Good, Comfortable Backpack

[OakLeaf]

I commuted once with my 50-oz Platypus pack (no bladder). There was room for my aerobics clothes (shorts and light top) ONLY - shoes and CD's live in my locker at the gym, and I wore the same bra and socks for my class that I did to ride. Also I picked up two packages of pita bread from the store. I really had to jam them in. No way would long pants fit in there.

For shoes, I used to sometimes carry those flat cloth Chinese shoes. They hardly take any space - less than flip flops even, and you don't have to take your socks off to put them on.

[Aggie_Ama]

Hmm that stinks. I am planning to ride home Wednesday and will probably for now use my old backpack. The real problem is width in the summer because it is Texas and dang hot. My backpack is just one found at Target, so I thought maybe something made for activity would be better for air flow. Right now it is cool and I don't think it would be an issue. I never had my helmet hit the pack so that is a non-issue. I have a gift card to REI so maybe I can go shopping this weekend and really look at some of your suggestion.

[Cataboo]

I manage fine with my Ultimate Direction Diva Hydration Pack on my bike with some clothing in it and a bunch of tools... I'm not sure if it would be big enough for as much as you carry, but without the hydration bag in it definitely. I find it more comfortable than the north face or dakine hydration bags that I have to use for cycling. The dakine ones I hate cycling, but I use them skiing no problem.

My current favorite daypack is the osprey atmos 35 (they have a female version, the aeriel or ariel something like that) - the ospreys have an arched back system which holds the pack away from your back (they just have a mesh that's next to your back, then an arched frame and you put stuff in the pack... It allows airflow between your back & the pack and makes it very comfortable. It's also a light pack. The arch can make it odd to pack depending on what you want to go in there, but what your describing would be fine. I haven't tried it cycling, but I love it hiking. I just usually think it's overkill for cycling for a few hours.

[SadieKate]

I have an Osprey Stratos 18 which I use for cold weather mountain biking and nordic skiing. I'm amazed at how much lighter the load seems in this pack than in other "women's" packs. I also like Osprey because the packs come in sizes based on torso length.

And there's a great attachment point for my SPOT should there be unplanned adventures.

The Stratos 18 is probably too small for what you want, but I bet one of the Osprey packs would work really well.

PS - I hate my TimBuk 2 messenger bags. They will not stay in place for me no matter what I or anyone else does to adjust them.

[GLC1968]

Timbuk2 'Outtawhack Daypack' is on SAC right now - $46

www.steepandcheap.com

[alimey]

Love my Deuter SL Bike backpack. it's women & bike specific (so it's not so long as to bump on your helmet). It has an expansion zip for when you need to carry more. It has a great back which keeps you cool in the summer. Very comfortable & never seems to look worn let alone worn out. It has a special strap to hold your helmet when you are off the bike - also it has a waterproof cover & will take a bladder. Finally - the waist strap has little zips to put things in you need access to quickly. It's not cheap - but it has lasted & lasted - if it ever wears out I will definitely buy another!

[Cataboo]

women's osprey aura 35:
http://www.rei.com/product/742786

[Serendipity]

I'm really hoping that this one is the 'best' commuting backpack:

http://www.rei.com/pwr/product-revie...-Backpack.html

Santa managed to order this before it was discontinued...

It will be a few months before I can actually try it out, though.

[gnat23]

http://www.rei.com/pwr/product-revie...-Backpack.html

Ooo, lemme know what you think of that one. I checked it out in the store, but had a few concerns. However, I did love the built-in rain fly idea and the spot for the blinky light on the back.

I'm currently using: http://www.rei.com/product/762509 which has that frame that holds it off your back. It's not a cycling-specific bag, but the guy at the store pointed out that it was way more adjustable for fit, and the women's size means it doesn't bump into my helmet like some of the packs do.

-- gnat!

[Sheesh]

I struggled to find a backpack that was big enough to carry the amount of stuff I need for bike commuting, but not so large that I couldn't see when I needed to turn my head to look over my shoulder. I finally found the Moutain Hardwear Agama and so far it works very well for me. There's even a pocket in the front that perfectly holds my helmet (for when I'm on the train)!

[GraysonKelly]

I have no idea if they still have them or not, but I bought a bag at Walmart a couple of years ago that was very very slim (almost like the Camelback pack) but has surprisingly deep pockets. Another idea...I went to an army surplus store and found a great messenger type bag andd a backpack that was awesome! It fit everything including my work shoes and wasn't bulky. I now carry a Timbuk2 laptop messenger when i carry a lot and one of their x-small messengers I got on sale at a shop here i town that was going out of business. Timbuk2 is having a sale right now with stuff up to 65% off if you wanna check it out. The also have something called an Outtawhack backpack that is a messenger style back with backpack like straps and a cross strap I think. Might wanna check there. Okay, I'm done.
Gray

[Aggie_Ama]

I bought this on sale today at REI. I figurd I can try it and not invest much plus it is small and I needed a new purse/day pack type thing. I may look into some of the other options on here when I have more to spend but at under $15 this one seemed like it was worth a try on the messenger bag style. When I commute I am selective about the shoes I wear to work so hopefully the small size of this will not be an issue. I think it might be comfortable to my smaller back. I will post an update next week when I try it out.

http://www.rei.com/product/764701