Backpacks: Reload Flight Pack, anyone?

For the past few months I've been researching a ton of cycling backpacks. I've been rolling around with an old Jansport Superbreak since high school and judging by the hole that's forming in the bottom, I think it's time for an upgrade. I need something to use for commuting, groceries, and weekend trips. The Reload Flight Pack really caught my eye so I emailed the company and they sent me some nice updated photos of the new bags (their site is currently being worked on). While they were helpful, I'm still a little nervous about ordering a custom bag that I won't have the option of returning in the case of a poor fit. So, I'm reaching out to the Chainlink in hopes that one of you can help me! Does anyone have the Reload Small Flight Pack? If so, I'd be very grateful if you let me try it on for size. Any other feedback on their bags would be appreciated as well. Thanks!

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Permalink Reply by oncewasenough on April 6, 2012 at 6:00am

Thanks for the feedback, John. I also have concerns that the bag may not be big enough for me. The new ones that aren't on the site yet do come in a medium size that I think might suit me better. I do realize that it's not the most economical choice but I really like how they look. I feel like the only person who isn't in love with the Mission stuff. I concede that they are really slick looking and well designed, but they are just not my style. Maybe I need to take a bunch of crap the the store and load one up to see the appeal.

John W. said:

Wow, $230 for 1108 cu. in. isn't so great.  $.207 per cu. in.  The Mission Workshop Vandal is a popluar bag and expandable to 4000 cu. in.  It's $279, about $.07 per cu. in. and Smart Bike Parts includes the waist belt, normally $34.  And no tax either.  I'll be getting that soon for grocery runs.  For now, I'm fine with a Camelbak for regular rides, enough for a long Kryptonite lock, short Kr. lock, cable, tools, and a tube.  For carrying more, I have a North Face Slingshot.  $60 for 1830 cu. in. $.033 per cu. in.

Permalink Reply by Adam Herstein on April 6, 2012 at 6:31am
Mission Workshop makes some great bags. I've got their medium size messenger bag. It holds up great and fits a ton of stuff. What is your budget? They can be pricey, but well worth it. http://missionworkshop.com/ 
Permalink Reply by Rich S on April 6, 2012 at 10:23am

I'm a huge fan of stuff from Blaqdesign. I have a pair of their panniers which are awesome and I'm planning on ordering a messenger bag from them this weekend. One of the things I really like are their custom color options. You can make your bag really unique. 

I don't own any of their backpacks so I can't comment on them. The panniers I own have been durable and waterproof so far.  

Permalink Reply by Michael A on April 6, 2012 at 11:51am

I have been using my Mission Workshop vandal for about a year, the selling point was when I had my fully loaded jansport with me and it fit in the expanding compartment of the new bag, with tons of space to spare and felt lighter on my back

Permalink Reply by Amber K on April 7, 2012 at 4:39am

Check out Banjo Brothers.  I've been using their backpack for two years now.  Love it.  I can load it full of groceries and my bread never gets smashed!

http://www.banjobrothers.com/products/cycling-backpacks/commuter-ba...

Permalink Reply by Apie (11) on July 6, 2012 at 3:24am

Mission Workshop bags are really nice. I have a problem with breaking plastic buckles all the time,  the VX Arkiv buckles solve that issue. 

 

Lifetime warranty, but I usually have bags until after companies change that policy (I'm looking at you Timbuk2)

Permalink Reply by Duppie on July 6, 2012 at 3:42am

4000 cu. inches? that is about 17 gallons (if google is right). If you fill that up with water or equivalent. it would be about 130 lbs. I want to see you carry that on your back...

What I am saying is: 4000 cu. inches capacity sounds nice on the website, but it is a rather useless number. You will likely reach your max carrying weight well before you reach the cubic capacity. Unless you deliver down pillows for a living, of course


Johnston D. Woodsman said:

Wow, $230 for 1108 cu. in. isn't so great.  $.207 per cu. in.  The Mission Workshop Vandal is a popluar bag and expandable to 4000 cu. in.  It's $279, about $.07 per cu. in. and Smart Bike Parts includes the waist belt, normally $34.  And no tax either.  I'll be getting that soon for grocery runs.  For now, I'm fine with a Camelbak for regular rides, enough for a long Kryptonite lock, short Kr. lock, cable, tools, and a tube.  For carrying more, I have a North Face Slingshot.  $60 for 1830 cu. in. $.033 per cu. in.

Permalink Reply by oncewasenough on July 6, 2012 at 12:27pm

I ended up ordering the small flight pack and I really like it. It's a nice size for me. Big enough to carry my lunch, a change of clothes, tools, u-lock, water bottle, wallet, camera, and glasses with plenty of room to spare if I need to stop and pick up a few things at Jewel on my way home. Without the commuting stuff, my biggest haul has been a 20 lb watermelon, and one of those plastic shopping baskets overflowing with heavy groceries. I was cursing myself all the way home but the bag performed flawlessly. 

The roll top thing is taking a little getting used to, it's not as quick as a zipper, and because there is no velcro on the rolltop you actually have to buckle both sides to make sure it stays closed but I love the way it looks so it's not a deal breaker. 

Also, I was super impressed with Reload's customer service. I emailed Roland several times and he was very patient and answered all of my questions and handled my exchange like a pro.

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