Originally Posted by
dantolen
If your backpack is compact enough and the gear within it can be safely mashed, you could just bungee your backpack on top of your other gear on your rack. I've done this a few times and it works no problem, see pic...
It's a good idea to cross the bungee chords through the straps to secure it a little better.
On the other hand I've tried to carry a laptop and other equipment in a larger backpack loaded to about 15 lbs on a 25 mile commute and it just about killed my neck.
Riding is better without a backpack of course, but if it's your only option, under 10 lbs on your back isn't bad at all, but any more than that over a decent distance and you will be in misery.
Can you repost or fix the link? It does not seem to work.
I did some more tinkering with the list and it looks like the numbers might be pretty close to:
Bar bag - 4 lb 7.75 oz.
Backpack - 4 lb. 7.2 oz.
Rack top bundle - 3 lb. 13 oz.
I would have the option to have it all on the bike or wear the backpack.
If I decided to lose the rack, I could go with a something more like:
Backpack - 8 lb. 4.2 oz.
Handlebar bag - 4 lb. 7.75 oz.
If I did that I would be committed to wearing the backpack.
I think that is probably +/- 1 pound unless I rethink things. Of course there is probably on average 1-2 pounds of food and stove fuel to add in. At times there may also be some extra water, but I do not have a good handle on how often that will be necessary on my next trip.