SquidBusters Archive - Do you wear a back-pack when riding?

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Do you wear a back-pack when riding?
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Posted by: Falcn

Simple question.

I tried it, hated it, won't ever do it again.

Posted by: Steve

I wear a backpack every day I commute on the bike.

Posted by: Oxi-Rider

Eventually, it got to be too much stress on my bum shoulder, so I got a bike with hard bags. But, I have carried some pretty impressive things in that backpack. Once, I carried a 20lb bag of catfood an hour home. Another time, I carried a rear shock, fork springs, 2 quarts of oil, and a weekend worth of clothes in the same backpack!

Posted by: 0215

I used to. But it gave me an unsettled feeling, especially in corners. But seeing as I have a cruiser with a fairly large seat I am now able to bungy cord my stuff down tot he passenger seat. Works fine.

Posted by: BlackB12

Tried it until I got a tankbag. Never looked back since.

Mike

Posted by: VonKujo

Only when riding to work. Otherwise I use a tail bag...

Posted by: JohnC

I used to as well, now I cargo net my briefcase to the pillion.

Posted by: penst8grad

When commuting.

My bike doesn't have luggage bars so bungee isn't an option. Looking at tank bags.

Posted by: Falcn

I can't believe I forgot to add the "I used to but then I got luggage" option - I was thinking about it when I created the poll. Lemme know if you want your vote changed.

Posted by: Myrddraal

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve

I wear a backpack every day I commute on the bike.

Me too. Make sure you get a backpack that's supportive enough though, or it's really uncomfortable. Mine has a stretch-strap that connects the two arm straps over my chest, keeping it from sliding around on my back.

Posted by: Wondertwin

Not much reason to try if you get a decent tank bag.

Posted by: JohnC

I don't care for a tank bag on my sportbikes, much prefer a tail bag.

Posted by: MilleRrrr

aprilia sportbike for sporting
Ducati ST2 Sport-Tour is sportbiking with bags

i put a tank bag on if I go for a 300+ on the sportbike. it holds the maps,camera, water & stuff .

Posted by: Wondertwin

Quote:

I don't care for a tank bag on my sportbikes, much prefer a tail bag.

I'll bet you do...

Posted by: R1Armadillo

You forgot "Hate using one, but use it if I have to"
that's my option.

Posted by: JohnC

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wondertwin

I'll bet you do...

Hey, don't talk about my wife that way!

Posted by: b00tlace

I feel necked without mine.

Posted by: Leroy

I tried it a few times and it was so uncomfortable.

Posted by: natrona848

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leroy

I tried it a few times and it was so uncomfortable.

Posted by: daemon

Quote:

Originally Posted by VonKujo

Only when riding to work. Otherwise I use a tail bag...

same here....for the long rides though i will carry ever bag i own minus the backpack.
learned that lesson last year to colorado and back.
i was a little overpacked
[IMG]

[/IMG]

Posted by: Falcn

Quote:

Originally Posted by R1Armadillo

You forgot "Hate using one, but use it if I have to"
that's my option.

I'd lump that under yes.

Posted by: suprchase

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve

I wear a backpack every day I commute on the bike.

Same here, and that is now everyday. I took all my dress shirts and hung them in my closet at school, and just throw my gym clothes in the backpack.

Posted by: MisterMohawk

I use a Chrome messenger bag. I carry my lunch and sweatshirt to work and often have to drop off a DVD at the video store or mail on the way to work and the messenger bag can be swung around quickly for extrication of items. I've never had a problem with the bag flopping around. It snugs up nicely and is comfortable for my commute.

Posted by: F4poi

tank bag is all I need. Don't do long rides that would require more space.

Posted by: mangeldbug

Ive never tried it, but I do have a Fieldsheer backpack I got free with another order. I might use it when I start commuting, but its a little big for just a ride to work. I might end up using my tank bag.

Posted by: Falcn

For all the backpack wearers...don't you worry about the possibility of landing on your backpack if something happens?

Posted by: Steve

Quote:

Originally Posted by Falcn

For all the backpack wearers...don't you worry about the possibility of landing on your backpack if something happens?

You mean and destroying everything in the backpack, or possibly having the contents of the bag hurt the rider?

If it's the destruction of the contents of the bag, I'm not terribly concerned.

