Why I Commute With A Backpack (For Now)

How do you commute ?!
In this video I explain why I like to use a backpack (for now) on my commutes.
Beyond this video I have commuted with a basket setup and actually loved that… working to get a bike going with a basket and basket bag for future commutes.
Cheers !
-JRP
DISCLAIMER: Below is a list of what I use to make these videos and what I use on Most of my bike rides. If you purchase something through the links below it will give me a small commision at no extra cost of the original product to you. By doing this you are helping the channel out so if you choose to do so, thank you in advance.
Cameras I Use
-Main Camera: amzn.to/38inxDl
-Favorite Lens: amzn.to/32PJGYx
-Amazing Prime Lens: amzn.to/38qPGIN
-Camera Microphone: amzn.to/2IhGiMO
-Sony a6600: amzn.to/397zrTB
Cameras I take on Rides
Sony ZV1: amzn.to/3Vf4Adj
Pedco Ultrapod 2: amzn.to/2PJOzgE
Riding Camera
-Go Pro: amzn.to/3PM2mAZ
-The Best Go Pro Mount: amzn.to/3FRhMzx
-Smaller Camera I Take On Rides: amzn.to/3Vf4Adj
-Lav Mic:amzn.to/2IhTIIQ
-Light Tripod: amzn.to/2PJOzgE
-Alternate Tripod:amzn.to/3asmlPc
What I take on ALL my bike rides.
Tech
Bike Computer (Hammerhead Karoo 2) www.hammerhead.io/
(Apple Airpods Pro: amzn.to/3jpAWVo
Lights
My Favorite Front Light: amzn.to/3WAuRE7
My Backup Front Light : amzn.to/38rwtGP
Rear Light with Super Powers! : amzn.to/42twaIC
Bike tools
Voile Strap: amzn.to/2TLMe6e
Pedros Tire Levers: amzn.to/32RgBfu
Spoke Wrench I Would Buy: amzn.to/2wsBdyH
My bike pump is so old they don't sell it anymore
If I had to get a new one it would be this: amzn.to/2VYf2Lx
Gorilla Tape I wrap around pump: amzn.to/2IomaIM
Chain Tool: amzn.to/2PMJHre
Multi Tool: amzn.to/3cAzEyX
Patch Kit: amzn.to/39r4zMn

[@FastMoSF]

My routine is that I take extra shorts and liner to work in my frame bag. I have 12,5km commute to work but if I take shower in the morning it's ok without changing. After work I change to shorts and liner/bibs and take 40-60km route to home as my workout :)

[@audityagunawan]

Thanks for sharing Josh. Commuting with backpack always be my love hate relationship. I ride 24km to work and 20km to home with backpack in a hot, chaotic and polluted Jakarta City. Tried to used front basket but I got my back still wet so why don't go with a backpack LOL. Beside, working as a content production also makes me to bring a lot of stuff that might be scared the front and fork by its weight. Anyway, I stored my working clotes under the desk and they scheduled for laundry every Friday noon and will be picked up on Monday morning. And in my backpack, I always put my meals, spare clothes for accidental meetings, also other bike stuff like spare tubes, hand pump, rain coat. Also don't forget to take any space in backpack for family stuff to make your wife happy. Keep up the good work Josh!

[@alpopp]

Thanks Josh! Totally get what you mean about wanting to lock the bike and go and not worrying about unclipping bags. I feel like my commute setup is constantly changing but that's part of what keeps it fun. I personally don't like how panniers look, so I'm currently doing a big front rack and bag. But I'm able to just bring the bike with me up to my office, so that helps.

[@JoshRomeroYT]

Definitely! Changing it up keeps it interesting !

[@401SNelson]

I take everything (food and clothing) for the week in on Sunday. Pick up the dirty clothes, food prep containers, and hangers up when dropping off my stuff on Sunday!

[@TomFrostJr]

My longest bike tour, a Pennsylvania-to-Labrador round trip in 1982, was with a 25-pound backpack on my back. I liked how it kept the bike light for easy carrying into the woods at night for my stealth camps. It wasn't until several years later that I started using racks, to facilitate traveling a little heavier.

[@thedownunderverse]

It’s a lovely commute u got there

[@santiagofarias4078]

My favorite backpacks are the Ortlieb ones (not the panniers). I use the Ortlieb Velocity 29L for almost all my rides. It's a large bag without organization, and inside it's like a blank canvas for me to use the system that suits me best. Some days it's exclusively for going to the market to buy all the fruits and vegetables, other days it's my gym backpack. It fits a Manduka yoga mat (with the top sticking out) plus everything else I need, and for the rest of the week, it's my work backpack. It's amazing; I hardly feel its weight on my back, it's very well designed. I've never felt anything like it with other backpacks. I also have the Commuter (around 20 liters) and the Messenger (39 liters), and I love them all. I used the Chrome messenger bags for a long time, but they're not the same, they're not as comfortable or practical

[@JasonOLeary1985]

When living in London I used to cycle with a backpack and would end up a sweaty mess as any ride would be 45mins to an hour. Now I'm in Sweden and I finally have a rear rack and pannier but rides in Uppsala are only 15 minutes. 😅 So I now have the issue of just lugging the pannier around when I've parked my bike, rather than the ease of a backpack. But I enjoy no longer having the weight on my back.

