Commuter Backpack

Once upon a time (August) I was engaged in e-mail conversation with a guy from Banjo Brothers. We agreed that near winter they’d send me some product to try out. Not too long ago I noticed Fatboy Cyclist was giving away Banjo Brothers product. This and another blog reminded me to wonder if I’d somehow been forgotten.

And then Saturday; a package on my back step from the Banjo Brothers. They sent me their commuter backpack. This will be a tough sell. For many months I rode with a standard backpack. It wasn’t until I made the switch to messenger bag that I realized what I was missing. I love my messenger bag. It and I have become one.

This bag is interesting. The main thing I noticed is the removable insert. It’s a big thick white sleeve that is obviously waterproof and causes me to ponder its ability to keep milk and ice cream cold in the summer on its way home from the grocery store. This is something the messenger bag will never do. I want to know the thermal properties of the insert. I also wonder if the insert will hold together at -5 Fahrenheit.

Reportedly the bag sits lower on the back than a standard backpack. For this reason I cannot dismiss the bag. Because a standard backpack rides so high, the backward view is partially obstructed. The messenger bag which rides very low showed me how much I was missing.

Now, if you’ll excuse me I’m going to the grocery store to buy milk.