Posted by: HillsRider

Quote:

Originally Posted by Falcn

For all the backpack wearers...don't you worry about the possibility of landing on your backpack if something happens?

That is what keeps me from even trying one. I don't even like to carry my cell phone in my jacket when I am riding. Landing on hard items after a dismount leads to broken bones...

Posted by: Maddjack

When I run the Triumph to work I use one ,but its a short rip there ,don't want one on for a long ride

Posted by: Maddjack

Quote:

Originally Posted by Falcn

For all the backpack wearers...don't you worry about the possibility of landing on your backpack if something happens?

Not really,I don't carry any hard items in my pack nor my pockets ,so it matters not

Posted by: Falcn

It just makes me think of hyperextension of the back...if you have it really stuffed full of things...

I don't care about what would be inside as much as I care about my spine/neck.

Posted by: BNC

I rarely ride without a backpack, but I strap it to the seat most of the time (especially when it is warm out). My bag has a structural plastic plate in the rear (against my back) and is long enough to cover my whole back, hopefully it wouldn't add more damage in a wreck.

I'm thinking of getting one of those ortlieb drybags and using it as a tailpack to put my bag in while I ride and keep gear in when I'm off.

Posted by: BurnCycle

My backpack is designed for a motorcycle rider and has both a belt type clip and clip at the chest to keep the shoulder straps together. The backing (part that rests on your back) has additional padding for comfort. The clips keep it from moving from side to side and the shoulder straps from moving which I found to be a problem with ordinary backpacks.

I also have 2 (large and small) tank bags. I only use the backpack for bigger items but do not dread using it. I’m not sure who makes it but it’s labeled as a Suzuki item.

Posted by: Maddjack

Quote:

Originally Posted by Falcn

It just makes me think of hyperextension of the back...if you have it really stuffed full of things...

I don't care about what would be inside as much as I care about my spine/neck.

Oh I get you,I rarely have more than my lunch in there,I don't like a full pack on my back,its a fast lunch pail is all

Posted by: Wingspan

I do occasionally on the Aprilia. I've got a Kreiga pack made specifically for riding. That makes all the difference in terms of comfort. As for the injury possibility, it's a concern but not enough so far to keep me from wearing one.

I really, really hate tank bags. They look terrible (just my opinion, of course), mar the paint , and are a PIA at fuel stops. Their only redeeming value is that they make a nice cushion to lay on during long rides, but that only increases the risk to your paint even more. The only bag I'd trust not to screw up my paint is the Luggage Locker, which isn't available for my Aprilia anyway.

Posted by: Diesel

I used one once when I started riding on the Breva.....I then ordered the Ventura pack system and never looked back.

Never used a tank bag either.
I've just never liked the concept.
I think I'd find it distracting and in-the-way.

Posted by: zooplancton

i use a "chrome"® messenger bag for town trips and small rides on my speed triple.
i use a camleback "cloud walker" for larger rides. it's a great way to carry items and doesn't mess with my movement or balance.straps down secure and the hose is handy for sipping while riding.

i used a mountain smith® butt-bag for my xr600r for 8 years. awesome friend and tool carrier.

BUT i could NOT wear anything on my cr500r. it just does not work in conjunction with the bikes power-band and geometry. felt awkward as hell.

-b

Posted by: T-Bagger

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve

I wear a backpack every day I commute on the bike.

+1.

I have soft saddle bags but never carry more then a uniform shirt, sweatshirt, cell phone, notebook (very light) in my backpack. I have transported my laptop in a backpack a few times. I can't even notice the backpack anymore. I do only ride twenty miles one way.

I keep my raingear bungie netted on the passenger seat.

Posted by: toezter

clive traffic bag. i even 'clip' on a 32oz nalgene bottle on the bottom strap. doesn't bother me at all.

Posted by: nukelizard

Got a really nice combo backpack/helmet carrier/tank bag "thingy" made by Icon a couple of weeks ago. Holds tons of stuff, lots of pockets, a clear map compartment, and comfortable as well.

Posted by: mangeldbug

That clive traffic bag is pretty cool.

I have a Fieldsheer backpack I got free with a previous order and thought I might try it when I started commuting.

