Backpacks for riders

[spddrcr]

I love when threads come back from the dead (zombie threads)
to this day i believe and the rescue workers who scraped me up from a bad accident 5 years ago believe that my back pack was the only thing that saved me from a broken neck and death. after i was blindsided by an suv that knocked me out instantly the bike went 35 mph into the back of a utility truck. the only thing that kept me from going full force into the tailgate of the truck was my backpack strap catching on my fairing stay. Allthough i did hit the back of the truck instead of a broken neck i reiceved several lacerations from the straps and a minor brain injury, compared to what could have happened without the backpack im glad i was wearing it that day

 

[ST Guy]

I don't like the idea of wearing a backpack when I ride. And I'd never, ever recommend it for the simple reason that should you go down, whatever is in the backpack has a very high probability of injuring your back when you land on it. Not good. In my opinion, the only thing that should be on your back is good protective gear, which could include a backprotector. Anthing that sticks out or is irregularly shaped is asking for injury.

Until I bought a bike with hardbags, I used to use a tank bag at all times. It had my wallet and other important stuff in it, including tire patch kit and some small tools. It also had plenty of room for other things as well. When I got where I was going, three quick squeezes of the quick release snaps and it was off the bike and on my shoulder. I highly recommend a tank bag of appropriate size. Or converting a backpack so that it can also be used as a tank bag.

 

[Chato]

I don't like the idea of wearing a backpack when I ride. And I'd never, ever recommend it for the simple reason that should you go down, whatever is in the backpack has a very high probability of injuring your back when you land on it. Not good. In my opinion, the only thing that should be on your back is good protective gear, which could include a backprotector. Anthing that sticks out or is irregularly shaped is asking for injury.

Yeah that makes sense...never thought of that. Imagine you are carrying simple tools go down ouch! or even books that is on the way from letting you land on your back right

 

[LeMec]

I don't like the idea of wearing a backpack when I ride. And I'd never, ever recommend it for the simple reason that should you go down, whatever is in the backpack has a very high probability of injuring your back when you land on it. Not good. In my opinion, the only thing that should be on your back is good protective gear, which could include a backprotector. Anthing that sticks out or is irregularly shaped is asking for injury.

Having highsided wearing a packback, I think there is a lot of truth in this (to the tune of three cracked ribs). A messenger bag would be even worse. Remember that anything you have in that back is like an iron fist that might be hitting your back. If you do get a backpack, get one that has a stiff backprotector-like pad in the back and has a strap set-up that does not permit the back to move around or the straps to slip. Dainese makes one that looks well designed.

 

[EbolaMonkey]

I use the Icon Urban Tank Bag which u can use as a small backpack it serves its purpose great!

 

[ST Guy]

Having highsided wearing a packback, I think there is a lot of truth in this (to the tune of three cracked ribs). A messenger bag would be even worse. Remember that anything you have in that back is like an iron fist that might be hitting your back. If you do get a backpack, get one that has a stiff backprotector-like pad in the back and has a strap set-up that does not permit the back to move around or the straps to slip. Dainese makes one that looks well designed.

That would seem like good advice (getting a back pack that would spread the load/impact on your back) until you think about having a large stiff thing on your back. Now when you land on your back, your back may be fine, but your spine just above the top of the pack (your neck) and your spine just below the pack (your lumbar region) will now snap across either end of the pack. Very possibly causing even more damage.

Just avoid using backpacks. Period.

 

[badjoojoo]

That would seem like good advice (getting a back pack that would spread the load/impact on your back) until you think about having a large stiff thing on your back. Now when you land on your back, your back may be fine, but your spine just above the top of the pack (your neck) and your spine just below the pack (your lumbar region) will now snap across either end of the pack. Very possibly causing even more damage.

Just avoid using backpacks. Period.

ST Guy, you're mostly right. That said, I'm gonna go ahead and recommend the backpack I use anyway. I have this AXIO

And I really like it even though I HATE wearing a backpack while riding. It just doesn't feel right. But if you're set on using a one, I think this one's the best.

I'm one of those crazy folks who wears all gear all the time. Boots, overpants, back protector, gloves and helmet every day on my commute. I usually bring my backpack on Monday and bring it home on Friday to minimize the time I have to wear one. I realize saddle bags might be safer but I hate using them even more.