I was looking for a waterproof backpack about a month ago, and I could not find any packs I liked until I came across Velo Transit's website. All other packs I found and reviewed are no more than a dry-sack with straps, and I wanted a full-featured backpack that I can use for all outdoor activities. I live in Seattle so I decided to stop by Velo Transit store to take a look of their products. After spending 10 minutes in the store, I purchased my first Velo Transit backpack with 2 side-pockets & laptop pouch. I have enough room to carry all my gears for just about any outdoor activities. Best of all, I know the items stored inside the waterproof compartment will not get wet! Thank you Paul & Bobby, keep up the good work for the excellent products you make.
I ordered a waterproof backpack for bicycle commuting. What I got was a very functional, roomy, extremely durable item with a lifetime guarantee for any design flaws or weaknesess. I really like the spacious main bag as I typically carry a change of clothes. It has room for those and a lunch. No more stuffing large items into "handy" little pouches and pockets barely big enough for a wallet. I also like the bright yellow as I ride at night a lot. And the two loops to clip flashers on. Got it extremely muddy last week. Hosed it off and it looks like new. Also, a very comfortable fit which is important as I commute 35 miles round trip.
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I have been using this pack for the past month or so, it is a great pack for anything outdoors, especially bicycling. There is tons of room for whatever you need to carry with you and it is extremely waterproof so I can't wait to use it for biking around when it starts to get rainy this fall. I love the fact that it is all locally made in Seattle (where I live) and it's awesome to be able to support a local company. I highly recommend this pack for anyone looking for a good outdoor bag.
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After a dozen or so uses, I can say that this is an excellent backpack. But there are some things to be aware of if you are considering backpack versus messenger bag.
Backpack pros: I got this because I was sick of my messenger bag moving around. The harness and panel do a good job of holding the pack in place, so climbing hills is that much more fun. The lock pocket is handy for one of the first things you usually take out upon arrival. Although a dry fall hasn't really tested the waterproofing, it looks like it will do fine. The outer material (cordura?) seems tough enough--I crashed on it the other day and there is just one wear spot of any importance over the lock pocket.
Backpack cons: As far as the backpack itself, the lining does get a little sticky if say your hand is damp or sweaty, and the lock pocket is tight enough that not much else will fit in there. This model obviously just has the big main pouch and the lock pocket--no place for your phone, no place for pens, no little pocket for paper clips or whatever. It is not a briefcase alternative like some messenger bags, and if you think you might want more in-bag organization, opt for the modules or a more expensive bag.
Backpack versus messenger bag: Besides organization and stability on your back, the main thing to think about is access. The backpack is tall and skinny, while a messenger bag is short and wide. In the latter, you can see more of your stuff and pull it out with little disruption of other items--slip out your notebook, close the bag, and move on. With the backpack, you have to be strategic about the order in which you pack things, because if you want the 4th thing down, 1 through 3 have to come out first. This means the backpack is great if you make one stop--get there, unpack, and start the day. Multiple stops might mean multiple unpacking and repacking. The opening is wide enough that you can't really walk around--at least with the bag just on one shoulder--without rolling the top and tightening down at least one of the straps. One further constraint is that the bottom of the pack is fairly small compared to the top, so the thing you might want last, like your lunch, might not end up being the bottom item in the stack. Oh, and note also that the height of the backpack means it ends up covering more of your back--even with the mesh panel I sweat more than with the messenger bag, all things being equal.
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My husband uses this bag to ride 25 miles to work then back home. He has road in the pouring rain and this bag has kept everything completely dry. It's also big enough to hold his laptop and change of clothes + shoes.
My daughter loves this backpack! It is a little on the small side so I would recommend it for children second grade or younger. It is very well made and the colors are are wonderful!
