Philadelphia Mountain Biking Association - Forums

This one is for all the city commuters.

I'm looking for a solid backpack with good storage space and excellent support for commuting to and from the city. I'm not interested in a messenger bag, as I'll be walking a good amount with this as well.

I was wondering if anyone out there has a pack that they absolutely love that they would recommend for this purpose. I've used a chrome messenger bag in the past and have been happy with it, but as I stated, I'll be walking with this and my back gets sore after walking around with a heavy load on one shoulder.

I like Osprey, Gregory, Lowe Alpine, etc.  Looking for something that will hold up.

Thanks for your input.

Lev

The Deuter TransAlp series might be worth a look. The Transalpine 30 AC has 30 liters of storage and their "advanced aircomfort" harness system, which is basically suspends the main body of the pack above a mesh panel. Allows for massice amounts of airflow across your back.

http://www.deuterusa.com/products/productDetail.php?packID=transAlpine30AC&sub=hydration&tert=long

I have a Vaude equivalent which is pretty nice. I bought it to replace a Camelbak, but found it bounced around too much during rocky descents. Perfectly fine for cruising and commuting though.

I dig Arkel's stuff:

http://www.arkel-od.com/panniers/backpack/overview.asp?fl=1&site=

or

http://www.arkel-od.com/panniers/commuter/overview.asp?fl=1&site=

Might be something you're looking for.  Personally, I have Ortliebs, but they're really for touring only- they're just big, waterproof bags that stuff just gets lost in.  If I was seriously commuting on a consistent basis I'd probably go for the Bug.

Edit:

Oh, BACKpack... well, the Bug can be, but if you're commuting why not get a $20 rack and do it properly?

Just noticed REI outelt has an extra 20% ticket price right now. If you can stand the garish design, there is a special-edition Deuter TransAlp 30 (but with Airstripes, rather than Aircomfort harness) for pretty cheap.

http://www.rei.com/outlet/product/780040

check out ReLoad bags, its a messenger bag company but they do make a rad backpack

stymie, i like those deuter packs.

here's another decent looking one: http://www.backcountryoutlet.com/outlet/DTR0035/Deuter-Mercury-Backpack-1700cu-in.html?CMP_ID=SH_FRO002&CMP_SKU=DTR0035&mv_pc=r126

Nice, I think Deuter make good gear. The Race X Air series are also nice, and a little smaller than the TransAlp. Guess it depends on how much stuff you need to carry.

I like the Utilitarian ReLoad pack, as well as the Crumpler, Mahoubar. Not sure how comfortable they would be though?