Banjo Brothers Commuter Backpack

If you were to browse the commuting forums on Bikeforums.net and RoadBikeReview.com you'd think that everyone uses a rack and panniers to haul their stuff back and forth to work. It turns out, though, that that isn't the case. I, for one, prefer to use a backpack. It gives me the flexability to swap bikes on a moment's notice -- you know, in case I have a flat on one bike, I can then take another -- and it keeps my bikes lean and mean. I don't like weight on my bike. Some would argue that it doesn't matter, weight is weight, but it turns out that it does. Keeping the weight off of your bike helps the maneuverability of the bike, and this is especially important off road -- and I do commute off road as often as possible. So, there are my reasons for using a backpack. Now the question is, which backpack?

Banjo Brothers thinks that they have the ultimate commuter pack, and they might be on to something. If you look a the specs, they seem to have all the bases covered. Even the $80 price seems to be about right.

It has a cavernous main pocket that rolls closed for waterproof-ness.


The main pocket also uses the bag-within-a-bag approach so seams can't leak, either. Let me tell you, this works and works well. Lately, I've been keeping an eye out for Noah and his animals... it's been raining a whole bunch and my clothes and electronics have stayed nice and dry.

There is a large flap that then closes over the top of the rolled main pocket and continues down the back of the pack. The outside of the large flap has two racing stripes that are very, very reflective. They are good for additional piece of mind at night.

(photo taken without flash)
(photo taken with flash)

The large flap also covers two smaller organizer pockets and the pen holders. I use the smaller pockets for a CO2 cartridge, Crank Brothers pump and keys. I don't use the pen holders because... well... I have pens at work and pens at home so I don't feel the need to haul them back and forth.



On the side of pack there is a pocket that is meant for a U-lock. It doesn't close at all, but I still use it for odd and ends, like a battery for my helmet light, since I don't carry a lock. I am fortunate enough to park my bike in my office.

If I were to change anything about the pockets I would eliminate the pen holders and add another pocket there and I would put a Velcro patch to the side pocket so that it could be closed, if so desired. Granted, if you are commuting to school and not to work, then the pen holders might be nice. And, if you carried a lock -- most do -- the Velcro might be in the way, but those are my thoughts on the matter.

Moving around to the front of the pack, the shoulder straps are generously padded, as is the back of pack. The straps are also very, very adjustable, I can't think of any size person that this pack wouldn't fit. Also, the pack is meant to ride low, so the extra length of the straps is very nice. There is a removable waist strap.

Overall, while a little on the heavy side, the pack does a nice job of keep the elements out, and your stuff organized. If you are looking for a backpack for commuting, you should really take a look at this pack.