Best backpack for all-weather commuting

[Erik_A]

I am considering getting a decent backpack instead of panniers on a rear rack for commuting. I want it to carry my dress clothes and work supplies. It should also be decent enough to take to a meeting. Does anyone have experience with these (or other suggestion)?

1.) Chrome: Welded Rucksack
http://www.chromeindustries.com/us/en/bags/backpacks/welded-rucksack
13.5” wide, 18.5” high, 4.8” deep

2.) SealLine: Urban Backpack
http://bit.ly/1nL2P2E
15 x 18 x 4 inches

3.) Ortlieb: Transporter
http://ortlieb.com/_pdf_en/transporter.pdf
15.4 x 19.7 x 9.1 inches

4.) Ortlieb: Velocity
http://ortlieb.com/_pdf_en/velocity.pdf
11 x 18.5 x 5.9

5.) Osprey: Pixel
http://www.ospreypacks.com/en/product/tech/pixel?tab=specifications
13 x 18 x 7

6.) Mission Workshops: VX Sanction // 20 Liter
http://missionworkshop.com/products/advanced_projects/vx-rucksack.php
12'' x 18'' x 5''

7.) Mission Workshops: The Rambler
http://missionworkshop.com/products/bags/backpacks/roll_top/medium_rambler.php
13'' x 19'' x 5''

Any help/ reviews are much appreciated.

[R3awak3n]

I have had a mission workshop for about 3/4 years now and it still looks new. Looks great, its an amazing bag. It will last forever.

However my only gripe is that its not 100% water proof. It will be fine with a little rain but if it downpours then the stuff inside the bag will get soaked (my laptop learned this lesson)

[nighthawk]

I have had a mission workshop for about 3/4 years now and it still looks new. Looks great, its an amazing bag. It will last forever.

However my only gripe is that its not 100% water proof. It will be fine with a little rain but if it downpours then the stuff inside the bag will get soaked (my laptop learned this lesson)

Which MW bag out of curiosity? Was it advertised as waterproof? I have been considering getting one of their bags when I'm ready to replace the one that my friend made for me... and I've been debating the different models. Waterproofness would be a plus for sure.

[Anarchist]

Any of the bags in the Especial line from Timbuk2.

Comfortable, easy to carry and WATERPROOF.

[R3awak3n]

Which MW bag out of curiosity? Was it advertised as waterproof? I have been considering getting one of their bags when I'm ready to replace the one that my friend made for me... and I've been debating the different models. Waterproofness would be a plus for sure.

I have the vandal. Its advertised as having a main compartment that is weather proof, whatever that means. Its fine for 99% of the times, it can take some rain no problem but once in a while here in NYC we get crazy downpours and the bag definitely was wet (it does try really fast)

amazing customer service too, one of the buckles broke and they sent a new immediately

[bluesea]

6.) Mission Workshops: VX Sanction // 20 Liter
http://missionworkshop.com/products/advanced_projects/vx-rucksack.php
12'' x 18'' x 5''

Any help/ reviews are much appreciated.


From your list I'd recommend the Sanction.

Otoh I replaced my Sanction with a Chrome Bravo, and it was a more than worthy upgrade, especially if light to medium shopping is in the cards. The Bravo is expandable, has improved load division, and a nicely more rigid back pad. It also carries well lightly loaded.

[cinema]

mission workshop of course. Sanction.

[Admiral Ackbar]

id go ortleib. i have one of their huge rolltop bags and as far as "all weather" goes its mint. waterproof as ufck (capsized a canoe and my ish was bone dry) and the padding on the back and straps breathes well enough (for something sitting on your back) in warmer weather. super well made too

[gasman]

I have the SealLine and it has worked well through 2 Oregon rain seasons. Keeps everything dry but I don't personally think it's the best looking bag. Holds everything comfortably.

[velotrack]

To the OP - sent you a PM. I have a used sanction pack, super lightly used.

It's great, but it's sort of small. It's enough for a change of clothes, a laptop, a few notebooks, and some tools. Not sure what your "work supplies" are, but if it's light enough it will do. Decent organization. Just doesn't work for me that well around campus - I'm not minimalist enough.

[Erik_A]

Thanks - PM'd you Back

To the OP - sent you a PM. I have a used sanction pack, super lightly used.

