"backpack" for sf 2 g

[Alec Flett]

I'm hoping to join up on a few sf2g rides this summer.. (I'm a friend of Space, but not nearly so bad ass) or at the very least some eastbay2g rides...

As I only need to hit the south bay once or twice a week, I'll be needing to haul everything down there each trip, including a laptop (hopefully an Air if I can get work to swing it) - my normal lightweight daypack finally frayed to death last year, so I'm looking for something new.

Anyone have any specific recommendations? 

Alec

[Theo Cummings]

Multiple discussions in the archives.  Search the groups page for it.  I doubt things have changed much in the last 6 months.

--
store: http://sf2g.com/store.html | blog: http://blog.sf2g.com | terms: http://sf2g.com/terms.html | bike prep: http://sf2g.com/prep.html | unsub: http://groups.google.com/group/sf2g

--
-Theo

[Darrin Ward]

if it helps the search any, i think i was the last one to bring up the discussion in relation to waterproof backpacks back during the "rainy season"

darrin

[Tom Birch]

I have a Camelbak HAWG (this specific one: http://www.travelgearblog.com/files/2008/02/camelbak-hawg.jpg) and holy shit is it the most durable backpack EVER. I've had it for like 5 years, landed on it multiple times in bike stacks, gone camping with just it and a tent (i.e. sleeping bag & clothes all fit in or strapped to the outside of this bag). It also snugly fits a 15" MacBook Pro (with room to spare for a light change of clothes).

After 5 years of almost daily use, none of the zips have ever faltered, none of the straps have come lose, and none of the seams have shown any signs of coming apart. I'm not sure what the newer camelbak line is like, but if their build quality is anything like this, you won't be disappointed.

cheers,

Tom

On Thu, Jun 16, 2011 at 12:07 PM, Alec Flett <alec...@google.com> wrote:

--

[Alec Flett]

Ah yes, archives were quite helpful! Since I was compiling the list anyway, might as well post here...  seems every one had at least someone vouching for it's awesomeness:

Lots of expensive Chrome to drool over:

http://www.chromebagsstore.com/bags/laptop-bags/soma.html

http://www.chromebagsstore.com/bags/laptop-bags/soyuz.html

http://www.chromebagsstore.com/bags/packs/pawn-rolltop-pack---small.html?c=248

The rest were more reasonably priced

http://www.vaude.com/epages/Vaude-de.sf/en_NL/?ObjectPath=/Shops/Vaude/Products/10145/SubProducts/101457190

http://www.rei.com/product/780465/novara-commuter-backpack

http://cascadedesigns.com/sealline/urban/urban-backpack/product

http://www.rei.com/product/768101/ortlieb-velocity-messenger-pack

http://products.lowepro.com/product/CompuDaypack,1922,16.htm

And a last minute entry:

http://www.travelgearblog.com/files/2008/02/camelbak-hawg.jpg

Alec

[Marc McCole]

or, for the discerning hipster with disposable income: http://www.missionworkshop.com/

On Jun 16, 12:44 pm, Alec Flett <alecfl...@google.com> wrote:
> Ah yes, archives were quite helpful! Since I was compiling the list anyway,
> might as well post here...  seems every one had at least someone vouching
> for it's awesomeness:
>

> Lots of expensive Chrome to drool over:http://www.chromebagsstore.com/bags/laptop-bags/soma.htmlhttp://www.chromebagsstore.com/bags/laptop-bags/soyuz.htmlhttp://www.chromebagsstore.com/bags/packs/pawn-rolltop-pack---small.h...
>
> The rest were more reasonably pricedhttp://www.vaude.com/epages/Vaude-de.sf/en_NL/?ObjectPath=/Shops/Vaud...http://www.rei.com/product/780465/novara-commuter-backpackhttp://cascadedesigns.com/sealline/urban/urban-backpack/producthttp://www.rei.com/product/768101/ortlieb-velocity-messenger-packhttp://products.lowepro.com/product/CompuDaypack,1922,16.htm

>
> And a last minute entry:http://www.travelgearblog.com/files/2008/02/camelbak-hawg.jpg
>
> Alec
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> On Thu, Jun 16, 2011 at 12:15 PM, Darrin Ward <dmw...@gmail.com> wrote:
> > if it helps the search any, i think i was the last one to bring up the
> > discussion in relation to waterproof backpacks back during the "rainy
> > season"
>
> > darrin
>

> > On Thu, Jun 16, 2011 at 12:09 PM, Theo Cummings <theocummi...@gmail.com>wrote:
>
> >> Multiple discussions in the archives.  Search the groups page for it.  I
> >> doubt things have changed much in the last 6 months.
>

[Theo Cummings]

Marc:

You know the rule right?  You can't be a hipster and refer to yourself as a hipster.

