When I ride to work, I use a Joe Rocket tank bag to carry my phone and other small stuff. I have an office with a closet & a bathroom so I can change from riding gear to
one of my suits.
I use a laptop backpack that my dad was throwing away, fits nice and works good for putting my shoes, water and whatever else I need while riding then I can put all my leathers in it after i get where I'm going. When I get to work or wherever I've got a backpack full of leathers next to my lid and boots. The only time I notice it is when I take my hands off the bars sit up and stretch out. I really would like an Ogio no drag backpack but, at over $100 it just keeps getting pushed down the list of wants.
I used to commute to work and school on the bike. I didn't have a tankbag then, just a regular bookbag to hold a couple books or my laptop. School didn't have anywhere to stow my gear, so I sat my helmet next to my desk and hung my jacket on the chair, just kept the boots and pants on.
At my job I could just leave clothes and regular shoes there and change and store my gear in the back room while I worked.
So far I've regularly commuted for a couple years with a Sling Backpack from Academy... It has worked really well but has seen better days and isn't weather proof at all. Would love to get Some Kriega Stuff but it's a little too pricey, so I'll probably be picking up the RS Taichi weather proof backpack soon!
Since 3 years I've only had my bike and took it everywhere.
Still in college for another semester and then I hope I can buy a small cheap car just to get around on the rainy days.
I have a huge backpack I can load up to 25lbs of stuff in. A magnetic tank bag 4L/1 Gallon of volume where I fit shoes, jeans, 2shirts and a bottle of water in.
Under my passenger seat I can fit a sweater, scarf and another bottle of watr beside the toolkit.
All in all I can pack a good 35lbs of extra luggage for short trips.
In school I need a locker so I can change out of my 2pc leather suit into some jeans. Some days I leave the SMX-Plus boots on (people think they're ski boots) and if I just got a 2hr class and wanna hit the road asap, I leave my full gear on and hang the jacket over the chair. Helmet always on the table (only 5 lockers out of 4000 are wide enough for my small Shoei).
I don't mind the stares and looks I get, I just walk with pride and don't care or maybe greet them if they still eyeball me after a minute of walking towards each other.
I got problems when I changed out of my leathers incl. boots and have to carry it down the hallway to my locker. Really heavy in my hands/arms if I didn't already leave some stuff at the locker first and only have pants and backpack left to carry.
I won't miss the days of having to change in and out of leathers. Riding in jeans always spoils my ride! I can't stand it.
Once I forgot my smx-5 boots in the washroom and didn't notice it until 3hrs later when I changed back. They were gone for good. Problem was, I was wearing black high heel boots and tights that day. Couldn't ride back in those, so I was riding in full gear on heels. I should've taken pictures of that. I tried not to let anyone notice, was quite the embarrassment.
I pretty much have a similar setup, and generally I walk around all day in my SMX-5's at work. There are several riders in the offices here, so even with the suits or nice shirts, they still get it.
I rarely get strange looks, and when I do I feel pride as well... in fact the only time I feel odd is if I'm not in any sort of gear, and I see another guy on a nice bike go into the grocery store, or wherever I'm at... I wanna throw a wave and be like wassup but that just doesn't work when I look like every other cager. lol.
I usually carry a back pack if I know I'm going to pick up something. Sometimes when I go out it to eat and I have left overs, I don't have my back pack so I just stuff it in my jacket as long as I have it boxed and wrapped in a bag.
Old school jansport I've had for years and a waterproof tail bag on my Drz. Going to upgrade to a waterproof backpack soon as it rains at a moments notice down here.
An old Northface backpack that has more straps on it than anyone would ever need. I like days when I don't need the bag. When I wear boots, I take them off and go about in socks. Walking in riding boots is not very high on my list of fun things to do.
I kept a pair of shoes at work to change into. I didn't have a job that required me to dress in a suit. just jeans and a polo at most.
Also used a laptop backpack and tail bag that was removable.
I always take:
Tire Gauge
Registration
BMW Tire Repair kit
Work Clothes
Headphones ( I have a good pair of Sennheisers that I use at home and work )
On days where it may rain, my rain gear.
I use this backpack if I need to carry anything other than my phone and wallet. I love it, it has been all over the world with me, Europe, the middle east, everywhere. I have had it for years and I wear it to work everyday. If anything happens to it I will buy another one. :thumbup
FEATURES:
Capacity: 32.5L/ 2000 cu in
Dual density back panel
S-curved shoulder straps
Zip outside organizer pocket/side storage pockets
Padded computer case
Padded cell phone/MP3 pocket
Padded CD/sunglasses pocket
Light reflective logo
Fabric: Polyester
Torso fit range: 16"-21"
Dimensions: 21" x 13" x 9"
Weight: 2 lbs 6 oz
Marmot
I use just a normal Adidas backpack for everyday riding, I use to use a Hurley backpack but it saved my back last year and unfortunetly is no longer useable. Looking to get either a USMC or ACU/MultiCam Molle 3-day to use on a daily basis as it'd be more sturdy and reliable.
Always the following items:
Lunch
Cell Phone
iPod
headphones
tire gauge
allan key set
craftsman screwdriver
extra earplugs
Work stuff
ect.