Good, Comfortable Backpack

[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

[OakLeaf]

Does a messenger bag remain stable and not bounce during climbing out of the saddle, or does it fly off to the side during cornering? That's my main reservation about them.

[Eden]

Does a messenger bag remain stable and not bounce during climbing out of the saddle, or does it fly off to the side during cornering? That's my main reservation about them.

Any good messenger bag should come with or at least have an option for a stabilizer strap - it goes from the shoulder strap across your body back to the bag. It not only keeps the bag from sliding around your back when you turn, it also takes a lot of the weight off of your shoulder and puts it on your hips - much like a waist strap on a backpack. If you don't have a stabilizer then yeah - messenger bags will tend to want to swing around. With one they are nice and stable - better than a backpack if you ask me, as the weight is lower on your back and gives you a better center of gravity.

btw - I use a medium size Timbuktu myself. It holds my clothes (no shoes, I keep those in my locker at work), my lock, and my SLR camera (I'm a photogrpaher) with plenty of room to spare. I've put a case of cat food in there in addition to the other things at times...... (no I don't go far that way - it weighs 20lbs )

[PscyclePath]

Does a messenger bag remain stable and not bounce during climbing out of the saddle, or does it fly off to the side during cornering? That's my main reservation about them.

The Chrome bags have the main strap that goes over your left shoulder, and under that there's a little stabilizer strap that comes up under your left armpit to hold the bag in place. If you've got the stabilizer strap clipped in, the bag is very stable, even when you're doing the bike messenger tricks. If not, then yes, it'll try to slide up under your right arm.

[7rider]

When I commuted with a pack, I used the REI Singular pack. It is a single strap pack that goes across your back and keeps the weight lower down on your trunk. I found this to be very comfortable for me. I find courrier bags to be very uncomfortable - even with the strap, I found them to be unstable and they stick me in all the wrong places.