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Novara Commuter Backpack
$69.50
Item qualifies for annual
REI Member Refund (typically 10%)
If you prefer to carry your pack square on your back rather than slung over a shoulder, check out the intuitively designed Novara Commuter backpack.
- ecoSensitive™ 100% post-consumer recycled PET body fabric is tough enough for the daily grind
- Designed to allow quick and easy access to items you might need during the commute without exposing or disturbing your ''destination'' contents
- Front pocket holds tools, tubes, pump and jacket—items that you might need to access during the commute
- Also has an organizer pocket with key clip
- Easy-access top pocket provides storage for a music player or a battery pack for a helmet-mounted light
- Fully padded backpanel protects your back from bulky text books or pointy laptops; panel-loading access makes easy work of getting to and organizing gear
- U-lock storage compartment holds weight close to body; pack design matches body contours to stabilize your load
- Accommodates most hydration systems (sold separately); tube routes through shoulder straps to either side and toggles hold reservoir in place
- Built-in raincover has its own storage pocket; raincover is seam-sealed for exrreme weather resistance and features a reflective Novara logo
- Side mesh pockets store gloves or extra water bottles
- Features padded shoulder straps with adjustable sternum strap and easy-adjust mesh waistbelt; quick-access zip pocket on waistbelt stores small necessities
- Abundant reflective piping provides excellent nighttime visibility; Hypalon® loop can hold a flashing LED safety light, sold separately
- Reflective tabs detach via easy-to-use split rings, allowing you to tone down for trips around town
Imported.
Item 780465
Related Items:
Novara Commuter Backpack Specs
Specification | Description |
| Weight | 2 lbs. 8 oz. |
| Dimensions | 20 x 11 x 7 inches |
| Material | Recycled polyester |
| Volume | 1,480 cubic inches |
Novara Commuter Backpack Customer Reviews
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
- Lightweight (13)
- Durable (10)
- Easy to use (10)
- Versatile (10)
- Adjustable (4)
Cons
Best Uses
- Commuting (15)
- Road bikes (6)
- Long rides (4)
- Mountain bikes (4)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Avid cyclist (9)
- Primary use:
- Personal (3)
Reviewed by 16 customers
Sort by
Pros
- Durable
- Easy to Use
Cons
Best Uses
- Commuting
- Long Rides
Comments about Novara Commuter Backpack:
Having purchased and used the Novara pack for more than two years, it has served me very well as a city commuter pack. A year round biking commuter and professional engineer, it carries my change of clothes, shoes, tire pump, cell phone, bike lock, deodorant bar, security badge and external strobe light. When raining, its self contained rain poncho is unfurled, covers the entire pack and it acts as my tire stripe protector also. The pack proved its worth in a recent riding incident. With a roll over, it took the brunt of the road rash instead of me. It came out unscaved, as did I. I took a chance on an unknown product. If I would ever need a replacement, I would purchase it again.
- Gift:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Commuting
Comments about Novara Commuter Backpack:
I have last year's model of this pack. That version had a few bugs that Novara has mostly addressed. Overall this is a well thought out pack. It is well compartmentalized allowing the user to organize however he or she wishes. The two side elastic pockets work well for food, spare water bottles, spare tubes, etc. There is a top fleece-lined pocket that works well for shades, though I use mine for spare contact lenses and my cell phone.
There is a front organizer pocket w/ dividers for a pda, pens, ID, whatever - 2 main large compartments - a hidden back pocket, supposedly for a U-lock (I've never used it), and a hidden bottom pocket with an included rain fly. Overall, everything works very well.
Comfort wise the pack is great. There is enough ventilation on the back to keep you from getting too overheated. The ventilation and padding works better than most cycling specific packs but not as well as some top-end daypacks for hiking. Still, the pack rides very close to your body and low on your back keeping the center of gravity in a comfortable location for cycling. It also conforms well to the slightly curved back of a cyclist in an aero position, but is comfortable when you are standing straight as well. Better than your typical day-pack IMHO.
There were two big problems w/ the old pack (the one that I have). The first was that the main compartment opened from the bottom of the pack instead of the top. That was pretty stupid and apparently a lot of people commented on that because it has been corrected with this newer version - it now opens from the top.
The second problem was with the way the rain fly attached to the pack. The pack straps interfered w/ the rain fly fit at the top of the pack in such a way that rain inevitably found its way into the pack near the strap attachments. That never bothered me because I never used it in the rain anyway. I don't know if that has been corrected but it is something to check out in the store if that is important to you.
Overall, this is a great, comfortable, well thought out pack for cyclists. I'd buy it all over again if I didn't already have the older version.
- Gift:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easy to Use
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Commuting
Comments about Novara Commuter Backpack:
I use this pack for everyday use, on and off the bike. I'm a PhD student, with an office at home and school, so I lug my laptop and research around with me everywhere.
It's the best I've found for carrying my laptop, on and off the bike. The computer is well-padded; never sustained damage though I've dropped the pack a couple of times.
