Keeping the weather at bay

Commuting by bike offers no easy escape for your gear if the skies open and rain or snow descends. So picking a pack with trusty water resistance is important. Keep an eye out for features such as water-resistant materials and zippers, roll-top closures, welded construction, and included rain covers. In most cases, water-resistant bags will do the job just fine. But if you want that extra bit of reassurance, you can opt for a completely waterproof pack if you think you’ll need it.

Useful organization and quick-access pockets

The degree of organization you require in a bag will obviously depend on your specific setup and personal preferences. However, the chances are high you’ll at least want quick access to keys, a wallet, phone or other small essentials. So check whether a bag you’re interested in offers quick-access pockets. Having interior organization will also be handy for preventing the contents moving around while you’re pedaling hard. Plus you’ll be able to easily reach items with suitable pockets on hand. Interior pockets located high up are useful for keeping small and fragile items away from the bottom of the bag and crush zones. And if you need to carry tech, look out for padded laptop or tablet storage.

Carry comfort

When you’re commuting, you want to be focused on the road, not on the load on your back. Features such as a sternum strap and waist belt help stabilize the load and keep the pack close to the body while leaning left or right. And a well-ventilated back panel will go a long way to keeping you comfy too (especially in warmer climates). If you’ll be carrying heavy loads, look for a pack that offers more padding in the back panel and shoulder straps.

High-vis safety features 

The more visible you are on a bike to fellow road users, the better. Reflective detailing on a bag will help increase your visibility, especially if the pack itself covers reflective clothing and you need that added boost. For enhanced safety, also look out for attachment points where you can secure bike lights to the bag.

Street to office suave

Any bag you’re taking to work should look suitably appropriate in that environment. If you have a more casual work environment, you can be a bit more flexible when it comes to the bag’s aesthetics. But for more formal settings you’ll want stylish and low-key aesthetics that blend in well. Clean silhouettes and muted colorways such as black, gray or navy will help the pack transition more easily between a range of environments.

With the above in mind, we’ve selected some worthy options below to serve as your biking companion. Discover some of the best cycling backpacks for daily commuting…

Thule Pack ‘n Pedal Commuter Backpack (US$119.95)

Thule’s tough and weatherproof Pack ‘n Pedal Commuter Backpack offers comfort, space and organization for your daily commute essentials, with the option to pack in a little extra when you need to carry more. The 24L pack features a breathable padded back panel and a rolltop closure that opens wide for easy access. A removable padded 15″ laptop sleeve with a tablet pocket makes it easy to transfer tech in and out of the bag, while exterior pockets store quick-access items at the ready. An external-access Crushproof SafeZone compartment stores your phone and sunglasses safely, while a bike helmet net provides additional storage. The pack also comes with a stowable rain cover, reflective detailing and bike light attachment points.

Chrome Industries Urban Ex Rolltop 28L Backpack (US$140)

If absolute waterproof protection is a priority, look to the Urban Ex Rolltop from Chrome Industries. This 100% waterproof backpack features Knurled Welded construction and a rolltop closure for peace of mind when inclement weather threatens. A quick-access pocket and exterior webbing lets you store frequently used items within easy reach, with further pockets internally to safely store your tech.

Osprey Momentum 32 (US$150)

The Momentum 32 keeps you comfy and moving freely with its ventilated back panel and flexible harness system. The pack offers a dedicated LidLock bike helmet attachment point, a removable high-vis rain cover, and a range of pockets for work and EDC items including a padded laptop and tablet sleeve. And if you’re looking for a more compact alternative for smaller loads, check out the Radial 26.

EVOC Commuter 18L Backpack (US$150)

If you’re after a slim profile and a compact pack for essentials, check out the EVOC Commuter 18L Backpack. A combination of PVC-free EVOC tarpaulin, PU-coated 1000D Cordura and water-resistant zippers provides reliable protection from the elements. Inside you’ll find a variety of pockets to organize work and EDC items including a padded laptop pocket and tablet pocket. The pack includes reflective detailing and a bike light can be secured externally. And for flexible portability you can stow the shoulder straps away and carry the bag using the side handle.

Ortlieb Velocity High Visibility Backpack (US$190)

Want to increase commuter safety and maximize your visibility on the go? Ortlieb’s Velocity High Visibility Backpack features integrated high-luminosity reflective yarn to do just that. Plus there’s also an attachment point on both the front and back of the pack for a bike light. The water-resistant bag includes a sternum strap and waist belt for stability on the go. And for organization there’s a removable interior zippered pocket to keep smaller items within easy reach.

