Best backpack for a short, packrat bike commuter?

July 1, 2013 12:07 PM

I'm looking for a new backpack suitable for a short bicycle commuter who tends to carry a lot of stuff, including a 15" laptop.

My current everyday backpack (this one, which I got on sale at woot.com) is starting to shred at the seams, so I'm looking for a new one to carry my stuff as I'm biking around the city.

Requirements:
- Laptop sleeve that will handle a 15" laptop
- Capacious (30 liters, plus or minus a few liters)
- Good suspension--I tend to overload my backpacks, so I'd like something that is still kind to my back even when it's holding my laptop, a textbook, and several notebooks. Hipbelt a plus.
- Fits a short person (I'm 5'0".)
- Good pockets. I really like the large, zip-able side pockets on my current pack (they are designed to hold a good-sized water bottle, but it turns out you can cram all kinds of stuff in there) so something like that would be a plus.

Ideally it would be under $100, but I might go up to $150 for something really awesome and durable.

posted by fermion to Travel & Transportation (9 answers total)

I just got a Timbuk2 backpack and I love it! I bus/walk to work, not bike, but they're geared towards cyclists as a company. It's really comfortable and holds a lot - expands if I need it but tightens up if I have less in it. It doesn't have a laptop sleeve but has a padded laptop compartment.
posted by radioamy at 12:50 PM on July 1, 2013

Tom Bihn would be a tad over your upper limit budget, but I can not say enough about the functionality and durability of my packs.
posted by Silvertree at 1:01 PM on July 1, 2013 [1 favorite]

I was just going to recommend Timbuk2 as well. Definitely the nicest laptop backpack I've ever had. I'm cheap, so I got mine through Sierra Trading Post. They don't currently have the one I got, but this one looks pretty much like what you're asking for. Timbuk2 even specs the torso size their packs would fit, so you should be able to measure yourself and judge whether it would work for you.
posted by hydropsyche at 1:49 PM on July 1, 2013

I second the indestructible Tom Bihn backpacks, but have to say that something that'll fit on your rack might make your rides more comfortable. There are backpacks that have rack attachments if you need to go from one to the other quickly, or plenty of other options that don't leave you carrying all that stuff on your back.

This one's a bit smaller but does have a laptop compartment and shoulder strap, and this one's much less bike-bag-looking than most. There are lots of options out there that'll keep your center of gravity lower and make your ride much easier (and back happier and less sweaty).
posted by asperity at 2:04 PM on July 1, 2013

Most of my backpack wearing cycling friends use a backpack from Banjo Brother's. None of them are 5" tall. My friends all carry way too much stuff and beat the heck out of their bags. The commuter comes in two sizes, both of which are sizable. The Metro isn't dainty, but is smaller.

I don't think either has a laptop sleeve, but I've started to prefer bags without them. I have a sleeve I can toss in when I need it, but when I don't, it's much easier to cram a lot of stuff in there. (I might carry too much stuff too.)
posted by advicepig at 2:06 PM on July 1, 2013

Response by poster: Silvertree and asperity: it's true that Tom Bihn is a bit out of my price range, but I could always hunt around on eBay or Craigslist. Do you have any specific recommendations on which bag and/or which add-ons (since Tom Bihn seems to be all about modularity) I should be looking for?
posted by fermion at 2:24 PM on July 1, 2013

I'd go with a Crumpler, they are similarly a bit out of your price range but super durable and designed for bike commuting. I love my Famous Wine Bar, but it's out of stock. Maybe something like the Aso Outpost?
posted by wikipedia brown boy detective at 3:36 PM on July 1, 2013

I have a Brain Bag and a Smart Alec and my wife has a Brain Bag. The Brain Bag can really be loaded down. I used to carry a computer, textbooks for a 12-16 credits, and everything else I would need for the day. Somedays, I think it might be too much. My wife is 5'4" and she was able to carry her Brain Bag without any issues. If you want space, this is your backpack.

If you want something more reasonably sized, I would consider a Synapse 25 or Smart Alec, depending on how many pockets you want. The Synapse has quite a few more pockets than The Smart Alec. I the Smart Alec is much more manageable for an every day carry. I usually carry a laptop, my iPad, water bottle, power supply, and a book or two in my Smart Alec with no problem.

As far as accessories, I would just get a Brain Cell, which is sized for different computer models, so check their chart for sizing.

Tom Bihn's customer service is outstanding. If you decide to go that route, give them a call and chat with them. They will certainly make a recommendation for you.
posted by Silvertree at 5:18 PM on July 1, 2013 [1 favorite]

I got this Timbuk2 "Swig" backpack recently. I actually like that to access the main pocket, you use a buckle instead of a zipper. It's way faster and easier. The capacity is leaning towards the lighter side, though.
posted by victory_laser at 3:36 AM on July 2, 2013