Backpack to Take to Work - Cycling & Full Business Attire?

[Deactivated] on 24/01/2018 - 17:21

Hey all,

I'm after some suggestions for a bag to take to work. I start in a couple of weeks in entry level stuff in the federal government, so full suit tie all that jazz, and I plan on cycling to work. I don't think I'll ever really take a laptop with me or anything, but I want to bring my lunch, drink bottle, headphones, a book, that sort of thing with me.

Further, is a backpack even suitable for that sort of work environment? Can you wear one with a suit!? I'm sure I'll find out first day, but it'd be great to get some advice (and any deals!) prior to that so I can be prepared on day 1.

Thanks guys!

Fashion & Apparel

Comments

  • AMDneverdies on 24/01/2018 - 17:34
    +3

    Some good brands: crumpler, rains…………….xiaomi

  • tsunamisurfer on 24/01/2018 - 17:35
    +1

    Its government, are you sure you need a suit? Even the external facing public servants I deal with scarecely wear a tie.

    I ride to work daily and I have non-crease trousers and shirts, and sometimes a tie, just don't crush them with heacy stuff like your lunch.

  • Toons on 24/01/2018 - 17:48

    Most people i work with get a deal on dry cleaning and leave them hung up at work in a locker if you're lucky enough to have lockers at the bike lockers. Then they only have the small stuff to worry about it's clean pressed and something less to worry about at home.

    Just don't forget to pick them up and put them in the lockers the lycra doesn't go down well in the office first thing Monday.

  • Master Bates on 24/01/2018 - 17:49
    +3

    The Henty Wingman Backpack may be what you need; not much of a bargain though.

    • bigglesinaus on 28/01/2018 - 10:47

      i have this backpack. its fantastic. highly recommend.

  • Toons on 24/01/2018 - 17:58
    +1

    As for the backpack comment i've used one all the time it's just carrying things for you, the amount of people wearing suits carrying them on the way home is common if you need to take a laptop to a meeting mine have always come in a case of some sort i use that when it's a little more high brow. I used a record bag for quite a while too. i hated the bags that come with laptops.

  • sph on 24/01/2018 - 20:08
    +1

    For me the most important things are comfort, weather proof and storage. I bought this one when on special and works well for my 20km commute: https://www.kathmandu.com.au/arc-28l-commuter-backpack-v2.ht…

    It’s big but light and comfortable. Wouldn’t pay RRP, but look for specials.

    Leave suit, shirts and pants at work, get changed there.

  • Randxyz123 on 24/01/2018 - 21:41
    +5

    Any backpack is fine with a suit.

    I wouldn't cycle on your first day. Go in and organise access to the showers etc. Nothing worse than being in a meeting room with someone who's cycled into work on an Australian 30 degree day…

    A crumpler bag is what you need.

  • peterpeterpumpkin on 24/01/2018 - 21:50
    +1

    I used to ride to work in whatever I want and shower at work. Though not all places have that option, it's the best feeling to slip straight from the shower to an air-conditioned office after sweating through a ride in 30 degree heat.

    Though ever since I attached a rack to my bike and bought some pannier bags I can't imagine riding with a sweat-spot-intensifying bag on my back.

  • alan13 on 24/01/2018 - 22:06

    Whats your budget?

    I've seen Chrome and Mission Workshop recommended a fair bit for cycling.

    • [Deactivated] on 24/01/2018 - 22:30

      I wouldn't wanna spend much more than $150 for the right bag I guess. I've seen Chrome ones going around, they look pretty damn good.

  • KaTst3R on 24/01/2018 - 23:56

    Get one that is black, grey or something dark. At least it will blend in with the suit style.

  • Ryanek on 25/01/2018 - 08:12

    I just hope you have a shower at work!

    • [Deactivated] on 25/01/2018 - 09:56

      It's only a five minute ride, hopefully I won't need one!

  • 87percent on 26/01/2018 - 09:34

    Timbuktu bags are commuter bags. You can buy them at Anaconda, but when I bought mine, it was cheaper to get it from Amazon

  • yarbles on 08/04/2018 - 20:27

    Mystery ranch expandable briefcase.

    Has stashable back pack straps but also works great as a satchel (which is better for bike riding as its lower and closer to your bodies center of gravity/balance. )

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