[Eric Altendorf]

On Thu, Jun 16, 2011 at 12:49 PM, Marc McCole <marcm...@gmail.com> wrote:

> or, for the discerning hipster with disposable income: http://www.missionworkshop.com/

I'm gonna go unpopular here (since I know a number of sf2g'ers have
these) and say that I'm really curious how many of these are going to
be left in a couple years. The designs seem to rely on zippers in
fairly critical places, and zippers simply never last. I'm not going
to be beta testing them. :)

--eric

[marc mccole]

I bought mine before it was hipster. 

[Alejandro Villarreal]

I have

http://www.chromebagsstore.com/bags/packs/yalta.html

and it is a phenomenal bag for commuting. Comfortable, weather(and bomb) proof, affordable, laptop pocket, cavernous if need. Just my $0.02. I wanted into the Mission Workshop store and was really impressed with their bags but damn are they $$$

On Thu, Jun 16, 2011 at 12:49 PM, Marc McCole <marcm...@gmail.com> wrote:

--

Alejandro Villarreal | Program Manager | aleja...@google.com | 408-421-5158

[Ben Blizard]

As if Chrome was any cheaper?

Note -- this is one of those places where a SFBC membership pays for itself.

On Thu, Jun 16, 2011 at 12:49 PM, Marc McCole <marcm...@gmail.com> wrote:

--
Ben Blizard
Voice: (415) 692-1881

[marc mccole]

I've never used the zip, I just latch it closed.

[Judd Blair]

Yeah, it is - the MW bag is 50% more expensive: Mission Workshop's small rolltop is $240, Chrome's is $160.

[Judd Blair]

Also worth noting that's the first time I've seen "hipster" and "disposable income" in the same sentence.

[mark c]

Two words: "Two Straps"

It's longer than a ride across town, and your back and shoulders will
appreciate the balance.

[Matt Terich]

On Thu, Jun 16, 2011 at 1:05 PM, mark c <mcha...@gmail.com> wrote:

Two words: "Two Straps"

It's longer than a ride across town, and your back and shoulders will
appreciate the balance.

This! I tried the journey a couple times with a messenger type bag and it was not comfortable.

 

On Jun 16, 12:07 pm, Alec Flett <alecfl...@google.com> wrote:
> I'm hoping to join up on a few sf2g rides this summer.. (I'm a friend of
> Space, but not nearly so bad ass) or at the very least some eastbay2g
> rides...
>
> As I only need to hit the south bay once or twice a week, I'll be needing to
> haul everything down there each trip, including a laptop (hopefully an Air
> if I can get work to swing it) - my normal lightweight daypack finally
> frayed to death last year, so I'm looking for something new.
>
> Anyone have any specific recommendations?
>
> Alec

[Judd Blair]

Chiming in from the opposite side of the fence, I rode for almost a year with a single-strap messenger and I liked it just fine. Depends on the bag - a "pro style" bag with stabilization straps and padded strap that keeps the weight centered over your back (like the XL and pro chrome bags, baileyworks, freight, etc) should be just fine if you choose that route.

[Eric Altendorf]

It also depends on your position. If you're deep over your bars with
a flat back, there's very little weight on your shoulders. What
counts is how well the pack is stabilized laterally.

But Judd, "hipster" and "disposable income" surprises you? I must
assume you're being sarcastic. :)
http://www.google.com/search?q=hipster+%22disposable+income%22

[Peter Colijn]

Panniers FTW. You can haul a ton of crap, and your back doesn't get sore.

Peter

[Judd Blair]

I suppose that depends on your definition of "hipster" - I would assume having a job with disposable income or some form of inheritance (see also: trustafarian) automatically disqualifies you from my definition. Then again, it seems like to most people these days "hipster" is the same thing as "moderately trendy".

Annnywayyys, back to the topic at hand, that was pretty much my discovery re: sling bags. I tend to ride in less-than-upright positions, so my main complaint was the bag shifting to one side if I didnt use the stabilization straps. Also, if you don't pack them correctly, they feel bulky and uncomfortable. I prefer my rolltop these days now that I have a decent one, but I usually reached for my messenger over my cheapie Dakine daypack when those were my only 2 options. 

On Thu, Jun 16, 2011 at 1:18 PM, Eric Altendorf <erical...@gmail.com> wrote:

[Peter Chang]

Le 16 juin 2011 13:28, Judd Blair <judd...@gmail.com> a écrit :
> Annnywayyys, back to the topic at hand, that was pretty much my discovery
> re: sling bags. I tend to ride in less-than-upright positions, so my main
> complaint was the bag shifting to one side if I didnt use the stabilization
> straps. Also, if you don't pack them correctly, they feel bulky and
> uncomfortable.

packing is the one problem w/ sling bags (i think i'm lopsided from
years w/ a pac os). i would put my clothes behind my laptop for a
little padding and to even out the load, but even then it sometimes
felt off. of course, it's probably easier to adjust a sling bag's
contents on the road than a backpack.

however, i'm not a fan of backpacks w/ funny 'laptop compartments' for
the lack of padding reason. i sort of like the surface against the
back, but i always think that i'm going to put some untoward torsion
on the laptop in the process. however, i just swapped out a laptop
that seemed like the motherboard was failing in multiple crazy ways so
my padding is probably not doing much.

