Bag for commuting

jhas

I've started commuting to work, using my road bike. Its about 14 miles each way. Does anybody have an opinion about using a "messenger" style bag vs a backpack? Which is more comfortable? Which stays on your back without shifting?

Thanks!

Brunswick_kate

Parcel rack and panniers here but I drive a hybrid and you might not want to clutter up your road bike with the extra gear. I just don't like stuff on me when I'm biking. I find that the lower stuff is on the bike, the better everything travels and I'd be concerned about the heat and sweaty bit of having a back pack on. I think it would be pretty uncomfortable.

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Resound

I commute to uni three days a week plus other rides and I do find that with my backpack the loss of ability to shed heat through my back is significant. The few times that I've ridden without it were so much easier it was ridiculous. I'd love to be able to space it an inch or so up from my back for airflow. Still, with winter coming on I'm suffering from the heat less and less.

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Randybaker99

I am using a Camelback H.A.W.G. for both water and clothes, on a 30 mile (each way) commute. It is very comfortable and has about 1000 cu in of cargo space which is just enough for me. As far as backpacks go it is the best I've ever used - with several comfort features (waist strap, chest strap, good padding) and all around great fit. I am concerned that it will not be feasible in hot weather (though the clothes I will need to carry will be a little less and I suppose I can put very cold water in the bladder).

I don't think I would enjoy using a messenger bag - I just can't see it staying in place.

I am currently using my new road bike for commuting, but rethinking. I have an old (18 years!) 12 speed in very good shape, and I think I'll upgrade it to a 9 speed double, and put the panniers on it. For long commutes panniers seem to be best in winter and summer - a backpack/messenger bag seems workable in spring and fall.

Good luck.

rek

What resound said -- by the way, there are some back packs with "channels" for back ventilation, but it's never quite as good as it sounds.

In wintery times, though, it doesn't really make too much difference if you have a backpack on or not. Summertime and backpacks are hell

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SomeGuy

I wear a bag all year round for carrying my school books, and in summer it really is annoying.

However a messenger style bag wouldn't really fix this, only using panniers or something else to take the stuff off your back.

So yeah, I'd either go for panniers or a full bag. I use a Kathmandu branded bag, which I like. Its tall and doesn't go out too far from my back and has got all the releveant padding. The only problem with it is the whole sweating and heat thing.

pablo_gg

I am a HAWG user as well with a 10-30 mile commute each way. For a backpack, I find it very comfortable as well. I usually leave the water bladder at home however to minimize the weight on back.
If you have never ridden with a package on your back, I recommend easing into it to avoid injury to shoulders/back.

benZine

Have you seen the Deuter range of bags? A little it more pricey but they have a decent airflow system where the bag sits a fair way off your back. I'm thinking of getting one myself.

kleinrider

Like several others have said, the best bet for commuting is panniers. Having said that, I think I still prefer a bag of some sort. I almost always ride with a CamelBak BlowFish, and while I sweat, I don't really have a problem with it. Even when going out for 40+ mile trips I don't notice it since I sweat so much anyway.

I do think that a good quality messenger bag would probably be the best choice (again, if panniers isn't an option) as they are used by guys (gals, too) flying through traffic and they don't move. Of course, a good messenger bag isn't cheap, but it would be worth it IMO. I'm saving up for a good bag right now, we'll see how long it'll take me.

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benZine

I've heard the messenger bags are bad for you back?

johnfward

I commute 15 miles each way on a cyclocross bike. I've been using a Vaude backpack which has a suspension system that holds the pack a few inches off your back. Trade-off is loss of space in the pack but it's definitely worth it. Fact remains, however, that you still have to deal with the weight on your back. All things considered, I'd recommend the Vaude if you don't want to install a rack and don't pack too heavy. Quality and construction of the pack is top notch. www.vaude.de

jhas

Thanks. I've settled for now on a lumbar pack from REI. It is just large enough for a change of clothes, lunch, and various essentials like wallet, keys, etc. Plus it has two outside water bottle pockets that make great storage for cleat covers, pump, etc. when I'm off the bike. The weight is down low, most of my back is free to breath, and with the optional shoulder strap in place it stays put nicely.

ahimsa

I suggest the Eagle Creek Pack-It Folder to hold a change of clothes no matter what your choice of bags is. It keeps things fairly wrinkle free and helps keep things compact inside the bag. Check it out:

http://www.eaglecreek.com/packit_folders.html

gclark8

I bought a bike specific one, Caribee, less than $50 in Aus, http://www.caribee.com it has the vent channels and lots of add on carrying features, a bit like a Tri back pack, see http://www.nytro.com page for them.

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