Need a good run commute backpack - any suggestions?

Seriously?

In this paper-free world, store clothes at work.

You don't need more than a fanny pack for the stuff you mentioned.

If you're self-conscious, wear it up front or slung diagonally across your back.

If you *really* need more space, a small, standard book bag works fine. My run is between 8 and 13 miles (depending on route); never had a problem. Use sandwich bags to protect stuff from sweat; use hankies for padding.

Sheesh.

Lunch?

In this paper-free world, stash food in your cabinets. Case of tuna; peanut butter; heat-n-serve Indian food. Whatever.

Sheesh.

For four miles, you need Camelback. Fill it with 2 Liters of coffee for your commute.

Honda Civic.

Osprey Daylite. Hands down.

Kicker Gonna Kick wrote:

Seriously?

In this paper-free world, store clothes at work.

You don't need more than a fanny pack for the stuff you mentioned.

If you're self-conscious, wear it up front or slung diagonally across your back.

If you *really* need more space, a small, standard book bag works fine. My run is between 8 and 13 miles (depending on route); never had a problem. Use sandwich bags to protect stuff from sweat; use hankies for padding.

Sheesh.

Ya I'm serious and you are being condescending. I work 12 hr shifts and believe it or not, don't want to eat canned sh*t from my desk or spend $$ on cafeteria food. Also - how does a paper free world have anything to do with clothes?

More seriously - I have found that standard bags don't work well because they bounce around too much. I will be running ~6:45/mile and at that pace a standard bag is not comfortable.

Ultimate Direction Signature Series offers 4 different packs, each with increasing storage capacity. One of those should work for you

Agree with the Ultimate Direction suggestion. A true running "vest" type pack is vastly more comfortable to run in than a standard backpack or bookbag. The vest type fit eliminates bounce.

https://ultimatedirection.com/sj-ultra-vest-3-0/

- a bit of room but not too big

https://ultimatedirection.com/pb-adventure-vest-2-0/

- good choice if you don't need lots of room

Obviously other companies (Nathan, Salomon, etc. also make similar products)

Ranzer wrote:

Ya I'm serious and you are being condescending. I work 12 hr shifts and believe it or not, don't want to eat canned sh*t from my desk or spend $$ on cafeteria food.

You make tuna fresh? Peanut butter, too? Impressive.

Get a cube fridge for your office.

Use the local dry cleaner as your defacto closet: pick up a pressed shirt on the way in; drop it off on the way out... Blazers and slacks, too, as necessary.

Just trying to help you think outside the box.

As for "paper free" (sorry it wasn't obvious): the paper-free world leaves me with several filing cabinets, drawers and even an armoire in my office that would otherwise be empty. I use that space to stock my biz life in order that no backpack is necessary. To each his own.

the_german inquisition wrote:

For four miles, you need Camelback. Fill it with 2 Liters of coffee for your commute.

Yes.

"Only take the stuff you know you're going to need: comb, keys, pen, smokes, lighter, hanky, condom, and change.

Well, only the stuff you [Letsrunners] hope you're gonna need!"

--George Carlin, reapplied.

I own a Osprey Daylite and agree it would do the job if a backpack is really necessary. On the smaller side, comfortable shoulder straps, a chest strap, compression straps.

You will sweat with the damn thing on though, so be prepared for that. Not the end of the world as the pack has a liner between your back and the main compartment that is intended to keep a water reservoir separated from the main contents of the pack, so that should help keep things dry.

They also have a great warranty.

When I used to do this I would use a camel back without the bladder, worked nicely.

Yeah, running isn't an activity suited to carrying a lot of crap. Walking or cycling are better if you need to bring the entire pantry or closet with you.

If you really need to run with that much baggage, a jogging stroller would actually be the most efficient method of transport.

JohnnyMismo wrote:

Ultimate Direction Signature Series offers 4 different packs, each with increasing storage capacity. One of those should work for you

thanks - I'll check these out.

Kicker Gonna Kick wrote:

Ranzer wrote:

Ya I'm serious and you are being condescending. I work 12 hr shifts and believe it or not, don't want to eat canned sh*t from my desk or spend $$ on cafeteria food.

You make tuna fresh? Peanut butter, too? Impressive.

Get a cube fridge for your office.

Use the local dry cleaner as your defacto closet: pick up a pressed shirt on the way in; drop it off on the way out... Blazers and slacks, too, as necessary.

Just trying to help you think outside the box.

As for "paper free" (sorry it wasn't obvious): the paper-free world leaves me with several filing cabinets, drawers and even an armoire in my office that would otherwise be empty. I use that space to stock my biz life in order that no backpack is necessary. To each his own.

That would be nice - it sounds like you work a typical white collar desk job. Not everyone does though.

1. I wear scrubs all day so clothes are a non issue (I never mentioned clothes in my post).

2. My "office space" is not my own - it will be shared with the other members of the OR team - I can't just move a fridge in there.

3. There are no filing cabinets in that space - just some tables and chairs/couches - it's more of a lounge.

Just get one that has a belly and chest strap. Lock down the bounce and you can carry a ton of stuff if necessary.

Beto backpacks were designed like this I used to run to school with one modified with two straps added.

Get something that has a mesh back, that'll help stop it sliding around on your back.

The straps should be set apart a few inches at the top. Avoid those running packs with the elasticized straps, they may give that awesome fit, but they'll bounce.

Get one with a sternum strap. I used to use the waist strap too, but quit a couple years ago, and it didn't seem to make a difference.

Pack heavier stuff closer to you, preferably in the center.

Get a bag that is maybe only a bit bigger than what you'll be carrying.

Make sure you can adjust the straps one handed, because you'll need to adjust as you run.

I run with an older model Deluxe Book Bag from MEC. Just a plain backpack, essentially. I cut the laptop sleeve out to make room, and it helped also make the bag more stable. 10-12 km a day for 10 years at least.

there's a website for that:

http://theruncommuter.com/running-backpack-roundup/

A couple years ago, based on the reviews from the above site, I went with an Osprey Manta 20. I've been happy with it, as it can carry even clothes and shoes. If you cinch the belt there's not too much bounce.