i'm just looking for a good water proof back pack to use riding that costs under $80 or so. i don't care about a helmet holder, but an "ergo" design meant for riding would be nice. i've found a lot of good ones but a lot of the descriptions leave out "waterproof". thanks in advance.

What size are you looking for? My rapid transit tank bag holds quite a bit of stuff up to a college psychology book! Would also fit up to a 13" laptop I think. I know it will not hold my 17". But, it does have straps like a back pack and a water proof cover that goes over it and my Ipod on the top has never gotten wet. Remember I live in Florida so I know about rain LOL!

The link for my indepth review is in my sig line!

Mary

right on. thanks much!
i plan to hold a light change of clothes (t-shirt, shorts, the undies), a laptop, say maybe 2 books, and other than that it will be very small things that get stuffed in the corners. i also plan to stay with the pure backpack idea, because i'll never put it on a tank, as i'll be getting a bungee net for the tank.

Well,
on that note I'm devote to JanSport.  I haven't been in a soaking rain with it but light rains has done okay!

Mary

aye ive worn out some jansport stuff. in some heavy rain. although water MIGHT penetrate. anythign which i valued. ( electronics, weapons etc) was kept inan additional bag/ baggie

isn't there some type of spray water-proofing product for use on such things as bags/backpacks??   

Ironic that you say that. I have a big bottle of it that came free with my LL Bean purchase and was wondering if I could treat my new jacket with it and how well it holds up!

Sorry for the thread jack. But, yeah does anyone have experience with it and how well does it work. Also, will it ruin a mesh jacket?

Mary

Get "whatever" for a backpack, then get a dry bag to put in it. There isn't (AFAIK) a backpack made that compares to a dry bag in terms of real waterproofness. Real heavy material with a roll-down and buckle closure - popular with canoe and raft applications. I've towed one around in the ocean for a few hours while snorkeling (no beach sitters along) and had nice dry towels at the end of the day.

Or skip the backpack and just strap/bungee it on the seat behind you.

How much do those cost?
Speaking of Water Proof. I went to Big Lots today and I found a breathable pair of cargo pants that are water proof and fit over boots and jeans! Guess how much I paid?  Just a 5 spot! My lucky day!

Mary

Depends how big and how hard you shop. In Orlando, it might be worth poking your nose into Divers Direct to see if they have any on sale. I think they had some, but I could be wrong. One of the big chain fishing stores might be another brick and mortar source around there. Otherwise, scour the internet for closeout deals at various camping/outing supply stores, or outlet stores. I think the one I posted a pic of was $45 at REI, but I wasn't shopping, just looking for an example of what you're looking at with a typical dry bag. Some are made in backpack form, I guess, but of course that adds additional opportunity to leak where the straps are attached, so...simple is good here.

A few years back, having found some on close-out, I got a good big one for $25 and two small ones for $7 each.

yeah that dry bag has always been in my mind as a last resort. but after a whole s**t ton of google "shopping" searching, i've found a few candidates:

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/4/67/1953/ITEM/Joe-Rocket-Blaster-Backpack.aspx?SiteID=CSE_Become_067&WT.mc_ID=80010&zmam=88421133&zmas=1&zmac=14&zmap=1953

http://www.newenoughhp.com/luggage/backpacks/fieldsheer/skid_lid_motorcycle_backpack_bag.html

we'll see. i can't decide. probably the first one. because i could put stuff in the helmet holder that i'll never use.

Hmmm, I'd go for the second one! Like the outside helmet compartments and the rain covers. 

I just used my RT in pouring rain today and it is really nice because I don't like stuff on my back. Imagine if you had a wreck with that huge thing on your back. The RT has the built in straps that turn it into a backpack with chest strap as well.

Good luck on finding the perfect bag!

Mary

thanks!

the wreck thing... i guess my thought there is that i'll usually just have clothes in the bag. i mostly need it for going home/school and school/friend's places, so it will be mostly clothes. i'd consider that extra back protection.

now that you mention it, i kinda like the second one better too. i trust that rain cover more than the water resistant back pack, and it's way cheaper.

Okay you can laugh if you want! But one day I was walking at college and I tripped ( hence TooGoofy) I had a change of clothes with tennis shoes and my psych text book. Well I guess all of the planets alighned or something because my shoe caught me right in the kidney area and the text book corner managed to catch me under the rib. I almost  it hurt soooo bad had some nasty bruises! I can't imagine it hitting at 30mph! One other thing to consider it is much safer in a wreck to slide on your back because it slows you down tremendously and the last thing you want to do is to go tumbling which is what a Back pack may very well cause because there isn't a flat surface to slide!

Just in case you hadn't considered those things! 

Mary

Ogio makes some nice stuff that you can get totally waterproof.  I have a taped seamed jansport that i've had for 10-12 years and its been nothing but awesome.  Compression straps for 2 day hikes or good just to cruise to work.

Had one of these for 8 years http://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/content_prod/84/2473 - hard wearing material but never gonna keep stuff dry. Never used helmet holder on it as it's easier to carry. Can't fit A4 size folder/file in either.
Buy cheap rucsac and put you're stuff in a plaggy bag - easy peasy and cheapy.