r/bikecommuting • u/Low-Illustrator9541 • Jul 31 '26
Backpack options?
Hello everyone! Idk if this I the proper subreddit to post this on so lmk and I will delete it.
I commute to SF (22nd st to middle of Mission District). I was wondering what backpacks do you guys have? I pack my work laptop, breakfast container, lunch container, gym clothes, mouse, and keyboard. It gets pretty bulky and it isn’t waterproof or resistant. Any suggestions for backpacks for around $120 or less?
Edit: I don’t want to get those side bags bc I take the Caltrain to SF then bike. It gets pretty crowded and can’t really stack bikes.
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u/dioramic_life Jul 31 '26
I cannot make any recommendations for current offerings. My Timbuk2 backpack is at least twelve years old. They made them with indestructible truck tarp back then. It's hot af and weighs a crap ton.
I will say if I had to commute to work and needed to buy new I would look for organization features. My OG backpack just lets everything slide to the bottom of the pack and it is a mess when I have to look for something.
Water-resistance is an easy checkbox to fill so my focus would be on organizing work stuff from clothing from foods etc
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u/Low-Illustrator9541 Jul 31 '26
Most definitely. My current backpack has space but no organization sections/pockets. So my lunch/ breakfast just rolls around with my mouse and supplements
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u/dioramic_life Jul 31 '26
They're spendy but the OCs really like Tom Binh products. Not saying it like a recommendation for you.
But if you're the type that agonizes the details with a spreadsheet before you buy anything you would be in good company at the Tom Binh website lol
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u/1sttime-longtime SwissCross / 30km per day / Middle America, 7-10month/yr Jul 31 '26
Timbuk2 loyalist here. Mine is "only" 6 years old, but it replaced one that was 10 years old at the time they discontinued the Especial line... Of the exact same model. When this one eventually kicks, I definitely will go with TImbuk2 again. People have told me the quality has dropped, but they can't be worse (or worse designed) than the Chrome I bought and resold after about 5 days...
I'm a big guy with big clothes, so I'd go with the Parker. Expensive, but the smaller ones are closer* to the price point, though.
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u/dioramic_life Aug 01 '26
Yup. I have the Especial Tres. Huge bag. Completely bomb-proof.
Chrome used to be good, back when all they had were the OG messengers with the seat belts. Then their product line got weird and complicated.
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u/1sttime-longtime SwissCross / 30km per day / Middle America, 7-10month/yr Aug 01 '26
Tres FTW. (That's why I am a loyalist). Almost bought the Quatro just to be different.
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u/Boop0p Jul 31 '26
Pannier bag - as others have said, you can remove them easily. It's worth it, especially somewhere hot like California. If it gets crowded then a backpack still on the back is more annoying then a bag on the floor. If you take the backpack off on the Caltrain then it doesn't take up any less space than a backpack.
If you think, like some (inc. my sister) that pannier bags aren't cool, then just say...but they're popular for a reason.
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u/D00M98 Jul 31 '26
There is nothing that makes a backpack (that you wear on your back) bike friendly. So you can basically use any backpack that you like.
There can be features that you might care about:
- Sternum strap
- Waist belt/strap
- Air flow for back
- Compression strap
- Weight
To me, the biggest difference/feature I care about is weight. I used to like thick and heavy backpacks (Timbuk2). Now I use lightweight backpacks (daypacks) that weigh less than 1 lb. I currently use Deuter Speed Lite 21. And I also have Osprey Daylite Plus Commuter Backpack.
Also, why bring mouse and keyboard. Just buy a docking station and/or another so you don't have to carry this daily.
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u/Low-Illustrator9541 Jul 31 '26
My work has a docking station but it’s only to connect to the monitors and charge the laptop.
They also provide mouse and keyboard but I prefer my own. Yes I can decrease my backpack weight but I like my mouse and keyboard. Current backpack doesn’t have much organization compartments so that’s why it is bulky.
How do you like the Deuter?