MAAP x Bellroy Shift Backpack (US$240)

Bellroy delivers a sleek cyclist-specific twist on their Shift Backpack with this thoughtful MAAP collaboration. The 22L pack features padded 15″ laptop storage, while a quick-access valuables pocket accommodates a variety of items. With its Slide Hook closure you can easily open and secure the pack even while wearing gloves. And for added convenience zippered side access lets you easily reach gear in the main compartment. The contoured mesh back panel provides breathability while you’re crushing the commute and there’s also a bike light loop and reflective strip to help keep you visible on the go. The bag is crafted with water-resistant Venture Weave and leather and will keep your gear well protected from the elements while looking suitably suave in the office.

Timbuk2 Bruce Backpack (US$249)

Need the flexibility to carry lots of gear if required? The Timbuk2 Bruce features an expandable design that offers up to 60L of storage space, making it a versatile pack for extra-large work loads or travel use. Adjustable sternum and waist straps help stabilize the load on the go and can be removed if not required. The roll-top pack includes magnetic clips for quick and easy access, as well as side zipper laptop storage to get to tech in a jiffy. The reflective panel helps keep you visible on the move, while a choice of pockets give you options for organizing smaller items. The water-resistant pack also comes with a removable rain cover for extra protection if desired and is backed by a lifetime warranty.

Mission Workshop The Rambler (US$295)

Want a sleek urban-friendly pack that can grow on demand to double its volume? Meet the Rambler from Mission Workshop. The pack expands from 22L to 44L when you need extra storage space. The main compartment can be used either in roll-top or flap-down form, with organization pockets on hand to store quick-access items. The USA-made, weatherproof Rambler is backed by a lifetime warranty and comes in a variety of colorways to suit your personal style.

Enjoyed the above article? Why not check these out too:

The Best Panniers for Bike Commuting

The 12 Best Bike Multi-Tools

15 Essential Gifts for the Bike Commuter

Packing List :: Adventure Bikepacking

How to Fly With a Bike: 8 Things to Know

The post The Best Cycling Backpacks for Daily Commuting appeared first on Carryology - Exploring better ways to carry.

While flying with a bike is more of a hassle, it’s not that bad if you know what to expect, how to prepare, and a few tips and tricks to make it less logistically complicated. And, once you put your bike together and leave the airport, you’re sure to have a unique adventure you’ll never forget. Worth it.

1. Get the Right Bike Case for Flying

Sorry, but packing your bike doesn’t usually mean breaking out your largest suitcase (though it’s been done). To fly with your bike, you’ll need a bike case, of which there are three types: hard case, soft case, and cardboard box.

A hard case will do the best job of protecting your bike, but they can be heavy. A soft case is usually less protective but much easier to store and lighter in weight. Both of these options are pricey, with good-quality bike boxes costing at least a few hundred dollars new. The cheapest, but least protective, option is a cardboard box. This is a good option if you’re on a budget and don’t have a crazy nice bike, or just want a box you can ditch when you’re done with it.

Suggested bike boxes for air travel

Cardboard bike box: These are typically free from your local bike shop, though some may charge $5-10. You can also buy one for $40 from Bike Flights.

Thule RoundTrip Pro XT Bike Case ($600): Sturdy, protective, and well-loved by serious cyclists, the Thule RoundTrip will keep your road, mountain, or cross bike safe en route, and is spacious enough to fit just about any non-tandem bike. The only downside, though, is it’s unnecessarily large for 53cm frames and smaller. Fellow shorties, you’ve been warned. Same goes for its (heavier) hard case counterpart, the Thule RoundTrip Transition Bike Case ($600).

Evoc Bike Travel Bag ($424): Similar to the Thule RoundTrip, the Evoc is a soft case with structure that protects your bike well, and is large enough that you don’t have to disassemble everything. It’s also lighter-weight, which is helpful if you’re traveling with a bike.

The Airport Ninja by Orucase ($500): Orucase’s Airport Ninja bills itself as the “world’s smallest bike case,” and in comparison to Thule and Evoc it’s definitely smaller. I found it a lot easier to fit in a regular taxi (versus a minivan) and store, but the smaller size meant I had to break down my bike more than with the Thule/Evoc, and I definitely didn’t fool anyone into thinking there was something other than a bike in there. Regardless, it’s a good, more compact option for road bikes.

