Waterproofing in Chicago, IL

Osprey makes some good quality backpacks and they're more outdoor oriented, so there are probably some waterproof offerings. Also might agree with looking into some pannier or frame bags.

I see a lot of suggestions for frame bags, panniers, or similar. I think these have a place, but if you are commuting to work, I'd suggest an Osprey Radial. Why this over panniers? 1. I can wear this on my back to get from my bike to my office/room. 2. I can use it when adventure camping or riding. 3. The Osprey Radial has a pull out waterproof cover that works very very well. 4. It has a kickstand to hold the backpack upright. I use this when I'm not wearing it and it doesn't act like water and pool and fall all over the place. 5. It has a helmet holster and pockets for shoes. 6. A backpack doesn't get nearly as dirty as my panniers did. 7. The backpack doesn't get scraped and ribbed when I lean my bike up against buildings. 8. A backpack doesn't affect the feel and handling of a bike. 9. The Osprey has a netting that keeps your back off the pack. This keeps good airflow and reduces sweating. 10. Last, when I got hit by a car, I landed on my back, on the backpack and it took the brunt of the impact and road rash. I'd much rather loose an expensive backpack than have roadrash up my back. Both a backpack and panniers are reasonable, but I'd suggest a backpack.

If you ride regularly forget a backpack and get good quality panniers. Your back will thank you in 10 years. Ortlieb or Arkels are two excellent brands.

Keep an eye on [Rapha’s Archive Sale section](https://www.rapha.cc/us/en_US/archive-sale/category/archivesale?q=gender:Mens) of their website. My buddy commutes by bike to work everyday (in normal times) in Chicago and got a backpack for 60% off. It was an odd color (bright yellow), but he loves the thing.

I have a great Timbuk2 waterproof backpack I wore when I cycled to work.

I do prefer riding with a backpack too, I have the following for potential rain rides: [https://www.lesportsac.com/collections/backpacks/products/3504-f776](https://www.lesportsac.com/collections/backpacks/products/3504-f776) or [https://www.rapha.cc/us/en\_US/shop/travel-backpack/product/BKP03MDBLKXXX?istCompanyId=84e44ee5-f92f-42a9-82a2-6b3807bf0da6&istFeedId=4f489548-d128-4898-96ef-b6c4186d4d83&istItemId=iwtltpwar&istBid=t&msclkid=3feb3798057217dc8d096877f2031f69&utm\_source=bing&utm\_medium=cpc&utm\_campaign=US\_EN\_Rapha\_Shopping\_HighPriority&utm\_term=4583039347504937&utm\_content=HighPriortiy\_All](https://www.rapha.cc/us/en_US/shop/travel-backpack/product/BKP03MDBLKXXX?istCompanyId=84e44ee5-f92f-42a9-82a2-6b3807bf0da6&istFeedId=4f489548-d128-4898-96ef-b6c4186d4d83&istItemId=iwtltpwar&istBid=t&msclkid=3feb3798057217dc8d096877f2031f69&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=US_EN_Rapha_Shopping_HighPriority&utm_term=4583039347504937&utm_content=HighPriortiy_All)

[Dakine](https://www.dakine.com/) if you want a hydration bag, [Chrome](https://www.chromeindustries.com/) if you want a messenger bag.

Riding with a backpack kind of sucks. Have you considered a frame bag or anything else or does it have to be a backpack?

Omg there’s this small brand and they are more like really big shoulder supported Fanny pack and I cannot think of the name. It moves the weight over the lumbar area which is a better place for cyclist. Internet help me out.

Pat Quane

Jeff Dugger

773-802-3547

Pat Quane for sure.

Pat Quane

http://www.seepage.com/...