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Thinking about getting the above for commuting but unsure if it’ll fit a chunky 15” laptop that I’ve just been given, plus a pair of shoes, trousers, shirt and a small lunch.
I currently use an old Camelbak Blowfish which won’t work and to be honest isn’t the best bag anyway. The trip is only 5 miles so no need for panniers etc. and I don’t think they’ll fit my bike even if I thought them worthwhile.
I like the idea of the Talon as it’ll be useful for big days out in the hills and a hill walking bag. Plus I already have a Raptor 10 which is great.
For a commuting rucksack I personally think you'll be hard pushed to better the Alpkit Gourdon 20 (also 25 & 30L versions) It's 100% waterproof, cheap, very light, fluro so visible, and easy to pack.
Only two downsides: no small pocket for keys/phone etc... and perhaps not the most supportive on your back. Been using mine now for 2 years and it's been brilliant! I carry a weeks worth of clothes & running kit on Monday and it's fine, when needed I can also fit an old school 15" laptop as well.
https://www.alpkit.com/products/gourdon-20
Coincidently I have literally just finishing writing a blog post about this: http://ridingcircle.blogspot.com/2015/02/review-alpkit-gourdon-rucksack-of-power.html
I've only every used the Talon for trail running and it's been great, but it's lack of waterproof-ness was an issue for me. Plus it's £65! Does offer more support when running though.
How much gear can you get in a gourdon then ?
Is there enough room for a butty box and some gym kit ?
Will it fit people with wide shoulders?
I've recently bought the Talon 22 for commuting purposes, as well as general day bag for riding and walking. I can't recommend it highly enough - a very well designed piece of kit. I'd be surprised if it doesn't fit all of the kit you list, but to be sure go and check it out - they stock it in Blacks.
There you go , 15 inch laptop in talon 22 with room to spare
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Yeah I've got one of these, I really rate it. Very well made and lightweight. It doesn't have a hundred pockets like some other bags which is occasionally annoying if you like 'organising' things inside the bag but mostly it's probably a good thing to keep it light. I have used it for commuting (perfectly adequate) but I'm on panniers now which saves my back from sweating.
I reckon it'd hold all your kit without too much difficulty.
Thanks everyone, much appreciated 😀
renton - Member
How much gear can you get in a gourdon then ?Is there enough room for a butty box and some gym kit ?
Will it fit people with wide shoulders?
Gear? Well Most i've got is:
- 15" Laptop & A4 Notebook
- Running clothes
- 5 shirts
- 5 days underwear
- 2 Jumpers
- Running shoes (on the outside side pockets)
It was full and quiet heavy but worked well.
Lunch and Gym clothes:
Yes no issues at all.
Wide Shoulders?
Ummm not too sure, can't see any reason why not, although i'm a 36" chest, so don't have the widest shoulders.
Talon 22 will fit a laptop, depends how big your shoes are if they would fit also (can you not leave them where your commuting to?). If you get a rain cover it will be fine in rain. Even without they dont tend to wet-through very much.
The Gourdon is waterproof, thats pretty much all it has going for it. The most uncomfortable pack ive ever worn, but then it is just a dry bag with 2 cheap thin shoulder straps sewn on.
EDIT: The horribleness of the gourdon is probably because ive got wide shoulders (just saw that comment) as the shoulder straps are sewn on very close together.