I bought an Edge 30 three months ago and I absolutely love it.
First of all, it is 100% waterproof. I carry my laptop and iPad in it during my daily bicycle commutes in the Seattle rain, and haven't had a single drop of moisture in the main compartment. I also haven't had a drop of moisture in the front pockets, which aren't guaranteed to be 100% waterproof, but in my experience they basically are (especially with the storm shield down).
The pack is incredibly well made, very strong. Now that I'm used to it I throw it around without worrying about it I know it can take it.
Everything is very easy to use. The zippers are high quality and don't snag. The roll top is very well designed and takes only a couple of seconds to open or close.
The straps and harness are well balanced, I can carry a fair bit of weight and it's nicely distributed and doesn't fatigue my back. It also holds the pack a little bit off your back so sweat isn't an issue there's airflow between you and the load.
I got mine in all black with a yellow storm shield. With the storm shield stowed it just looks like a black backpack, and I'm happy to carry it around indoors.
Highly recommended if you need to commute in the rain, or just if you want a beautifully made backpack for daily use.
I came upon this bag unexpectedly and at the right time. I live in Seattle, and happened upon Velo Transit's inconspicuous industrial shop in the twilight of my Ortlieb, that was eating itself from the inside out. It's concept was simple, which I had liked, but the fit and attention to detail was simplistic. This is when I spied for the first time, the VT Edge 30, the antithesis of my now former bag.
As a daily cyclist, running errands between work and home, this pack has been my swiss arm knife. The pockets are so well laid out that I can reach several of them without removing the bag, such as those containing my wallet, keys and phone, all of which I'm often accessing. The outer top holds my spare gloves, U-lock and lashing straps with room to spare. This is the easiest pocket to reach when the bag is off, which is perfect for these items. The pocket in front of this is super clever in that it stashes my iPad beautifully and just as well, some nice analog books or a thin binder or note pad. I don't have to do open heart surgery on my bag in the cafe to get to a book. The main compartment is the perfect size for my food, clothes and other bulky items, that when distributed, go unnoticed on my back.
The hardware and stitchery on this beauty is top of the line. Monster YKK zippers do not get jammed and are easy to grab with gloved hands. In the four months i've owned this bag through a anything goes winter into a wet spring and with my not so gentle ways, it shows no weak point of construction. It's just well thought out and bomb proof, period.
And I can't leave this review without a word on ergonomics. This bag is bliss on the back with it's sculpted contour and shoulder straps that spread the load nicely and without digging in to your sides. I'd go as far as to say, it hugs you.
U.S. made, waterproof, comfortable and versatile, make the VT Edge 30 a keeper.
Buy Velo Men's Transit The Edge 30 Waterproof Messenger Bicycle Backpack Now
This bag conforms and hugs your back while still breathing (used in super humid southern Florida). I have Velo Transit panniers for my commuter that I am extremely happy with and needed something for when I'm on my road or mountain bike without racks so I can still carry things. The bright flourescent inside is great for visibility digging around in the bag. The great rolltop and zip down bright cover to keep things dry. There are plenty of pockets and a good one for your U-lock. There are even places to mount a taillights to the back. Another flawless design made in the states by Velo Transit, I love this company! I can't wait to use it in the snow when I'm back in Wisconsin.
Read Best Reviews of Velo Men's Transit The Edge 30 Waterproof Messenger Bicycle Backpack Here
I have the Edge 40 which, as implied, is 10 liters larger than this but otherwise identical. It's not listed on Amazon now for some reason but you can see it on their site. As a daily, year round bike commuter in Seattle, I spend a fair bit of time riding in the rain. I carry a laptop every day and have been through some downpours and never worry about a thing with this bag. I also do all of my grocery shopping by bike and can fit a cases of beer and food for dinner in the bag and not worry about it breaking and with all that weight, it's still comfortable. My previous bag was an ortlieb messanger which had lots of room but wasn't near as comfortable and I was always digging around the bottom for stuff. Love the ample pockets on this bag.
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I've had at least a dozen backpacks over the years and I'd have to say I'm impressed both with the design and versatility of this thing. The pockets are perfectly arranged to carry a variety of things. The upper pockets I carry my droid tablet and kindle usually and the bottom pockets I stash my bike tools. I've put ice in this main compartment and used it as an impromptu beer cooler...no problem! I can easily fit two changes of clothes in this (pants not shorts) plus an extra pair of shoes and shaving stuff, bike tools, spare tube, a few books... I even do grocery runs with this
It did take some fiddling with to get the strap adjustments right, but whatever I'm carrying certainly feels better on my back than any other backpack I've used...AND i can see over my shoulder in my helmet mirror! I wouldn't say that it's less sweaty on the back than any other pack i've used, but I think that overall I am definitely please with it.
I bought this backpack because I like to ride my bike to class at UK everyday, about 4 miles one way. After I had this backpack about a month it finally rained, and rained almost everyday for about 3 weeks. This backpack keeps my notes and books 100% dry even after my 25 minute bike ride.
