's exactly what my Osprey gets used for (though the rain cover blew off on Ben Nevis, whoops!).

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Ortlieb Velocity Backpack Hi Viz for me - just chuck everything in and be dry and seen! Back support very good - doesn't really feel like you are carrying weight.

+1 alpkit gourdon. bloody excellent, comfy and you dont have to fanny about with rain covers.

could do with a couple of compartments i suppose..

I need pockets for organising stuff.

I need to take Uni stuff (books, writing equipment, notes, mapping equipment etc) in it.

I can't really fault the Gourdon for commuting, mine is now looking a bit tatty but is still waterproof after a good few years, but it's not got a lot of structure if you're carrying books any distance. How far are you going to be travelling?

edit..

You can organise them a bit using something like the mission packs alpkit sell- I find this is more flexible than having internal pockets on the whole. I have seen pictures around where people have stuck a valuables pouch to the inside, for example.

About 5 miles each way on the bike and an hour by train.

I used to think I needed internal pockets (have loads of bags with them), but decided it was just a way to loose things and added weight to the bag. Each to their own though.

They are essential, for me.

Sounds like you probably have found your bag then - any Osprey bag is great. Just decide what size you need for your stuff.

This is the thing: I could probably get away with the 25L, but it doesn't really look that much smaller, so is it worth it?

I recently got an escapist 25 and love it for commuting. So well organised, I carry stuff for most (commuting) eventualities and everything has its place. (this matters, OK???). It might be overkill, bit my previous, piss poor (in comparison now) lowe alpine lasted about 8 years so I intend to use this for a long long time. Plus, it's billed as a bike packing bag so when I do finally get round to that...

DHB Slice? http://www.wiggle.co.uk/dhb-slice-30l-rucksack/

It's a great bag.

I've recently downsized to the 15l version as I'm not carrying as much most days: http://www.wiggle.co.uk/dhb-slice-15l-rucksack/

if its not waterproof i dont see teh point of a commuting rucksac.

i was a bit nervous about getting the gourdon as i thought i needed loads of pockets and a proper 'biking' bag. turns out i dont. its loads comfier than my evoc bike bac and more useful as its actually waterproof, its lighter and has more volume if i need it but slims down easy.

Pannier(s) -much preferable to a backpack.

Pannier(s) -much preferable to a backpack.

To you maybe, not me.

Deuter Race Air Exp has been my staple for the past five years. Only 18L but it carries a laptop and clothes when needed. Shoes are a struggle (leave mine at work). It features a yellow rain cover that packs away, a helmet net that I use to carry my TT helmet, a few small internal pockets and some external mesh pockets for a tool pack. I use it for off road duties too. Fittings are excellent, as is the back system that keeps the back dry. Deuter supplied replacement belt clips when I trod on one without any issues, so I'm happy with the back-up too.

I rotate between this for race bikes, and an Ortlieb briefcase pannier for the fixed wheel and trike. I prefer a pannier but like my fast bikes too 😉

mikey74 - Member
Pannier(s) -much preferable to a backpack.
To you maybe, not me.

I was obviously referring to myself and I genuinely believe it. They are the tool for the job.

I'm not sure why somebody would be opposed to them.

Over many 1,000s of miles of commuting on different bikes, I have found the panniers to be much more comfortable, less sweaty and better for handling than a backpack or messenger bag whilst riding a bike.

If carrying a heavier load, the benefits are even more clear.

The only downside being that a pannier rack of some sort is required, of course.

This is the thing: I could probably get away with the 25L, but it doesn't really look that much smaller, so is it worth it?

I have the Osprey 32 litre and it's really good. It's pretty huge and slightly more than I need, but I decided it was better to err on the side of caution rather than cramming everything into a smaller one. If I remember correctly, they also do a 30 litre one.

My commute is only 6 miles, but I regularly go for a MTB ride after work and it's pretty comfortable doing 20+ off road, hilly miles with my work gear in it. It can get a bit sweaty, although all rucksacks can to some extent.

I'd take your critical couple of items (laptop, other large things) into Go Outdoors or similar and try it for size.

Nowhere around here has them in stock, unfortunately.

Timbuk2 Especial Raider

Thats what i use, great lightweight bag and just the right size imo

Looking at the reviews, they seem a little too lightweight for what I need to carry.

DHB slice 30L posted above for me. Works well.

Mikey - Vaude bags are onsale on SportPursuit - £65 for the Nendaz 30L, if thats any good to you. Obviously it'll take a few weeks to turn up, so only if you're not in a rush!