Before you choose your bike box, you should also check your airline’s requirements for traveling with a bike. Some have specific instructions on which type of case to use.

2. Know How to Put Your Bike in a Case — And Pack the Right Tools

Now that you’ve gotten your bike case, how do you get it in there? To start, grab the following tools:

• A pedal spanner (or wrench) to take your pedals off
• A set of allen keys to disassemble your seatpost, handlebars, and pretty much everything else
• Extra padding if you want to be extra protective against scratches and dings on your frame

While all bikes and boxes are a little different, your next step is to take your bike apart to put in the box. To do this, you’ll do roughly the following:

1. Put your bike on your smallest gears.
2. Remove your seatpost and saddle. You can also mark your seatpost before you do this, so you know exactly where to replace it later.
3. Remove your pedals. Some will need a pedal spanner, some can be removed with an allen key.
4. Loosen your stem bolt so that your fork moves freely, and you can take your handlebars off the stem and angle them parallel to the frame.
5. Remove your wheels and take the quick releases out of the wheels. Make sure you keep track of the small springs on the quick release. Most bike boxes will have a small pocket for this.
6. Next, put your bike in the box. Depending on your bike box, you’ll start by attaching the frame to the box, then adding in the wheels. You’ll place all smaller parts and accessories in last. Your handlebars usually sit flat against the frame.
7. Add any additional padding you might need (for example, extra padding around your fork).

For more instructions, I’d recommend looking up instructions specific to your bike box or, if you can’t find them, follow the lead of Global Cycling Network’s pros and watch one of their videos. How to pack a bike box is a good general overview. If you’re using a cardboard box, take a look at their video on packing cardboard boxes.

3. Touring? Have a Plan for Storing, Shipping, or Ditching Your Box

If you’re flying with your bike to tour (versus staying in one place and racing, for example), you’ll need a plan for what you’re going to do with your bike box. Choose one of the following:

Ditch it: If you’ve chosen to travel with a cardboard box, simply recycle it and plan to get a new one later.

Store it: Hotels and hostels will usually let you store them in their luggage rooms if you’ve stayed a night there. Just make sure to contact your hotel in advance to double check. Outside of the U.S., airports and train stations often have long-term luggage storage where you can pay to store your bag. Usually, you pay based on the size of your bag and the length of time you need to store it for.

Ship it: If you’re ending your trip somewhere other than where you started, ship your box to the end of your route. Usually, hotels will receive a package on your behalf but you’ll have to book a room there and should call in advance to check and notify them that you’ll be expecting a package.

4. Pack Carry-On Only for Your Other Luggage

When I first flew with a bike, one unexpected consideration I encountered was how I’d pack everything else. Especially since I would already be lugging around a giant bike case, I knew packing carry-on only would be even more important. However, with the extra bike gear, it’s a little more challenging than usual. Here are some tips to keep your packing list light while flying with a bike:

– A carry-on sized backpack is best, since you’ll likely be dragging a bike box. My favorites are Tortuga’s Setout Divide and Osprey’s Talon 22L. A few other Carryology favorites include the GORUCK GR2 and the Trakke Storr. 

– Limit yourself to 10 items of clothing and 1-2 pairs of street shoes.

– Choose items that are lightweight and pack down small.

– Bring travel-sized toiletries only – especially if you’re bike touring. humangear has great refillable containers to help you keep your liquids to a minimum.

– Use compression sacks to minimize the size of your clothes (I like Eagle Creek’s).

– Limit your electronics to just the essentials. For me that’s a phone, camera, headphones, small external battery, and chargers.

Packing light can be a challenge, but you’ll thank yourself later if you only have one piece of unusually large luggage to travel with.

5. Additional Things to Pack When Traveling With a Bike

Traveling with a bike requires packing a few more things than normal – besides your bike (obviously). As long as it doesn’t send me over the weight limit, I’ll almost always pack all of these items (minus the clothing) in my bike box:

• Helmet
• Bike shoes
• 2 bike kits (shorts and jersey)
• Spare tubes
• Lever
• Patch kit
• Mini hand pump
• Allen key and pedal spanner
• Water bottles (keep these in your water cages)

If you’re bike touring and need panniers or frame bags, I’d recommend checking out Porcelain Rocket for some nifty under seat, handlebar, and frame bags.

