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Backpacks for riders

I've used the timbuk2 and the Chrome bags.

I've crash tested the timbuk2 and it passed with flying colors.

I've also been through some pretty crappy weather (rain and snow) with both and had everything completely dry.

Things I didn't care for:
Chrome: the retaining device starts to fray the main chest strap. No operational issues yet... but in a few years it'll need to be replaced.
The stabilizer strap is fixed and not adjustable for position.... kinda annoying.
It only comes in right hand OR left hand mode... which mean you can't switch it should you feel like humpin it over your other shoulder.
The seatbelt might scratch stuff...AND assholes think it's funny to poke at the buckle and watch you pick up your shit.... but that is easily fixed with a swift kick to the nutz... theirs not yours.

Timbuk2: The method of tightening the load is a PITA consisting of hopping and pulling... kinda makes you look like you gotta pee.
The clasp could pop loose if you have a full load... possibly.

Otherwise I love'em both.

http://www.chromebags.com/products/bags/show/14/


http://www.timbuk2.com/tb2/products/messenger/laptop-messenger
 
I've been using a VoltXL from Spire for a few years now. Really nice bag that is comfortable to wear when loaded - and fits easily over an armored jacket. It is much better than the typical "student" type laptop bags from Swiss Army, Targus, and such. The bag includes a padded laptop sleeve (they call it a boot) that is removable and has it's own carry strap. There are also plenty of organizing compartments in the bag for electronic gear and a couple external zippered pockets. In addition to being a backpack, the straps can be stowed into a pocket and an additional strap allows the bag to be configured as a messenger bag or shoulder bag.

http://www.spireusa.com/products/backpacks.htm
 
Jansport. Then again, I get to ride sitting upright so the air really isn't that much of a factor :p
 
I use one of two Ogio backpacks:


The Ogio No Drag

g21683.jpg


or the Ogio 1950

p2806381reg.jpg


I love them both. Both are a huge step above jansports. I love them both.
 
Having thoroughly master baited to above picture


Visible-compiler-error-laidee;
Just puh-ropes to dah OGIO folks..
My back pack is loike a boot (trunk) for me... Eye have first aid kit...
change of clothes...bottle of vodka...dead hooker... lap top
smazing what you can fit in there.... Lose shit in there.
Eye have found hookers eye don't remember pay hing four.
Awl in all....

OGIO :thumbup
=Silly Sod
 
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Regardless of what pack you choose, you're right to buy one with few extraneous straps so it's sleek. Also, I suggest a drawstring top-- you can overload it easier than a zippered back, and it won't come unzipped. Lasts longer too. Since drawstring bags are tough to find, you may opt for a zipper. In that case, go for a heavy-duty zipper and be sure to zip it all the way to one side; never zip each half (if it has two zippers) up to the center, as that is a recipe for working itself open, either by wind, gravity, or shifting bag contents, as some others have indicated. Zippers can burst from age or overloading, so be careful! I'd also consider a bag with just a smaller zipper running along the top, instead of a full-arc zipper. That would also be safer.

Personally I've been using the same backpack, by MEI, since 1987. It's a simple drawstring pack with a two zippered pockets. Tough to find something like that now, though; everything has padding, webbing, pockets, drawstrings, etc.

Lots of pockets seems like it can be good to keep organized. But it can also be a hassle when you forget what pocket you put something in. You have to go through all these pockets and zippers. When it's either in the bag or not, or in the (single) pocket or not, sometimes that's simpler and easier to manage.

Finally, make sure you don't get a backpack that's too long or too big. Some medium sized packs end up too long, and if you have any clear-coat behind you when you're riding, the bag can tap it or rub it. This can be the case if you ride a monoposto model or if you have a seat cowl over the passenger seat. Also, big backpacks are less aerodynamic. You want something relatively compact. Don't get too greedy with the capacity. You don't want to be hauling a huge load of stuff anyway.
 
+1 on Ogio. They make killer bags for any application. I have an Ogio MX gear bag and it's solid. I love it so much I got an Ogio golf bag...even though I don't play golf. I just love the bag.
 
one other thought...messenger bags, for me, have the problem of rubbing on the seat cowl or monoposto plastic on some bikes...they can hang too low and rub. or you hit a freeway joint and your load just jumps up.
 
I have a Joe Rocket "Blaster" backpack. It's proven itself on a number of long and shot distance road trips. Look it up and decide if it's got the features you want.
 
