General Cycling Discussion - Bicycle backpacks?

are there any backpacks designed to be worn while mountain biking?


i assume it'd have to be very low-profile and sit snugly on your back.


i'll be biking to school on fridays next year.. since i get out at 12AM since i dont have ECA that day...

... and was wondering if they make backpacks that could be used to transport a few of my books and my sneaks.


thanks

the larger camelbaks will work nicely. basically any backpack with a sternum strap will keep it snug. you could also get a messenger bag which is specifically for bikers. are you going off road? if not, the messenger pack will probably work fine

I always ride with a normal LL Bean Laptop bookbag, regardless of if it is a transportation ride or exercise/ pleasure. Last week I rode 26 miles with the bag weighing 20-25lbs and it didnt bother me at all. I would just look for a bag that fits you well and is comfortable. My bag has a waist strap, but no sternum strap.

if you are wanting something larger then camelbak, or you just dont like the camelbak, go to an "outdoor store" (one that says hiking and camping equipment) and look at "day packs" or if you want something smaller a lumbar pack. in looking at those, you have to becareful and make sure the bottom of the pack is not to low on your back where it would get in the way and hit your saddle, but I have bike before with both on trails and that enjoyed them both

I regularly use a Berghaus branded backpack that I pickede up from a local outdoor/camping shop. The back of the backpack is curved outwards away from the back meaning you don't have the head/pressure feeling from the backpck. What sits on your back is a course very breathable mesh. Works great, fits a change of clothes, helmet and even a water bladder if necessary. Also use it regularly for day hikes.

Bicycle backpack, hmmm, I suppose there might be such a thing, like perhaps for those who need to take their bicycle over places that cannot be traversed except on foot. Personnally, I prefer to ride on my bicycle rather than carry it on my back.

I use a the largest Camelbak, the Transalp.
As far as typical backpacks go, the Transalp is small. My kid's school backpack's are much larger.
At any rate it is large enough to hold books and shoes.

I have an older version of this cycle bag from Mountain Equipment Co-op. (http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=580905&PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=16949&bmUID=1058545933156) It has held up for a few years and is well designed with a big air channel along the back for ventilation and little touches like a drinking tube holder, sternum strap, and reflective stripes.

The best way to carry any weight is to let your bike take the strain. Fit a luggage rack, and use a pannier bag, or strap the small rucksac to the rack. You could even get a specilly made cycling briefcase/student bag like
http://www.carradice.co.uk/city-rider.htm

A single long ride carrying books etc may not hurt, but a whole year of riding when carrying weight may start to affect your back.

Do you intend to do mountainbikeing (ie extreme trail riding), or just ride your MTB to school along the road.

well the school is right across from the local trails.



so i figure on biking from my house to the school... which is mostly downhill, wont be a problem. then the 1-2 minute ride over to the trails, where i figure on sticking my backpack in a bush and leaving it there, grabbing it when i return from the trails, and riding home.





the only real travel it will see is going to be on the road

oh and not every friday.. only on nice days and during the fall/spring

I use a number of packs. In particular I use the Jansport Orion 15 heavily. It has a bladder pocket and carries other items very well. It is not too long on my torso and has both a sternum and waist (more like ribcage) strap. For larger stuff I tend to use a REI Skree pack I bought 5 years ago. It is more of a traditional hiking pack w/no frame. The compression straps allow me to get good size loads down to size.

For just biking I use a two year old Camelback Lobo for my bladder and bike pump, etc.
-Duncan

I just picked up a Vaude Sienna 25L pack. It has decent room for a change of clothes, a water bladder and tools. What makes this guy so amazing is that there is a suspended frame that sits off your back.
The idea is to allow air to pass between the pack and your back.
There are neat little features such as a helmet strap, and a bright yellow rain cover.
I highly recommend it. Works wonders.

Originally posted by Gripper
I just picked up a Vaude Sienna 25L pack. It has decent room for a change of clothes, a water bladder and tools. What makes this guy so amazing is that there is a suspended frame that sits off your back.
The idea is to allow air to pass between the pack and your back.
There are neat little features such as a helmet strap, and a bright yellow rain cover.
I highly recommend it. Works wonders.

Where did you buy it from in Toronto? Mountain Equipment Co-op? I went there to check out a few bags.

Originally posted by Waxbytes
Bicycle backpack, hmmm, I suppose there might be such a thing, like perhaps for those who need to take their bicycle over places that cannot be traversed except on foot. Personnally, I prefer to ride on my bicycle rather than carry it on my back.

:roflmao:

yes, this market is more developed in Europe where multi-day MTB trips are common - namely the Alps in Europe. the best pack is the Deuter TransAlp which i think you can now get in the US. for 2003 they have a 25l and a 30l. although the 25 liter is still a little big for what yiou really _need_ on a 3-hr day mtb ride...

but the packs are AWESOME with integrated rain fly, of course water bladder compatible, helmet carrier, and fit perfectly and snuggly and do not stick out beyond the shoulders or hit the helmet.

Camelback also makes a "TransAlp" pack but it is more expensive and in my opinion not as good.

as for smaller packs for day trips (10-25l) there are a bunch from Deuter, Vaude, Camelback, etc... most are integrated with a water bladder drinking system --- some have special designs to increase airflow on the back and reduce sweat saturation... (like many of the Deuters and Vaudes)

i use the Deuter 30l for my multi-day TransAlp tours (i'm guiding a group of 12 on a 9-day tour next week) and there is room for my tools and repair equipment, rain gear, food and maps. for multi-day partially-supported MTB trips it is the best pack there is (costs €80-90 in Europe, not sure about US pricing). and Deuter has been field tested and improved on TransAlps for the last few years and is the backpack of choice for most (in Germany, Austria, Switerland at least). but many mountain bikers don't need a pack this big and the smaller ones are cheaper.

I agree, Deuter packs are great. A suspension system that keeps them off your back and too many features to list. Pockets, hooks, compression straps etc.

I've got this one:
http://www.deuterusa.com/Product/Hiking/F28.htm

Some of these packs sound great, But they sound Pricy Too.. I went with a Nike Backpack that I found at a Sports Store About $25 US it had plenty of room for Clothes, Sneakers and probably 2 or 3 average books. Had a plenty of Compartments and was pretty aerodynamic alongwith the Straps that curved in-toward the chest area, I used it for my commuting Bag.
So I say shop around and see what fits and feels comfortable for you. And I'm not selling Nike It was just the one that Felt Most comfortable.