I’ll preface this article with the simple statement that I am somewhat of a bag whore, I like bags for specific purposes and they continue to pile up, but they all get used!

More then a year ago I picked up road cycling and shortly thereafter I started to commute to work by pedaling.  There are no showers at my job, so I had to take a change of clothing, lunch and a few other things in case I caught a flat, along w/ a pocket full of change.  For the time, an existing backpack that I had been using to go to the gym with would due, but there were a few things that I didn’t like about it for cycling.Messenger bags have been the in thing for a few years, whether you rode a bike or not, but I never much liked how they felt and couldn’t get them to sit on my back properly, so backpacks have always been my preferred method of carrying stuff.  When the opportunity came up to review the 2010 Commuter Backpack from Banjo Brothers, I was stoked!

Banjo Brothers is a staple in the cycling community, especially for those who commute.  Their panniers are legendary as with all their bags, but the addition of backpacks not so long ago to help feed a growing desire from the cycling world for two straps instead of one really interested me.  The bag does not disappoint.

Banjo Brothers Cycling Commuter Backpack

The 2010 model shown here is the same as previous models in build quality and dimensions, but white has been added to the line.  This feature alone has me beyond thrilled.  For whatever reason, bag manufacturers make bags in black or dark navy blue, terrible for commuters who are actually going to use the bag on the road in traffic and want to be seen.  I’d much rather wear this 1500 cubic inch white with vertical reflective silver stripes bag then a 3″ blinky light on my seat post.  Making the bag even that much more amazing is that they actually put a loop at the lower right corner for a blinky light too! When I pedal in traffic I want to be seen, it decreases the chances of being hit and I check my need and desire to color coordinate my attire or to be fashionable in favor of being visible and staying alive.

On with the details.  The commuter bag is, as mentioned previously, 1500 cubic inches (a larger size is also available) and measures 17x12x8″.  Bag measurements have always confused me when looking online, so as a reference, the bag is about the size of a brown paper bag from your grocery store, if your grocery store still has / uses them.  Like a brown paper bag, the Commuter Backpack features a roll-top with strap, this makes the bag waterproof, something most messenger bags can’t offer.  A top flap then comes down and buckles to ensure everything really stays dry.  Because of this feature, you can carry rather odd sized objects very easily inside.

Banjo Brothers Cycling Commuter Backpack

Made of two layers, the outside is ballistic nylon, it has a feeling unto it’s own, but also seems to be very easy to keep clean, even on this white bag.  Should some water get inside, there are two drain holes at the bottom, but don’t fret, there is an inner liner that is designed to be taken out, cleaned, replaced and ultimately should keep everything dry unless you plan on swimming with it.

On the left side (when wearing it) is a large pocket, designed to hold a U-Lock while under the rain flap is a zippered pocket, velcro pocket and a few pen holders.  I wouldn’t put anything sensitive to water there as I’m not sure how waterproof that part of the bag really is, but they are functional.   The bottom is made of cordura, since that typically sees the most abuse.

Banjo Brothers Cycling Commuter Backpack

The straps are ergonomically shaped and feature a chest strap, padded back support, a top handle a removable waist strap.  Also, a cell phone / radio pouch comes with it on the right shoulder (easily moved to the left).

So I’ve used this bag on and off for the last few weeks in a variety of different circumstances, both on and off the bike.  On the bike, it fits really well, feels comfortable without being too tight and was designed to sit slightly lower on the back so it’s easier to look over your shoulder.  The chest strap does exactly what it’s supposed to do for me, but for model Nikki, even with the strap all the way out and the bungee portion of it drawn taught, she couldn’t get it around her, err, lungs.  Neither above or below.   I also found the waist strap to be kind of pointless, almost an add-on.  It’s not shown here in the photos because it was the first thing I removed off it.  The anchor points are great, but it almost seems like a last minute add-on feature that is nothing more then nylon webbing with a buckle.  Not wide enough to be comfortable enough on its own and no padding to it, so I’m glad it was removable.

The Commuter backpack also saw some travel as I took it on a few trips to New York City.  Because of the top loading, no divider inside the bag can be configured to hold nearly anything.  I took the camera divider out of my Tenba Messenger Bag that holds my DSLR, two lenses, light meter and a few other things and it was a perfect fit in the bottom!  Behind that, to where my back was going to be I slid my Macbook in a sleeve and then two days worth of clothing filled up the rest of the space.  I rolled the top down, buckled the rain flap and went on my way.

Bearing in mind that it’s a top loading bag, meaning, I wasn’t getting my camera out for the bus ride to NYC or on the subway without first unloading my clothing, the bag worked great!  It felt comfortable walking through the streets and navigating the subway system, wasn’t overly big and held everything I wanted it to.

Banjo Brothers Cycling Commuter Backpack

Due to the nature of the material making up this bag, it is somewhat stiff, I don’t think it will ever break in the way a traditional messenger bag does over the course of time.  This isn’t a negative feature mind you, I’ll gladly take the padded back (which also aides in airflow) over a non-padded messenger style bag any day.  Also, the lack of compression straps means that the bag, even when empty, is somewhat large.  I’m torn whether I’d like to see them on future models.  Part of me would want to cinch it smaller if it’s not packed full, part of me hates un-needed straps flapping around in the wind.

This roll-top, waterproof, attention getting backpack is a great alternative for cyclists who actually commute and aren’t bike messengers.  It’s also versatile enough to be a multi-purpose bag for college, or just traveling.  The white version seen here should be available in early 2010, black is currently available in 1500 cubic inch or the larger 2000 cubic inch models here.  MSRP for the two bags is $79.99 and $89.99, a price point hard to beat when comparing build quality and functionality with single strap messenger style bags costing two and three times the price.

For me, this bag has proven to be my go-to bag for commuting by bike and short trips.  It stands out on the road and would be hard to miss as a carry-on for a plane ride.  I would maybe like to see Banjo Brothers develop a removable divider system for the inside and / or a built in laptop pouch, and rethink the waist strap, but those minor details don’t interfere with the overall quality and positive  experience this bag has provided me.

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