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I mainly commute to work by bike these days. Via road/cycle paths on my trusty Merida commuter special.
In the near future i will be picking up an XC bike which will give me the option to take a longer route home which will include a fair chunk of off road. Some flowy singletrack trails, bridleways and fire roads. I wont be sending the gnar!
I need a backpack to carry my lunch and clothes to and from work, it needs to be comfy and secure enough for the above offroad.
Capacity wise, i think i need around 20 litres. As i have 2 x 20 litre panniers on the commuter bike and i could squeeze all i needed into one if required.
I dont need a hydration bladder in it. But if it comes with one, no dramas. I also dont need a built in back protector.
Ideally i want to spend sub £100, but can spend a bit over if the holy grail of backpacks is available.
I have looked at a fair few, but there is so much choice! The Evoc Stage 18 looks to fit the bill, but some real world recommendations would be appreciated!
Thanks 🙂
I've got several EVOC bags including a Stage 18 I use for coaching when I need to carry a bigger first aid kit. Really nice bag, nicer to wear than the versions with back protection (I use a FR Enduro 16 bag for longer MTB rides). Also have an Explorer Pro 30 for commuting as I'm carrying a laptop and a big lunch as well as my clothes, and it really is roomy as well as comfy and stable.
Merlin have a 26L version of the Explorer for a tad over £100.
thanks for the reply a11y. Good to know the Stage 18 is a comfy bag.
I will take a look at the explorer too.
i appreciate your feedback, cheers
I do this and use a vertical waterproof roll top (side) bag from Henty. It takes a hydration pack as I get some +30 degree commutes. Works a treat, but important to remember a pack cover for when it’s wet as a muddy pack in the office gets me some strange looks and makes a bit of a mess.
I've got one from Dakine, principally as it has the bladder storage is in the bottom of the bag, which like you I don't need, but is the perfect size for a pair of office shoes, and it keeps them sperate from the rest of the stuff you're carrying, to get clothes and lunch would be a bit of squeeze and you may need to get creative, but they are solid and don't move around off road.
I have a session in 16L I think the newer version of that is the Syncline Might be too small for you though.
Have a look at Vaude bags. I've got an old Vaude rucsack (Splash Air 20+5) which must be 15 years old now & still in decent condition.
It has a suspended back to reduce sweaty back syndrome & the strap position can be adjusted for your height. They are really comfortable bags.
Something like the Vaude Tremalzo 22.
Or an Osprey something.....plenty of choice & my Osprey bag is very comfortable, but too small for your specific needs.
Alpkit do some really good rucksacks at reasonable prices.
Their 14l one is great for MTB, but they do a 25l one also.
https://alpkit.com/products/presta-25-litre-daypack
thanks for all the further suggestions.
Plenty for me to take a look at.
The Vaude Tremalzo 22 can be had for £50, so thats quite appealing.
Alpkit one looks like good value too.
Did see a nice Dakine at the upper end of the budget...
I use a Podsac dry bag from Planet X. Very spacious for laptop , lunch and clothes. The backpack part can be detached to use it as a rollsack. Has been 100% waterproof and has waist strap which keeps it nice and secure on rough trails. I generally use paniers so the rucksack only gets used when i go in on the MTB. Currently only £15 Podsac
Just realised I've sent you duff info in my earlier post with that link. I do indeed have an Explorer Pro 30 for commuting, but that link to a 26L version is a totally different bag! (mine doesn't have the back protector, but the one I linked to does).
I really like my Osprey Synchro. It fits the bill exactly I think, and is bang on 20L. It's also half price at Sport Pursuit at the moment (they only have blue left now, though).
It's got a really comfy mesh back thing - fits me really well, anyway.
@droplinked I have the 14l skytrail from alpkit. I can get clothes (non bulky lightweight trousers, undies, tshirt and socks, a 15" laptop, and lunch in it. It's the perfect size for that, which is what I wanted as a full ish pack is more stable for off road.
Loads of my pockets for tools and bits and bobs, and a nice stretchy front pocket you can shove stuff like a jacket or a banana in
Although not labelled as a commuter pack I've been finding it perfect for commuting if you pack light and leave bulky gear (e.g. shoes) at work.
Only downside I've found is that it isn't waterproof. If carrying a laptop you would probably want a cover for the bag or the laptop.
Edit: ps I don't use a hydration bladder with it, not enough capacity. Bottle on the bike (which is how I roll generally)
I used to love my Osprey Synchro too (actually the older version to the one I have now which is also several years old), but switched to commutes with rack/frame bags now. Still occasionally use it but the carry loop sometimes hooks onto the dial at the back of my crash lid, which is annoying if I forget to tuck it away. Also dislike how it feels around my neck and shoulders. Maybe bad adjustment on my part. Maybe I should have paid more attention to size recommendations for big/small people. Probably worth trying different packs on if you can. The wireframe that tensions the mesh back (on mine at least, a few years old now) scuffs on the ground slowly damaging the material. Helmet strap broke. Chest strap broke. But otherwise a great bag, like the two compartments (although one for pump a little short) with separate zips, like the tensioning straps to pull it together when empty, not so great for strapping larger items to it though. Possibly pointless me saying all this as maybe they've redesigned it by now. The mesh by the way, holds your clothing against your back, so the 'airflow' it provides across your sweaty back will be next to useless if riding hard. Hmmm 6/10.
Got an Evoc Explorer 30l bag after a similar question got asked and a link to a 'cheap' offer was made.
Space for a bladder but I don't use one. Fits a 17" laptop, lightweight trousers, polo shirt/t-shirt, underwear and shower kit in main bit; bike locks in front pouch. Only thing it doesn't carry is a pair of shoes, but I don't wear shoes at my desk and just stick my black cycling shoes on when I need to move (up for a drink, toilet stop or to canteen). Does have space for lunch but I'm enjoying the ride in too much to waste time making a fresh lunch in the morning.
Osprey Manta if you can find it.
Also Deuter Race EXP Air is something you can take into consideration.
thanks for all the suggestions folks!
A day of research on all the recommendation lays ahead!
I would be trotting off down to Moutain Warehouse/Tresspass/Millets etc. You get the same thing for 25% of the price.
All you need are two straps for you arms, ideally one for the waist and a hole in the top. The less bits added on the better. Maybe a outside pocket of you like to put your waterproof on and off frequently as I do.
As mentioned, haul loops on the top can catch helmet adjusters.
Of course you won't be cool and trendy .