Backpacks / rucksacks ...

[Dave]

Following on from the luggage thread, someone mentioned backpacks...so let's discuss the pro's and con's of being a pack horse.

Any recommendations
Any bike designed kit that is not recommended

Generally Kit that is designed for bikes normally can be more expensive that the "Asda price special", but if there is an Asda special that is good, please tell us about it.

[al]

Backpacks on a bike are a pain in the arse for a start. They, and the contents, can cause complications if you happen to come off the bike while wearing one. Too many negatives for my liking.

Best avoided in my opinion. If you do use one then don't carry and hard or heavy objects in one.

Big Kneed Al (master of the emergency stop & "stand up" comedian).

[Dave]

Best avoided in my opinion.

I agree, but not all bikes has the ability to have luggage fitted, for practical, cost or cosmetic reasons.


Years ago after a bike run with a hill walking type rucksack, I got a fed up with being beaten about by the straps, so I went looking to see if there was anything better.

I ended up with a Kriega R35.
http://www.kriega.com/categories/Backpacks/

A stunning bit of kit, no loose straps, the harness makes wearing it almost unnoticeable and the adjustments to the load area spots stuff moving.
Even with it is heavily loaded, it is very comfortable.
Two pockets on the front of the harness, great for loose cash, works pass etc.

After seeing someone with a Kriega bumbag, I had a look and then got one.
The R3 is bulky, but has a built-in drybag and a few compartments.
The drybag bit of the R3 is big enough to fit a Canon EOS M camera with standard lens.
http://www.kriega.com/categories/waistpacks/


I also have a Kriega bikepack, don’t know which number, used it on the FZ1 a couple of years ago.
I am planning to dig it out to use on my Big Mans Wanger, which does not have the ability to have luggage fitted, for practical, cost and cosmetic reasons
http://www.kriega.com/categories/bike-packs/

[Gazza]

They, and the contents, can cause complications if you happen to come off the bike while wearing one. Too many negatives for my liking.

True, but under certain conditions they could actually save you an injury, severe impact to the back for instance. As Dave mentions, not every bike is suitable for panniers or a top box.

Dianese make back packs out of back protectors.

[willian]

[quote="Big Kneed Big Kneed Al (master of the emergency stop & "stand up" comedian) (master of the emergency stop & "stand up" comedian)"]They, and the contents, can cause complications if you happen to come off the bike while wearing one. Too many negatives for my liking.

True, but under certain conditions they could actually save you an injury, severe impact to the back for instance. As Dave mentions, not every bike is suitable for panniers or a top box.

Dianese make back packs out of back protectors.

[/quote]


That's a smart pack that, just need one that can hold a six pack of beer so you can stop off at the shop on the way home.

[Yarek]

Have to admit, I'm a Kreiga fanboy. Have US20+US10 packs for the back of the bike and a US35 Backpack.

Can't speak highly enough of them, although I've never crashed, so can't comment on damage done or not done due to wearing/carrying them...

[Big Little Dave]

I use a Kriega R15 back and forward to work for carrying my works shirt, waterproof trousers and jacket. It's the smallest in the range but yet I have never really needed anymore space, if I do need more for say a west coaster I have a rollbag rucksack. It is quite big and hefty but it does the job and it's pretty comfortable

[Quicksilver]

+1 for Kriega rucksacks. I've been using an R25 for a few years and it's been perfect.

Backpacks... , and the contents, can cause complications if you happen to come off the bike while wearing one. ...If you do use one then don't carry any hard or heavy objects in one.

Big Kneed Big Kneed Al (master of the emergency stop & "stand up" comedian) (master of the emergency stop & "stand up" comedian).

Fully agree, never put stuff in your rucksack that's harder than you are.