I have since started commuting, but I like the tank bag so I havent tried the backpack. The backpack is very big and long and I am short, so I think it would get in the way while riding. When I have it on while Im standing up, it extends down past my butt.

Posted by: PitBoss

I use mine when I commute to work. I have to carry a laptop with me and I don't want it damaged by the vibrations and such it would get if I had it in a tailbag (even if the tailbag is designed for a laptop).

Posted by: HarleyJohn

Now that I am commuting on the XR I wear a back pack every day. I am only carrying rain gear and lunch, so there's not much weight. Usually I strapped a bag on the ZRX's Givi rack, or use the Beemer's saddle bags, so when on those bikes I don't use the back pack. I use tank bags a lot but not for commuting as I've got to get to the gas tank every day or 2 and a tank bag makes that a pain in the azz.

Posted by: neebelung

There wasn't really an option that fit, so I picked "it works for me." I HAVE used a backpack, and will on rare occasions when I need to carry more than my tankbag can handle, and actually I just picked up a NICE Nike 'solo' bag (single strap/messenger type bag) that I think will work nicely on the bike. But 9 times out of 10, I just use my little Icon Primer tank bag. I can fit all the contents of my purse AND a lunch, or a pair of shoes in it. So it's perfect for day to day riding, commuting, etc....

Posted by: gsxrjeffro

i use my tanks bags, tail trunks and saddle bags. it just depends on how long of a trip i'm taking..
the tank bag is my first choice just because things are in my reach and my sight..
i have used a backpack but i would rather not...

Posted by: Saul T Nutz

I really dont mind wearing one if i have to, but prefer not to. I wear a man purse around my waist and i havent scratched up the paint on my SV and its been almost 6 years w/ that one. I own 2 backpacks: 1. Jansport 2 strap conventional. 2. A Buell 1 strap sling style that is way more comfortable. Cell phone holder on strap, nice pocket arrangements, etc. I much prefer the Buell bag. Also curved strap so it doesnt dig into ur neck

FYI: Buell demo days are 4/15/7 - 6/30/07. Take one for a ride like i did in 2005 and get a free backpack! Im doing it again this year for another one. I am sure that Kujo & R1Arm will join me. Any one else in Bmore metro area welcome to join us. Squidbusters invade Harley/Buell of Bmore! Anyhoo, if its free its for me! Keep the sunny side up, all.

Posted by: Ken

Thanks for updating this thread Tony - very timely for me.

Last year everything I needed to take to work was swallowed up in the ST1300's top box. When I traded it in for the 919, I started to use a backpack. And I discovered I don't like backpacks while riding -- raises your center of gravity more than I want, tough to get on and off with gear, and possibly dangerous in a getoff. So I'm looking at other options. I normally carry a small lunch, a Dell D410 laptop (ultraportable 9"x11"), and gym clothes to work each day. Too much stuff for a tank bag. Kinda leaning toward a messenger bag by Marsee or Timbukt2 or possibly a tail bag. Trying to avoid bike luggage if possible though...

Anyone have thoughts/opinions on messenger/courier bags? How about that style bag made by Chrome or Marsee or Timbukt2?

Posted by: rich

got a steal at a local shop on an ogio backpack that someone ordered and never picked up. it's made for bikes. used it once. bought bike luggage and never used it again.

Posted by: Siriuschris

Almost everywhere I go. I use a http://shop.foxracing.com/ecomm/Aut...e=32004001F.jpg
which holds a lot of water for long rides.
Without the water bag it fits my mesh covers, rain gear, a few other odd and ends plus a laptop for when I'm off to work. It has pull tight straps as well as one across the chest and another across the waist. I rarely know it's there.

Posted by: HooliKen

70 Liter Camelback when it is hot.

Posted by: trip44

Well I kinda have to now that I got one but if I have a street bike and had the choice
I would just to be on the safe side.

Posted by: Falcn

You would just what?

Posted by: RedBean25

yeah, what would you just do??

I wear the backpack every day I take the bike to work. The laptop must travel with me, so that is in there, plus my work shoes and lunch.

Posted by: trip44

Quote:

Originally Posted by Falcn

You would just what?

What?

I said that if I it was up to me (if I had a street bike) I would wear
one, just to be on the safe side.

