What's your riding backpack?

[silver_bullet]

Since I'm a college student and the bike is my prefered means of travel on my 45-50 minute commute I decided that a new backpack was needed. My regular one shifts around a lot and isn't too comfortable so I got this on Ebay new with tags for $70. It's a "2009 left over" I'm getting anxious to ride but I have about a 3-4 month wait




I'll write a review after a couple weeks use...Does anybody else use one of these?

It's Yamaha because the 600R is my usual transportation in the warmer days, though the 250 will probably take over with the 15T front sprocket and better mpg

[MKlein3004]

i use a backpack my friend gave me. Its from GAP and its one of those diagonal one strap ones. It is good for when i ride my bike to work i just toss my lunch and drink in there and go from there. For college i just used a regular backpack from jansport or columbia i believe. They didn't sit well over my padded shoulders, but the GAP one works pretty good. It has tightening straps on the side with buckle clips and everything. Plus it was free so i couldn't get a better deal.

[rockNroll]

I have a black Nike pack but prefer my army surplus issue 3 day pack in woodland

[Mr_Pete]

I have one of those north face backpacks that have the optional buckle clips in the front across the chest and stuff.
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[backinthesaddleagain]

whatever my kids aren't using from the prior school year

[andrewexd]

jansport backpack from like 7 years ago, i want the a* tech aero but no way in hell im paying $150 for a backpack.

[ninja250]

Old $80 Jansport. Was gonna link you to it but it appears it's discontinued.
It came with an extra cargo bag that's pretty cool for strapping stuff to the rear seat too. The bag also straps on the back pack if I need to double the storage. Wish I could link you to it.. works out great on a bike.

[Momaru]

I picked up a Camelback MULE2 since I realized a hydration pack would be good for longer rides. A little bit small for more than a set of clothes and 'the necessities' but plenty for a day trip. Has a built in rain cover that has come in handy on several occsions. 9459cd4a-0528-4987-bf95-a9a4c7b46ee5.jpg

[ninja250]

^
Those are a great idea. It's good to stay hydrated. My camelbak goes in my jansport..

[DarkNinja52]

college student as well.. i just use my jansport even though its kind of uncomfortable, it gets the job done (carrying text books and work clothes)

[Cedilla]

When I got my bike, I went straight from the dealer to Walmart to buy grocerys.(weird, I know.) I got a few things, and I realized I had to get it home, so I went to the sporting goods section, and I got the cheapest backpack I could find($8), and I've been using it ever since. I wear it everywhere I go, in case I want to take something home.

[Delta107]

I have the ICON Mil Spec Pack in Hi-Viz Yellow. I like it it has pockets everywhere. And doubles as a safety vest.

[kkim]

http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=12425&

[silver_bullet]

Originally Posted by Delta107

I have the ICON Mil Spec Pack in Hi-Viz Yellow. I like it it has pockets everywhere. And doubles as a safety vest.

Love that backpack. I've wanted one since they came out...but the one I have will have to suffice for now.

[backinthesaddleagain]

how about a ninjette.org branded bag???

[bdavison]

I use a camelbak most of the time, since it not only carries my gear, but also gives me hydration...really nice to have in the summertime.


Pretty close to the one I have.

When I need to carry more gear than the camelbak will hold, I use a Ogio Epic backpack.


And if that wont carry it all....then its time for my NorthFace Terra 30, which is also the pack I use for long distance riding or when I go hiking on the Appalachian Trail.



And I also keep a little stuffsack backpack folded up and stuffed in the tail for those times I didnt bring one of the above and need a backpack. You know...the kind that you get as a souviner from some amusement park or something.

[DEXSPEED]

http://www.ogio.com/ogio_bag_cat/ima...th_10_500x.jpgOgio no drag backpack for me
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[currentsea]

Make sure you zip to one side! My zipper opened on my backpack last week... Lost my wallet and about $100 in cash, and $200 in gift cards.
Not to mention all of my credit cards, insurance, and license

Ride smarter, not harder.