It's great, but it's sort of small. It's enough for a change of clothes, a laptop, a few notebooks, and some tools. Not sure what your "work supplies" are, but if it's light enough it will do. Decent organization. Just doesn't work for me that well around campus - I'm not minimalist enough.

[keevon]

FWIW... I used an Ortlieb Velocity almost daily for 5 years. Absolutely waterproof, but there are a number of reasons that I wouldn't get anther one:

- Dinky velcro roll-top flap. It wears out and pops open if you load the bag too much. Other bags use a buckle, which is a much better idea.

- Heavy. Between the waterproof material, internal plastic stiffener, and steel bolts/nuts connecting the stiffener to the bag, it's noticeably heavy when empty.

- No exterior attachment points. Current Velocity bags have a light mount, but there aren't any options for strapping something large to the outside of your bag.

- Poor internal organization. Big and cavernous with a small organizer "flap" that snaps in near at top (again, with steel hardware). The flap gets in the way of loading/unloading the bag.

- Questionable durability. Mine wore out after the square edge of the plastic stiffener rubbed through the fabric at the bottom of the bag. Seems like a poor design decision.

Don't get me wrong - the Velocity served me faithfully for 5 years. But I think there are better bags for the money.

[Nooch]

I just picked up a timbuk2 especial tres, and man, this bag is nice.

it's absolutely massive (by my 5'6" standards) and it's like 3lbs empty, but i've found it carries very light.

It may be too big for what you need, but I like that I can fit multiple days worth of clothes in there so I don't have to carry it every day.

[EvanTA]

I have the pannier version of this and really like it. It is completely waterproof, rode it 20 minutes in a hard downpour and it did just fine. Doesn't seem to have a padded back, but the bag is light and because there isn't much to it except for the main pouch, I bet it would feel light on your back. at least worth checking out.

[ceewho]

I have the Mission Workshop Rambler and enjoy it so far. It has proven to be waterproof so far (but I live in California...).

One of the other things I like about MW is the lifetime warranty.

The rambler itself is nice because of the expandable compartment. While I usually have it collapsed, the expanding pocket is nice for grocery runs. The size and number of the rest of the pockets is good. I like the buckle closure system. My only gripe is that the straps either don't lock well in position or they keep stretching.

Looks really good IMO too.

[Erik_A]

THANKS FOR THE TIP!

I found the Banjo Brothers "Canvas Commuter Backpack" on sale for $69.99 (from $100):
http://www.westernbikeworks.com/product/banjo-brothers-canvas-commuter-backpack

Info:
http://banjobrothers.com/products/current/cycling-backpacks/canvas-commuter-backpack-waterproof/

Review:
http://gearjunkie.com/bike-commuter-pack-banjo-brothers

I think I will like how the waxed cotton canvas ages and conforms to my body, better than the synthetic. And, it still has a waterproof interior.

I can vouch for Banjo Brothers in general making a pretty good "bang for your buck" product (having used both a large backpack and large mess bag), but I can't speak for that particular model.

[sngk]

I have an Ortlieb with the velcro closure, about 3 years old. It's really waterproof (mine has saved suits and computers more than once), but it has some problems too.

The velcro is not a strong way to close the bag in the first place, and it only gets worse as it picks up lint and debris over time. You can clean that stuff out, but who has the time?

The plastic buckles tend to crack, but that's not just an Ortlieb problem.

But considering that the price is relatively low I think Ortlieb is tough to beat, provided you get the one without velcro.

[jblande]

I have one of the roll-top yellow Ortlieb bags (classic messenger bag) just lying around that I have been meaning to sell. Used a bit, but really no worse for wear. If someone wants it for half price, I'd be happy to sell...

[tuscanyswe]

I have one of the roll-top yellow Ortlieb bags (classic messenger bag) just lying around that I have been meaning to sell. Used a bit, but really no worse for wear. If someone wants it for half price, I'd be happy to sell...

Ive had one of these for the last 10 years. I bought a lot of expensive bags a long the way but i keep coming back to this.. Its light its waterproof (well not after 10 years) its comfy, its one big compartment and nothing else which makes it good for larger items.

Currently thinking of ordering a freight bag as my ortlieb is has been dead for a while and barely holding it together.