Posted by: Falcn

What the? Back P-A-C-K-S, not back protector. I think you replied to the wrong thread

Posted by: trip44

Nooo....okay here...I have a backpack that I have with me all the time when Im at the
track, I have everything I need in it, just incase if I was to lose something off my bike
or if something needed fixed on it. So when/if I get my own bike I'll have a backpack
just incase if I was broke down on the side of the road or something.

Posted by: Falcn

Ah that makes more sense now that you have explained why having a backpack would be safer

We can't hear your internal dialog you know!

Posted by: RedBean25

damn man...go easy on her.

Posted by: trip44

lol yeah....Im use to it now. When my friends text me and I text them back they kinda
have to give it a minute or two then they get it. When your whole family is from
Ky you kinda inhearite it from them.

Posted by: trip44

Quote:

Originally Posted by PghXJ

damn man...go easy on her.

Im no sissy girl Im use to it! lol

Posted by: Falcn

She's knows I'm only messin with her.

Posted by: RedBean25

yeah, sarcasm and jest is difficult to portray in text.

dag.

Posted by: trip44

Quote:

Originally Posted by Falcn

She's knows I'm only messin with her.

Yeah Im use to it now

lol

Posted by: Falcn

Quote:

Originally Posted by PghXJ

dag.

Hello, please board this airplane in an orderly fashion when your section is called. This plane is bound for the 80's, if this is not your destination please see the attendant at the gate and do not board this plane.

Posted by: RedBean25

what's wrong with that?

daaaaaaaaaag yooo!

Posted by: Falcn

Nothing, I just haven't heard anyone say dag since middle/high school.

Posted by: RedBean25

yeah...it's a bad habit.

Posted by: SabreBoy

Cool topic, I never got to see it.

I used a backpack all the time last year, esp since im in high school. It never really bothered me either way, just when you really got a load in it was when id start getting back cramps.

One funny instance----I remember going to the cheap bread store this summer to get two loaves of bread, and when I came out, I pomptly stuffed them in my backpack. Some hardly bikers in a ford explorer (not cycles) pulled in, and when I was stuffing the loaves in, they looked at me weird, as if they were thinking "he actually USES hismotorcycle as a form of general transportation??!"

...oh boy dem guyz

With my Nelson Rigg tailbags now, I will use them ALOT more than with my backpack. Although, there are somethings your just CANT fit into a tail bag.

Posted by: Falcn

Before I got married I used to take my VFR to go food shopping and put everything in the Ventura pack on the back. If I was way low on food I would through the Chas Harper tail bag on there at the same time. With over 90 liters of storage I was good to go!

I did get the strangest looks..

Posted by: Phenix_Rider

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnC

I don't care for a tank bag on my sportbikes, much prefer a tail bag.

Tank bags get in the way for me. I use a backpack most of the time commuting, but got a tail bag end of last season. I've carried lots of stuff in a backpack, including a full oil change. Before I got my tail bag, I would bungee a second backpack to the tail for longer trips or times I needed to carry a lot- like a picnic lunch, normal shoes, extra visor, three sets of clothes, beach towel, and a gift for my girlfriend.

Posted by: RupturedDust

If I'm just running errands, I'll choose the backpack over the tank bag. My rule is nothing pointy in there, though!

If it's to work, or a longer trip, it's a tankbag, for comfort and safety. Somewhere down the line, though, I think I wanna get a removable topcase for some serious storage.

Posted by: mzdagrl

I chose "used to" because there was no choice for both. When the weather allows, I ride my bike everywhere. Errands, I usually take the tank bag (unless I'm getting a few groceries, then I bring both), if I'm going just for a ride, it's the tank bag, and if I'm going for a weekend trip or to school I take a backpack.

Posted by: RJC_Rider

have a back pack but want saddle bags.

Posted by: RedBean25

not anymore thanks to my tax return...

Posted by: LittleJoe

Its funny that this thread came up again today, because for the past two days I've used I back pack for the first time in over a year. I have a set of saddle bags that I usually leave on the bike for lunch, work shoes, layers, rain gear etc. The temperature has been pretty stable here the past few days, and I didn't have to bring lunch, so I just threw the back pack on with the rain gear in it.
I have to say, I don't really like the back pack much, but I like the bike better without the bags on it.

