The Money Mustache Community
Learning, Sharing, and Teaching => Ask a Mustachian => Topic started by: jdoolin on August 04, 2015, 10:09:15 AM
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I plan on bicycle commuting to work a lot more this year (schedule will finally allow it) and I'd like to get a new backpack. Just wondering if anyone out there had any suggestions.
It would need to fit a 15 inch-ish laptop and a few books and a few miscellaneous. Waterproof would be nice, maybe even a little reflective. I'm willing to put a little money into it if it's something that I'll be able to use for decades.
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I am a big fan of Osprey, http://www.ospreypacks.com/en/segmentation/backpacks
We own several of their models for different purposes: mountain biking, backpacking, trail running etc.
For biking http://www.ospreypacks.com/en/segmentation/cycling?request=en/activity/bike
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Do NOT buy Eddie Bauer. My zipper was broken within a couple months of use and now it's totally shot.
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I've had a LL Bean "Escape" 20L backpack for about 6 years. I've used it for work with laptop for about 4 of them. It works great for day hikes as well. I've traveled with it to a number of countries as well as a day pack. Mine looks 90% as good as the day I bought it.
After a quick search, it looks like they have changed the design since I purchased mine though.
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Iv'e been cycle commuting 15yrs using Jansport Super Break
http://www.amazon.com/JanSport-Classic-SuperBreak-Backpack-High/dp/B006ML7KUO/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1438710387&sr=1-1&keywords=jansport+red
The 12yr old one finally died, plumb wore out. My fancy 'new' 3yr old one is just broken in!
RED baby, 'cause it's safe!
Yes it fits laptop, etc no problem. Surprisingly big.
I sprayed it down with silicone based water guard to make it more or less water resistant, and I bike in all weather. If it's a total deluge, grab a trash bag and wrap your laptop.
Hope this helps.
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Did you know jansports have a lifetime warranty? One of my friends told me that they picked one up at a yard sale super cheap due to a busted zipper and sent it in and got a brand new pack out of the deal. http://www.jansport.com/customer-service/lifetime-warranty.html
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Although I don't use it for commuting, I have an Ogio Gambit or Bandit:
http://ogio.com/backpacks (http://ogio.com/backpacks)
I like it a lot, but sometimes I think it has too many pockets.
I also have a Swissgear backpack that I actually like more because it's not as bulky.
http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=&cs=04&sku=A3141862&dgc=ST&cid=262075&lid=4742361&acd=12309152537461010&ven1=sSKcuqCfv&ven2=, (http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=&cs=04&sku=A3141862&dgc=ST&cid=262075&lid=4742361&acd=12309152537461010&ven1=sSKcuqCfv&ven2=,)
I have been lucky and have gotten both of these as "gifts" from work! I don't know if I would spend the money on them, if I hadn't gotten them for free.
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I've had this backpack for almost a year now, really enjoy it:
http://www.amazon.com/SwissGear-Travel-Gear-ScanSmart-Backpack/dp/B006HFJA12/
It fits my 15" MacBook Pro perfectly. I walked ~2 miles each way to work with it in Chicago and it was very comfortable even with a bunch of weight. Nice thing is that it flips open for quick scanning at the airport (no laptop removal required) if you travel with it.
Plus, it wasn't very expensive!
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Is there a reason you want to carry that stuff on your back instead of on the bike?
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I use panniers on the rear. Works well and I can fit a spare change of clothes and my lunch and other things. Do grocery shopping with it occasionally too.
Backpacks, just go to an outdoor retailer, try a few on, then get the exact model you want and find it for half price 2nd hand online on ebay.
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I've biked and used backpacks for the last 20 years.
#1 Choice: www.goruck.com (Lifetime Warranty, Good Community, Amazing Company)
#2 Choice (a very not-close second) http://www.tombihn.com/
Buy It For Life
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Do NOT buy Eddie Bauer. My zipper was broken within a couple months of use and now it's totally shot.
Send it back, they have a lifetime guarantee: http://www.eddiebauer.com/custserv/customer-service-our-guarantee.jsp
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I am a big fan of Osprey, http://www.ospreypacks.com/en/segmentation/backpacks
We own several of their models for different purposes: mountain biking, backpacking, trail running etc.
For biking http://www.ospreypacks.com/en/segmentation/cycling?request=en/activity/bike
Can't beat Osprey. Check out their guarantee. Also, get the one that has a lot of air flowing around your back, makes a big difference in summer.
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Did you know jansports have a lifetime warranty? One of my friends told me that they picked one up at a yard sale super cheap due to a busted zipper and sent it in and got a brand new pack out of the deal. http://www.jansport.com/customer-service/lifetime-warranty.html
Cooooolll!!
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OP, for your purposes, why not panniers? Much more comfortable than a backpack on a bike. I have Ortliebs (basic Backroller Classic) and I'm very happy. They would fit a laptop but there's no padding, so maybe put a sleeve around the PC.