Deuter Backpacks/Help me pick a new commuter backpack

[Nooch]

Anybody ever use one?

Looking into the Deuter Trans Alpine 30 for commuting/travelling etc..

Deuter Trans Alpine 30 (http://www.deuter.com/en_US/backpack-details.php?category=123&artnr=32220&title=Trans%20Alpine%2030)

Another contendor is the Osprey Momentum 34 (http://www.ospreypacks.com/en/product/commute_1/momentum_34?tab=description)

Anybody have any thoughts? Currently using the now discontinued Dakine Commuter (http://www.backcountry.com/dakine-commuter-pack-1917cu-in) pack, but it feels too 'floppy' on my back -- the nylon feels very, how do i say, unstructured?

[MattTuck]

When I used to commute by bike, I used a backpack. It was my least favorite part of the ride. Any chance you could throw a rack on your ride and put paniers on it? It isn't as sexy, but I think it would make the riding more pleasant?

I don't have experience with either of those bags, but I am fond of the Osprey stuff. I have a few of their products and they are well built.

[Lovetoclimb]

That Deuter looks nice! I use an Ortlieb Flight, but both of those would be acceptable subs were I thinking of getting a new bag.

[Nooch]

When I used to commute by bike, I used a backpack. It was my least favorite part of the ride. Any chance you could throw a rack on your ride and put paniers on it? It isn't as sexy, but I think it would make the riding more pleasant?

I don't have experience with either of those bags, but I am fond of the Osprey stuff. I have a few of their products and they are well built.

unfortunately, none of my bikes are set-up to take racks.. I had fenders on my cross bike, but somehow the rear one broke while bunny hopping and i've yet to even bother replacing.. (caad9, cx9) it's only a 9-mile commute, and I ride to and fro in a full kit, so it just needs to carry shorts/jeans, t-shirt, underoos, and sneakers, lunch bag.

[firerescuefin]

Check out Tom Bihn Bags...I have a "brain bag" from them that is 11 years old that is nearly as good as new that has traveled around the world and probably 10-15K miles of bike commuting with heavy loads. It's one of the best purchases I have ever made. I broke the waist belt clasp 2 weeks ago in the rear car door...and called them up wanting to buy a replacement. A real person picked up on the second ring and they priority mailed it for free. Check out the write ups on their site...I would echo every one of them.

http://www.tombihn.com/

Added: Designed, manufactured, and supported in one building in Seattle...click on the about.

[MattTuck]

unfortunately, none of my bikes are set-up to take racks.. I had fenders on my cross bike, but somehow the rear one broke while bunny hopping and i've yet to even bother replacing.. (caad9, cx9) it's only a 9-mile commute, and I ride to and fro in a full kit, so it just needs to carry shorts/jeans, t-shirt, underoos, and sneakers, lunch bag.

Yeah, that isn't too bad. I have a mole-like thing on my back, called a dermatofibroma, which gets irritated and inflamed when I have a backpack on and there's some rubbing...

But even if I didn't have that, I still dislike the sweaty clammy feeling of something against my back.

[sashae]

I just got a Mission Workshop Vandal (http://missionworkshop.com/products/bags/backpacks/roll_top/large_vandal.php) backpack and I *love* it. I've gone through a ton of backpacks (Bailey Works, Freight, Chrome, RELoad) and this is by far my favorite. Really intelligent design, a huge bag that doesn't need to feel huge (as it straps down extraordinarily well) and can expand to carry a metric ton of stuff. They make a smaller size (the Rambler) as well. The bag is extremely functional and rides really well on the back. I love mine.

http://missionworkshop.com/images/product-galleries/vandal/expandable-backpack-1.jpg

[AngryScientist]

should have snagged this:

http://forums.thepaceline.net/showthread.php?t=107391

i have a chrome mess bag that i love, baileyworks too. look at their stuff, made specifically for life on the bike.

[gdw]

Both are excellent packs but I'd go for the Osprey based upon past experience with their products. The design and construction of their gear is among the best in the industry and they back their products with a no questions asked warranty. Lots of bang for the buck.
http://www.ospreypacks.com/en/web/all_mighty_guarantee

[Fixed]

should have snagged this:

http://forums.thepaceline.net/showthread.php?t=107391

i have a chrome mess bag that i love, baileyworks too. look at their stuff, made specifically for life on the bike.

This
Cheers

[keevon]

I have much love for my Ortlieb Velocity. The waist straps should be removed for better on-bike comfort:
http://www.rei.com/product/768101/ortlieb-velocity-messenger-pack

An alternative is the SealLine Urban Backpack:
http://cascadedesigns.com/SealLine/Urban/Urban-Backpack/product

[RGW]

You might want to give the Detours pack a look. I've used it for commuting & is well made with good cycling design. Has integrated helment holder & neat ventilated back

http://detours.us/bargainbin/cycling-packs/sienna-30/

[cosmonaut]

I just got a Mission Workshop Vandal (http://missionworkshop.com/products/bags/backpacks/roll_top/large_vandal.php) backpack and I *love* it. I've gone through a ton of backpacks (Bailey Works, Freight, Chrome, RELoad) and this is by far my favorite. Really intelligent design, a huge bag that doesn't need to feel huge (as it straps down extraordinarily well) and can expand to carry a metric ton of stuff. They make a smaller size (the Rambler) as well. The bag is extremely functional and rides really well on the back. I love mine.

http://missionworkshop.com/images/product-galleries/vandal/expandable-backpack-1.jpg
+1. I've used my Vandal every day for the past year, it's one of the best things I own. I use it for traveling, a 20-mile commute, going to the beach/pool in the summer, getting things from the farmer's market, everything.
By far the nicest cycling pack I've seen.

