"Made and designed in Seattle, Wash., where it rains a lot." That's a tagline for the Chinatown 30 Messenger Pack, a new biking backpack from Velo Transit. This large and stout -- and highly water-resistant! -- backpack is something of a consummate commuter bag. It has a hip belt, a sternum strap, a comfortable fit, and so many pockets that you'll never run out of room.

Photo: (C) Velo Transit
Chinatown 30

At 30 liters of capacity, the Chinatown will be too big for most commuters. It is at the large end of the scale for backpacks made for bikers and weighs nearly 4 pounds when empty. It measures (in size large) at about 22 inches long. I am 6'1'', and the pack covers almost my entire back, length- and width-wise.

Velo Transit (www.velotransit.com) is a new company. But the founder, Paul Larson, has roots in backpack design that go back almost two decades. He formerly designed backpacks for name-brand outdoors companies.

Some of these "outdoorsy" features come through to the company's line. Most noticeably, the Chinatown's harness, back panel, and internal frame -- which together offer a ton of comfort and support -- are reminiscent of a backpack you might otherwise find on a mountain climb or on the Pacific Crest Trail.

For features, the Chinatown is not lacking. There are six pockets, a huge main compartment, a laptop sleeve, and a flap to seal it up. Three small zipper pockets under the flap offer mucho space for stowing and organizing small items. For bikers, there are the requisite reflective stripes and a blinker mount. A pocket on back accommodates a U-lock for easy access.

Photo: (C) Velo Transit
Back Panel

Velo Transit has a premium product with its Chinatown 30. It is made of tough ballistic nylon and includes a radio-frequency-welded waterproof liner to keep your goods dry. At $189.95, the Chinatown also comes with a premium price tag.

The company sells this pack in various sizes and with back panel and harness systems made specifically for men and women. If you need a plush backpack for commuting -- and need to haul a lot of books, computer accessories, or gear -- the Chinatown is a great pick. It has the stout design and the right materials to stay on the road and keep rolling with you for years.

--Stephen Regenold is founder and editor of www.gearjunkie.com.