[11.4]

I use an Ortlieb Flight from time to time and it's definitely my wet-weather go-to bag. It uses a dry-suit waterproof zipper rather than a roll-down top, and it works really well. It's a little more structure, a little less bulk, compared to many of the other Ortlieb products, and it's quite acceptable to carry or wear into a work setting.

I also have a MW Vandal. The one part that's really waterproof is double-zipped -- it's a pocket inside that you zip shut, then you zip another cover over it with another zipper. I wouldn't trust any bag, ever, at least with electronics, and with notebook computers I use the semi-hard shell Thule molded case that just fits the computer. I've wrapped it many times in a couple pieces of newsprint and then put it in the double pocket of the vandal when it's really pouring, just to see clearly if any water got through. So far, everything has been dry. I've used it for 25-mile rides without problems, and I've had both a computer and an iPad in the bag just sitting in the back of a truck during a search-and-rescue incident, and they have stayed dry. You do have to use that double pocket if you want the best protection. Elsewhere you can detect dampness or a few drops of water. I'm thinking about using some SeamSeal on the stitched seams of the bag to see if I can get rid of any water, but frankly, I'd probably just use the Ortlieb Flight.

I've tried a number of the bigger Ortlieb bags and others out there, and I've tried other bags, but I don't find anything that actually works better. Most just get really clumsy and heavy.

[giverdada]

Chrome.

I had a Rambler by the geniuses at Mission, and it was awesome, but I got it for a song and ended up needing that song more than the bag and so I sold it for the same price and I'll never see one again. Damn. I never did figure it out, mostly just its odd closures that seemed too small to actually get anything into its massive and expandable capacity. Greatest bag suspension I've ever used though, most breathable, and nice and supportive both loaded and not. Attention to detail absolutely outstanding. I can't actually afford them at all though.

Chrome have been my bags since I moved away from the original Timbuk2 messenger bag after too many things got way too wet. Chrome bags, and I only use their backpacks ('cause I'm not slinging the bag on and off like a messenger, I'm just commuting), are effing waterproof. My brother has their Ivan rolltop, and I generally covet their Pawn model, and it's absolutely watertight. I have been using their flap-style backpacks like the Dually and (now) the Ranchero, and it's totally fine in the worst downpour ever. I've ridden streets so flooded I had to ferry across intersections and eddy out on the other side in absolute thunderstorm drenchings, and everything in the Ranchero was dry as a bone. No exaggeration. It's why I buy these bags.

I've never found an Ortlieb that was comfortable unless it was on a rack and not my body. Totally weatherproof. Totally uncomfortable and maybe lacking some good support/suspension.

Give'r.

[velotrack]

Wish chrome bags were still all made in the US. Lost a bit of cool for me, after they started having 'em made elsewhere.

[Asudef]

Which MW bag out of curiosity? Was it advertised as waterproof? I have been considering getting one of their bags when I'm ready to replace the one that my friend made for me... and I've been debating the different models. Waterproofness would be a plus for sure.

Really? Surprised, since I've had the Rambler for 3 years or so ridden through some downpours and everything stayed dry. IIRC only the main zipper is waterproof, the zip inside for the expanded section isn't.


MY gripe is that I can't fit my laptop in the thin docu roll top compartment and its not padded on the bottom for that.

Fav bag by far. Chrome is too clunky.

[winmonster]

My silver MW Vandal is waterproof. Some colors weren't advertised as such when I bought mine. I think camo was one of those. I've ridden with lunch, clothes and electronics through downpours on my 10 mile commute with everything staying perfectly dry. Mine is about 4 years old now, and it's just now starting to show signs of daily (ab)use in the form of small creases in the exterior fabric. I'd buy another MW product without batting an eye.

[bikenow]

Look into YNOT bags, I'm thinking about getting one to use as a light day pack myself, I'm not sure if I should pull the trigger though. http://www.ynotcycle.com/products/gulper/
Also see: Freight Baggage, Reload and Trash Messenger bags
There are lots of other nice messenger bags out there but these are the most notable

[gomango]

I have one of the roll-top yellow Ortlieb bags (classic messenger bag) just lying around that I have been meaning to sell. Used a bit, but really no worse for wear. If someone wants it for half price, I'd be happy to sell...

I'd take him up on this offer.