\p

[Alec Flett]

On Thu, Jun 16, 2011 at 1:05 PM, mark c <mcha...@gmail.com> wrote:

Two words: "Two Straps"

It's longer than a ride across town, and your back and shoulders will
appreciate the balance.

Absolutely agree - I used to ride to (dating myself....) circa 2000 to Netscape with a Timbuk2 when they were cool. Learned my lesson after a few months :)

And in the vein of comfort, I am having trouble telling which of these are small enough - basically I'm looking for the review that says "This pack is too damn small! It doesn't even come close to carrying my 15" Macbook Pro!" (Rather than the explicit reference to that on the MW description that made me roll my eyes a little...)

 

Alec

On Jun 16, 12:07 pm, Alec Flett <alecfl...@google.com> wrote:
> I'm hoping to join up on a few sf2g rides this summer.. (I'm a friend of
> Space, but not nearly so bad ass) or at the very least some eastbay2g
> rides...
>
> As I only need to hit the south bay once or twice a week, I'll be needing to
> haul everything down there each trip, including a laptop (hopefully an Air
> if I can get work to swing it) - my normal lightweight daypack finally
> frayed to death last year, so I'm looking for something new.
>
> Anyone have any specific recommendations?
>
> Alec

[Eric Altendorf]

On Thu, Jun 16, 2011 at 1:28 PM, Judd Blair <judd...@gmail.com> wrote:
> I suppose that depends on your definition of "hipster" - I would assume
> having a job with disposable income or some form of inheritance (see also:
> trustafarian) automatically disqualifies you from my definition. Then again,
> it seems like to most people these days "hipster" is the same thing as
> "moderately trendy".

Yeah. I don't have any personal belief as to the true definition of
the word, but a lot of people around here seem to use it to refer to
trendy young people with money who fit a certain cultural stereotype
as well. It is perhaps most succinctly and hyperbolically embodied in
that classic bit of SF street propaganda, "THE NEW LAND BARONS RIDE
FIXIES", even if that phrase doesn't explicitly mention the word
"hipster."

> Annnywayyys, back to the topic at hand, that was pretty much my discovery
> re: sling bags. I tend to ride in less-than-upright positions, so my main
> complaint was the bag shifting to one side if I didnt use the stabilization
> straps. Also, if you don't pack them correctly, they feel bulky and
> uncomfortable. I prefer my rolltop these days now that I have a decent one,
> but I usually reached for my messenger over my cheapie Dakine daypack when
> those were my only 2 options.

True, messenger bags have to be packed right, and ultimately a
two-strap is a bit more comfy, but on days when I'm doing a fair bit
of on-the-bike *and* off-the-bike, it's still my bag of choice.

--eric

[Matt Terich]

One thing I like about the small MW bag is that there's a sleve in the back that fits a laptop perfectly, and there's a carbon fiber backing to the whole thing so it always fits against your back the same way, even if its filled with oddly shaped items.

--

[Judd Blair]

Yeah, what I used to do is pack it so that my laptop was actually closest to my back - it lays flat on my back, and then all the other misshapen items like clothes go on top. This works fine if the bag isn't moving around very much (ie its properly adjusted), but if that's not the case it hurts like hell. 

It's worth noting that it's much easier to get things like food out mid-ride. With a rolltop, you have to take it off, unroll it, get whatever you want out, re-roll it, and put it back on your back all in motion - you can do it, but its not easy. The messenger ones you can just swing around and grab whatever you want to nom on. I find myself awkwardly using my jersey pockets to store small food items when I'm using my rolltop, which is definitely not ideal since they get pressed against my back and are obnoxious to reach while obscured by the bag. 

If you're not worried about waterproofing, Rapha makes a small, thin bag that's perfect for SF2G (I think Naveen and Ted both have one), but a look at their website suggests they've discontinued it in favor of a bigger one. 

On Thu, Jun 16, 2011 at 1:37 PM, Peter Chang <d...@google.com> wrote:

--

[Jason Thorpe]

On Jun 16, 2011, at 12:07 PM, Alec Flett wrote:

> Anyone have any specific recommendations?

http://www.rei.com/product/768101/ortlieb-velocity-messenger-pack

FTW!

