Riding with a BACKPACK?

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CharleneLizette said:
Heyaa,

So since I'd like to ride as much as possible I'm trying to figure out what kind of backpack i should get.. there are really expensive riding ones...

I dunno if its worth the $$ or if i can get away with a trendier backpack.. and is riding with a backpack difficult?

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Where did you find that backpack that looks like an armadillo?
 
I have gone down wearing a backpack.*** over tea kettle at 70kmph,never again.Thank god I didnt have a helmet in there ,it also ended up around my neck.It does make a good pillow while waiting for the EMS however.Think tail bag or saddle bags
 
+1 on the tank bag. I have a magnetic bag and it's off or on in seconds (safety strap?? as if)

I have used a cheap backpack to carry lunch and stuff to work but prefer the tank bag.

Mine has a top half that will zip on and together it's enough space for a weekend trip if not camping.
 
I have 3. One for my gym crap, one for my work crap and one for general purpose. Probably paid less than $40 each for them. Lightweight, comfortable and fit the purpose I got them for.
 
I seldom wear my backpack, it is always strapped with a cargo net on the passenger seat. Sometimes I will use an additional ratchet strap if too heavy.


Yamaha vstar 650 midnight custom
 
I have a Joe Rocket back pack.
It goes with me every day to work, and every trip I take.
It was on my back when we rented motorcycles in the Dominican Republic.
It has been all over the world.
I have had it for over 10 years now.
It needs new zippers, but I have had the original ones repaired.
It's still hanging in. I love that back pack. It has a helmet pouch, which I use when I teach.
It has a waterproof cover.

Best 100 bucks I ever spent at McBride Cycle.
 
I use a Kriega R25 backpack.

Nice features:
- convenience
- not bulky and can store my 17" laptop, water bottle, some books and a change of clothes
- aerodynamic shape (should not cut into fuel economy)
- reflective on back
- harness clasps around your torso (easy to take on/off) so pack does not slide around on your body
- looks sportier than moto-luggage

Only downside is that it's a backpack, and it's just better riding without one on. But if you have to carry, it's a good way to go. I should also mention: although it is not completely waterproof it should be fine in a light rain. Most packs aren't waterproof, and that's something to keep in mind.
 
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I have a black $8 on sale in the bin impact airflow pack from Staples.. does the job great.
 
As others have suggested I also have been commuting 8 months of the year for the last 2 years. My recommendation is to get a tankbag with tailbag to take any overflow when necessary. I use a Cortech tank bag in the 11 litre range and it sits about level with the top of my windscreen.

My office is casual and I usually can fit a change of clothes, lunch, wallet, keys, etc. When it gets colder I can expand it another inch or so in height so I can pack another layer. If you plan on riding in the rain you will need to carry rain gear and the tail pack will add the needed storage.

These bags usually can double as shoulder packs as they also come with extra straps.
 
IXFe said:
it does make a difference what you intend on carrying ...
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Nice :booty:......was the dog roasted by what looks like a dvp ride? lol
 
I ride with an IBM leather backpack every time I commute to work. It can get heavy at times when I'm loaded up in the morning with Lunch, Laptop and work files etc... I find that when I'm stopped at a light and stand the backpack will rest on the passenger seat and provide moments of relief from any strain that may build up.

It does not affect my riding. Also I don't overload it. I'd say max weight can be around 15-25 lbs if that. 6lbs Laptop, 6lbs papers and 13lbs Lunch, LOL.
 
kamikaze said:
You might want to look into one of these: http://www.thecycleguys.com/fastpack-tail-bags/

I have one on my SV and use it all the time. big enough to fit my frogg toggs and a couple bottles of water, so a change of clothing is probably doable.
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That's sick. I might have to get me one of those.

Out of all those backpacks, the A-star looks the most normal. Though I kinda like the armadillo and koopa shell for their wackiness.

I ride with a heavy *** Kensington backpack to and from work daily. Usually stuffed with a laptop, power brick and various random things. It doesn't bother me much on my short commute but I've used it for multi-day trips last season and it quickly took it's toll on my back.
In the city, I have a cheap $9.99 backpack from crappy tire that works well. It's small but large enough to carry a few items or some clothes. I hardly notice that I'm wearing it because it has a pretty low profile.
I also have a camel pack that I haven't used yet. Looks like it has a little less volume than the Canadian Tire napsack but you can drink from it :D

I've also got a magnetic tank bag that came with straps to turn it into a tiny backpack. It doesn't hold larger items but you can fit a fair bit into it if you pack creatively. Full change of clothes... probably not, unless it's a pair of shorts and a shirt. I haven't used it as a backpack yet so can't comment on the comfort.
 
Wasted said:
This man speaks the truth. I recently lost a pair of expensive dress shoes on the 407 when I was in a rush and forgot this rule.
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HAHAHAHAHHA amazing
 
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