I have neck issues, so can't carry a messenger, and need the hip belt. It distributes weight well, and the back padding makes carrying it on the bike as comfortable as it can be.
The only con with the version I have is that the main compartment opened at the bottom (thus 4 stars rather than 5). It means you can't easily access anything stored in there, and when you do access it, all other compartments must be closed, or you will dump them out everywhere. Proved to be PITA, but looks like it's fixed in this new update, and so I'll be purchasing this one when I'm back in the States this summer!
As for weather protection, I find the rain cover works great - and I should know, as I live in North Wales and am constantly in the rain. It could be a little easier to secure to the hook on the top of the bag, but other than that it's fine.
Definitely will purchase again, and am purchasing another for my officemate - so it's definitely a keeper and a big recommendation!
- Gift:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easy to Use
- Fits great
- Lightweight
- Roomy
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Commuting
- Road Bikes
Comments about Novara Commuter Backpack:
Great commuter backpack, whether I'm on my bike or out walking. The fit is fabulous, with the waist belt performing it's load handling task well. Though this is not a laptop pack, I can easily stow my 17 inch MacBook Pro, no problem. I especially like the double roomy compartments and use the secondary one to house my windbreaker/rain gear. Side pocket and accessory pocket are also very nice. Makes for a good overnight bag, too.
My only regret is that I didn't have this pack when I went on a two week trek in Scotland this Spring.
- Gift:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easy to Use
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Commuting
- Mountain Bikes
Comments about Novara Commuter Backpack:
I use the bag to commute back and forth to school and work. It holds everything I need! I was able to have my lock, a pair of size 13 steel toe boots, pants, and a shirt in the bag and it was still very manageable. There was even plenty of room left for some smaller stuff. I would definitely recommend this bag (and its attachments!).
Service and delivery comments:
Very fast delivery, perfect condition! REI is my new favorite outdoor store! I just wish there was one near me.
- Gift:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Commuting
- Long Rides
- Road Bikes
Comments about Novara Commuter Backpack:
I bought this to replace a Timbuk2 medium laptop messenger bag. Unlike the messenger, this bag stays in one place on my back, has a separation between the bag and by back and has a very accessible pocket for keys.
It is the perfect commuter bag. Even better than similar Kelty and North face bags.
Now for the shortcomings. I'd love to see a key clip in the pocket on the waistbelt. A more hardy fabric on the top pocket would be great as I find that pocket to be a great replacement for a small/medium size saddle bag.
- Gift:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easy to Use
- Lightweight
- Ventilated
- Versatile
Cons
- None
Best Uses
- Commuting
- Long Rides
Comments about Novara Commuter Backpack:
I have had this bag for about a year now. I use it every work day for commuting now. It holds what I need for work. Rain gear etc. I have carried my small laptop in it. I am now learning to leave the laptop at work. It has held up and does what it promises. Also it is cooler on the back than other bags. Good job REI!
- Gift:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easy to Use
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Commuting
- Long Rides
Comments about Novara Commuter Backpack:
Bought this backpack a month ago for my daily commute, after making do with a "cheap and cheerful" one I was given sometime ago. The difference is like night and day!
Plentiful array of well thought-out pockets are on offer, including a small "Knick Knack" pouch attached to the waist belt, (great for keys etc).
The padding on both the shoulder straps and the back is excellent, and helps create a channel along your back to cool down a bit. The two side pockets are large enough to accommodate spare water bottles, but clinch down tightly enough to safely store spare gloves.
All-in-all a very well thought-out bag that I would heartily recommend.
- Gift:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easy to Use
- Large interior
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Commuting
- Mountain Bikes
- Road Bikes
Comments about Novara Commuter Backpack:
I commute about 100 miles per week. I have had about 50 backpacks since 2000, and this one is the best one yet. I like:- Roomy interior but small exterior footprint- Appropriate number of internal and external pockets without being a snaretrap of loops, pouches, zippers and clips to catch on everything you walk/ride past- I can fit a day-planner (classic size), shoes, change of clothes, ipod, iphone, sunglasses, camera, keys, wallet, water bottle, and lunch, but it doesn't feel bulky or crammed.- Well placed padding and vent channels have kept me cooler than I expected.- The waist and chest strap hold it in place and distribute the load well but without being in the way, or too complicated. - There is a pouch on the left side waist strap that's perfect for keys or an ipod so you don't have to rifle through your bag when it's time to lock up your bike or unlock the front door at home. Would be good for money, ID card, whatever you need access to without having to remove your bag and dig around.- Haven't used the rain cover yet, but I'm glad it's there.Spencer[@]
- Gift:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easy to Use
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Commuting
- Road Bikes
Comments about Novara Commuter Backpack:
Very functional pack. I use this for daily commute to hold my laptop, books, pump, and extra clothes. Great visibility. Neat little whistle on chest strap. I love the air channel on the back of the pack. The rain cover is what sold me. Pack is well constructed and I expect it to last for a lifetime.
Service and delivery comments:
Service and Delivery excellent as usual
- Gift:
- No
Novara Commuter Backpack Related Items
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