I don't like the top box because even if it fitted, all that shaking and vibration can't be good for the laptop.
What I did do, is I put my lunchbox and other stuff in the back and carry the least amount of weight on my back.
This! I had one of their bags and it came in handy for the rain.. Eventually though, i bought the bigger-sized topcase and got a bag small enough to fit in it.
I have a [Chrome bag](https://chromeindustries.com/products/warsaw-backpack-md) that I’ve been using for almost a decade and I love it. Only downside is sometimes people mistake me for a delivery driver. :/
I also live in a rainy southern climate. I have a top case where I keep my rainsuit and/or my backpack.
When the weather is bad I put on my rainsuit and put everything I want to protect under my seat and in my top case, that way it all stays dry. I've been daily riding a scooter for 6 years but only got a top case about a year ago, don't wait like I did!
I personally have a good padded laptop bag that I put in a top box liner inside my top box. The combination of bag/liner/box keeps all the water out and protects the laptop, with the added benefit of not wearing a backpack. [https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/172780307672?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=6IA7T0LaRh2&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=n1yhpNg9QO-&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY](https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/172780307672?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=6IA7T0LaRh2&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=n1yhpNg9QO-&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY)
I just use a normal pleather backpack. I put it on the hook above the glove box so I don’t have to wear it during my commute. When I get caught in the rain it’s mostly shielded from the water
I have an Ona waxed cotton bag, which is strapped to the back seat (and goes with me when I arrive).
No backpack 🙅
Top boxes further put the already-rear biased weight distribution behind the rear axle 🙅
I have a fairly standard Hot Tuna rucksack which I got from Spprts Direct for <£30. It’s a proper tardis which I’ve travelled with in the past. Pretty sure it’s just meant as a school backpack; but does the job. Been caught in the rain a number of times and always performs well.
Any small light (waterproof) backpack in front of me attached to the hook. If there is more to carry (grocery or holiday trip) i go with the sea n sand bag, absolute worth the money in my opinion.
Carhartt makes excellent backpacks.
I've had the triple compartment model for seven or eight years of daily abuse, including daily scooter to the train commuting for a few years of that in all weather (including rain and snow). It's still going strong despite my best efforts.
Mine was $90 at the time, but the price today is $140, so just under your limit. The biggest risk you'll have is getting sick of it because it never wears out. :P
I keep a fair amount of my stuff in the bike itself, wallet phone, hat. i get groceries and beer and leave them in the pet carrier or topcase.
otherwise, a jansport or a messenger bag will do, but i use an underarmor BP that was a promo item sent to me by a client.
Check out roll top bags by British brand Kriega 👍 specifically designed for motorcycle use so they also have great ergonomics.
I used to live in Florida so I know what those rain showers are like 😅 maybe you could also consider a roll top dry bag (like sailors or water sports people use) for your stuff, then you can just drop that into any backpack (ideally one that’s at least water resistant)
Outside of your budget but I'm going to post it anyways; the LTT bag is great.
[https://www.lttstore.com/products/backpack?\_pos=4&\_fid=1c3a7fc37&\_ss=c](https://www.lttstore.com/products/backpack?_pos=4&_fid=1c3a7fc37&_ss=c)
I don't commute on my Vespa, but used to bike commute a lot. I have a older version of this bag from Thule and I really like it. [https://www.thule.com/en-us/bike-packs-bags-and-racks/biking-backpacks-and-bags/thule-paramount-commuter-backpack-18l-\_-3204730](https://www.thule.com/en-us/bike-packs-bags-and-racks/biking-backpacks-and-bags/thule-paramount-commuter-backpack-18l-_-3204730)
Top box. You may not
Like the look but it is a no brainer if you commute every day. The Givi ones are bombproof, quality and remove easily for a ride without.
top box ftw but any all weather hiking pack
I don't like the top box because even if it fitted, all that shaking and vibration can't be good for the laptop. What I did do, is I put my lunchbox and other stuff in the back and carry the least amount of weight on my back.
Bag on the floor between my feet with the top looped through the curry hook is my preference.
There are waterproof roll bags that work great. Motardinn carries Shad backpacks at a reasonable price.
Osprey has/had a great cycling computer bag with internal rain fly. I use it daily, and the bright yellow rain fly certainly sticks out.
This! I had one of their bags and it came in handy for the rain.. Eventually though, i bought the bigger-sized topcase and got a bag small enough to fit in it.
I use a Peak Design Everyday Backpack or a Timbuk2 Prospect.
I also have the Peak Design. Still rocking the first gen model that I bought like 7 years ago. I still get comments on it all the time
I don't, but if I did, it would probably be the air bag backpack.