6. Plan to Get Slammed With a Bike Fee by Your Airline

The first time I flew with a bike, I went with Virgin America (RIP) from San Francisco to Seattle. They charged us the normal $25 bag fee and treated it like any other luggage. It was surprisingly easy, and I – incorrectly – thought flying with a bike would always be like that. What I didn’t know was Virgin/Alaska are one of the most bike-friendly airlines and are more relaxed than most.

Fast-forward one year, when my boyfriend and I brought our bikes on a United flight from San Francisco to Stockholm for a two-week, 700-mile tour of Scandinavia. We were slapped with a $200 fee (each!) for the bikes — even though a normal suitcase of the same weight would have been free on an international flight like that. Ouch. Before you book your flight, make sure you take into consideration the wildly varied fees on top of the fares **:

** All fees in USD

7. There Are Ways to Avoid Bike Fees

The best way to avoid overpaying to bring your bike on a flight is to choose the right airline, but you can also use some of the workarounds for paying for checked luggage on certain airlines. Most airlines will give you a bit of leeway if you:

1. Have their credit card. Most airlines allow a free checked bag as a cardholder benefit. If you pay with their credit card, you might also be able to negotiate with your credit card company to remove the charge after the fact.
2. Fly first or business class. Hey, if you’re going to pay more, you might as well get more, right?
3. Don’t say it’s a bike. You can always play the game of chance and try to get away with pretending like there isn’t a bike in your bike box. The one time I got away with it, I paid for my “checked bag” at a kiosk, then went to drop it off.
   

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8. Flying With Your Bike isn’t The Only Way to Bike and Travel

While flying with your bike is possible and it’s always nice to have your own fitted, trusted, and loved bike when you’re adventuring, it’s not always the easiest or most affordable option.

If you want to have your bike, but skip the hassle of dragging it to and from the airport, you could ship your bike a couple of days before your flight. BikeFlights is a company specializing in shipping bikes, and is a pretty good deal domestically. However, their international fees are on par with even the highest of airline fees.

Regardless, they can help you out better than a normal shipping service like FedEx (which also ships bikes). Make sure to insure your bike and track your package if you decide to ship it.

Finally, you can also opt to rent a bike at your destination. If you’re doing any serious cycling, skip the usual tourist bike kiosks and search for a bike store that will rent out or demo quality road, mountain, or tandem bikes. Most bike shops who rent will give discounts for long-term rentals and provide additional gear, such as tools, spare tubes, and even helmets. If you plan to rent, you should still bring your own shoes, kits, and lights. I also prefer to bring my own helmet.

Before deciding to rent, weigh the cost effectiveness of it. For example, when my partner and I spent a week road tripping in Spain and France, we decided we wanted to spend three days cycling while we watched the Tour de France. For a bike rental in Spain, it only cost us $90 for the three days — far cheaper and less hassle than it would have been to check our own bikes with United.

Where Will You Bike?

While flying with a bike may be a bit of a chore, traveling by bike can unlock some really special adventures. And like anything, the more you do it, the better you’ll get at it. Now that you know how to fly with a bike, what roads will you explore?

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Now I do have to give a bit of a disclaimer here; I have been accused of being a bit picky when it comes to packs for my backcountry adventures. It has probably something to do with my background in pack design. Not that I ever came up with a design as elaborate as EVOC’s 30L Guide pack, but it probably makes me a lot more anal than your average user. Add to that that I spend over 50 days in the backcountry each winter here, and this tends to make you extremely focused on non-essential features. I’ll admit I’ve taken a pair of scissors to a new pack once or twice to cut crap off or change zipper pullers… Yes, I’m that guy.

The first day-tour I took the EVOC Guide Team 30L on was a mellow split up at Guardsman Pass here in the Little Cottonwood Canyon. It was a fairly warm day and we mostly followed the (closed) road up to Scott’s Pass. I really wanted to get familiar with the pack before taking it out on a bigger day, so touring up the snow-covered road and getting a feel for the back protector and fairly unique waist strap was fine with me. We rode the short shot called Scott’s backdoor and the snow was better than expected on this protected area. Things would change quickly though. We toured up to Scott’s Hill proper and the wind picked up with an incoming cold front. We dropped in on a bulletproof line called Mickey Mouse Mine, and found a few soft turns further down in the Aspen. I have to admit I ran into a small tree and took a tumble; the pack stayed put no problem. I LOVE the fit and the waist belt on the ride down, as well as the added security of the integrated back protector. However, the waist belt was annoying me a bit on the skinning up because of how wide it is and the Velcro+buckle system making this a two-step system. Time for a bigger day and second impression!