I drag mine around everywhere including vacations. Made a great beach bag when we were in Croatia last summer. :)

[jensenn]

I can vouch for Freight Baggae. Ive had their messenger bag, rolltop, and an older style rucksack. They are very well made, waterproof, and look great. These bag eat everything up. Ive went on 2 week trips only needing it, small enough for carry on, transported whole bikes, etc. Only thing is that they are too big for my small frame and I've had to sell my messenger bag and rolltop. the rucksack is saved for traveling and when I have to carry large things.

I just picked up a Timbuk2 Hemlock in a small. it is a discontinued model but I believe its similar to the especial medio. Really great backpack for commuting, weighs nothing, with all the things I need for work (scrubs, tools, etc.) I can barely feel it on my back. Downside to it is that it doest have a chest strap, so when loaded with more than 20-25lbs it gets uncomfortable, but for a small backpack, the rolltop lets you pack a lot of stuff.

[martinez]

I used to ride with chrome messenger bags, which were pretty chill.
I had a citizen that I used for almost everything...school, groceries/beer, lugging bikes/parts/guitars around.

Currently using the Chrome Barrage, and it's been pretty handy.
mainly use it for school, but it doesn't have any smaller zippered compartments which I miss. It is completely waterproof and comfortable. It also has cargo net type of deal on the bag which I usually throw in my casual shoes when riding/cycling shoes when not riding, but can also take a helmet.
it's cool if you don't need to carry a bunch of small stuff, although it does have two side pockets that you can throw in water bottles or whatever.

[velotrack]

If anyone's got a freight rolltop they don't want, I'm your man.

[bikenow]

Look into YNOT bags, I'm thinking about getting one to use as a light day pack myself, I'm not sure if I should pull the trigger though. http://www.ynotcycle.com/products/gulper/
Also see: Freight Baggage, Reload and Trash Messenger bags
There are lots of other nice messenger bags out there but these are the most notable

So I got a large gulper, it's quite light, my only issue is that the outside front pocket is not waterproof, other than that it's nice

[Erik_A]

Has anyone tried the timbuk2 Especial tres (or Medio)?
http://www.timbuk2.com/especial-tres-waterproof-cycling-laptop-backpack/437.html

[Anarchist]

I use the Tres. Great piece of kit. Waterproof, huge capacity. Comfortable on the back when riding.

Highly recommended.

[cnighbor1]

Get one that holds the pack off you back they can get hot on days above 70

[Erik_A]

Thanks Anarchist! Is the Tres too large for daily Commuting (in your opinion)?

I use the Tres. Great piece of kit. Waterproof, huge capacity. Comfortable on the back when riding.

Highly recommended.

[Anarchist]

Thanks Anarchist! Is the Tres too large for daily Commuting (in your opinion)?

No, it cinches down to what you need, but when you want to put more in it, it will take it. It's a bag with a tremendous capacity to take everything, but will also take small loads, and is waterproof.

[Erik_A]

Thanks!

[Nooch]

I use the tres as well -- it's like, a 2-3lb bag empty, but as I remarked earlier in this thread, it carries lightly on the back.

[Erik_A]

I couldn't help but grab one of the Timbuk2 Especial backpacks on sale at Zappos for Memorial Day!

Medio: $111 (from $180):
http://www.zappos.com/timbuk2-especial-medio-black

Tres: $126 (from $210):
http://www.zappos.com/timbuk2-especial-tres-black

Cuatro: $206 (from $230):
http://www.zappos.com/timbuk2-especial-cuatro-cycling-backpack-black

Others:
http://www.zappos.com/timbuk2-especial

I ended up with the Tres: based on all of the great recommendations, Thanks! I hope to also use it for carrying my pro camera gear on outdoor assignments (as well as daily bike commuting).

Here are a few online reviews (for both the non-fully-waterproof 2013 model, as well as the newly updated, waterproof 2014 model):
http://www.timbuk2.com/especial-tres-waterproof-cycling-laptop-backpack/437.html
http://www.carryology.com/reviews-2/road-test/bag-review-timbuk2-especial-tres/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AmmXtCeTuv0
http://www.shamelesstraveler.com/blog/gear-review-the-mighty-timbuk2-especial-tres-backpack
http://www.gadgetreview.com/2012/08/timbuk2-especial-tres-review-2.html
http://laptopmemo.com/2013/05/03/timbukt2-especial-tres-cycling-backpack-review/
http://urbanvelo.org/timbuk2-especial-tres-backpack/