Waterproof backpacks?

[placidfemme]

Well, I'm almost ready to risk life and limb on the roads to work and back. Need to get myself a small/medium sized backpack suitable for putting a change of clothes, snacks, a few spares, bike lock etc. in. I'm having no trouble finding backpacks, just can't find anything decent that's fully waterproof.

Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Cheers

My recommendation would be "MotoDry" backpacks... Sam and I both brought one each about a year and half ago... They are specifically designed for bikers, with a slant at the bottom, also a waterproof cover when it rains... strap to go around the waist for extra support, padding in the back so it sits nicer on your back, nice wide straps and has 6 pockets varying in size... if I remember correctly they were $89 each from Red Baron.

[Bartman10]

There are heaps of good packs around.

I'm a big Macpac fan and have only used Macpac for the last 22 or so years. None of my Macpacs have ever let me down.

At the moment I'm using a Macpac tekapo 25 L and it's just about perfect for day tripping. Good harness, no zip to the main compartment just a fold over flap, and very waterproof.

It also has handy mesh pockets for putting things like a spare tube etc on the outside and a handy pocket on top.

Great pack.

Cheers.

[Moki]

Firstlight make a great waterproof backpack. It's meant for kayaking, however works great and keeps the wet out.

[cooneyr]

There are heaps of good packs around.

I'm a big Macpac fan and have only used Macpac for the last 22 or so years. None of my Macpacs have ever let me down.

At the moment I'm using a Macpac tekapo 25 L and it's just about perfect for day tripping. Good harness, no zip to the main compartment just a fold over flap, and very waterproof.

It also has handy mesh pockets for putting things like a spare tube etc on the outside and a handy pocket on top.

Great pack.

Cheers.

Go the Tekapo! I've got one too and have used it multiple times in the rain and never got wet inside main pack. Still put phone in plastic bag when in top pouch but dont bother with wallet and it only gets slightly damp when been out for ages. Used it on a day ride where we got either rain, snow and hail continuously for 10 hours and gear didn't get wet.

Been using Macpac for past 12 years tramping and never gotten really wet gear but do sometimes get slightly damp to touch gear when really wet and doing river crossings etc.

Cheers R

[RedKLR650]

I use a SealPak for the smaller trips!
It is great, waterproof (yep I put it in the bath with a brick on it )and dustproof.Cheers

Those look great

Another 100% waterproof version are the Lowepro waterproof camera backpacks that have a fully sealing zip like used on a drysuit. They are designed to float fully loaded so would work great for those of you who are into serious river crossings. Cheers, Stu

[sinned]

Buy a backpack that is designed to be worn on a bike. I bought a really neat and expensive backpack with a frame that fitted really well and felt great; until I got on the bike and found the frame lifted the bag so high it pushed on the helmet. Without the frame there is too much weight pulling on the shoulders and cutting off circulation to the arms - sports bike riding position. I am now getting a ventura frame - wearing a backpack for more than a few kms is a real pain.

Gear from bike shops is also well priced compared to what you pay for something equivalent in a sports shop. Price bike gear first and then consider other stuff.

[Street Gerbil]

Kathmandu has $20 plastic covers for backpacks that make them waterproof.