Things I've learnt from commuting

[ChrisF]

1 hour ago, Kuys said:

I use this https://www.firstascent.co.za/flint-25l-backpack?srsltid=AfmBOoqWLzA0whOa6-89tBfdcuvxj3s0vjNc7Y_4LvhFJpSd9UMyknHw

It has a rain cover which works very well. 

Chest and waist straps are important to keep pack secure, also prevents someone from grabbing it off your back. 

It has a frame that keeps the back pack away from your back to improve air flow and reduce sweating. It does restrict internal volume though. Enough space for clothes set and lunch (no shoes or laptop)

I ride a full suspension so kinda forced to go the back pack route. If on hardtail I would have explored the bike pack route for sure. But having the pack on my back instead of the bike allows for easier manoeuvring of bike on side walks etc, like bunny hopping curbs etc. 

 

 

I switch out between the HT and FullSus when commuting.

 

HT with the carrier is very "convenient"

 

FullSus .... FUN !!  Curb hopping, bit of detour to include some trails on the way home ....

[Hairy]

On 2/18/2025 at 6:29 PM, PappaWatTrap said:

Hi everyone,

Any tips on bags that you use for commuting? Space for some shoes, laptop, clothes ? Then durable and somewhat waterproof?

When looking for a bag, see if you can find one with an option to also open the bag from the bottom and on that has a rain cover contained within the actual bag.

Look for external pouches where you can keep tools and spares for quick access.

If the bag has a little loop on the back to fix a red light to, then lekker.

Chest and waste straps are also good to have.

For a good many years I used to commute daily, come rain or shine, and always ended up using the K-Way bags. They are tough, reliable and Cape Union Mart respect and honour the warranty if something goes wrong with a zip.

[Hairy]

To add, if you can get a back that has ventilation channels between the back and your back, this goes a long way in summer helping you stay cooler.

[alleyne]

15 hours ago, Mamil said:

laptop?

Laptop stays at work, not sure it would have survived the crash.

[ChrisO]

On 2/18/2025 at 6:29 PM, PappaWatTrap said:

Hi everyone,

Any tips on bags that you use for commuting? Space for some shoes, laptop, clothes ? Then durable and somewhat waterproof?

Hi, the bag Ive been using for years is the Thule Covert:

https://thulestore.co.za/thule-covert-dslr-backpack-32l-covert32

I have the older model, which is really great, the newer one is an improvement on this. It is designated as a camera bag, but Ive used it for everything you've listed. I put my shoes and socks in the camera section, away from my clothing, plus clothing, plus laptop and charger, snacks, and assorted odds and ends. 

A little pricey, but Ive had mine for 11 years, in daily use, still going strong. Buy once, cry once 🙂

 

Edited 23 hours ago by ChrisO

[RustyHWR]

On 2/19/2025 at 12:55 PM, peetwindhoek said:

 

I used one of these for years, commuting roughly 20 km to the office and back - before I took over school drop-offs and pick-ups. It held up well and is still somewhere in the house. As Zebra mentioned, it gets heavy if you don’t leave things at the office. I remember it being over 20 kg when fully loaded one day and always considered it part of my strength training.

Another thing to consider is that carrying a backpack might make you look like a more valuable target for theft.

I bought one of these ATG backpacks from Zebra years ago. Still going strong.