“I LOVE the fit and the waist belt on the ride down, as well as the added security of the integrated back protector. However, the waist belt was annoying me a bit on the skinning up because of how wide it is and the Velcro+buckle system making this a two-step system.“

Day two with the EVOC was definitely a better outing. We had a 5cm dusting of new snow sticking to a solid base and were eager to get in a few steeper runs. We packed everything in the car for a possibly ‘big’ day and I played around with loading the pack with the ice axe, harness, climbing gear and rope and was seriously blown away by the carry capacity of the Guide Team 30L. However, we opted for a slightly mellower version that took us 1000ft up Flagstaff and after a short shot down Two Dogs, down a sweet run called Main Day’s. We scored it in prime conditions, only a few tracks and man, it was good. Loading the pack was becoming a bit more intuitive, but I still had trouble getting used to buckling-unbuckling every time I wanted good access to the main compartment. My other go-to packs are top loaders and my smaller day pack has back panel access, so this buckle-unbuckle thing was a new handicap for me. After switching to board mode again we dropped into a nice chute called Hallway and I just couldn’t get over how solid the pack feels when riding with it. Seriously, this is where the cucumber band definitely shines. We strapped the skins back on for the long, warm slog out of the Cardiff valley, up to Two Trees for the exit. Lots of managing the jackets on-off and pack on-off. Even though the wind was cold on the ridgeline, it was abnormally warm for January in the Wasatch and the ride to the road got really soft and wet at the end. A nice 6000 foot day with a bit of everything to get a good feel of the pack.

“Loading the pack was becoming a bit more intuitive, but I still had trouble getting used to buckling-unbuckling every time I wanted good access to the main compartment.“

Who it suits

If you like the idea of a pack that integrates a back protector but adds little weight as a result and still has a really well-thought-out design, you should give this one a serious look. It boasts the 30L volume needed for gear-intensive big days or Euro style hut trips, and plenty of pockets for smaller items, goggles etc. The cool thing though is that if you don’t fully load it the pack still feels remarkably small even with your avy kit in the outer pocket. And I like that a lot because I don’t have to swap platforms between different missions. The Team color is definitely more outspoken, but there’s a more monochrome blue colorway available as well if that’s more you.

“If you like the idea of a pack that integrates a back protector but adds little weight as a result and still has a really well-thought-out design, you should give this one a serious look.”

Who it doesn’t

So if you are a Pacific Northwest person that likes to blend in with your mossy surroundings, obviously this is not your pack. Also, if you are into super simple top loaders made out of 1000D Cordura, keep looking. All the little straps and pockets will drive you insane and unbuckling the side straps to get decent access into the main compartment gets a bit old, especially with cold hands.

The Good

The South-facing slopes get caked here and starting days off early makes for icy skin tracks. This means that as a splitboarder I always carry crampons with me. This pack is wide enough to toss them in the bottom with a pair of mittens and a backup beany and forget about it. The back protector also makes it mentally easier to bring these pointy objects with you and not worry about busting a rib if you take a tumble. The waist belt has a small pocket for a snack or a small camera and is easy to access; I prefer this over just stuffing everything in my jacket because that will come on and off a lot depending on the weather.

Earlier this winter I froze my toes and fingers a bit on a really cold day, so I have to be careful now since your extremities after freezing tend to be more susceptible to cold. As a result I tend to do my transition with gloves on and this makes for interesting episodes with packs that have small pullers on the zips. The EVOC pack does have small pullers, but even with gloves on I was able to work them no problem. They’re nicely designed TPR looped through the YKK sliders and with a debossed logo and all and actually work too.

“The EVOC pack does have small pullers, but even with gloves on I was able to work them no problem.“

After losing my car keys once I’m totally neurotic when it comes to key clips – fortunately there’s one inside a zippered pocket in the main compartment to settle my nerves. There is of course a bladder compartment with the hose tunnel in the wearer’s right shoulder strap. What’s cool though is that it is tucked away into the same compartment as the back protector and thus separate from the main section. I don’t know if you’ve ever had a bladder pop open, but I can assure you that not having it near any of your other gear is a big plus.

