Waterproof backpacks

bboySushi

Well-known member
I commute to work on the bike and I now have awesome alpinestars rain gear. However I'm just using a regular 'stream-lined' laptop backpack which has been great, but I've never ridden in HEAVY rain with the backpack on. Sometimes I will put a plastic bag on top so it won't get into the vents, but is there a good, slim waterproof backpack that doesnt' cost an arm and a leg?

How do the rest of you commuters bring your laptop to work on a rainy day? (other than in a cage)
 
They have quite a few options at MEC; could check there for something in the style you like. I personally just do what you do with a plastic bag.
 
I have an OGIO Mach 1 backpack and I got caught in the rain (the day of the flood a few months ago)... if you remember.. it was absolutely bonkers outside and I was soaked to the bone through my leathers. I was coming back from work and had my work laptop with me and the whole time I figured that the thing would be toast but to my surprise when I got home the water beaded off the backpack and inside was BONE dry. It also helps that the zipper is on the inside of the backpack so there is literally no exposure to the elements once it's on your back.

A pricey backpack but I highly recommend it!
 
Strongly suggest getting a dry bag (MEC is a good spot) and putting your gear in that.....then stuffing that into your backpack. Save you a ton of $$'s and you can be 100% guaranteed your stuff won't get wet. Dry bags come in diff sizes so just choose the same size your backpack is. Get to wherever you are going and leave your soaking wet backpack at the door with the boots and pull out your dry bag and away you go.
http://www.mec.ca/product/4011-624/mec-weigh-lite-dry-bag/
 
Strongly suggest getting a dry bag (MEC is a good spot) and putting your gear in that.....then stuffing that into your backpack. Save you a ton of $$'s and you can be 100% guaranteed your stuff won't get wet. Dry bags come in diff sizes so just choose the same size your backpack is. Get to wherever you are going and leave your soaking wet backpack at the door with the boots and pull out your dry bag and away you go.
http://www.mec.ca/product/4011-624/mec-weigh-lite-dry-bag/

Couldn't you put the drybag over the backpack ?
 
Dry bag. Good idea. Mach series backpacks, good idea. I have the 5 and love it and it's held up perfect in rain so far twice. I also have one meant for cycling that has a cover that hooks on over top and I've ridden for hours in the rain on trails with the mtb and my gear never got wet. Try looking perhaps at a cycling shop? Not mec, I mean a specific bicycle shop that caters to mtb.
 
shoulder straps?

Check the sig =)

I got bungees, which once fell, and I had to backtrack on the top of Rocky Mountains to find it just laying in the middle of the road, and once snapped, then I went to nearest Home Depot to replace lol
 
Look into Kriega backpack they are great and totally waterproof. I have the R20 and has loads of space and def made for the everyday commuter.
Bought mine at Town Moto.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
 
Look into Kriega backpack they are great and totally waterproof. I have the R20 and has loads of space and def made for the everyday commuter.
Bought mine at Town Moto.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

+1 to the Kriega. Pricey, but you only need to buy it once.
 
I use a Chrome messenger bag. Managed to keep my laptop dry in some pretty nasty weather.
 
great ideas! The kriega bags do look very nice and comfy but just a bit pricey...maybe it'll make the xmas list this year

I wouldn't mind getting a dry bag because I go camping sometimes too anyways

I like the Hi-viz cover but 35 pounds is a bit much for just a cover.

As for the hydrophobic spray, I heard those break down over time
 
I use a Eureka waterproof duffle bag from Le Baron, strapped to the passenger seat with bungee cords. It has never leaked, and I've taken it through some heavy rain. Not bad for under $25. And it is bright yellow for high viz.
 
Check the sig =)

I got bungees, which once fell, and I had to backtrack on the top of Rocky Mountains to find it just laying in the middle of the road, and once snapped, then I went to nearest Home Depot to replace lol
So putting the backpack in a dry bag would work for you but most people asking about backpacks want to actually wear them. I'd look for a drybag from MEC on clearance. I think they had some for like $40 last time I was in there.
 
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