Rapha, nice but a bit pricey?

I did like my old Rambler, it's a great rucksack, my only beef is that the opening is quite small making it hard to find the small bit in the bottom.

#euph

Ta for replies on vests.

I have the 2011 version of the Rapha backpack and have not had a days trouble (V2 of the 'fixed' backpack). It really works for me as a daily commuter bag and is deceptively capacious with the expanding compartment when I need some extra space. Not sure if subsequent versions were made to the same standard?

A vote for the Dakine Heli Pro. It has chest and waist straps, loads of pockets including one on the side of the waist strap which is perfect for keys. Has lots of auxiliary straps on the back - have used them to hold a wheel. The best part is nothing has broken or worn out on mine in over 8000 miles.

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PAC Ultimate. Bought second hand and used for 5 years maybe? Still fine. Compression straps on bottom mean even when it's not full it's comfy. Was looking at an Osprey Pixel for a smaller laptop rucksack.

it's ok. ultimately you're buying it because it's rapha, and not for the function. the zippers on the front pocket broke on mine, but rapha quickly sent me replacements. basically there's no replacement if you want a raphia bag for the commute but I use my musette more

Looking for an alternative to the essentials Case for phone,, keys and the like. Normally just use a sandwich bag but want something which would last a bit longer.

Any suggestions?

Lezyne Caddy Sack? Bit bigger than the essentials case though.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/lezyne-caddy-sack-medium

Lezyne also make nice jersey pocket sized wallets such as the Elite:

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/lezyne/elite-smart-wallet-ec023613

I've seen the new Restrap rucksack and it's very versatile will probably last forever:

http://restrap.co.uk/shop/bags

Thanks, like the look of that Lezyne one

http://www.mackworkshop.com/shop/product/jersey-pouch

The Mack Workshop Pouch is one of the best cycling accessories I own.

Get an Aiguille bag - waterproof, good looking, made in the UK and pretty cheap.

Perfect, thanks

Ordered

Alpkit Gourdon is a great commuting backpack if you don't use a laptop. Lightweight, simple, waterproof and cheap as.

Interesting, I've got a Topeak bag on my roadbike which is far too big & bulky. Thinking of swapping it out for a lighter tool roll.

Looking at the Mack Workshop a combination of their Road Roll (for puncture repair bits) and the Pouch (for wallet, keys etc.) could be just the ticket.

That's my setup. Tool roll fits in loads of stuff, like CO2 canisters, tubes and levers without any hassle. The pouch keeps any extras together in my pocket. I have my phone and some cash/cards in there and there's still space for another tube and multi tool if needed.

Go for the Mission Workshop - Nobody ever says anything bad about them.

I've got the Vandal, I'd reccommend that because I've filled it plenty of times and it doesn't look masisve on but I am 6'2 and 86kg so if you're smaller it might fit a bit big

I reckon I probably will. I'm just shy of 5' 8" so probably borderline for the Vandal. I'm not sure I'd use the volume either - 65 litres is HUGE! For a weekly shop for one person, I reckon the 45 litre Rambler would probably do it.

Rambler is huge compared to Rapha backpack.

I have the original backpack without the stripe. Two of them. The first one is still my every day commuting cary after six years. I suspect things went down hill when they revised it.

Just to, ya know, drag the thread back OT.

^ Just bought a Road Roll from them..excellent value.

Yeah, it's more a toss-up between getting a really organised commuter bag, and swapping out for a big climbing rucksack when I want to deal with HUGE LOADS, or if I want one less-organised bag which can expand to SWALLOW HUGE LOADS when needed.

I'm with Plexarice - I've several Aiguille bags - simple and strong and made in Cumbria

Bought the Rapha bag myself a few weeks ago as my Cote et Ciel is massively impractical for cycling. Very impressed with its design for commuting purposes, splits the space up in various practical ways for storing all of your necessaries away from each other. Was previously cycling with a very old CamelBak HAWG from 2003 and this has smashed it out of the park.