[Closed] What commuting rucksack/backpack?

Can't recommend this enough:

[url= https://www.cyclestore.co.uk/ortlieb_packman_pro2_back_pack-ID_66226?gclid=CjwKEAiA3_axBRD5qKDc__XdqQ0SJAC6lecAu2t5dn3qpcp_fqnL-auuzRqylr-WlZntvs4KiPCjuxoCn8Pw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds ]Ortlieb Packman[/url]

Not cheap but waterproof, tough, stable, vented, simple and has an additional helmet carrier which really helps reduce the amount of faff.

The only criticisms I could make are: the top blocks visibility a little when you're doing lifesavers and it's only got a single layer base and I don't know how long that will last from being dumped on the ground but they have a 5-year guarantee

Alpkit gourdon.

Waterproof, cheap and still works after years of abuse.

Another vote for Gourdon. The 20L has useful side pockets too.
Tough, comfy and waterproof.
Not got back venting, but IME that doesn't work anyway.

APF

Gourdon +3. Nice and slimline. Good harness. Doesn't hit a helmet. Fits a laptop. Keeps stuff dry. Very cheap.

Another shout for the Gourdon.
Bright Yellow for the commute too.

Gourdon, every day of the year

Timbuk 2 messenger bag I've done 80 miles commuting in day with it on.

gourdon. but rack bag is much better than a backpack.

Interested in this too. I need one for an overnight, so laptop, shirt, underwear and also trainers and running gear in summer months. I can't envisage what a 20 litre or 30 litre bag might hold. I don't want to end up too small, but equally don't really want to end up with a flappy backpack.

The Gourdon looks great value, so any insight on how big inside they are for my use would be helpful.

Sorry for hijack!

If you want properly waterproof, I cannot recommend Lomo enough. I've got both a backpack and a duffle by them.

http://www.ewetsuits.com/acatalog/drybag-daypack.html

What is the best size as in not to big or not to small of the gourdon 20 25 or 30l cheers will need to fit work clothes shoes and dinner in.

like the look of the lomo bag, and their [url= http://www.ewetsuits.com/acatalog/dry-bag-panier-hi-vis.html ]pannier[/url] for being half the price of ortlieb.

I've got a 2yr old Osprey Syncro 15l. Good airflow as the mesh prevents the bag from your back, nice for when you're in a rush. Isn't waterproof until you dig out the flourescent waterproof cover from a little pocket in its base. Comes in 20l too.

Deuter Race Air Exp. 18l webbed strapping and off the back mounting. Built in yellow raincover. I use mine a lot, including training rides at high intensity. It is big enough for a laptop, bits, shirt and underwear. Shoes are a bit of a stretch.

I'd buy another in a heartbeat, it is that good. And I was a pannier zealot before I bought it!

Gourdon. Forget all the straps, compartments, raincovers, back systems etc.

Less is more.

I have a Gourdon and a Lomo waterproof rucsac for day walks/rides.
I'd recommend either.

I used to use a drybag inside my vented Lowe Alpine sac but came to the conclusion that back-vents weren't really working as advertised for MTB-ing. Might be ok for commuting?

Gourdon here too.

They weigh nothing and don't flap, so go for the size you need.

You can fit a surprising amount into the 20 ltr because it's such a clean, simple design.

Going against the grain a bit here but ...

The bigger the sack the more likely you are to fill it with stuff "just in case". The OP hasn't said why (s)he needs such a large sack.

The first thing I'd look at is leaving as much as possible at work so that you are carrying as little as possible. That will make your commute more enjoyable and means you are more likely to use the bike to commute. I leave shoes, jacket, trousers, a pair of socks and underwear at work - the socks and underwear are "emergency" items in case I forget to take them one day. All I then need to take is a pair of socks, a pair of underpants and a t-shirt. This, along with a pump and a rain top, easily fits in an Ortlieb roll-top saddle bag. Spare inner tube and tools go in a tool storage bottle. The saddle bag has a clip-on fixing so attaches and removes from the bike in a few seconds so hardly onerous.

My 20 litre Gourdon has just turned up.
So much better than my Overboard which weighs a ton and is too big and dark when you try to find stuff in the bottom.
Alpkit, great service, price and product.

My standard STW-Answer-to-a-Different-Question answer here is a Carradice SQR tour/tour slim. Plastic block on the seatpost, semi rigid bag unclips/clips back on in a second or 2.

16l, holds a laptop (14in?), shoes, shirt and a couple of other bits. easy to strap things to the top if you need - like the runing trainers. waterproof, acts as a mudguard if you're caught without.

And when it's warm, you can have your tshirt rippling in the breeze like you're on holiday.

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Another one for the Gourdon. 2 years now, it was only supposed to be temporary until I got a rack for the new commuter after the old one was nicked. Still using it, panniers in cupboard. It's not vented but the footprint on your back isn't that wide so it's not too horrific. I'd say it's pretty similar to my 25l osprey that is vented but has a much wider back.

Pluses
-Cheap enough to try!
-Bright yellow
-20l one has side pockets for a multitool/small lock
-Surprisingly spacious

Minuseses
-Not really laptop friendly
-Can get a bit floppy if under-packed
-No hip support if you want to carry heavy loads regularly
-Pack it badly and you can get something rubbing on your back. A particularly bad day with a heavy load, poorly located lunchbox and an unfortunate label nearly drove me insane by the time I got to work. This is not a problem very often!

+1 nedrapier have the same bag for 13 mile commute each way, makes a lot of difference not having the weight on your back plus no airflow issues.

I agree with NedRapier on using a Carradice saddlebag with SQR seatpost mount, I doubt anything on your back will give decent airflow to stop you being sweaty.

Thanks for all the replies, I've just ordered a gourdon 30. I have an idea of strapping it to my rack with bungy cords as an alternative.