-- thorpej

[Eric Altendorf]

I see this one hasn't been suggested yet:
http://www.amazon.com/Star-Wars-Yoda-Buddy-Plush/dp/B000XTJGWQ

[Theo Cummings]

Yeah tough choice:

http://www.amazon.com/Star-Wars-Darth-Vader-Bubby/dp/B002GPD5Y0/ref=pd_bxgy_t_img_c

http://www.amazon.com/Star-Wars-Storm-Trooper-Buddy/dp/B003ZFW6CM/ref=pd_bxgy_t_img_b

I am leaning towards Vader

--
-Theo

[Theo Cummings]

Correction:

http://www.amazon.com/Comic-Images-Chewbacca-Buddy-Plush/dp/B000UGU298/ref=pd_bxgy_t_img_b

the clear winner!

--
-Theo

[Jason Thorpe]

On Jun 16, 2011, at 2:32 PM, Eric Altendorf wrote:

> I see this one hasn't been suggested yet:
> http://www.amazon.com/Star-Wars-Yoda-Buddy-Plush/dp/B000XTJGWQ

Wow, I know what I want for Christmas!

-- thorpej

[Peter Chang]

Le 16 juin 2011 14:32, Eric Altendorf <erical...@gmail.com> a écrit :
> I see this one hasn't been suggested yet:
> http://www.amazon.com/Star-Wars-Yoda-Buddy-Plush/dp/B000XTJGWQ

isn't he facing the wrong way to mock you as you run through the swamp?

\p

[Eric Altendorf]

I don't think so -- he is facing forward with his head slightly to the
side to look over your shoulder.

[Peter Colijn]

Ortlieb also makes the best panniers. FYI.

Peter

On Thu, Jun 16, 2011 at 2:14 PM, Jason Thorpe <tho...@me.com> wrote:
>

[Peter Chang]

the chewbacca picture makes this a little clearer. i coudln't see the
straps on yoda.

\p

[Judd Blair]

Alright, enough talk...who's getting one?

[Eric Altendorf]

I think Blair needs to get one, tonight, for Barway tomorrow.

[Theo Cummings]

I am holding out till they come down in price...

On Thu, Jun 16, 2011 at 2:55 PM, Judd Blair <judd...@gmail.com> wrote:

--
-Theo

[Peter Chang]

Le 16 juin 2011 15:02, Theo Cummings <theocu...@gmail.com> a écrit :
> I am holding out till they come down in price...

this one is cheaper (and amazon prime) and makes it clearer w/ a movie still

http://www.amazon.com/Comic-Images-Yoda-Back-Buddy/dp/B000FLT27G/ref=pd_sim_t_2

\p

[Beckett Madden-Woods]

The only zipper I use on the Mission Workshop bag is the one to zip in my cell phone. There are extra zippers to compress the bag, but they're not load-bearing. In any case, I find the bag sits really well on my shoulders; the weight is centered in exactly the right place.

My only complaint is some of the tension straps are a bit long and flappy. I need to shorten some of them w/a knife and heatgun I think...

Also, I paid $190 for the small roll-top at the store. Hopefully people aren't paying $240...

\p

[Judd Blair]

http://www.missionworkshop.com/products/bags/backpacks/roll_top/medium_rambler.php

The "sanction" rucksack is $180, but that's not a rolltop...

[Beckett Madden-Woods]

Oh, I have the Rambler rolltop then...

[Brenton]

I've never bothered riding with a backpack - I just use one of these:

http://www.rei.com/product/784652/topeak-mtx-office-bag-rack-trunk

It's a little pricey, but it can be nice to have a small trunk on your
bike when you're commuting. Definitely more comfortable than wearing
a bag on your person.

It clips right on to the matching luggage rack.

[Leor Leor]

I got this combo waterproof backpack pannier drybag a month ago that I am /very/ happy with so far:

Aquapac Pannier Backpack

http://www.amazon.com/Aquapac-Bike-Backpack-Pannier/dp/B002J5LMWY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1310604252&sr=8-1

It has been so relaxing to get the weight off my back, and its dunkably waterproof (guaranteeing the laptop and change of clothes on the long ride).

Late, Leor.

--

[Darren O'Connor]

Hey Alec!

Cool to see your interested in SF2G - I just did my first ride down to MV today! 70km in 2hr 40min... pretty crazy!

See you tomorrow :)

Darren

On Thu, Jun 16, 2011 at 12:07 PM, Alec Flett <alec...@google.com> wrote:

I'm hoping to join up on a few sf2g rides this summer.. (I'm a friend of Space, but not nearly so bad ass) or at the very least some eastbay2g rides...

As I only need to hit the south bay once or twice a week, I'll be needing to haul everything down there each trip, including a laptop (hopefully an Air if I can get work to swing it) - my normal lightweight daypack finally frayed to death last year, so I'm looking for something new.

Anyone have any specific recommendations? 

Alec