[Likes2ridefar]

my only advice is to consider a pack that has some sort of suspension system in between your back and the bag. my osprey and deuter packs both have this. the ospreys are more comfortable and seem to be better made.

i have stratus and atmos packs from osprey. i forget the deuter model but i got it years ago so i doubt it's being made anymore.

the suspension keeps hard or odd shaped objects from resting directly on your spine or back and really makes a difference when going over bumpy terrain, plus it also keeps you much cooler.

i also have a krumpler backpack which is by far the best quality of the 3 packs I use, but it's also not as comfortable. it rests directly on the back but the fabric is very tough and it has a huge reflective strip on the rear. it's also waterproof.

[aaronv]

unfortunately, none of my bikes are set-up to take racks.. I had fenders on my cross bike, but somehow the rear one broke while bunny hopping and i've yet to even bother replacing.. (caad9, cx9) it's only a 9-mile commute, and I ride to and fro in a full kit, so it just needs to carry shorts/jeans, t-shirt, underoos, and sneakers, lunch bag.

The Osprey Stratos 24 what I use and is large enough to carry your list of items and more. It has a curved suspension to keep the pack off your back and has a built-in rain fly like the Momentum. It also does double duty as my travel and hiking pack.

My main criticism with messenger style bags is that the material tends to be very heavy duty and your bag lives or dies by the lifespan of the velcro enclosure.

[Tyler Evans]

I recently (a few months ago) got this bag: The Osprey Zealot 16

I have had many backpacks supposedly designed for riding and have never had one as comfortable, light weight, accessible, smartly designed and thoughtfully created for the cyclist.

There is a roll out tool satchel built into the bag, which is smartly located.

Other key features I have found helpful and steered me towards this pack were the access pockets on the shoulder strap and the dual pockets on the hip straps. These are extremely valuable when using a backpack and make it possible for me to immediately have access to my iPhone, Keys, wallet, lock, etc... all without having to unstrap the bag.

The bag's main compartment also fully unzips exposing the large main compartment which is loaded with compression bands that hold cargo securely. It also makes it so the bag doesn't turn into a bottomless pit of crap, which tends to happen on the top loading bags I have had in the past.

This bag also sits low and doesn't obscure your rearward sight lines... very important when riding on the streets of Boston and the surrounding area.

It also fits a great deal of stuff. I ditch the reservoir for my commute which adds a bit more room.

Just another option to consider, and my 2 cents.


Take it for what its worth.

[William]

If you want/need something a bit more custom....

http://forums.thepaceline.net/showpost.php?p=1118287&postcount=5






William

PS: Support our locals I say!!

[dustyrider]

Do you always ride your bike to work?
Cause if you drive once a week, is it possible to leave a few changes of clothes and your shoes at work, and get a rotation going?
If you can leave stuff at work, keeping the work shoes there would save a lot of space!

I don't like bags on my back when I'm riding road, but your commute sounds pretty short. I have a rack and panniers on my commuter.

If you could get away with something small for your lunch perhaps some type of saddle/handle bar bag like these (http://www.bikebagshop.com/banjo-brothers-handlebar-bags-c-779.html).

I've even seen larger canvas saddle bags do the trick, like this (http://store.biketouringnews.com/zimbale-traditional-canvas-saddlebag-7-liter/).

Of course a backpack has many uses on and off a bike so; I'd vote for the Osprey and then the Deuter. I like both of them but have chosen the Osprey family for my Mountain biking/hiking needs. The Deuter is equally as comfortable and versatile, but the water bladder in the Osprey, as well as the many little details of the design, sold me on their line.

[Uncle Jam's Army]

That Vandal bag looks well made, but wow it is huge! Looks like it may impair sightlines looking back or interfere with a helmet when tilting your head to look straight ahead. Can anyone comment on this?

Also, Tyler, that Osprey Zealot pack looks very good, sits nice and low. How much in clothes can you fit into the main compartment? Shirt, pants, undergarments, and socks?

[djg]

No experience with either model, although I've got a larger Deuter pack with a full mesh back panel, which provides suspension and air circulation, and used to have one of the futura models, also with a full mesh back panel. I liked the fit and the way the weight sat on the pack. Also liked the the feel of the suspension. One potential issue on those models is that the shoulder straps attach to the suspension system. With my first deuter pack, that developed a tear after a few years. Rei took it back in exchange for a new one (so far so good on the new one, but we'll see).

I've also got a smaller Vaude pack with a similar design that I like pretty well. As for the issue of packs generally -- for big loads and/or long miles, it's hard to love a pack on a bike. OTOH, if you have a relatively short ride (my basic commute is 8 miles -- not a big deal) where you are just taking clothes and maybe some papers a few times a week, it can be pretty handy.

[NateM]

I have used the Vaude Splash series with mesh back for years.These really help with airflow in the hot summer.The frame can be removed so that the pack can be washed.Deuter also makes a mesh back if you can find it.
http://www.vaude.com/epages/Vaude-de.sf/secCvVQPuO6Nxo/?ObjectPath=/Shops/Vaude/Products/11107/SubProducts/111074910&ChangeAction=SelectSubProduct

[John M]

The Osprey Stratos 24 what I use and is large enough to carry your list of items and more. ......

+1. I have used an Osprey Stratos 24 for the past 4 years bike commuting nearly daily (1.5-7 miles each way, depending on which of my three work sites I have go to on a given day).

Great pack and has proven quite durable.

[bironi]

I used a Deuter for a few years commuting. It was smaller than the one you posted, but a very nice design. I could ride with it low on my hips, and the mesh support kept my back cool.:beer: I still have it, in great shape.