[silver_bullet]

That sucks! So you didn't end up finding where it got dropped?

[currentsea]

Nope, rode up and down the coast roundtrip of about 120 miles, but nope! Got in some good riding though.

[250Rocket]

Jansport RPM.



It's nice, sleek, holds a lot and I can use those zipper things to make sure it stays shut. Only cost 40$ CAD.

To date the record i have while riding is my laptop, a text book, a sweater, and a 4L jug of oil with filter No problems at all but it did start to get heavy at the end of the 30km ride home.

[Momaru]

Originally Posted by currentsea

My zipper opened on my backpack last week...

ouch compadre. I know that feeling though. I've had packs open on me from time to time over the years and have lost all kinds of stuff, including a 50-year old knife my grandfather gave to me. Have started using 1" S-biners on the zipper pulls to keep 'em closed. No issues since. Unfortunately no help on replacing your wallet, but may help prevent it in the future.

sbiner_3_onrocks_large.jpg

And another thread with backpack ideas, mixed in with other stuff.
http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=25489

[LazinCajun]

I use a MobileEdge Secure Pack (with pics in the thread Kkim linked). It was a bit pricey, but it is great with a laptop. I barely even notice it's there when riding, except when I have a tailbag on (sometimes it bumps my backpack).

[Ingersoll]

I don't like having the wight on my back so i use this.> http://www.thecycleguys.com/default....7&ProductID=97

I love it. The cloth with the elastic that wraps around the seat has faded a lot after having it over a year. Other than it looking kind of purple, its great.

[Apex]

A generic Adidas backpack. I just ordered a messenger bag from Timbuk2.



I got it so I could ride my bicycle in on occasion to work (23 miles to get there, one way. Crazy huh?).

It cost me around $45. Should be here next week. Even when it comes in, I may still not ride my bicycle. It is friggin cold out and I don't have all my cycling gear built up yet, especially for a 1.5 hour commute.

[camaroz1985]

My old Northface finally broke (was on one side of the zipper for a while, but now both of them are broken.

I picked up a cheap messenger bag for $10 to see if I'll like it. I've heard it is more comfortable than a backpack. Wasn't really even sure how to wear it on a bike, but that picture on Timbuk2 helps a bit. I don't think mine has zippers though, so I see stuff falling out pretty easily. I have a while until I can ride again though probably, so I'm sure I can figure something out.

[stealth250]

[Apex]

Originally Posted by camaroz1985

My old Northface finally broke (was on one side of the zipper for a while, but now both of them are broken.

I picked up a cheap messenger bag for $10 to see if I'll like it. I've heard it is more comfortable than a backpack. Wasn't really even sure how to wear it on a bike, but that picture on Timbuk2 helps a bit. I don't think mine has zippers though, so I see stuff falling out pretty easily. I have a while until I can ride again though probably, so I'm sure I can figure something out.

FYI: Cheap and messenger bags should never be used in the same sentence. You definitely get what you pay for when it comes to those bags. Some places call them messenger bags when they are nothing more than a simplistic shoulder bag. If yours has a padded shoulder strap and another strap that holds the bag to you, then you are set.

So if you don't like that bag, don't write off messenger bags. Just my 2 cents.

[bdavison]

The Ogio bags are really good quality. The Epic that I have has a nice big side zippered pocket for my laptop, along with tons of other pockets for just about everything I could possibly want to carry with me. They are kinda pricey, but worth it. Cheap bags suck.

[Cedilla]

^My cheap backpack rocks, Its got padded shoulder straps, and a lower horizontal strap that goes around my chest. Its waterproof, and has provisions for a hydration pack. It still looks just like it did when I got it too.

[Nickds7]

I use a camelbak blowfish. It allows me to expand the backpack with a zipper. That way when I'm not carrying a whole lot it is very aerodynamic. Then it expands when I pickup a gallon of milk.

[tapdiggy]

I use an Eddie Bauer pack I got in high school.

