Stocking up on winter gear... Any suggestions?

[Pulse]

So we're getting into winter, and I have a number of products I need!!! I'd really appreciate the advice from those more experienced. With all of these, I am not averse to splashing out, as long as it's worth it.

I need:

- Waterproof Backpack, which I need to ideally house a laptop and wires each day, my shirt each day, underwear each day, a towel every few days (depending how lazy I'm being), my lunch each day and some other stuff like my wallet, my phone, etc.

- Mudguards, for my Cannondale SL3 MTB, ideally something not too 'sticky outy'... (I'm great at descriptions!)

- Waterproof shorts or trousers, as cheap as possible really. Don't mind getting wet, but they need to be able to dry out quickly during my 8 or so hours at work.

- Light waterproof jacket, which fits in my saddle bag once I've warmed up.

- Overshoes, some which don't look too rubbish if possible!

I think that's about it, unless anyone else has suggestions.

[marting]

Pulse said:

So we're getting into winter, and I have a number of products I need!!! I'd really appreciate the advice from those more experienced. With all of these, I am not averse to splashing out, as long as it's worth it.

I need:

- Waterproof Backpack, which I need to ideally house a laptop and wires each day, my shirt each day, underwear each day, a towel every few days (depending how lazy I'm being), my lunch each day and some other stuff like my wallet, my phone, etc.

- Mudguards, for my Cannondale SL3 MTB, ideally something not too 'sticky outy'... (I'm great at descriptions!)

- Waterproof shorts or trousers, as cheap as possible really. Don't mind getting wet, but they need to be able to dry out quickly during my 8 or so hours at work.

- Light waterproof jacket, which fits in my saddle bag once I've warmed up.

- Overshoes, some which don't look too rubbish if possible!

I think that's about it, unless anyone else has suggestions.

What about panniers rather than a Waterproof backpack? Ortlieb (sp?) make some great panniers, and also messenger bags if you really want a backpack.

Are you after waterproof over trousers? Sounds like you want something to wear on your commute? I have some cheapo Regatta over trousers (not cycling specific) and have served me well over the past 4 years, I just got round to re-waterproofing them yesterday and realised how well they've lasted.

[bigdom]

Ortlieb panniers or overboard/alpkit dry bag rucksack. So long as your work clothes are dry, and so are your feet, everything else is OK. Most bike clothing will dry out sufficiently in 8hrs. Merino wool layers are good.

[Pulse]

Thanks for the suggestions. My reason for a backpack was that panniers are a pain to keep putting on and removing them when I come to a social ride. Unless there are some quick release systems?

For trousers, I don't really mind... I wear shorts on the way in, so was thinking just one layer if it made sense to do so, but otherwise just whatever's cheapest.

[marting]

Pulse said:

Thanks for the suggestions. My reason for a backpack was that panniers are a pain to keep putting on and removing them when I come to a social ride. Unless there are some quick release systems?

For trousers, I don't really mind... I wear shorts on the way in, so was thinking just one layer if it made sense to do so, but otherwise just whatever's cheapest.

The Ortlieb panniers have a good quick release system if you don't mind the rack staying on.

[Pulse]

marting said:

The Ortlieb panniers have a good quick release system if you don't mind the rack staying on.

Just had a look at prices. Ouch! That'll end up costing half the cost of my bike! Probably more leaning towards a backpack to be honest.

The backpacks mentioned earlier don't appear to be suitable for carrying a lot of stuff and making sure it gets there in one piece? (Mainly my shirt)

[Pulse]

So I've found this backpack for £32.50 and it looks pretty good for my needs. What do others think? I'm not sure if it's waterproof or not, but looks like it has reflective strips which is ideal for cycling.

http://www.samsonite.co.uk/outrove-laptop-backpack...

[nagsheadwarrior]

fk me is that backpack £65?
I use the 9.95 Aldi cycling backpack daily,lots of padding and swallows my gym stuff n workshort,lunch etc goes in a small pannier rack topbag.
I only have a 5 mile commute so i wear mywork trousers with some cheap regatta overtrousers if needed.

[vvill]

Bag: http://www.alpkit.com/shop/cart.php?target=product...

[Disastrous]

These are the business and bikers swear by them so will probably do the trick...

http://www.ewetsuits.com/acatalog/drybag-daypack.h...