The pack is made well, clean finishes and binding on all main seams, where it matters, and most of the zippers except the main compartment. It uses 210D Nylon ripstop almost everywhere except the bottom of the pack where it uses 840D Nylon and where your ice axes hit the main compartment it’s plain weave Nylon as well. The plastic buckles are a petri dish of YKK, Woojin and ITW/Nexus, all really good-quality suppliers. The anodized aluminum hooks that are supposed to help you in vertical carry are not branded, and look cool. They are maybe a bit more novelty than function though, and trying to hook them into their narrow slots with gloves on can be a bit of a pain.

“The pack is made well, clean finishes and binding on all main seams, where it matters, and most of the zippers except the main compartment.”

The Not So Good

Ever had snow cake onto your Velcro jacket cuffs? Well, this is maybe the one material choice I’m not stoked on and there’s a big section of it on the waist strap (see photo). Every time you set the pack down, a little more gets stuck on it.

The helmet carry system is a separate contraption that is hooked in on four sides. Quite overbuilt, it does a great job keeping your helmet secure….and then you need to get your helmet out. I’ll save you the profanities and just say the hooks used are incredibly hard to unlatch and almost make this system inoperable. Side release buckles would have been a better choice in my opinion. Granted, I use a fairly large POC backcountry helmet. If you have a super stealthy, skate-style helmet (like a Sandbox for instance) it might not be that bad…

Misses

Who doesn’t love easily accessible snacks? Well, the wide waist belt would have been perfect for more storage options. Maybe one made of stretch mesh to quickly store a beanie or gloves on the way up, or maybe a larger one or webbing that gives you the option to latch a camera bag to it… Just having a small pouch that holds a handful of GU’s I think is a miss. Sad to see all that real estate go to waste, really. No more snacks for me.

“Well, the wide waist belt would have been perfect for more storage options. Maybe one made of stretch mesh to quickly store a beanie or gloves on the way up, or maybe a larger one or webbing that gives you the option to latch a camera bag to it…“

Of course, easily accessible avy gear (shovel + probe) is key. Since almost having to spend a night lost in the backcountry solo (yes, I learn the hard way) smarty pants now always brings an emergency blanket, headlamp and small first aid kit. EVOC’s pocket is easily accessible, or so it seems, on the outside of the bag. But it’s quite shallow and the internal sleeves made to hold your handle and probe are closed at the bottom. This causes them to stick up too far, making it hard to close the zipper. The avy pocket is also cut in a way that allows it to ‘expand’ into the main compartment, nice idea you would say. The unfortunate result of this is that it does expand and makes it more difficult to access that fairly large main compartment because my avy gear and other crap in the front compartment partially closes the opening…making it hard to get skins and my z-poles in.

“The avy pocket is also cut in a way that allows it to ‘expand’ into the main compartment, nice idea you would say. The unfortunate result of this is that it does expand and makes it more difficult to access that fairly large main compartment because my avy gear and other crap in the front compartment partially closes the opening…“

Niggles

OCD as I am, I always bring backup goggles with a yellow lens. But even with fairly standard goggles (Oakley Splice) the EVOC goggle pocket is super snug. If you have newer (bigger) goggles or were planning on packing a lens or two, forget it. I could barely get the zip closed.

Every now and then we end up on an icy ridge and for these occasions I bring a lightweight ice axe (aka piolet). The axe loops on the EVOC are too big for my Black Diamond Ravens and they bash around. Not sure what axe would be beefy enough to fill these loops, but they are not adjustable.

Others to Consider

Arva Protector 25 (has back protection)

POC Spine Snow Tourpack 20 (has back protection)

Arc’teryx Quintic 28

Black Diamond Outlaw 30L

Jones Higher 30L Snowboard Pack

Verdict

If you need a sweet 30L pack with a back protector built in, I don’t know of a better one than the one EVOC makes. Sure, it has some shortcomings, but the security of a CE compliant component weighing only 6oz/170g extra offers more pros than cons in my opinion.

And EU colors, seriously, how cool. Plenty of drab stuff out there already peoples, glad to see some EU vibe trickle through in the States. Next step, umbrella après bars!

“If you need a sweet 30L pack with a back protector built in, I don’t know of a better one than the one EVOC makes.“

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