+1 to the Ogio no-drag. I rode from Seattle WA to San Jose CA (14 hour 1 day ride) with it holding 3 days of clothes, a pair of shoes, and my HP laptop with extra battery. Plus all of my random USB/Power cables for stuff. It's padded on the back so it doesn't hurt, the straps are very well padded, and there are clips both across the chest (to hold the straps in towards your chest against the wind) as well as at the waist to counter lift. The only thing I don't like about the it is the "helmet bag" they tried to add in. Awesome concept, failed implementation (at least for my helmet).
 
wait I don't see how a backpack could be that dangerous in a crash?? well if it has a bush of straps then yeah but the simple ones or the hard shell models if they are not bulky i think they'll do fine. I crashed wearing a jansport with almost nothing inside and it actually saved my jacket from being all thorned up around the lower shoulder
 
the backpack you need

It has a special laptop slot in the side so it doesn't interfere with the interior room of the rest of the backpack. Come check it out at the Motostrano open house this weekend
 
i use an alpinestar vader. purchased it for 60+tax but i hardly use it so im thinking of selling it for something a little smaller. it can fit a helmet, there's a laptop compartment and you can also put a back protector in there. if you want to buy it hit me up. its only 2 months old or so. red/black/silver

610206.jpg
 
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yeah ive had this happen with my books while giong to school. When i dont close it all the way the back back pack ends up open by the time i get to school.
Click to expand...
+1 and it sucked cause 2 full binders broke apart w/ all my notes from an entire semester that i needed :|
 
Blind_Io said:
I do have saddlebags, but they are not deep enough to hold a full 8.5X11 looseleaf binder and close all the way.
Click to expand...

I'm also a college student (re-entry), and commute by bike. I really hate riding with a backpack, and find it too constraining and annoying, so I wanted something better. I did a lot of research, and found an amazing item that fits my particular requirements: a Frank Thomas Cargo Endurance magnetic tank bag that unzips to a very sturdy backpack. It's gotten me through three years of college, and I love it.

It's big enough to hold the required 8 1/2"x11" notebooks, and deep enough to hold many schoolbooks. The main compartment has a spiral zipper that expands to 40L capacity, and zipped down, it has a 25L capacity.

The bottom section with the magnets zips off (and is a nifty map pocket when detached), and the backpack straps are VERY sturdy and well-padded. This is important for daily use as a real backpack, not just an every now and again thing. It also shields you from the wind and rain a bit when you ride.

The only quibble is that it isn't waterproof, and I wasn't able to sell back some textbooks a couple of years ago because they got water-damaged from being rained on inside the tank bag. But it does come with a plastic rain bonnet, and on rainy days, I now just wrap my books inside a heavy plastic bag. Otherwise, it's just the most perfect thing for a student who commutes on a motorcycle, and you can get one at Cycle Gear online for $89.

3253878-cargo_tank_bag.jpg
 
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motonewbie said:
i use an alpinestar vader. purchased it for 60+tax but i hardly use it so im thinking of selling it for something a little smaller. it can fit a helmet, there's a laptop compartment and you can also put a back protector in there. if you want to buy it hit me up. its only 2 months old or so. red/black/silver

610206.jpg
Click to expand...

PM sent.
 
I recommend the large Chrome Citizen or Metroplolis Messenger Bag. It has tons of volume. Its waterproof, and the way it fits , even with a heavy load, you don't even no your wearing it.
 
Janna said:
I'm also a college student (re-entry), and commute by bike. I really hate riding with a backpack, and find it too constraining and annoying, so I wanted something better. I did a lot of research, and found an amazing item that fits my particular requirements: a Frank Thomas Cargo Endurance magnetic tank bag that unzips to a very sturdy backpack. It's gotten me through three years of college, and I love it.

It's big enough to hold the required 8 1/2"x11" notebooks, and deep enough to hold many schoolbooks. The main compartment has a spiral zipper that expands to 40L capacity, and zipped down, it has a 25L capacity.

The bottom section with the magnets zips off (and is a nifty map pocket when detached), and the backpack straps are VERY sturdy and well-padded. This is important for daily use as a real backpack, not just an every now and again thing. It also shields you from the wind and rain a bit when you ride.

The only quibble is that it isn't waterproof, and I wasn't able to sell back some textbooks a couple of years ago because they got water-damaged from being rained on inside the tank bag. But it does come with a plastic rain bonnet, and on rainy days, I now just wrap my books inside a heavy plastic bag. Otherwise, it's just the most perfect thing for a student who commutes on a motorcycle, and you can get one at Cycle Gear online for $89.

3253878-cargo_tank_bag.jpg
Click to expand...

i got one of those cargo's, the next size up, they are good if you don't care about your paint job.. the huge magnets will destroy your tank when the material rips... ruined my custom pearled paint job.

frank thomas used to make good stuff when it was UK only, now the asian children they employ just don't seem to know the value of a getting paid $2 for a 14 hour day.

get an axio pack, they cost more but will protect your stuff, like laptops and cameras. they are made for laptops, apple in particular. the swift model even is aerodynamically designed with motos in mind.
 

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