Commuter Backpack Recommendations: What works for you?

24 comments

1. I really want something nice and padded, with a chest strap as I hear that is essential for comfort and health.

   My current back is trashed. I will be returning home to Canada for the holidays, so I may be looking to purchase there if prices are better.

2. I bought a 35 liter Coleman Shield backpack for commutes. I was less concerned with size and more with it being waterproof. I put it on the front (sideways) during my commute, but it’s still quite big and I am sure everyone around me hates me for it.

   But it’s great, I’ve used it to take my work PC to and from work in heavy rains and it’s been solid.

3. I have two Arcteryx backpacks. I forget the name of them, but they have a few types you can choose from. Both have a padded area for a laptop/tablet and the straps are very comfortable.

4. I use a Millet Kula 20, which is plenty big enough for two laptops and a bunch of other stuff. Very comfortable and durable. Under 15,000.

   28L is quite large, I get a ton in this 20L pack.

5. I got a lightly used Patagonia backpack for about 1万 at マンガ倉庫, so I’d check secondhand stores. It’s working out great for me, and it’s even waterproof, which really helps being here in Okinawa.

6. I got a Coleman Shield 25 a couple of years ago.

   Fairly happy with it and I like the medium size and boxy look.

   A female Japanese friend noticed it and if I’ve started delivering for UberEats which I thought was funny.

   See a lot of high-schoolers and uni students with the same one, but I’m OK with that.

7. I used [this one](https://markrydenglobal.com/products/compacto-pro) for two years hauling textbooks and my laptop to school every day. You can get them on sale cheap off AliExpress. It’s a great size and has lots of features.

8. I’ve been using the Gaston Luga Splash for the past six months and am very happy with it. I’m a shorter woman so I have the 13″ version which fits my 13″ macbook, water bottle, lunch box, notebook, pen case and wallet. I think the 16″ version would suit your stature and needs well.

   https://us.gastonluga.com/collections/bags/products/splash-2-0-16-backpack?variant=44722506957087

9. I have a Timbuk2 Spire. Might have been a bit cheaper than what you’re looking for, but I really like it.
   Its a flap top so it can be really compact when you need it to, or fit an ungodly amount of stuff at other times.

10. Thule crossover 2

11. Peak design travel backpack, you might be able to get it cheaper in Canada but not sure – depends if the exchange rate keeps plummeting like it is

12. Workman is doing great things in terms of functional design and bag construction, maybe check them out? The prices are very reasonable.

13. I got a [Timbuk2 Especial](https://www.carryology.com/bags/best-backpacks-reviewed/drive-by-timbuk2-especial-tres-backpack/) about 10 yrs ago. Might be overkill for what you need, but it’s still holding up after daily cycle commutes through all 4 seasons, typhoons included. 20L expands to 40L with some zippers and letting the rolltop up (definitely can’t wear it on the front then). I used to do Costco runs with this bag, it’ll hold a lot of groceries or whatever else you want. As for your uses, I tried it on my front and it wasn’t that comfy, there might be another model that would suit you better, but there is a laptop space in there.

    I never considered one of their backpacks before and only got it because it was on sale and I needed one sooner rather than later. Glad I got it.

14. The bag I’m using now is Columbia mountain ridge 30L, it can carry my 15inch (36 x 27.5 cm) laptop, padded back, shoulder, and waist strap, comfortable with good weight distribution, and not swaying when i’m turning on my bycicle even when I’m carry 4-5 kg load (laptop, lunch, water & stuff)

    If you don’t like that I also found similar bags when I was searching for that bag for my commute

    Millet kula 30L
    Deuter giga

    Similar spec, but these two cannot carry a laptop with size above

15. Doesn’t really matter imo, they are all pretty much the same thing. Been using a no name one for years. I usually use them until they break and become unusable (4-5) years.

16. Yoshida Porter bags are really good.

17. Incase sells a 2-way tote backpack, it’s a backpack but has has long handles on top like a tote bag. My wife and I bought one each and it’s really made commuting easier in the mornings. Found it at Tokyu Hands and costs 18,000 yen, it’s called Transfer 2Way Tote

18. Goruck GR1 21L

19. Been running the [Alpaka elements backpack pro](https://alpakagear.com/collections/all-bags/products/elements-backpack-pro) for a couple of months now.

    Very impressed.

20. A 6000 yen Muji back-pack would do. Travel light.

21. Osprey transporter roll top. I highly recommend a roll top and water wicking materials in case of sudden rain.

    Carries weight really well with a comfortable back padding and shoulder straps, big enough (25 L) to pack a couple of nights worth of clothes for trips, material doesn’t wet out even in significant rain and the roll top wont let water in. Side pockets that most people should be able to access without taking the backpack off for wallets, phones, water bottles.

    I’ll probably buy one again when this one falls apart.

22. Decathlon backpacks are cheap, comfy and look smart. They have an online store in Japan but no physical shops sadly.

23. I have the [Evoon Multi Business](https://www.evoon.store/products/multi-business-ruck3), can recommend it.

24. I’ve used a Deuter Giga (28L) for the past few years. I like the air stip back on it in the humid summer.