Opinion on backpack from those who bike to work

ironkurtin

http://www.yoox.com/item.asp?t.....#038;dept=

I will be able to bike to work! And I need a nice backpack that I can tote a laptop in, something that isn't SO sporty. What do you think of this one? Thanks!

14 years ago

Shopping

22 replies

Latest reply was from ironkurtin

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

I don't bike to work but would be concerned about sweaty back.

14 years ago

ironkurtin

Veteran

From this backpack, or from any backpack?

14 years ago

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

Any backpack.

14 years ago

ironkurtin

Veteran

Right, but assuming I am willing to risk the sweaty back, anyone bike to work and have any opinions on the suitability of this bag?

14 years ago

citygirldc

(website)

Veteran

No matter what kind of bag you have you will sweat anyway. I love the bag but were you planning to put any other items in the bag with your laptop?

14 years ago

ironkurtin

Veteran

A few things, sunglasses and wallet and phone etc.

14 years ago

citygirldc

(website)

Veteran

Then that's a perfect bag. For me I'd need a slightly bigger bag because I have so much crap that I have to take with me: wallet, iphone, blackberry, gloves, makeup back, work shoes, bike gadgets (lights, pump, extra inner tubes, etc), occasional workout clothes. Luckily I don't have to take my laptop with me.

14 years ago

ironkurtin

Veteran

Wow. That is a lot of stuff! What do you use?

14 years ago

citygirldc

(website)

Veteran

I don't really use a backpack but use a large leather crossover bag with a zipper. I throw in on around my shoulder or throw it on my basket or use a panierre.

14 years ago

Scarlet

Veteran

It's very sleek, but personally I really hate biking with a backpack. I would use a basket or a panier (sp?).

14 years ago

Mochi

Veteran

I'm in the same boat (with needing to carry a laptop and a few things like workout gear by bike). I'm already using a backpack. It's not that stylish but I'll stick with it for now...but if you buy this one, please let me know how it feels and supports everything. Is this specifically made to tote a laptop?

14 years ago

Laurinda

Veteran

How cool that you can bike to work!

Just food for thought here, I used to do a 15 mile round trip commute, and I found that using a pannier makes for much more stable cycling than wearing a backpack, and was much healthier for my back. Bike Nashbar has a waterproof one that converts between a pannier and a backpack.

http://www.nashbar.com/webapp/.....;langId=-1

14 years ago

ironkurtin

Veteran

I *wish* I could use a pannier! My husband bought me a folding bike in NYC a long time ago. It was perfect for the city, and since it was expensive, it's the only one I have. It'd pretty funny using it in Austin. Best comment: "...That's a little bike."

But my husband is handy and Christmas is coming, maybe I can him to custom-alter one for me!

MH Way also makes a similar briefcase:

http://www.yoox.com/item/YOOX/.....sr_women80

14 years ago

Isis

Veteran

Yay for biking to work!

I really hate backpacks. It isn't just that my back gets sweaty; it's also that my shoulder gets strained from the weight of the laptop (and I have a pretty light notebook).

I use a knog hot dog pannier that I really like. It can covert to a messenger bag because the clip that holds it to the pannier is detachable. It has a padded compartment for a laptop and pockets for pens and stuff. (It also has a graphic of a partially naked girl inside and says "I told you I just wanted to talk about politics", but that doesn't bother me.)

Here's the pic, if you google you can find other pics of the attachment system, etc..

http://www.amazon.com/Knog-Fra.....038;sr=8-6

14 years ago

ironkurtin

Veteran

Wow, those are great! Thanks a lot for the link!

14 years ago

Isis

Veteran

I forgot to mention that there is a hidden pocket with a raincover at the bottom. It really is a cool design! How far is your commute going to be?

14 years ago

ironkurtin

Veteran

Maybe ten minutes tops. It's SO GREAT! And right across the street from my daughter's school!

14 years ago

Isis

Veteran

Wow, perfect! Can you bike with your daughter? That would be fun! If she's old enough, on her own bike, or with a bike trailer or tow a bike?

14 years ago

ironkurtin

Veteran

My husband bikes with her on a hitch, but frankly I'm nervous about it. We can all bike together in the AM now!

14 years ago

Isis

Veteran

Super! Wow it sounds like everything worked out with this job!

14 years ago

Anonymous

It looks ok to me. My only issue is that I prefer a laptop backpack with some padding. In case of a small accident , electronics are quite fragile.

14 years ago

ironkurtin

Veteran

I think this bag is padded, from the pics?

And yeah, very happy about this new job. Heck, I'd be happy about ANY job these days, but this one comes with really nice perks!

14 years ago

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