I normally pick something from the osprey range when I need a new pack, but they all seem to have compromises and I'm struggling to make any meaningful choice.
I need to fit a 15" laptop, headset, mouse etc, lunch/breakfast stuff in tuperware. I don't need to fit a change of clothes in it.
So I'm thinking something at least 25l that's a decent open space (my 25l hiking day pack is a disaster as it's a very tall thin curved space). Also it's quite long so my helmet sometimes his the top of it.
Ideally I want an integrated rain cover, and I like the osprey helmet holder (but this is deffo not a must have).
So, any advice for what's good?
I've got an osprey radial. Whilst it looks a bit chunky it's super comfy. £150rrp is taking the piss, I paid a lot less for mine 3 years ago.
Laptop pouch
Big main compartment (good size rectangular shape at the bottom for your tubs)
Integrated rain cover (I ride all year in manc, never had a leak)
It is long though. I could see it catching if you ride a drop barred bike, or have an enduro style lid with a low back.
if you ride a drop barred bike, or have an enduro style lid with a low back.
Yeah..... Both weirdly when I'm commuting. I see the problem. 🤪
I have the one from Showerspass - used it all year round with a laptop 2 to 5 days per week 20 mile round trip commute - its never let in any water and its faced some pretty dire West Yorkshire downpours - nice side pockets for bits - lights are a bit gimmicky - good but the straps are a bit annoying
I've got a (now very old) Lowe Alpine Airzone - it has a suspended harness, which I really like, particularly when climbing Wellington's (many) hills, and is super-stable on my back. It is big enough for a 16" Macbook (in a zipped sleeve), headphones, clothes and washbag with enough leeway to pack waterproofs for the capricious springtime weather.
It looks like it's no longer made, but the Airzone Velo looks pretty similar...
Osprey Talon 22 fits a 15" screen workstation laptop, but I've found it gets a bit uncomfy on the lower back. You could use a dry bag inside rather than cover over the top - Osprey ones are light but pricey.
I used a courier bag for a while, then tried both of the osprey bags which we have...
But then I just gave up and went for a pannier instead... much happier now...
I guess it depends how far you need to carry it afterwards. The pannier is always a little awkward to carry, even with the shoulder strap, as one side is often absolutely filthy!
Purely for carrying, I know panniers are the right solution. But my gravel bike is multi purpose and don't really want a rack. So, I think rucksack is the compromise for me.
I think you can get quick release racks...
I've not used one, but the Evoc bags may be worth a look.
For pure commuting though I've always used a Chrome Citizen, assuming you get on with messenger-style bags. Pretty well bulletproof and can fit loads of gear, but can also cinch down if just carrying a laptop for example. Only downside is a fairly sweaty back on hot rides, but that's a small price to pay personally.
I was in the same position and bought an alpkit sky trail. It fits a 15" hp laptop perfectly in the bladder compartment, like a glove.
Enough room for a change of clothes (trousers and t shirt, not really enough room for a jumper) and some lunch, and also plenty of internal/external pockets.
Bit smaller than you want though, might be a bit tight depending on how much gear you lug about.
Oh yeah the other point on the sky trail is that I wouldn't trust it to be waterproof in a prolonged downpour, however my commute is only short and/or a placcy bag internally is fine for keeping laptop and clothes dry.
Laptop is also very well protected for all but worst weather in the bladder compartment.
I've got a Mission Workshop Fitzroy (backpack) and Rummy (messenger bag)
I use the Rummy for cycle commuting on a daily basis, whist the Fitzroy is used for trips away. The Fitzroy could still be used for commuting if i needed to carry more stuff.
The Rummy can fit a 12" laptop in one of the inner pockets and and is pretty weatherproof and hard wearing. You'll easily fit most sizes of laptop in the Fitzroy.
They are a bit spendy but the quality is top notch!
I use one of these with a padded laptop sleeve inside
Lomo 30L Waterproof Hi Viz Cycling Dry Bag Rucksack
It is mega reflective
My only complaint is the lack of strap suitable for attaching additional light to.
I used similar to the Lomo ^ - Oxford Aqua which does have a loop for a blinky light. Previously used Alpkit Gourdon but they stopped making them in hi viz. Much prefer the roll top drybag type after my Osprey with raincover leaked through the zippers in an absolute deluge and I had to wear damp jeans all day.
I'm a pannier convert now though, 17" laptop and a troublesome back is not a good combo. Ortlieb Quick Rack can be whipped off in 5 seconds so there's no loss of cool points on the group ride 😉
I've got an altura drybag style backpack.
Does the job, very hi-vis, bone dry, laptop sleeve against the 'back' so it's protected in a crash by the rest of the bag, useful organizer for wallet/phone/keys/gym padlock.
Feels quite cheap/simply made, but it's lasted a year of daily use now and still looks new, and the straps have bedded in a bit so it's comfortable.
Overboard 20l roll top thingy … 3 years of west country finest year round weather has seen nothing get even damp inside. On a drop bar setup the light strap is too high up but you can clip the light to the bungee instead. When darkness falls (or this time of year !) I throw a proviz cover over it for monster visibility. There’s no internal pockets so a pouch is needed for the laptop but that’s a 17” laptop, trousers, shorts, t, lunch, bike tools/spares. Downside - sweaty back big time.
I’m know you’ve ruled out a pannier but the new Ortlieb Single Bag with dedicated QL3.1 is fabulous. And you have the wrong idea. You don’t commute on your gravel bike. You commute on your commuter bike. So if you don’t have one, you need a new bike! With a QL3 dedicated rack.
Thanks everyone. Good suggestions to look at at.
Especially the dedicated commuter bike with racks!
Or a quick rack that takes five seconds to remove. But what do I know, I have a separate bike. Worse I have separate fixed and geared bikes. With and without mudguards. Because it’s a pain to refit things 😂
https://www.thomann.de/gb/mono_cases_stealth_alias_backpack_bk.htm?glp=1
my favorite - if you can get one
A Carradice saddlebag with SQR seat post mount is worth considering, when not using the saddlebag there is a small plastic block attached to the seat post.
You'd probably be looking at the SuperC saddlebag for 25l capacity, though I can get a laptop in my 15l Nelson saddlebag.
