I bought a 2nd hand MTB hybrid. Put mudguards, pannier rack and Schwalbe marathon slicks on it and used that for years until it was stolen. It stayed outdoors at work so maintenance was minimal during winter. Pannier(s) were much more comfortable than a backpack. I would mostly use one with no bother. Somewhere else to attach a light. I have a proper climb home, the heavy bike was a training aid (except when you’re really tired).
Pannier people look away now…this is just about rucksacks!
Right narrowed down to 3 based on what I think I need sizewise etc.
https://www.deutergb.co.uk/products/business-lifestyle/giga/
Found them all about the same price at different sites.
Ettore - £38. 25 litre. Doesnt need cover. Some storage options 41x27x17. But - its WHITE!! Looks a bit more difficult to pack; but not sure if thats cause they seem to have a coat being shoved in on the pictures.
Deuter - £50. 28 litre. DOES need waterproof/hi viz cover. Best storage. 48x32x18. Should be comfiest. Easiest to pack with seperate sections. Liked all my previous Deuter bags.
Altura £50. 20 litre. Doesnt need cover. Just a big sack - so not sure how much stuff will rattle around. Don’t have loads of randoms - but could put any left over tools in suitable containers with emergency stashes. Dimensions I can’t find No frills = lightest?
Keep changing my mind 
I thought you didn’t like yellow or black?!
The Deuter one to me looks a bit lightweight. That wouldn’t fill me with confidence in the winter that it would keep my laptop and clothes dry!!
The Ettore looks like a smaller version of mine tbh. Very similar straps and padding placement. Is it big enough for your laptop?
Altura looks similar to mine as well. Sure both would do the job.
You need some panniers
Hi viz is ok… yellow yellow is less apealing 
I’ve got a pro viz waterproof cover on my current Deuter bag - so Id transfer that over.
Laptops 14" - so not massive. It fits in my current bag - but its the shape thats the issue of the bag. So something more conventional it should fit fine.
I want a mix of the 3.
I DONT WANT PANNIERS 
Then put the Speedfil on the commuter, then put your laptop in that 
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If you want a hug off Greta & something unique, have a look at the Upso Burtonwood.
https://upsobags.co.uk/recycled-bike-bags/panniers-2
There are some other nice ones in this review.
(I love watching other people spend money)
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hahahaha - that did make me laugh - b@stard!! Ive still not forgiven it for sabotaging my race - it may never see daylight again!!
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I hear ya.
I will ride with a backpack all day. I am not owning a bike with panniers.
(feel free to bring this thread back up in like 3 years when my dignity has shrivelled up and i’m riding with panniers!! haha)
It’s a bit like a suitcase. Mrs GB has one, but i will never buy one. I would rather carry my stuff in a big backpack.rucksack type thing. Don’t know why.
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That upso one isnt that bad to be fair!! Annoyingly the Proviz wants arent waterproof - cause you can’t fault their hi viz credentials!
Shame rest are all too dull to even consider!
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Snap! Its also much easier to spot it on the travelator when your the only one with a soft bag - also saves you about 3kg before you start packing!!
If i remember correctly, the others on my shortlist were the Le Col one, an Ortlieb one (just seen it on the list that Doon sent over - the Velocity) and an Osprey one.
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If you want visible & waterproof this is the last commuting rucksack I used. My brother gave me it for Christmas, but it’s now used to carry my OW stuff around.
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You’re
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Haven’t you got some unicorn gates to be installing or something 
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I use eggbeaters for same reason cleats lasted longer than my shoes, 7 years and still going strong!
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Backpack for me, Osprey Escape 32, absolute ton of room for my gear, probably about 7-8 yrs old now and still looks like new, got a high viz rain cover that keeps everything dry on the multiple occasions it pisses it down.
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Well the Ettore backpack was first to turn up. Loads of space. Laptop sleeve built in JUST big enough and I think that really helped it stop feeling like I had a pendulum on my back.
Sweat factor was up - but this was supposed to be the winter bag and its VERY mild for October.
Almost perfect… .but for £38 delivered - can’t really complain.
#NoPanniers
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No likes until you have panniers and a beard 
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That’s a bit posh for a commuter 
Guy I worked with in Manchester rode in on his “old” Pinarello 
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