CamelBak Commute Bike Backpack

I'd gone through several bags looking for the perfect commuter bag for my needs. A few things first: MY commute is via bike; and is about 5 miles each way, entirely on roads. Because my bike is my daily rider, I didn't want to put panniers on it, though I admit that they are likely the best option for a sole commuter bike, I needed a backpack that I could bring into the office with me. I needed space for my computer, gym clothes, lunch, toiletries & towel, and an extra pair of shoes. I started off with an Osprey Daylite Plus which is my general dayhike bag, and while I could make it work, it was literally JAMMED packed and I needed to strap my coffee mug and water bottle to the exterior. It looked bad and wasn't overly useful. I then tried an ortlieb bag, but found it had very little support, looked funny when not well packed, and lacked any sort of organizational pockets - it was just one big bag with a laptop sleeve. The MULE 30L met all of my needs. I've used t daily for my bike commute, and have also taken it for overnights where I just need a few changes of clothes and cane travel light. I absolutely love this bag, and so far zero issues. IT seems well made, I love the numerous organizational options, and the way the main compartment opens flat for organizing clothes, etc. is awesome. Separate laptop zippered area is a great thought and makes grabbing electronics for air travel a breeze. It's also comfortable, and the key / phone holder in the pack straps are an ingenious design feature. tl;dr: 11/10 on this one, seriously, if you've been on the fence, buy it!

The comments below follow the sequence of pictures posted: - The "Air Support" system works really well - It has a waist support - As well as a chest support - The left strap zip pocket, even though elastic, may be small for a wallet or a phone larger than 6", but in my case, it's perfect to store my company badge - The right strap pocket comes with a ring holder for keys. It fits my entire key chain without issues (it's elastic and would hold a big key chain as well) - The material is 100% water proof, BUT, it will scratch easily. Those scratches can't be felt if you run your fingers over it, so I'm guessing they are merely cosmetic. It doesn't bother me but keep that in mind. There's space for a night light (those ones from bicycles fit in there). It also has an unzipped front pocket that is perfect for wet clothes (I used it for my rain coat). It's quite tight and there's no risk of lighter things falling off from it. I wouldn't store anything important there - It is the only backpack to ever fit my 40oz ThermoFlask in the bottle holder. It's also elastic and will stay loose after you use it for a larger bottle. Make sure not to switch to a smaller bottle later - There's an additional zipped front pocket - As well a side zipped one on the left side - The main space is full of zipped pockets and there's a lot of space - The laptop space fits comfortable a 17" gamer/bulky laptop. There is also a pocket to store documents or tablets with an interesting twisting Velcro closure - Two additional photos showing the loose bottle holder and the scratches

I've been using this backpack daily for the past several months. This is a replacement of my old Ogio backpack. Unlike the Ogio, this backpack has less pockets but is more stylish and as functional. It's main pocket has plenty of room for all my stuff that I carry daily. The computer compartment is well padded and offers good protections. External pockets are good for water bottles and snacks. I also like the small pocket in the should strap that allows me to store and retrieve my work badge without taking it off from my shoulder.

I have really liked this as a biking commuter bag. The command center compartments on the shoulder straps are a really nice touch. The only complaint is that the key clip fell off within a week or two.

I use this bag to commute to work and it’s perfect living in Seattle. No more backpack cover, and fighting my bag to fit my oversized lunch bag. Room for my water bottle and coffee, plenty of pockets for all the other crap I need for my job. I’ve searched a long time for my perfect work backpack and THIS is it!

I don't write many reviews but this backpack stood out for me. Between compartment options, comfort, capacity and durability this pack is the best I have ever used. I just got done with a trip through Roatan Honduras and the conditions can be very rough on gear, between saltwater, moisture sand and heat you often end with a pack that's too beat to trust for future adventures. This pack came out unscathed. Highly recommend as a travel or ruck pack!.

Oh I love this thing! Commuting in the rain, waterproof zippers and inner laptop sleeve. It's comfortable and holds a ton. I even cram my lunchbox, and keyboard in there.

This thing has so much room, and is so comfortable to wear while commuting to work and back. It's everything you want in a bike backpack. Pockets for days. I pack my lunch, bike repair tools, a full change of office clothes, and paperwork. No problem. The only thing I can suggest that would improve this pack is some more reflective tape on the back, or a better way of attaching a red flashing LED light to the back of it, for safety while riding in the dark.