Need a backpack for commuting. Need to be able to fit assorted gear. I would like for itto be waterproof so i can't sweat through as well. The only thing I found was on Nashbar for 100$$. Is there anything cheaper?

I didn't understand all its features till later. It has a sleeve for a camelback. I love this pack!! I haven't seen anything like it since, but you might keep an eye out for one like it. The best part was that I paid $30 for it. ^_^

i bought one of these about three years ago. it is perfect. holds about 1500 liters. has two mesh pockets on the sides that are perfect for water bottles or shoes after you have changed, a large mesh pocket on the back that you can stuff a jacket into or the rain cover that is included with the pack, there is also a bungee cord type lashing you can use to secure a raincoat or fleece underneath as well, many straps to stabalize the load and hold it secure, a small pocket on the top flap for glasses, tools, etc the inside is roomy and loads by a clamshell top zipper and it has an internal sleeve for a hydration bladder. all in all the best pack i have found for commuting.

Need a backpack for commuting. Need to be able to fit assorted gear. I would like for itto be waterproof so i can't sweat through as well. The only thing I found was on Nashbar for 100$$. Is there anything cheaper?
I have my eye on a Vaude backpack. I forget the model right now but it had a semi hard frame which raises the pack off your back for ventilation on those hot days. I think it was about Cdn$75 (on special).

Trek make a good one. Not sure of the price in your part of the world but expect it would be under USD100. Very well designed for a cyclist as you would expect. Good for carrying decent loads incl notebook. All the usual helmet, shoe pockets, rain cover etc. Also takes a hydration bladder.

Have almost ridden mine into the ground after 3 1/2 years of everyday use. Have another in the cupboard ready.

Only suggesiton, and this goes for all backpacks, have more reflective stuff. Hell, make the whole thing out of reflective material. I like the christmas tree look - all the way to my (late) grave !!

I use a MEC Brio 25 DayPack (http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=676007&PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=15321&bmUID=1084549787772). It works pretty good, at 25 L is big enough for what I need without being too big, and gets used regularly for dayhikes, etc. because of all the bungee cords and loops, you can strap pretty much anything to the outside if you can't fit it inside the pack. For instance, this spring I picked up a 40lb box of drywall mud at the local hardware store on my way home from work. I used rope and tied the box to the pack then biked the 3 miles home.

The other thing I use when I don't need to carry much is a 10L fanny pack, something like this (http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=676423&PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=337063&bmUID=1084550112847) but much older. I prefer the fanny pack because I don't much like carrying a pack that rides high up on my back. In this regard the day-pack I have is better than others I have tried, but isn't perfect. MEC also makes a version specific for cycle commuting (http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=669657&PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=16949&bmUID=1084550424701) that is probably better in the way it sits.

Ideally I think I would use panniers or one of those courier shoulder bags.

Cheers,
Bryan

I too like the looks of Vaude and Dueter bags but I'm also pretty impressed with a couple of packs that Kelty makes... Check out the <a href=http://www.kelty.com/Kelty/index.cfm?fuseaction=Packs.ShowThumbnail&type=pack&categoryID=52>Blanca and Torre</a>. I like these packs for several reasons...

- Capacity - I like a bigger pack to commute with since I bring my clothes and lunch everyday. 1500ci is the smallest I would go and these packs are bigger... I currently use a 2000ci pack.
- Waist Straps - Waist straps are nice for hiking but I don't like them for riding as they cut into my ample gut while on the bike. These packs have a zippered pocked to let you stash away the waist straps if you choose not to use them. Nice touch.
- Hydration - Personally I wouldn't use a bladder for everyday commuting but it's a nice feature for hiking, adventure rides, and mountain biking. Kelty has a 2L bladder.
- Front Panel - Packs usually are front panel or top loading. This refers to how you access the insides of the pack. Top loaders are more like a stuff sack and IMHO make packing dress/work clothes a little more of a chore. Front panel loaders unzip like a traditional backpack allowing easier access to pack and unpack. Kelty's are front loaders.
- Rain Cover - Maybe a little gimmicky since packs are made of coated nylon but this is would help to keep the exterior of the pack a little cleaner from tire spray. It is also bright yellow which is nice for visibility. The rain cover stashes away in a small zippered pocket when not in use.
- Shovel Pocket - a nice way to stash your helmet when not riding.

Need a backpack for commuting. Need to be able to fit assorted gear. I would like for itto be waterproof so i can't sweat through as well. The only thing I found was on Nashbar for 100$$. Is there anything cheaper?

Do people on this board generally prefer panniers/bags or backpacks.

I've been commuting for a copule of weeks now and figure I've got the "stuff" part down pat.

So I was planning tomorrow to graduate from the MTB to my CX bike. I am going to use the panniers and a trunk bag I've had for a while. I got one of those Quick Release rear racks for the CX bike, so when I want it turn it back into a roadie/ fun bike I can.

What is the general feeling - If I go mimimalist on the stuff to be carried is a back pack preferred by the baord?

Do people on this board generally prefer panniers/bags or backpacks.

I've been commuting for a copule of weeks now and figure I've got the "stuff" part down pat.

So I was planning tomorrow to graduate from the MTB to my CX bike. I am going to use the panniers and a trunk bag I've had for a while. I got one of those Quick Release rear racks for the CX bike, so when I want it turn it back into a roadie/ fun bike I can.

What is the general feeling - If I go mimimalist on the stuff to be carried is a back pack preferred by the baord?

A good general rule is to always carry stuff on the bike if possible, instead of on your person. You'll have a lower center of gravity and you'll sweat less. Personally, I have trouble with panniers and rack bags...mostly because I have very large feet, and even on my semi-touring frame with long chainstays, my heels tend to hit the panniers. Rack bags are a little too small for me. So...

I use a Carradice saddlebag (www.carradice.co.uk). It hangs from an adaptor on my saddle (most Brooks saddles have saddlebag loops, but my Swift came without) and holds lunch and a change of clothing without any trouble. The side pockets have my emergency stuff in them (tools in one pocket; emergency food and cel phone in another). The "Low Saddle Longflap" bag I use has an expanding flap, as well--you can carry monstrous loads in this thing if you have to!

Since it's not on my back, I get better ventilation and no shoulder problems. I've been bike commuting for about six years now, pretty much exclusively, and I've tried many options. This is one I like best.

I picked mine up at Wal-mart for $30. It has a bladder that I rearely use, but it holds a lot of gear. There are a lot of compartments, including a cool holder for my cell phone on the shoulder strap. I have a lot of flexibility in my job, but part of the agreement is I have to be available by phone. The brand is "Outdoor".

I use the Targus Sport Deluxe: http://www.targus.com/us/product_details.asp?sku=tsb312

I carry everything including my kitchen sink though. But it's comfortable enough for me.