Pelican U100 Urban Elite Laptop Backpack- can't recommend for moto use

[nllm_oo_mlln]

I purchased one of these in June. Until recently I haven't had an opportunity to test it on the bike in the rain. I haven't followed up with their customer service but It's not billed as waterproof on a bike. I just trusted their reputation.  General purpose waterproof gear usually don't hold up to riding-- save for my Danners which surprisingly kept my feet dry today.

Last friday I packed up the company 17" Macbook Pro for the ride home from work in a soaker. I was reluctant so I powered it down. When I got home it was wet! it wasn't soaked though just the outside case where it rested at the bottom of the compartment. The rain didn't get into screen area. I put it in a bag of rice just to be safe and it worked four days latter. 

I imagine if I had a get-off the computer would fare better than me or the bike. It's a light Pelican case with backpack screwed on the top and bottom which is touted as water resistant. I expected the material to keep things dry at first and start to fail within a year like most water resistant gear but <cue fail horns> nope.  It's well crafted and I hope they continue to make improvements. I think latches on each side would keep the water out. The whole gasket was soaked so I think the water came from the sides and pooled at the bottom then penetrated.

This backpack is bad ass despite it's compromises. Yeah it's heavy and uncomfortable but if you have an expensive computer it would be a good option. It feels just like a Pelican case is strapped to your back. It's padded to the hilt with a spinal contour and raised 3D pads-- It still feels like a heavy plastic box on your back. In all fairness it feels similar to an ordinary back pack with a laptop in it. It had a sternum strap but with gear on its more of a decapitation strap in its lowest position so I removed it from its zipper-like guide. It is sorely missing a waist strap which could distribute the weight better. Better yet a harness setup like Kriega.

One design feature that gets scrutinized is that it's difficult to load but I think that's intentional. I think they made it difficult to overload which is the reason suitcases and backpacks fail at the zippers and seams. There's a slick document pocket where the bag rests on your back which stays dry. The small "tablet compartment" is perfect for motorcyclists with pen slots and other assorted pockets for a tire gauge, hex key folder, Leatherman... but no more than what would fit under the seat.

I was working at home a lot when I bought this. I almost got a heavy duty pelican to wear messenger style until I discovered this. Browsing their site I saw "Backpacks" in a sub menu and I was like "HOLY SHIT! PELICAN MAKES BACKPACKS!" then clicked the link. Pelican are all about niche markets. I still have no idea who their coolers are made for. Organ transporters? Competition fishing? Hopefully they develop this backpack for motorcycle use. It is on the back of a rider on the microsite's slide show though http://www.pelican.com/backpacks/  I'd not been able to do my job if it got smashed up in an accident so my only other option was to leave my work at the office- which I'm a big fan of. That's just not reality though. It will still be protected from impact so I'll wrap the computer in a trash bag like I do everything else when it's raining.  Just be warned if you're looking at these: they are not waterproof when riding a motorcycle in heavy rain and a tail chop. If you never knew Pelican makes backpacks- now you do.

[pesto]

Nice write up! Thanks! Here's what I use http://www.nycvelo.com/chrome-yalta-ftc-backpack/chrome_ftc/ fwiw, it's ok .