Safety Vest with Backpack?
01-06-15, 11:21 AM
#1
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Safety Vest with Backpack?
I'm looking to start commuting with a safety vest, but I'm not sure where to start. I own two, one nice plastic heavy duty mesh one left over from my days in EMS with "Emergency Management" and "Search and Rescue" bolded on the reflective tape, and a simple one from Harbor Freight. I commute with a Camelbak Mule, and I'm looking for ways to incorporate both. I don't want to give up the Camelbak, since it not only allows me quick hydration, but I'm able to carry everything I need for a long day in various locations in my work truck. I take the bag off, put it in my truck, and I'm good to go. I've tried draping the vest over the back of the bag, but it made things a little too tight.
Anyway, give me some suggestions. I'm running out of ideas over here.
Anyway, give me some suggestions. I'm running out of ideas over here.
01-06-15, 12:06 PM
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01-06-15, 12:32 PM
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Cut up the $5 Harbor Freight (or Ikea, as I discovered recently) vest and stitch it onto the backpack.
01-06-15, 01:20 PM
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I call them inadvertant/accidental Ninjas. The intentions were great, unfortunately the execution Lacked.
Usually seen toting Large, DARK COLORED, messenger or knapsacks that totally obscure the Bright Safety Vest from the back.
Sadder still is the the rider wearing a bright vest/jersey, in an aero tuck due to wind or Going for a Personal Best, not realizing that overtaking traffic is Only Seeing the dark colored back end of Shorts/Pants, the Day-Glo Color and Numerous Wide Reflective Bands of the vest visible only to avians, Air, and Spacecraft.
Buy an inexpensive neon vest from the retailer of your choice (have personally purchased extras when price drops below $6-$7 per, GF is handy with scissors and sewing) large enough to accommodate you and the 'Mule' with an extra vest in Super Giant XXXXL or whatever for Cutting Up and adding to the bottom of the Mule, Messenger/Knapsack for instance, when an Aero or even Semi-Aero Tuck Is Absolutely Critical. ;^)
Usually seen toting Large, DARK COLORED, messenger or knapsacks that totally obscure the Bright Safety Vest from the back.
Sadder still is the the rider wearing a bright vest/jersey, in an aero tuck due to wind or Going for a Personal Best, not realizing that overtaking traffic is Only Seeing the dark colored back end of Shorts/Pants, the Day-Glo Color and Numerous Wide Reflective Bands of the vest visible only to avians, Air, and Spacecraft.
Buy an inexpensive neon vest from the retailer of your choice (have personally purchased extras when price drops below $6-$7 per, GF is handy with scissors and sewing) large enough to accommodate you and the 'Mule' with an extra vest in Super Giant XXXXL or whatever for Cutting Up and adding to the bottom of the Mule, Messenger/Knapsack for instance, when an Aero or even Semi-Aero Tuck Is Absolutely Critical. ;^)
Last edited by HvPnyrs; 01-06-15 at 01:23 PM. Reason: Crap: Noticed that tread tread beat me to last part.
01-06-15, 02:08 PM
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rear rack for your bag. use a bike water bottle during the bike commute. wear the vest.
01-06-15, 02:12 PM
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I use a standard long tail orange mesh and yellow reflecting cycling vest. I often use a dark grey Black Diamond backpack over it. When I got the backpack, I decorated it with about 2 feet of 3" 3M silver/grey reflecting tape on the back, sides and bottom. Very, very visible.
Google 3M reflecting tape. There a few outfits that carry it. The silver/grey is not that noticeable daytime but second only to white at night. I also decorated a bike I had powder coated the standard sky blue. The 3M blue reflecting tape is so close to yhr paint color you do not see it at all daytime. (Nowhere near as bright as white or silver/grey at night though.) Once you find those tape outlets, you will have a great choice of colors and patterns. It's fun.
Ben
Google 3M reflecting tape. There a few outfits that carry it. The silver/grey is not that noticeable daytime but second only to white at night. I also decorated a bike I had powder coated the standard sky blue. The 3M blue reflecting tape is so close to yhr paint color you do not see it at all daytime. (Nowhere near as bright as white or silver/grey at night though.) Once you find those tape outlets, you will have a great choice of colors and patterns. It's fun.
Ben
01-06-15, 03:06 PM
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01-06-15, 06:07 PM
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I bought this reflective triangle on Amazon awhile back. The backpack is an inexpensive Addias. I have a Mule and will use it when the Addias wears out.
01-06-15, 06:46 PM
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I just use a mesh breakawasy vest like you described, large enough to drape over my backpack w/o issues.
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FB4K - Every October we wrench on donated bikes. Every December, a few thousand kids get bikes for Christmas. For many, it is their first bike, ever. Every bike, new and used, was donated, built, cleaned and repaired. Check us out on FaceBook: FB4K.
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FB4K - Every October we wrench on donated bikes. Every December, a few thousand kids get bikes for Christmas. For many, it is their first bike, ever. Every bike, new and used, was donated, built, cleaned and repaired. Check us out on FaceBook: FB4K.
Disclaimer: 99% of what I know about cycling I learned on BF. That would make, ummm, 1% experience. And a lot of posts.
01-06-15, 07:22 PM
#13
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why don't you just get a rack / basket and put the backpack in there... I have to say that I really hated the pull from the straps...
01-06-15, 07:58 PM
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... Sadder still is the the rider wearing a bright vest/jersey, in an aero tuck due to wind or Going for a Personal Best, not realizing that overtaking traffic is Only Seeing the dark colored back end of Shorts/Pants, the Day-Glo Color and Numerous Wide Reflective Bands of the vest visible only to avians, Air, and Spacecraft. ...
ben
01-07-15, 12:34 AM
#15
contiuniously variable
01-07-15, 03:14 AM
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01-13-15, 12:54 PM
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umm every bicycling backpack is covered in reflective tape/stitching. Might be easier to just replace to a dedicated cycle pack.
01-13-15, 07:54 PM
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You don't think the Camelbak Mule is a dedicated cycling backpack? I wound up buying a Camelbak rain cover and sewing on reflective tape. I knew all those years as a medic and learning how to suture would pay off!
01-15-15, 06:35 AM
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01-15-15, 08:42 AM
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I have a hi-vis work vest from a brief stint running pipelines. I just pull it over my backpack with the shoulder straps through the arm holes. Works fairly well.
01-15-15, 12:21 PM
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Strap a couple reflective belts to your bag. Similar to this: YFY-48 Adjustable Reflective Safety Buckle Waist Belt Band - Fluorescent Green + Gray - Free Shipping - DealExtreme
01-15-15, 09:35 PM
#23
contiuniously variable
