Thanks Westy, Will add a better back padding.
Help us build the ultimate commute backpack!
- Thread starter Gandharv S Bakshi
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Much, much better.
At first I was like, this guy is kinda spammy, and then I was like hey, he's taking the ridemonkey smartass comments somewhat well, and then I was like damn, this dude has a sense of humor, and then finally I was like damn, he's actually conducting some research and considering these ideas, and so finally I was like damn, I'd consider one of these bags if I was a commuter.
And then i looked outside the window and saw all the mud and melting snow and was like, double damn, I can't go for a ride today.
And then i looked outside the window and saw all the mud and melting snow and was like, double damn, I can't go for a ride today.
Flashing garners more attention. Just look at the BMW and Honda motorycles with pulsing headlights.
I agree with this. Also make the rear facing lights red.
Thanks JD. That is super useful. Given that I personally have a bit of fat covering my 6-pack (ok, layers and layers of fat
), we will make sure it fits soon-to-be-athletic profiles well too! On the food - Do most commuters carry their food too to work?Thanks AngryMetal! Custom logos are a dope idea. I'll see how we can make that happen. Dont know specifically about the graphic you suggested of course
Done! The flashing light option is easy to do. Will put that in. For the lights being red, it does change the aesthetic significantly. I'll build a prototype and see how it looks. I'll share the photos once I do it.
Color changing LED strips. You can give it the white look, but also have the option of red.
Thanks Kickstand. I am an entrepreneur and a cyclist - cant be those without a sense of humor I suspect. And being spammy comes with being an entrepreneur
Thanks Stoney. Will actually provide an option. Here, we are planning to use EL instead of LED. EL is stitch-able and thinner. But might as well provide the option - the back-light being red is ingrained into all of us since we picked up our first bike!
Just 2 more questions - is it common to carry food in the backpacks for the commute? And change of clothes?
Know what else attracts attention. Boobs, and dicks. I suggest images that flash between a set of boobs and a cockn'balls.
You may be targeting commuters but I think it is important that a pack is useful in all packing requirements. This is my 15 year old Blackburn Hydrapack. Although quite old, I compare all other packs to it. I think it is about 900 in^3.
Things I liked about it in order of importance
Things I liked about it in order of importance
- Suspension system and highly curved shape. Fit the contour of my back while on the bike. Maintained an air gap to limit a sweaty back. Waist strap is well padded but it can be removed when I used it as carry on luggage when flying.
- Deep side pockets that securely held water bottles or a Nalgene.
- A large simple front pocket. A personal preference but I hate small pockets or even worse, a bunch of small pockets. Complex pockets in pockets lets you organize things but prevents you from jamming in something bulkier like a rain jacket. Simple and flexible. I can put in a separate organizer if I want.
- Elastic on the back that is shaped to allow a helmet to be strapped on the outside.
- Not very waterproof. Stuff got ruined when I got stuck in heavy rain. Integral rain fly would be simpler than making the whole pack waterproof
- Laptop pocket would be nice. but considering the curved shape this would be difficult. A good feature for product differentiation if a innovative solution is developed.
- No specific means for carrying a U-lock. this should be centered so the load is unbalaced. A simple pocket on the bottom would be nice.
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That is a luxury item, not really suited for technical gear. I do use it to line my formal codpieces.
Good zippers. Nothing is worse than having a perfectly good bag, pair of pants etc etc, that has a crappy zipper.
Same goes for buckles.
It might also make sense to have a mesh "bag" on the front to carry shoes in. I use a Fox full size backpack for work, which has a mesh thing with straps on the front that is supposed to be used to hold a full face helmet. Coincidentally, my pair of safety shoes fit perfectly in there.
Same goes for buckles.
It might also make sense to have a mesh "bag" on the front to carry shoes in. I use a Fox full size backpack for work, which has a mesh thing with straps on the front that is supposed to be used to hold a full face helmet. Coincidentally, my pair of safety shoes fit perfectly in there.
Sometimes Plastic wrap leaks when I bring Meatloaf. I hate when the Salad dressing mixes with the whip cream on my Banana cream pie and the pie gets all mushded. Some type of Pie Retention system would be nice.Thanks JD. That is super useful. Given that I personally have a bit of fat covering my 6-pack (ok, layers and layers of fat
Guys - We're making "The Homer"
Where did you ever get that idea?Listen to us and you will end up with this
Haha. I can't see images at work.
This is pretty awesome.
I would also like laser beams, preferably to shine in the eyes of the motorists that are glued in the direction they want to go instead of where they are going.
I've got mad photoshop skills so I spent the better part of the day designing the logo for you. I hope you like it. I think it's some of my strongest work to date. Thank you and please drive through.Thanks AngryMetal! Custom logos are a dope idea. I'll see how we can make that happen. Dont know specifically about the graphic you suggested of course
will be funding....has sense of humor.
I think the dead hooker capacity is not as important as the pie securing harness. If I butcher a hooker, odds are I am going to finish up and scram. I am not going to bring her/himshe with me right? Focus is needed here. Are we ever going to need a ass ferret pouch? Not likely.
I bring food to with me 5-6 days a week in my current pack. Being water proof or very resistant was an important feature for me, my commute is only 15 minutes each way but I pretty much ride it every work day of the year. Room for clothing is necessary, sometimes really cold in the morn but 40-50 on the way home.
personally, I hate commuting with a backpack. Have you thought of making pannier bags? I'd even rather ride with a basket on my bike than a pack...
Enduro basket ?
Bad idea in the Ghetto. You can always run away. Sometimes you can't always bring your bike with you however.
I like the idea of having internal dividers similar to what camera bags have, but not permanent so you can change it up depending on what you are carrying. A ventilated back panel is a nice feature especially in the warmer temps. Oh and a self destruct button just in case.
I have yet to find a full bomber roll top dry bag with great suspension and straps for this type of riding. its either great bag or great suspension or straps never both.
I've been looking at alot of backpacks for riding lately. I found this pack Mystery Ranch makes for hot shot firefighting. I know its unlikely anyone has one ($220 price tag) but what're the thoughts? Slim pack on the back, weight balanced on the hips, 3L of water reservoir, heavy duty construction. Looks like it could be a good day pack for the trails..
Hey, A few months back, I was seeking feedback on the ultimate commute backpack. Thanks for all the feedback - we finally launched the new backpack as Aster - the world's safest commute backpack on Indiegogo at https://igg.me/at/Aster ! As a thanks, there is a secret perk you can access from here. Do tell me what you think of it!