[Pete102]

I use a large Belkin laptop rucksack, large enough for a laptop + shirt + trousers and underwear. To keep it waterproof I bought a flourescent 'over cover' from asda's (£5) which also happens to have reflective strips etc. Highly recommended for a cheapy!

[donfisher]

vvill said:

Bag: http://www.alpkit.com/shop/cart.php?target=product...

I have one of those and it's fantastic. It's kept everything in it dry on a couple of rides where I've ended up soaked through to the skin. The only thing is that it might not be that comfortable with a laptop in it. There's not much padding which while fantastic for keeping it lightweight means you need to pack it thoughtfully if you've got something hard/bulky/pointy to keep it from jabbing you in the back.

[mie1972]

I nearly bought one of these backpacks, but went for cheap panniers instead..
http://www.ewetsuits.com/acatalog/drybag-daypack.h...
http://www.ewetsuits.com/acatalog/high-visibility-...

these are the pannier bags, not waterproof mind - but only £20 for 2 !
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/brand-x-pannier...

Jacket - very happy with my Montane featherlight smock. around £30, folds tiny (size of an apple).
Very thin so good on a bike, only showerproof, not 100% waterproof but for my commute thats enough.

Edited by mie1972 on Monday 28th October 16:02

Edited by mie1972 on Monday 28th October 16:25

[Gumstabber]

I use one of the OverBoard back packs - completely submersible and i picked it up from ebay for £35

http://www.over-board.co.uk/backpacks.html

[TwistingMyMelon]

Hi OP

I think you are pushing the limits of a rucksack, especially through Winter, that laptop bag you posted didnt look very waterproof.

The thing that kills it for you is the bulk of the laptop and carrying clothes, are you sure you cant get a locker to hold a weeks worth of clothes? I occasionally carry a lappie, shirt, lunch and tools and it does my head in, let alone every day. Plus I'd worry about carrying a laptop every day, especially through the winter , in case I had an accident or was caught in a heavy downpour. If I was carrying that bulk everyday I'd go for panniers.

Waterproofs have been done loads recently, I would just wear water repel-ant tights and football shorts with a base layer and decent jacket . Waterproof trousers would make my legs more moist than a hookers undercarriage. Full waterproofs are OK if you have a short commute that you want to take slowly, but I wouldn't want to carry any kind of pace with them on...

Did I read on another thread that you had a bike nicked? Loads have been stolen in Swindon recently

[Pulse]

TwistingMyMelon said:

Hi OP

I think you are pushing the limits of a rucksack, especially through Winter, that laptop bag you posted didnt look very waterproof.

The thing that kills it for you is the bulk of the laptop and carrying clothes, are you sure you cant get a locker to hold a weeks worth of clothes? I occasionally carry a lappie, shirt, lunch and tools and it does my head in, let alone every day. Plus I'd worry about carrying a laptop every day, especially through the winter , in case I had an accident or was caught in a heavy downpour. If I was carrying that bulk everyday I'd go for panniers.

Waterproofs have been done loads recently, I would just wear water repel-ant tights and football shorts with a base layer and decent jacket . Waterproof trousers would make my legs more moist than a hookers undercarriage. Full waterproofs are OK if you have a short commute that you want to take slowly, but I wouldn't want to carry any kind of pace with them on...

Did I read on another thread that you had a bike nicked? Loads have been stolen in Swindon recently

Yes, you did read that right! I had it nicked but got it back!

I store my suits, shoes, ties, etc at work, but have to bring a new shirt in each day - otherwise I'd have to drive one day a week which would do my head in.

I wouldn't anticipate bringing my laptop home every day to be honest - just every so often, but I do definitely need that option - otherwise I can end up at work until the late hours sometimes!

The main thing is my commute is only 3.5 miles, so it's not too much taking a heavy backpack and wearing waterproofs.

[Gizmoish]

If it's just sometimes, I'd keep a roll of cling film in my desk, and on the rare occasions it's actually raining at commute time (surprisingly few) I'd wrap the lappy with 4-5 layers and stick it in a normal bag. Far cheaper than a cycling specific waterproof bag.

[il sole]

Op, I bought a deuter back pack for about 60 quid, and it's fantastic. Very comfortable (I even use it for long amend rides on my roadie) and comes with all manner of pockets and compartments, and best of all a bit in water proof Hi vis cover which clips into place. It's a 'super bike 18 exp'...I can't recommend it highly enough.