[@williamfwoods]

I’m loving the vid Josh!

[@stevegelman7838]

I have to have a basket on my bike, but I also have a backpack, everyone is different, it's just the way I love to ride.

[@kerrychhim9983]

I have been commuting with a Chrome Sling bag. I work second shift so I have been bringing my reflective jacket to be more visible during the ride at night(I do have lights). I have used a trunk bag on one of bikes it is a great way to not have my lunch shift during the commute or in the bag I am carrying. Just the flat bars on the bike with the rack didn’t agree with my wrist so that is one of the reasons I have stopped commuting with it for now. I might get the Ortlieb Quick rack for my current bike when I have the extra funds for it.

[@malcontent510]

I totally agree about the convenience of bag-on-body commuting. I pick one of a couple diff sized messenger bags w/ a stabilizer strap. Love having the bike light, nimble & 'non-jangly' (that's a word), like you said.

[@stevevanness4195]

I use bent aero bars to carry my backpack. For me it’s the best of both worlds. It’s surprisingly stable & quick to get off the bike & doesn’t get caught on doors like paneers. I’m able to park my bike by my desk and only have to carry the bag about 15 feet to a coat rack. I also store my sweaty bike cloth in a loft away from where we work. I regularly descend at 35 to 40mph with no problem.

[@ericdanielson4177]

As a bike commuter for several years now, we have almost identical likes and routines. I always like to keep a couple of small profile lights charged in a backpack pocket for emergencies. In the shoulder seasons, sometimes you need to pack a lighter weight outfit for the afternoons after a chilly morning ride in.

[@sylvanfranklin6904]

Yo! Just found your channel! Very cool! I love cycling and this kind of life advice stuff

[@JoshRomeroYT]

Glad you are enjoying it ! Welcome !

[@maureen4056]

I usually use a backpack and at least one panier. My work commute is 7.6 miles, but sometimes, I'll shop after work, and I keep my rain gear in one of my paniers. Everything I need for repairs and work goes in my backpack. Going to work is mostly downhill, but coming home is the opposite. That's when I get more of a cardio workout.

[@JoshRomeroYT]

That’s the setup ! I used to have downhill commutes into work. I think I’d still choose that over climbing in everyday. It is nice to speed on downhill at the end of the day though! Cheers !

[@Icamppe]

I commute on an Omnium cargo bike. Super handy to be able to bring kids or groceries without having a second thaught about it. Also love the convenience of bringing a briefcase. No backpack or pannier can do that.

[@smup2I]

I use a pannier with the Ortlieb Quick Rack. The rack can be disassembled in 5 seconds for the weekend tours. Previously I also rode with backpack, the ride was much better but the sweating was too annoying.

[@hippo71124]

I use the quick rack too, absolute game changer

[@GrayWithMe]

I commute 22 miles (35 km) round trip in northern NV. In the winter the backpack helps keep me warm but I also get neck and back pain. I’m 46 though so maybe it’s just because I’m getting old. I got a pedal assist e bike to help with the distance issue. I get tired. Sometimes I tell myself I’m not a real bike commuter because I’m using the e bike.

[@jonathanbenn2241]

30+ years with a rear rack and bags. Have tried a Surly 24 pack rack in the last couple of years too.

[@Horus-Lupercal]

I use a backpack, I barely notice it most of the time as A: I'm used to it, I've worn my specific bag for about 9 years now (Dakine is GOATED), B: I've squatted 200 kilo before, the 15 kilo capacity is quite doable. A lot of cyclistss' issues can be taken care of by simply getting stronger, lol.

[@singletrackflow]

Great video! I commute with a waterproof Overboard backpack. I would like to get one with compartments. What do you recommend?

[@marcclish]

Hello Josh.. Great video. I also use peak design backpack and love the versatility. I wear Vivos daily but struggle finding cycling shoes wide enough , what are you wearing?

[@JoshRomeroYT]

Hi ! For commutes I use Pearl Izumi alp x’s on weekend rides I use Quoc GT2’s which are great and wider than my old giro’s ! Review on those coming up here in a month or so

[@Cyclingdropout]

My commuter has fenders, racks, panniers. The seasonal essentials are always in the bags. I never keep anything valuable in my panniers unattended, but often leave basic lights, tubes, packable rain jacket left unattended in my bags. If a homeless person steals that stuff they probably needed it more than me. But really the solution is n+1 bikes 😂.

[@ShowAnNDTeLL]

bike messenger bag

[@clayton7017]

what shoes do you use on the bike while commuting?

[@JoshRomeroYT]

Pearl Izumi Alp X

[@Will-cs3yb]

Personally I backpack commute because I am too cheap to buy a rack.

[@rapstarD]

Commuter bike. Get a surly

[@andreamantovani5354]

Sorry backpack is a BIG no. Front basket of course also negative. Either a frame bag or a rear one

[@JoshRomeroYT]

Hey to each their own ! Curious to hear why you don’t like the front basket setup… out of all the bag/ rack setups I’ve tried in the past a basket was my favorite ! Cheers !

[@andreamantovani5354]

@@JoshRomeroYT just don't like the heavy steering