[Closed] Offroad Commute - What Bag for laptop, Clothes & Food

No facility to keep anything at work? Laptop would be the first thing I'd sack off. Awkward shape that properly limits backpack choice.

submarined

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No facility to keep anything at work? Laptop would be the first thing I’d sack off. Awkward shape that properly limits backpack choice.

I won't need to take the laptop every time, but I have to travel regularly which would mean taking the laptop home ready for a trip in the car the following day.

I will be keeping shoes/boots at work so I can avoid carrying those.

I'm using LOMO pack:

https://www.lomo.co.uk/acatalog/high-visibility-drybag-cycling.html#SID=116

Truth to be told it is glorified dry bag with harness but does the job admirably. My major concern with laptop is to keep it dry, hence I selected maximum waterproof protection.

But I'm also trying to leave my laptop at work as often as possible as it is heavy stuff on the back.

Cheers!
I.

Have a look at Kreiga rucksacks, they're made for motorbike use but are very good for cycling, they do an R15 and R20 - I use the R30 for motorbike use and they have a key feature and that is keeping weight off your shoulders. I've used the R30 (30 litres) stuffed completely full for 10-12 hours on motorbike tours and not had any issues with comfort. Their quadlock system keeps the weight on your chest and off your shoulders.

I use a Timbuk2 messenger bag for an 8 mile (half on tow path) commute - fits change of clothes(no shoes), lunch and laptop OK. Been out in some fairly heavy rain and nothing got wet. Not that stable if you have any proper off-road

I use an Oxford Aqua V 20.
Another Hi-vis drybag.
Comfortable & hose-down-able.
Was good on the motorbike & now good on the MTB to work.

Mark.

I have an Kriega R35. Great pack but wouldn't use it for cycling. Way too overbuilt

Sounds like you want 'a rucksack'

Pick anyone you like, just one that fits you. There are options available at very price bracket

Use a plastic bag inside, a drybag or a waterproof cover. Alternatively use a drybag style one like an alpkit gourdon

I have a Thule pack n pedal - its a good rucksac but without a waist strap, I think its too bouncy for offroad commuting. Good on road and very waterproof.

+ 1 for the Aqua hi viz. bit sweaty when it’s hotter though

I'd recommend getting a Carradice Saddlebag with an SQR Mount on the seatpost instead of a rucksack.
You'd want to look at a SuperC or Nelson ( depending on the size of the laptop )

Take a look at some of the Evoc bags. Despite being an extra small and designed for "people with smaller backs" (I'm 5"10) I somehow ended up with this Evoc FR Track. At 10 litres I can fit a laptop and trousers/shirt/pants but not my shoes (which I leave in work) but it's super comfy and they do larger models.

https://www.burkescycles.co.nz/products/evoc-fr-track

I’m using an Adidas backpack I picked up from sports direct (sorry!) for £20. It’s got a laptop pocket, small pockets for keys etc, it’s comfy, water runs off it and I dont care if it only last 12 months. I’m impressed

Link for the same one at wiggle.

https://www.wiggle.co.uk/adidas-training-backpack/

Thanks for the suggestions guys, I think I might give the Aqua Hi Viz a shot, its not too expensive to get started with!

I use an osprey escapist 25 and carry my laptop to and from work once a week. The laptop fits in the main pocket fine with clothes in the lower one plus space for food. There are also useful pockets on the waist strap and a pocket on the main body that i keep spares and tools in. It is very stable and i find it comfortable. The rain cover does a great job of keeping it dry, it has only leaked once and to be fair to the cover the conditions were horrendous. The water got in to the bottom of the rain cover and slowly soaked up into the bottom pocket but i have always carried my clothes in a plastic bag as i find it keeps everything neater, so they stayed dry.