Good, Comfortable Backpack

[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)!