Velo Transit Men's The District 30 Waterproof Roll-Top/ Messenger Bicycle Backpack

Bought this backpack with the idea of commuting while having a bag completely waterproof on my back.Not being that fond of messenger bags myself, I opted for this common style of backpack.What you have with this bag is 4 pockets: The big storm-proof one and 2 medium sized covered by the flap and a large pocket behind those medium ones.That's about it. It's a modular backpack.No slot for a water bottle, no nothing. Only grooves on the sides to put carabiners and such..This price point is rather high for a backpack where some modular accessories should be included, a cellphone pocket, something to attach to the sides if anything.What really drove me mad was the interior pocket of the main compartment (the storm proof one):Every time i put something in or remove something out it would get stuck on the vinyl material that made it weatherproof. Every single time. It simply is a hassle to use. Remove a 1" binder or a laptop with an sleeve, you had to shimmy it sideways, at one point even if you had space left in the bag. I had a buddy looking at me weird asking me wtf was I doing to my backpack while I was removing stuff.For the record, what I filled it with: the stormproof compartment was a 15" laptop and a 2" binder, on the large compartment outside a tire pump, thin arm warmers and a spare tube, on the bottom medium pocket, batteries, rear and front bike lights, some power bars and a multi-tool; and on the top pocket a calculator, around 10 pens and a mouse. They all fit perfectly in a jumbled mess, but it worked until i got fed up with the friction from the vinyl and lack of easy access to a water bottle pocket.

I have recently started a walk/bus commute in which I walk several miles each day in Seattle. Consequently I needed a comfortable, waterproof backpack that also looks professional. Sure, you can get one of the large plastic sack bags with a roll top that looks like they would survive a roll over on your kayak. They are quite waterproof but do not look very professional. The Velo Transit District 30 is a fantastic pack. I have been using it for several weeks now and I have some observations.1. Comfort - This bag is the most comfortable backpack I have ever owned. The company founder and pack designer has designed this bag with comfort in mind.2. Professional/stylish - This pack comes in many colors and I have the all black one. Let me just say that this is a cool and stylish looking pack. It has a roll top pack which I will cover later but it does not look like a large plastic bag. Regardless of the fact that it is waterproof, it is a great looking bag. It also has several other pockets for keys, papers, iPad, etc. It is not a one chamber bag.3. Waterproof - While I have not had the opportunity to try it in one of the big Seattle downpours yet, I have faced a few showers with everything staying completely dry. The main roll top chamber of the bag is lined with a waterproof liner. The outside pockets of the pack are protected with a waterproof flap. I have confidence that this bag will protect all of my items.4. Quality - You will not find a better pack for any price. The padding is great, the stitching is hefty and it is put together to last. This pack is hand made in Seattle. You can certainly pay less for a mass made pack but it will not be waterproof nor will it have this high quality. For all of the money I am saving riding the bus, I decided to invest in a quality pack. Why not?So in summary, you cannot go wrong with any of the Velo Transit backpacks. They are high quality, waterproof, comfortable and built right here in Seattle.

Eighteen months ago I added bike and/or bus riding as an option for my almost 50 mile round trip commute. I recently purchased a Velo Transit "The District 30" to replace a hodgepodge of multi-purpose backpacks and "corporate issue" laptop bags. In the few months I have had this pack it has already seen it's share of daily use, rain or shine, and hasn't let me down. It stays secure and comfortable riding a bike or walking. Everything inside stays dry. I was a bit skeptical of dealing with the strap-secured fold-down top having used zipper packs and bags "forever", but that concern disappeared quickly. The folding top and straps are easy to operate and keep my gear as snug as needed.It looks professional (I opted for the all-black model) enough in the office and fits everything I need. I typically carry a standard size (15") laptop, a notebook and lunch with plenty of room left. I can easily add a change of non-wrinkling clothes, if necessary (extra shoes stored at the office). The extra zipper pouch under the main flap keeps small items secure (even when I have left the pouch unzipped on occasion). There is a very handy lower pouch with a side zipper for access when the main flap is closed which I have found is a great place for small umbrella for those rare occasions when is rains in the Northwest. If you need to carry a laptop spring for the internal laptop pouch. I also have the phone pocket that fits on the shoulder strap for easy access to bus pass and building access cards.I did find the straps too long for my preference and made a quick stop at the Velo Transit store where they quickly cut and finished the straps to my preference. So not only a great product but excellent service.Invest in "Made in the USA" quality... These packs, and the company, won't let you down.