Backpack - sub $100

[vwboomer]

I really liked the Icon Squad backpack. It got good reviews, and could be had on ebay for around 70. It had a dropdown helmet sack which was nice as it didn't interfere with whatever you loaded in the backpack itself.

Anyone know of anything similar? I'm not able to drop 150 on a backpack so I'm looking for ideas since the Squad got discontinued

[dang_wind]

still an ICON...but a tank bag that converts to backpack with optional helmet carrier: http://www.kneedraggers.com/details/Icon_Urban_Tank_Bag--58-ICON-UTB.html

it's about $100 but maybe you can get for under that if you search further online.

[kuhlka]

Get it while its hot!  - http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/NEW-AXIO-HARD-BACKPACK-FORZA-LAPTOP-BACKPACK-RED-BLK_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ84147QQihZ007QQitemZ170220376782QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

I love mine and it even fits my Dell M1710 laptop.  Kept my stuff dry through 1200 miles of rain riding from TX to OH last year (bought the accessory rain cover just to be safe).  This backpack is VERY comfortable on the bike and I can fit my laptop, 2.5" thick game design manual, power supply and all other cords, aluminum mouse pad, pens, papers, and other miscelaneous stuff.  At that price, I'd buy a second if my wife didn't already have one.

[Buckethead]

So's I'm thinking to myself the other day. "Self," I says, "you need to get a new backpack that matches your new bike."

Did a little checking, figured I'd try L.L. Bean because they're local (I live in Maine.) Nothing.

"Self," I says, "What's the best resource you know of for moto-related stuff?"

"That would be the DMF, of course."

"So why not cruise on over there and see what you can find?"

Lo and behold, the first two threads in the Gear section are backpack-related!

I think if I added a set of black racing stripes to the orange '07 Swift it'd be a dead ringer for my bike.

[vwboomer]

The tank bag is ok, but I've already got a tank bag. Doesn't seem very big.
Maybe I'll keep an eye out for a used Squad. I like that the helmet is in a bag, rather than exposed. Might keep it from getting scratched up and whatnot.

[saffel]

You can always go the "urban hipster" route.

http://www.chromebags.com/

I have had one for a couple of years.  So far so good.

[lawbreaker]

I got my Ogio "No Drag" backpack for 100 bux.. shipped!!

Used to wear an Oakley backpack.. I prefer this one

[triangleforge]

You can always go the "urban hipster" route.

http://www.chromebags.com/

I have had one for a couple of years.  So far so good.

+1 on the messenger bag -- I use a huge old yellow Ortleib bag that refuses to die. I like that I can swing it around to the front & grab things out without completely removing it.

And you know what I like best about Chrome bags? Poking at the seatbelt latch on friends' bags and saying "What's this do?"  Never gets old...