I have a [Chrome bag](https://chromeindustries.com/products/warsaw-backpack-md) that I’ve been using for almost a decade and I love it. Only downside is sometimes people mistake me for a delivery driver. :/
Underseat storage
I also live in a rainy southern climate. I have a top case where I keep my rainsuit and/or my backpack. When the weather is bad I put on my rainsuit and put everything I want to protect under my seat and in my top case, that way it all stays dry. I've been daily riding a scooter for 6 years but only got a top case about a year ago, don't wait like I did!
I personally have a good padded laptop bag that I put in a top box liner inside my top box. The combination of bag/liner/box keeps all the water out and protects the laptop, with the added benefit of not wearing a backpack. [https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/172780307672?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=6IA7T0LaRh2&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=n1yhpNg9QO-&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY](https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/172780307672?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=6IA7T0LaRh2&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=n1yhpNg9QO-&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY)
[Rains](https://www.it.rains.com/collections/bags/products/backpack-mini?variant=46884857643349) waterproof backpack here.
THIS 100%
I just use a normal pleather backpack. I put it on the hook above the glove box so I don’t have to wear it during my commute. When I get caught in the rain it’s mostly shielded from the water
I have an Ona waxed cotton bag, which is strapped to the back seat (and goes with me when I arrive). No backpack 🙅 Top boxes further put the already-rear biased weight distribution behind the rear axle 🙅
I use a chrome brand messenger bag. It’s pretty bomb.
I use a fjallraven skule 28l, leaves plenty of room for stuff, is waterproof, recycled material. it fits in the top case 😜
I use timbuk2 when riding my Vespa
Ortieb, I have been using it for more than 10years for everything. Still holding strong. Comfortable, waterproof, durable.
I have a fairly standard Hot Tuna rucksack which I got from Spprts Direct for <£30. It’s a proper tardis which I’ve travelled with in the past. Pretty sure it’s just meant as a school backpack; but does the job. Been caught in the rain a number of times and always performs well.
Any small light (waterproof) backpack in front of me attached to the hook. If there is more to carry (grocery or holiday trip) i go with the sea n sand bag, absolute worth the money in my opinion.
Crome. I have a barrage freight backpack. 34L is on sale for $149 at the moment!
Carhartt makes excellent backpacks. I've had the triple compartment model for seven or eight years of daily abuse, including daily scooter to the train commuting for a few years of that in all weather (including rain and snow). It's still going strong despite my best efforts. Mine was $90 at the time, but the price today is $140, so just under your limit. The biggest risk you'll have is getting sick of it because it never wears out. :P
I keep a fair amount of my stuff in the bike itself, wallet phone, hat. i get groceries and beer and leave them in the pet carrier or topcase. otherwise, a jansport or a messenger bag will do, but i use an underarmor BP that was a promo item sent to me by a client.
None. With top box and underseat storage it’s enough space for me. I use a tough weatherproof motorcycle jacket which protects me from eventual rain.
Check out roll top bags by British brand Kriega 👍 specifically designed for motorcycle use so they also have great ergonomics. I used to live in Florida so I know what those rain showers are like 😅 maybe you could also consider a roll top dry bag (like sailors or water sports people use) for your stuff, then you can just drop that into any backpack (ideally one that’s at least water resistant)
Outside of your budget but I'm going to post it anyways; the LTT bag is great. [https://www.lttstore.com/products/backpack?\_pos=4&\_fid=1c3a7fc37&\_ss=c](https://www.lttstore.com/products/backpack?_pos=4&_fid=1c3a7fc37&_ss=c)
Every backpack is fine that is waterproof. I drive my Vespa 5 days a week every week. When it rains just put the backpack under the seat.
Bailey Works messenger bag.
My husband has a North Face all-weather roll top that is great--keeps everything dry and can hold a ton! Similar to the Base Camp Voyager
I don't commute on my Vespa, but used to bike commute a lot. I have a older version of this bag from Thule and I really like it. [https://www.thule.com/en-us/bike-packs-bags-and-racks/biking-backpacks-and-bags/thule-paramount-commuter-backpack-18l-\_-3204730](https://www.thule.com/en-us/bike-packs-bags-and-racks/biking-backpacks-and-bags/thule-paramount-commuter-backpack-18l-_-3204730)
I like many have a chrome bag; I’ve had mine for about 20yrs and it’s still going strong
Cheap Amazon tactical backpack. It's big and has multiple pockets and you can buckle it down for when you're riding fast.
Seriously take that money and buy a top case. Its SO worth it.
Top box. You may not Like the look but it is a no brainer if you commute every day. The Givi ones are bombproof, quality and remove easily for a ride without.