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September 05, 2008
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Is a water-resistant, expandable commuter bag too much to ask for?
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Barcelona Street Backpack (courtesy, Fishpond)
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I'm looking for a backpack for commuting (note: I’m not interested in panniers).
The ideal pack would have a ventilated back and expandable volume—some days
it's just for work clothes, but some days I’ll throw in a book or my computer.
Internal pockets would be good, and water resistance is a plus. I'd also like my
Eagle Creek clothes organizer to fit inside. Is this too much to ask for?
— Dave
Sierra Vista, Arizona
Do you have a question of your own?
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 Really, I should think that most any pack would work—just about
everything out there can be expanded or cinched down, and it’s no big deal to
find one that can fit one of the Eagle Creek organizers (great things; $22 for
the 15” size).
But, certainly some packs are better than others. Patagonia makes a
purpose-built commuting pack called the Vertical Mass ($125). It has lots of
internal pockets and organizers such as a computer sleeve, a pouch for eyeglasses
or small electronics, a water bottle pocket, and more. It has shoulder straps, of
course, but it also has handles, so you can carry it like a briefcase.
Eagle Creek makes a
commuting backpack as well: the Back Office (hahahaha! Who thinks up these whacky
names?). Same drill: laptop sleeve, lots of internal organizers, and the nice
touch of a back slip panel so you can slide it over the handles of wheeled
luggage.
Lastly, while at the recent Outdoor Retailer show, I was smitten by the absurdly
beautify yet utilitarian offerings of Fishpond, a
company that caters mainly to the hook-and-line crowd. But they make an urban
backpack called the Barcelona Street Backpack ($119). It has pockets everywhere
for a notebook, clothes, and more. I like it in Moss Green.
Alas, none of these packs can be thought of as much more than water-resistant.
But get a small pack cover (Sea to Summit pack cover, $32), and you’ll be fine.
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