Good, Comfortable Backpack

[Aggie_Ama]

I bit the bullet and sold my commuter, it just wasn't the bike for me. I still would like to occasionally hybrid commute home the 28 miles on my Cannondale until the funds are available for a Bike Friday I can double for commuting. I have a backpack but it isn't comfortable, anyone bike commute and use a pack? My Cannondale is carbon so a rack is not an option that I know of plus on weekends it is my road bike so I don't want to put anything on it.

I only have to carry home jeans/pants, shirt, underwear/socks, shoes, wallet and Blackberry.

[Becky]

I find backpacks on bikes to be uncomfortable, mostly because my helmet bumps the top of the bag when I'm in riding position, and because they limit my rear view when I turn to look behind me. I occasionally use my roadie to commute, rather than my dedicated commuter, and I carry my stuff in a messenger bag. It's more weight on one shoulder, but it doesn't bump my helmet, even when it's cinched high up on my right shoulder, and it doesn't block my line of sight when I turn my head to the left to look rearward.

I have a Crumpler Super Snipe (discontinued model) that holds a change of clothes, shoes, and a few toiletries, wallet, keys, phone, etc. It's comfy enough for a few miles, but I'm quite happy to take it off my back once I arrive! I am more than pleased with its durability and performance, and definitely recommend the brand.

I see that you're riding 28 miles....backpack is probably the way to go for weight distribution. Maybe take your helmet to the store with you and try a bunch of packs on?

[PscyclePath]

I have a Chrome Mini-Metro messenger bag that I use when out on my road or mountan bike, where I don't have my cargo rack mounted. They're a little pricey, but I find it's a lot more useful and comfortable than my old backpack when carrying just about any kind of load. One big advantage with the messenger bag is that like your backpack, your stuff stays right with you, whether on or off the bike -- but the load is distributed a little lower on your back, and your center of gravity is much lower, making you more stable and less wobbly on the bike.

They come in several different sizes... I like the "mini-metro" for daily commuter usage, but also have one of the full-sized Metropolis models for when I really have to haul some freight...

[Pax]

I use The North Face Recon backpack. It does almost anything well, is sectioned off sensibly, and has a padded compartment if I ever have to carry the laptop. The external mesh pouch will hold anything from a helmet, to my sweater, or lunch.

[Becky]

I just had a thought: I wonder if the whole backpack issue is why the Bell Citi commuter helmet has a more-rounded back than others? So that it doesn't bump the backpack? (I love the concept of that helmet- too bad Bells don't fit me!)

Just rambling here....

[GLC1968]

I use a Timbuk2 laptop back pack when I commute. I do have a pannier for my clothing and toiletries, but when I have to take my laptop, I also use this backpack. It's quite comfortable. My commuter is set up the same as my road bike (same aero position), so I'm sure this would work as well if I were on my road bike, too. It's small enough to not get in the way, but large enough to hold my laptop and other stuff as necessary. It's also got a small channel that runs the lenght of my back (from head to butt) that allows air to flow underneath it. If I tip my head down for a second or two, the air flows right in and cools off nicely. It's really a smart design and a great backpack.

In fact, just yesterday I was thinking about how this backpack has been through a LOT and it is holding up beautifully. I use it as my carry-on when I fly, too...because it can really hold a lot and it protects my laptop very well.

This is a similiar one - but mine has one less compartment, so it's a little sleeker. I don't see in on Timbuk2's website though. I got mine through SAC for like $40, too.

http://www.timbuk2.com/tb2/products/...track-day-pack