Backpack for commuting?

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K24_CM7

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Hey guys,
So I am due for a new backpack for school and what not.
My old backpack is beat up and well ... on its way out.
Its been a good 8 years and well its time to upgrade!

So I recently bought a bike and I plan to commute to school next season or at least carry some stuff with me in a backpack.

Now the question here is, are "motorcycle" backpacks worth it or can any normal backpack be used on a bike? What makes specific motorcycle backpacks better than normal back packs?
I need a backpack that can fit at least a 15" laptop and about 2 text books 2-3" thick. So I definitely need something that can carry a lot.

I was thinking just a generic swiss gear back pack? or is there any reason why I should stay away from normal backpacks.

Thanks guys.
 
I bet some motorcycle backpacks are engineered to be easier to put on with gear or carry gear. I just use a general swiss backpack. Tape or tie any loose straps. You might have a lifetime warranty on the backpack you already own.
 
I got this steezy Metal Mulisha one from boathouse, nothing fancy, just a backpack. I take this thing on some pretty intense rides and can't really complain (one way or another you got something on your back...).
 
I usually do one of two things:

1) Use a generic backpack and strap it to the bike.
2) Use a messenger bag: easier to put on/take off, and carries the weight lower and more comfortably. Mostly I use it when riding bicycles.
 
Mountain Equipment Co-op has always worked for me. Going on 5 years with my backpack. Large and durable enough to fit all my books + 17" laptop + cords, aswell as perfect for weekend trips.
I also have a motorcycle bag which works just as great! Got one at the MotoShow for more than 50% off. Another great option.
Most importantly, they're both waterproof!
 
a biker nurse told me once to never wear a backpack when riding because if you come off the bike and land on your back it could cause further injury. You're carrying quite the load too. Since then it's tank/tailbags or bungee the backpack to the passenger seat for me. If you can, look into some hard luggage that's lockable. It's waterproof and you can leave stuff in them.
 
Hey - I've got one of these, a Boblbee, and I love it. It's specifically designed for motorcycles - low drag, ergonomic, and is a certified back protector. This will protect your laptop in case of a spill, and it'll ensure that you're not impailed by whatever you're carrying.
The only downside is cost... I got mine cheap / used off ebay.
 
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Look toward the Ogio No Drag as well. I'm loving mine each and every time I get on my bike. I work for a text publisher and regularly haul more than a few texts home with my Laptop. It's also got an area for a hydration bladder for hot days, shoe compartments, and a helmet carrier. There are the standard audio and sunglasses pouches, along with an adjustable sternum strap. It's plenty aerodynamic as well.
 
I use a Dakine bag I bought for college, has a strap top and bottom for your chest and stomach area so it doesn't move around and has a lifetime warranty. Works great for me when I have to carry a few extra things.
 
I just use an over the shoulder type, but I sit up when riding, so it actually rests on the passenger seat behind me and I don't feel it. I sometimes have to reach back to see if it's still there, it's so inconspicuous. If you're leaning down more over your tank, it probably wouldn't work very well.
 
Nice bags! Too rich for my blood but would be a great investment.

Machine said:
Hey - I've got one of these, a Boblbee, and I love it. It's specifically designed for motorcycles - low drag, ergonomic, and is a certified back protector. This will protect your laptop in case fo a spill, and it'll ensure that you're not impailed by whatever you're carrying.
The only downside is cost... I got mine cheap / used off ebay.
Click to expand...
 
soto said:
I usually do one of two things:

1) Use a generic backpack and strap it to the bike.
2) Use a messenger bag: easier to put on/take off, and carries the weight lower and more comfortably. Mostly I use it when riding bicycles.
Click to expand...

becareful of bags moving around and shifting.. I use a backback sometimes but Always strap it to the bike. Its great in summer.. I dont get a sweaty back and if take a fall the backpack wont make me tumble on the road but I would actually slide.

I know they don't really teach this here, but when I did my advanced rider training in NZ to get my motorcycle licence there, we were taught how to slide down the road and how to control (steer) the slide. Trust me - this has come in handy !!

Anyway, my opinion is get the backback you want.. generic/MEC etc and strap it to the bike.
 
I bought a backback from Tactical Products Canada. It does everything I need it to do, it's rugged and it distributes the weight well. It was pretty cost effective too. Lots of pockets to hold various items.
 
killerkeith said:
a biker nurse told me once to never wear a backpack when riding because if you come off the bike and land on your back it could cause further injury. You're carrying quite the load too. Since then it's tank/tailbags or bungee the backpack to the passenger seat for me. If you can, look into some hard luggage that's lockable. It's waterproof and you can leave stuff in them.
Click to expand...

You received bad advice. When I was going to college I had a motorcycle to commute. It was raining heavy and I was making a left turn. Midway through the turn the car in front decided to stop for no reason. I had to brake hard while the handlebars were turned. I fell off the bike on my backpack full of books. Those books cushioned my fall and saved my helmut from hitting the road.
 
I used to use a regular bag from MEC. It did the trick but was a bit of a pain putting on when geared up and when it was full the back of my helmet would hit it when on my bike. I now use a backpack from Kriega. It wasn't cheap and it's still just a backpack but the little differences it offers makes it worth it to me. Easy to put on when wearing a jacket and gloves. It distributes the weight across my chest and back. It has reflectors and it's pretty rugged. What you get depends mostly on your budget and what you're willing to put up with. I plan on using this bag for a long time so I don't mind paying more up front.
 
Have an Axio Swift hard shell backpack. Absolutely fantastic. The bottom of the bag has non-removeable dividers for putting in lap tops or books etc. The only thing I don't like is that the dividers can't be taken out for carrying larger items. Version I have is a couple years old with the inaugeral MotoGP logos from Indianapolis on it. Found it online for about $95 delivered, as opposed to $200 regular price.

Axio makes some pretty cool hard shell tail bags too.
 
I use a 20 ltre Kriega designed for use on a bike. Best thing about it for me is the straps fasten together with a quick release in the centre of my chest keeping the straps off my arms and shoulders. It doesn't restrict my arms at all, unlike my MEC packs.
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