[AtTheGates]

what kind of backpack/ bag do you use?
currently i have a timbuc2 deedog thats about beat. im looking to replace it with something a bit more comfortable. when i bought it i wasnt carrying much. now i take my 15" laptop and books or a change of clothes with me most of the tima and my computer stabs me in the ribs. the bag has no structure and is really hard to get comfortable.
wondering if other people have had better luck with other bags.

 

[Heidi]

I actually use a Crossover backpack that has a detachable insulated lunch pack as well. I can fit all my workout clothes, my work clothes, my lunch, and some books in it usually.

 

[amateur]

I use my Dakine Element backpack. I'm lazy/poor, so I use what I have. I have no complaints. Nicely padded back, contoured straps, decent amount of space, and an organizer (it doubles as my school backpack)

 

[face]

yeah i have the same problem i need something with some structure to it. whenever i ride my bike to school it will always slope off to a side. i think we need to get something with a chest and belt strap.

 

[splat]

I use a Rudy Project BackPack ( was free scwag I won at a race ) ,and carrying a laptop sucks! I have to carry mine some times and I hate it , still looking for a better way to carry it.

 

[SilentJ]

I rock a North Face "hot shot". It's a little small on fridays - I carry some shoes as well as it's "wear whatever the hell you want" day and I dont really want to leave uber comfy shoes at work througout the week. Commuting is one of the few times that I wish I was a tiny person as my clothes would fit so much better in a bag...

I've seen some guys carry their laptop in their pannier bag.

 

[ioscope]

I use a jandd commuter bag/pannier. It's pretty nice not having to wear a sweaty pack to school. Although it does throw the balance of the bike to the left.

 

[Toshi]

i use a camelbak transalp. big enough for a laptop and a change of clothes, and even some shoes in the outside flap, along with water and tools of course.

 

[PonySoldier]

i use a camelbak transalp.....

.....

 

[Superdeft]

I use a ReLoad civilian: super comfortable, and the materials used are second to none. After using it for a long time, I've found that with shoulder bags, if you don't have your books/laptop/helmet or whatever oriented right inside, it will stab you in the back mercilessly and it will hurt.

However, as long as you load your stuff correctly, and keep the bag sitting high up on your back, it's far more comfortable than a backpack. I haven't tried too many Timbuk2 bags, but you might want to try rearranging your stuff and tightening up the strap before you rush into buying a new bag.

 

[hooples3]

I have a timbuk2 and a chrome... both of them have treated me very well. The Chrome is my favorite. they are expensine but have some really cool features and hold up extremely well.

Check out Chrome here!!!!!

 

[biggins]

i use the large size timbuktu courier bag.

is your screen name from that old death metal band from the early 90's named "at the gates"

 

[amateur]

It's more about packing things right and distributing the load. A nice bag helps, but if you weight it all to one side, it's still going to slide around on your back.

 

[blue]

I ride about 12 miles to work sometimes and I've got a crappy 10 dollar Old Navy messenger back. My shoulder and back are ALWAYS sore because of it, and it has no space. I'm going to start doing package/letter running for a UPS Store downtown in January, so I'm going to need a better bag. Are the Chromes worth it? I really like the suspended liner and the hugeness of their biggest bag (Kremlin). They also aren't anywhere as nearly as ugly as the Timbuk2s. Thoughts?

 

[Smelly]

Are the Chromes worth it? I really like the suspended liner and the hugeness of their biggest bag (Kremlin). They also aren't anywhere as nearly as ugly as the Timbuk2s. Thoughts?

I've had a Timbuk bag for a few years, but my roomate has a Chrome and it makes the Timbuk feel like a total piece of crap. the Chrome bags stay in place much better than the Timbuk and just seem to carry stuff better. my Timbuk feels clunky and bulging when it's more than half full. The few times that I've used a Chrome it didn't feel that way. my 2cents from my limited experience with the Chrome.

 

[Old_Dude]

I have the L&L Bean Computer Backpack - it was a bit pricey, but if I lost it, I'd buy another one in a heartbeat - it's been great and I've owned it and used it for about 5 years - still going strong.

 

[AtTheGates]

is your screen name from that old death metal band from the early 90's named "at the gates"

-it is.

my timbuc2 is getting worn on top of being uncomfortable. so im looking into a crome messenger pack. i can get one at a substantial discount and the quality of the few i have seen is much better than timbuc2, with more attention to ergonomics and details.