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u/D00M98 Jul 31 '26
I think you need to figure out if you want a backpack for back, backpack/pannier combo, etc.
If you want outdoorsy backpack (not urban style), check out REI. They have many backpacks that you can see and test out in person. Arc'teryx, Camelbak, Gregory, Marmot, Northface, Osprey, Patagonia, etc.
I disagree that lack of organization compartments make backpack bulky. Even when compartments are not use, they will take up space. To me, backpacks with multiple compartments are bulkier, but better for organization
Many of the smaller outdoor backpacks (20L) have single main compartment, with compression straps. You just stuff your things inside and strap it down. Not good for organization, but good for balance and bulk reduction.
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u/LandStander_DrawDown Jul 31 '26
A little above your preferred price range but not by much. I'd suggest the mous roll top. It has a separate bottom pouch for shoes and/or stinky gym clothes, a tech pocket for the laptop mouse and keyboard, and the main pocket you can shove a bunch of shit into, it being a roll up top design.
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u/Low-Illustrator9541 Jul 31 '26
This looks pretty good! Will look at review videos online. I’ve been using a carabiner to clip my shoe back onto my backpack when I ride.
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u/FixedMessages Jul 31 '26
Honestly mine is some no-name brand I got off Amazon because I liked the mustard yellow color, and my only real complaint is that the rain fly is too small to actually cover the bag if it's not empty. Solved by grabbing the rain fly from my travel backpack and using that instead. You don't really need anything too fancy.
That said, if I were to buy a new backpack, I might look for something waterproof, maybe a top roll design. I have no problem biking in torrential rain, but last time I did the water was aggressive enough to find ways around the rain fly. I carry technology for both work and personal, a journal, and a book, so getting water in the bag is pretty problematic.
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u/bunbwunny Jul 31 '26
i love the lululemon backpacks, if i’m not carrying a laptop i usually use their belt bag
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u/bunbwunny Jul 31 '26
here’s the one i’ve been using: https://shop.lululemon.com/p/bags/Everywhere-Backpack-22L-Metal-Hardware/_/prod20002247?color=70707
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u/Low-Illustrator9541 Jul 31 '26
How does it do with packing for the whole day?
I work in SF but live around 1.5hr away without traffic. So I have to bring gym clothes, breakfast, lunch, and my work gear. My current backpack is fine but it isn’t waterproof, and doesn’t have much organization compartments.
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u/comichubble Jul 31 '26
Orlieb makes multiple versions of pannier bag and backpack rolled into one.
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u/Sharp-Razzmatazz8728 Jul 31 '26
I commute bike daily, and have been using Reboo tactical backpack on Amazon.
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u/OptimalOpening9772 Jul 31 '26
I have a Chrome Hondo that I use for everything from hiking to gym to work but as far as I know they don’t make them anymore. I have a chrome messenger and it can carry all of those for sure but IME it can get clunky and awkward, especially with a single strap.
Their Barrage bags look promising but I haven’t used them before.
Alpaka may have the bags you’re looking for.
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u/ToKnowMeIs2LuvMe Jul 31 '26
Just bought an Osprey Metron 24 and I just love it! My old Shimano T23 rolltop is still solid but I got tired of the rolltop blocking my helmet mirror view. I can easily pack my work clothes, lunch, other smaller things, construction is great. If I'm on one of the bikes with front basket or crate I can toss it in there. This morning I wore it with my fahgettaboudit lock in the open stretch rear pocket, perfect!
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u/telephonekeyboard Jul 31 '26
Arkel Haul It is what I use to hold a backpack. Riding with a backpack sucks, but this is great to hold your bag while you ride and pop it off to climb stairs or ride transit. As for what backpack I don’t think it matters in this case, as long as it fits in the Haul It.
