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Riding with a backpack

6K views 55 replies 35 participants last post by  Boldor 
#1 ·
How many of you ride wearing a backpack (presumably to store things in rather than carry books to an from class)?

I was thinking about this option because I'm also considering removing my panniers.

The only reason why I would even ponder it rather than just doing it - is that wearing a backpack while also wearing gear is REALLY uncomfortable. At least a traditional backpack.

Are there motorcycle specific packs that a person can wear that won't make a motorcycle jacket feel like a straightjacket?
 
#3 ·
I find backpacks incredibly uncomfortable. I'm currently using a bungee net on the passenger portion of the seat. Thinking of a tail bag next - there seem to be some nice small ones.

On my bicycle, I put panniers on specifically to avoid having to wear a backpack for my commute on the days I ride it (instead of the motorcycle) - I dislike backpacks that much.
 
#4 ·
I might look into a tailpack too.

I loved my KLR, I simply bought a $20 plastic toolbox and drilled it and bolted it to the back deck. I could carry a weeks worth of groceries in it. The panniers on the Tiger - I can barely fit my riding boots in BOTH of them.

But I was hoping there were backpacks made for bikers - hiking packs just don't seem to have enough room in the straps to accomodate the shoulder pads on a jacket.
 
#7 ·
But I was hoping there were backpacks made for bikers - hiking packs just don't seem to have enough room in the straps to accomodate the shoulder pads on a jacket.
Not trying to be a jackas$... I just did a google image search for "motorcycle backpacks" and got About 3,310,000 results (0.34 seconds)...;)
 
#5 ·
I use this Chrome Berlin Bag daily. It has an extra strap that keeps it from shifting on my back. It is confortable and allows easy access by easily sliding to the front when I want to open the flap. The seatbelt type buckle allows an easy and fast buckling up. The bag holds as much stuff I need/want to carry including some quick groceries, 6 pack of beer, work related stuff, etc. Great bag, guaranteed for life. Durable, waterproof. It actually massages my lower back when I ride.

 
#9 · (Edited)
I use a Kriega and it's amazing and it's DESIGNED for riding. Less so for walking. It's really a bike pack rather than a hiking pack. It's harness has a solid feel more similar to a scuba diver's BCD or a skydivers chute. You're not going to sling it over your shoulder with one strap and be comfortable. You always have to buckle it properly and it becomes instantly awesome. I was so impressed I went and bought the 20 and two 10 liter tail bags (a modular system) for both my GF and my bikes as well. The stuff is not cheap, but with it I probably solved my motorcycle packing/carrying problems for the rest of my riding life and will never need another bungie cord!
 
#11 ·
I have, but I don't normally ride with one all the time. A backpack alters your center of gravity if it is loaded with much weight at all and you may find that it takes some getting used to.

I think that one thing is very important with any type of backpack that will be worn while motorcycling: I highly recommend a backpack with a waist strap and a chest strap. And keep the pack snug to your body. These two additional restraints help keep the load from shifting at an inopportune time.

Like Tie said a 3 day assault pack with a waist strap would be a good option. I have a 511 pack and it is very nice and very well made.
 
#17 ·
I had read about Kriegas on the Speed Triple forum, they look great but weren't available locally. My buddy got me to check out a 3 day assault pack with a MOLLE system, which I really liked as well. In the end, I ran across a pack at the local surplus store with a chest and waist strap, compression straps ( which I think is important ) and quick release adjusters on the shoulder straps so you can snug it up properly and then just pop it off quickly. It had a rain cover built in as well as an iPad/laptop sleeve. What I usually do is wear it like a backpack for running errands around town, but strapping it down on the passenger seat like a tailpack if I travel. If I was a REAL hiker/camper, I would take the assault pack over what I have. I'll bet if you poke around at a surplus type store, you'll find something suitable, not to mention about 100 other little things that turn out to be handy.

edit: Mine had reflective piping on it, and even more reflective material on the rain cover, I'm guessing a real assault pack doesn't have those.
 
#22 ·
On a short ride a backpack is fine, but if your commute us any distance at all your backs gonna be aching!!!!
 
#24 ·
I commute 50 miles one way each day and have been useing the same pack for almost 10 years now. Its a Burton snowboard pack, nothing extra special about it besides that it has two board straps on the back, which have come in handy a few times when something was too big to fit inside the bag. Ive had a seat for my cruiser strapped to the outside, I think the really important thing when it comes to a pack is to have compression straps, and a chest strap. I would never need a waist strap when Im riding

Mutt
 
#25 ·
I have an old military soft back pack I have had for ages I still use when I ride for hauling simple groceries home with. It is all in how used to one you are.
 
#27 · (Edited)
I like them, I went touring for 14 days on my Daytona 675, with a backpack, tailpack and tankbag. No aches, pains or problems. Just keep the heavier stuff like spare boots etc in the luggage attached to the bike.

Mine is a Caribee, it`s not specifically a motorbike back pack, more for hiking but it IS waterproof and has lots of padding on the back and straps.

http://www.caribee.com/product.php?prd=344



Just goes to show, you can tour on ANY bike! :D
 
#32 ·
Yes in the field we used C4 to warm our rations. It burns at a steady consistent rate, just don't tamp on it to put it out....
 
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