Because I often don't like dealing with getting all my stuff out of my folding baskets at work and was looking for a faster work transition (and because it was 60% off at competitive cyclist and I just wanted to try something new), I recently picked up an Ergon BC3 backpack.


Today was my first ride with it. I'd read somewhere that it was far enough off your back that it prevented the dreaded wet back that comes with so many backpacks. In my case that didn't appear to be so true (though I could have been pushing it harder than normal as I didn't have my computer on me). Given that it was only 65F this morning, if it's already giving me sweaty back, that's going to be a problem when summer gets here.

On the plus side, my bike often feels too heavy with all my stuff loaded in my baskets (and I've had problems where it tips away from my planted foot (to the side I'm still clipped in on) and it's been too heavy for me to stop it from falling. With all the weight on me, that wasn't an issue today.

I like how more weight is on my waist with the padded waist straps and I suppose the hydration bladder I got to go with it will probably be useful if I make my commutes home longer than necessary for a good workout.

Question for anyone else that uses it (or similar pack with waist straps):
When I was riding some of the time it felt like I was pedalling up against the weight of the pack. Now I don't know if it's just that my legs were feeling tired, or if I was riding faster than normal as I didn't have my computer, or if the waist straps were set too low. I have the large back and I currently have it set at the longer setting because I'm 6'2 or 6'3 and 6'2 is where they say you should use the longer rather than the shorter setting. I'm wondering if I switch to the shorter setting if this will go away or if it's something I just have to get used to (like the swaying of the top of the back when I pedaled).

Overall, it seems like a very high quality back (and for a list of $200 it should), but I'm not sure if it's going to be the answer for me. I think I'll have to ride with it a few times to figure it out. Oddly, my model doesn't look quite like the one in the picture (more burgandy, zippers are a bit differently located) and it comes with a rain fly which the description says the pack lacks. My back does have the right model number on it, so I wonder if I just got a newer/older version.