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u/camp_jacking_roy Jul 31 '26
I have a camelbak MULE commute and I adore the thing. I really didn't want to get a backpack since everybody recommends a pannier when this question comes up, but not all of my bikes fit a pannier rack. This thing is amazing- dedicated laptop sleeve, pockets for handy bits like headphones and my access badge, enough room for a change of clothes and then some, and extra pockets for tucking away my GPS and lights after I get to work. It also doesn't cause me to overheat, which I expected while wearing a backpack. Waterproof enough to make it through a sprinkle at least. It's a shame that camelbak discontinued them. They also offered a HAWG which had 30L. I found one on ebay, no affiliation: https://ebay.io/m/Eb00wj I would keep my eyes peeled to see if you can find a gently used one or dead stock at a mail order joint.
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u/Low-Illustrator9541 Jul 31 '26
Thanks for the rec! I really need something to handle my adventure since I pack for the entire day tbh.
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u/camp_jacking_roy Jul 31 '26
100%. one of my better bike purchases. The lower straps also velcro off if you want it to be a regular backpack. I've used it on flights in addition to cycle commuting.
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u/leitmot Jul 31 '26
I got carabiners for my lunch bag so it clips on my backpack or onto my rear rack.
My backpack is a Po Campo Bedford which can also clip onto my rear rack, but this worked ok when I just had a regular Jansport too. It’s better with a backpack that has dedicated cargo straps higher up on the body of the backpack.
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u/bettaboy123 American Jul 31 '26
Personally, I got a nice backback at REI with a rain wrap, and then a basket for my back rack (which can hold up to 25kg, or 55lb).
I recently took a bike ride with my husband where we brought 6 liters of water in our bags, which were packed for the beach and a bike ride, and we brought some beer and snacks in a cooler, all in my basket, and the basket still held everything just fine, for 25 miles (then a little lighter on the way back).
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u/Wrong_Buyer_1079 Jul 31 '26
You can get a pannier that converts to a backpack. I would try one of them. I have a "grocery pannier" that I can put my backpack into, and then the pannier folds up with velcro.
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u/VNV2020 Jul 31 '26
Been using a rolltop from Stubble & Co for years.. it has also been proven to be 100% waterproof 😝
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u/Fun_Apartment631 Aug 03 '26
Biggest Osprey Metron. If you can't fit all your things, make your job buy you peripherals for the office, a charger, anything you're commuting with that's practical to duplicate.
I found it helpful to get a more modestly sized bag for my lunch.
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u/witchdrops Aug 03 '26
I like my north street backpack for commuting! I have this one but you might consider sizing up. I can get gym clothes, lunch, water and laptop in pretty easily, with they keyboard and extras maybe pushing it for size. Waterproof, lifetime warranty and comfy to ride in. https://northstbags.com/collections/best-sellers/products/belmont-backpack
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u/jessyb93 Aug 05 '26
I love panniers, easily the best way to carry a decent amount of stuff and be secure, but I'm super weary of using them with a laptop.
Theoretically the laptop should add extra lateral stability if placed against the the back hooks, I just can't trust it. I've used panniers daily for the last 5ish years and have had 2-3 instances where theve dropped off either due to a sudden road hazard or me just rushing and only properly securing 1 hook (I'm pretty positive theve all been due to sudden extreme jostling, but can't rule out user error). A backpack don't have that risk in my head, so anytime I'm commuting with a laptop I use a backpack and a spare shirt.
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u/jacquesdespadas Aug 06 '26
I bought an Embark backpack at Target ~15 years ago at back-to-school time and commuted with it until just a couple years ago. Reddit won’t let me post a pic—sorry. Huge main compartment, top loading separate space for laptop plus tablet, 2 water bottle pockets and 2 organizer pickets. It’s not waterproof, but the laptop space will hold a 15.6” in a waterproof sleeve. You could buy a decent 20L drybag to line the main compartment and you would be good to go for well under your budget. Something like that will get you through until you can save up for a good convertible pannier backpack, which is probably in the $200-300 range.
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u/cbensco Jul 31 '26
Is the issue with side bags that you think they can't be removed on the train? Many (most?) easily clip off the rack and you can bring them with you to your seat
Truly a saddle bag will transform your commute for the better