Posted by: Tomkeazy

I don't mind wearing ab ack pack at all. I've even gone grocery shopping wiht nothing but a big backpack on my bike

Posted by: RupturedDust

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tomkeazy

I've even gone grocery shopping wiht nothing but a big backpack on my bike

Ew.

Posted by: cdwilliams

Its a catch 22 really. I like a backpack you get there get off the bike, and go on about your day. However, to get there, you maybe uncomfortable with the weight on your back, it might be loose on your back or it may/will cause a lot of turbulence. If you get a tank bag, may not hold as much as your backpack. You have to unstrap it/carefully take it off with magnets, and then most don't come with easily accessible carry straps to handle the tankbag off the bike, plus depending on the size of the bag, forget about tucking in on really windy or speedy trips. Tailbags are nice in that they let you tuck in and move on the front of the bike, but they are definately a pain to get off, especially if they velcro under the seat. Saddlebags are akward to carry around.

I have found that a triple tree case (too small to be a bag) holds just what I need to get to work and back. Rapid Transit makes them. They are SMALL. but will hold my wallet, pager, ID badge, and my various memory keys. If you are just carry little stuff and I mean LITTLE. Check them out, its up out of the way, its cheap, I can leave it on the bike, and its not noticible, its cheap enough where if someone steals it, it won't really piss me off that much. I can still tuck in, carry a passenger. So yeah that's what I use for everyday.

If I am packing a long ride or overnight bag or what not, I typically go for a tailbag. If I need to run something cross town I wear a backpack. I don't go with just one thing, I typically carry for the occasion I guess would be the best way to put it.

Posted by: Falcn

http://www.rapid-transit.com/rt/0400.htm

Looks like they make some nice luggage. You should put a review up of any luggage you own.

Posted by: cdwilliams

Quote:

Originally Posted by Falcn

http://www.rapid-transit.com/rt/0400.htm

Looks like they make some nice luggage. You should put a review up of any luggage you own.

See I told you.

Posted by: Phenix_Rider

Quote:

Originally Posted by Falcn

http://www.rapid-transit.com/rt/0400.htm

Looks like they make some nice luggage. You should put a review up of any luggage you own.

They've added a few things since I last looked. Wish they would have had the Scout Tailbag before. I don't like the mid packs though- you can't move around the seat with them.

Posted by: cdwilliams

Yeah if was by myself I wouldn't want the midpack. But if I needed that little bit of extra room and I had a passanger or I was going on a long trip and everything else was stuffed to the brim. it may just be that little extra storage space you need ya know. I just make sure it wasn't anything breakable, and if need be just sit on the damn thing LOL. But yeah that's the only ehhhhh what were they thinking product they make.

Posted by: Phenix_Rider

Quote:

Originally Posted by cdwilliams

Yeah if was by myself I wouldn't want the midpack. But if I needed that little bit of extra room and I had a passanger or I was going on a long trip and everything else was stuffed to the brim. it may just be that little extra storage space you need ya know. I just make sure it wasn't anything breakable, and if need be just sit on the damn thing LOL. But yeah that's the only ehhhhh what were they thinking product they make.

It's kind of a cool idea, but it doesn't work on single or "banana" seats, and most SS seats are too short front to back for it to be comfortable.

Posted by: NattyMo

Quote:

Originally Posted by Falcn

Simple question.

I tried it, hated it, won't ever do it again.

Years ago I broke my back while using a backpack/messenger bag on a bicycle. A hard item in the bag focused enough energy to smash up a few vertabra. Wouldn't dream of using one on the moto. To my mind the possibility of an another back/neck injury seems too risky. Give me a tankbag anyday.

Posted by: yukonjr

My son slid off the road in some gravel last month. Minor accident, wasn't going fast, had full protective gear. He also was wearing a backpack with ONE small book in it. Of course, he fell on his back with the book between him and the ground, and ended up going to the ER for severe back pain from an accident he should have rode away from.

$2,000 + in medical cost

= one lesson learned

(The bike only had a broken mirror and minor scratches).

Posted by: NOMORE4s4ME

I pad the inside of my back pack with a towel, and wear a spine protector under my leathers. Sometimes I feel I need to wear one. I basically have no pockets in my suit. I only use it to hold my wallet, phone, and maybe some beef jerky. All very important to a motorcycle ride. But I'll use the lessons learned by others above and never carry anything ridged in my pack.