[camaroz1985]

Originally Posted by Apex

FYI: Cheap and messenger bags should never be used in the same sentence. You definitely get what you pay for when it comes to those bags. Some places call them messenger bags when they are nothing more than a simplistic shoulder bag. If yours has a padded shoulder strap and another strap that holds the bag to you, then you are set.

So if you don't like that bag, don't write off messenger bags. Just my 2 cents.

I figured that. Its at least good for bringing my lunch and stuff to work if nothing else.

Which size did you get from Timbuk2? What do you see as the benefits over a backpack?

[punisher83]

I have the black icon one. I've done 9 hour trips with it and was very pleased. Definately worth the money.

[Apex]

Well some people don't like feeling both straps over their shoulders. Some say a messenger bag feels better and more stable than with a typical backpack. Others like it because of how it is made.

I am giving it a try. I've used shoulder bags for a while now. This will be my first messenger bag. I'll try to compare them after a few trial runs. Proper fitment is the biggest thing. Once the bag is set up right, they are supposed to be quite comfortable.

I got the "large" bag because I wanted to carry my lunch, spare change of clothes, rain gear (just in case), etc; all while having room for my helmet, gloves, vest, and other accessories for when I get to work. We will see. Selecting the proper size helps when it comes to whether or not a person likes a bag.

I just know my backpacks won't do the job.

[camaroz1985]

Wow the large one lives up to its name. I'll be anxiously awaiting your review. I might give my cheapie a shot this week, just for a short trip to work (less than 5 miles round trip). If all else fails I'll just use my tank bag until I figure something out.

[Slabrocks]

i prefer a tankbag for riding. its less weight on the back and if its full enough, it moves air better than the tiny shield.

[Zim]

I have a Chrome Metropolis bag. They're expensive, $140, but the quality is really second to none on this bag. They're made by San Francisco bike messengers so the fabric and construction is bulletproof, the capacity is huge and they're designed so they stay planted over your shoulder even if you're shifting weight around. They even make bags for lefties like me that go over the right shoulder. You can get a bunch of different colors, too.

[CC Cowboy]

My backpack actually fits in my pocket. It is a small leather one which I keep some cards, phone numbers, and a few bucks. I find it has worked well for years and doesn't affect the way I ride at all.

I also keep a rain suit, hat, and some paper towels under the seat.

[Angel-be-Good]

I was using an old, simple Jansport bag from high school for a while. For a bag that's probably 15 years old now, it's held up exceptionally well, with a wash it could pass for new. But it had some limitations.

To replace it, I wanted a bag that...

• ...has a laptop sleeve, because I need to bring my laptop to and fro work.
• ...can hold a lot.
• ...has a sternum strap to reduce strain on long rides (the Jansport killed me en route to Seattle).
• ...is waterproof, or at least good for going through a good rain shower.

I considered this bag for a long time, but was hesitant to buy something online without handling it in a store first. I also considered the Ogio No Drag but couldn't tell from pictures if it had much capacity and if it was gimmicky.

Eventually found a No Drag in a store and handled it a bit--capacity is larger than I expected. As well, the outer shell is mostly rubberized, which should be good for water resistance. It's not advertised as waterproof but it has zero exposed zippers when worn. All zippers are held between the bag and your back while wearing.

I ordered one from NewEnough when I got home from the Seattle trip. It's a great bag, but some of the features limit its ease of use. It's got both a sternum strap and waist strap, which are huge benefits to my shoulders on long trips. But the extra straps make taking off the bag more of a process. As well, it's nice having the zippers completely covered, away from rain and pick pockets, but it does make getting into the bag a bit clumsy--I've stopped keeping my wallet in my bag because it's a pain to flip the bag around and get into it at checkout counters. With excess straps and buckles flopping around.

The shape limits what you can put into it, too, but I've always been able to load more than I could into my Jansport. It's a long bag, so it may bump into the tail of the bike...or into the back-bottom of your helmet. Gotta find the right height adjustment. The shape, comfort and rubberized shell make it great for motorcycle duty and I use it on a daily basis. It's not perfect, but it's the best solution I've found so far.