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Commuting with a hiking backpack
So recently I've been biking with external frame hiking backpacks. I use a Jansport hiking bag and an REI day pack. Has anyone else tried doing this? I usually gravitate towards bags with a high Liter count and these bags do the trick. A lot of descent biking packs are pretty expensive, but I can find hiking packs at rummage sales for less than $15 and they work just as well, maybe better. What are your thoughts on this?
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If it works for you, who am I to rain on your parade? But it wouldn’t be my choice. 1) I really try to avoid riding with so much gear in a backpack that an external frame backpack would be needed. Added pressure on butt, hands and arms. 2) where EF packs have their strong side is to be able to carry the load high. I much prefer keeping the weight low on the back for riding. 3) I find that the frame interferes with how I like my back to curve, and occasionally twist during riding. 4) even at 6000+ miles/year, backpack wear is quite far down on the list of commuting costs. 5) by now, I’ve gotten panniers that do the job with greater comfort and sense of control than big packs. |
When I first was cycling in Germany ... I used a 65L Lowe Alpine bag that I had lying around. It worked well and was good for nice 60-100km rides along the river.
Didn't really have a problem and finally switched to a 20L backpack later that I still use everyday 8 years later. edit: just getting out and riding is all the matters |
I've ridden a couple of century rides carrying a large backpack (internal frame). I found my helmet tended to bump the pack and was uncomfortable.
Anyway, for the occasional use, sure, go ahead and do it. If you have a lot of cargo to regularly haul, then I'd encourage you to look for something better. |
If you're going to be regular commuting its better to find something you can put on the bike rather than your back. That is anything greater than a slim hydration pack I'll certainly never do it again. Its just too darn uncomfortable.
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Originally Posted by KraneXL
(Post 20684415)
If you're going to be regular commuting its better to find something you can put on the bike rather than your back. That is anything greater than a slim hydration pack I'll certainly never do it again. Its just too darn uncomfortable.
I would go with backpack every time. 20L is perfect for multimodal commuting / shopping in an urban area. If I cycle to the station, then hop on a train/bus/hovercraft, I'd go with a small backpack as would most people over here. |
Depends on how much you gotta carry. I use a small backpack almost all the time. I just don't have that much to carry. If OP is carrying a lot of stuff, then certainly a larger backpack would be needed, but there is a point where carrying a heavy load on your back is going to not only put pressure on your back, but also your hands, and worst of all, your sit bone. I've carry a 15-lb watermelon one time on a backpack, and it was just for 2 km, and I felt it most on my sit bone.
Might want to reconsider this idea, OP. |
Interesting.
My external frame pack carries the weight way too high for how I ride (relatively aero). I guess it could work if you are more upright. Big bonus is that their is air circulation so you won't sweat that much (not that this is a concern this time of year, lol). I use a messenger bag (with front cross strap) to keep my weight down low (on my pelvis) and eliminate the sweat issue. |
If it works do it. My son uses a large frameless luggage backpack 'cause he needs to hold large textbooks and multiple 3" binders for school.
I tried an internal frame pack but it dug into the back of my neck and I couldn't lift my head up. |
Originally Posted by chas58
(Post 20684785)
Interesting.
My external frame pack carries the weight way too high for how I ride (relatively aero). I guess it could work if you are more upright. Big bonus is that their is air circulation so you won't sweat that much (not that this is a concern this time of year, lol). I use a messenger bag (with front cross strap) to keep my weight down low (on my pelvis) and eliminate the sweat issue. |
If you're riding a road bike that requires bending over the bars a bit, a pack with a rigid frame that doesn't bend as your back bends can be pretty uncomfortable. I have a camelback-style pack that has a rigid mesh back so that my pack doesn't smash against my back and make it sweaty. It works great on my mountain bike, but when I tried it on my fast road bike it was extremely uncomfortable so I don't use it there.
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I use a Kelty Shrike when it's cold out, and I think that's got a 32L capacity. It works great for me.
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Alright what about this. You're going to get 3 good sized bags of groceries. Which backpack would all of you choose? Let's say you'll be in somewhat of an upright position on your bike.
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Originally Posted by KraneXL
(Post 20684415)
If you're going to be regular commuting its better to find something you can put on the bike rather than your back. That is anything greater than a slim hydration pack I'll certainly never do it again. Its just too darn uncomfortable.
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Originally Posted by bassboy1126
(Post 20685405)
Alright what about this. You're going to get 3 good sized bags of groceries. Which backpack would all of you choose? Let's say you'll be in somewhat of an upright position on your bike.
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I commuted wearing a backpack for a year. That was enough for me, but it wouldn’t have been as big a deal if it were like 5 miles or less I think. I’d never have been on the bike long enough to sweat much and it would have meant not less strain on my body but for shorter amounts of time. For me, it was cumulative and now I have lower back pain where there was none before. Edit: the grocery store is 2 miles from home. If I needed to grab 3 bags of stuff and had a hiking backpack to do it with - hell yes that’s how I’d do it. But I’d only use it for short occasional trips like that. |
About the "only" reason I use a back pack it for the 2L of water I have in it, If I don't need the water I tend to leave it behind...
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Originally Posted by wolfchild
(Post 20685526)
What's better or what's best is a matter of personal opinion...Personally I've been using different types of roll-top backpacks for the past 12 years and have no intention of changing anything, I just hate carrying any type of load on my bike and prefer to carry it on my own body instead.
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Originally Posted by KraneXL
(Post 20685913)
Whenever I reefer to better that means I have functional examples to support it. Still, I suppose there are people somewhere in the world who prefer to sleep on a hard surface than sleep on a soft one.
Gimme a lattenrost every day of the week and twice on Sunday. https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=lattenrost&safe=strict&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjb8drgoP7eAhUlCcAKHYOgCZgQ_AUID ygC&cshid=1543654499722000&biw=1196&bih=618 |
Originally Posted by KraneXL
(Post 20685913)
Whenever I reefer to better that means I have functional examples to support it. Still, I suppose there are people somewhere in the world who prefer to sleep on a hard surface than sleep on a soft one.
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Originally Posted by wolfchild
(Post 20686030)
And how is carrying things on a bike more functional than carrying it on your body ??...What type of functional are we talking about ??...Is it about functionality or is it strictly about comfort ??
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Originally Posted by wolfchild
(Post 20686030)
And how is carrying things on a bike more functional than carrying it on your body ??...What type of functional are we talking about ??...Is it about functionality or is it strictly about comfort ??
You also mentioned comfort, and while not functional will certainly shorten your duration and/or make your ride a whole lot less enjoyable. I've had times when the weight was so bad I literally had to stop and walk. |
I find backpack strapped onto my back better for "aggressive" riding. Yes, higher weight and moves as I move, but I'm the one controling it. When it's on the rear rack, the bike beneath me is heavier, less responsive somehow.
Having said that, for most casual riding, I much prefer the backpack strapped to the rear rack - always do it that way. It's a lot more comfortable and it is a bit more aero. :) |
Originally Posted by KraneXL
(Post 20686088)
Higher center-of-gravity. Something that you notice immediately especially when you already sit tall in the saddle. The straps can also bind and interfere with your breathing. The last thing you need is to have the weight shift when you lean into a turn.
You also mentioned comfort, and while not functional will certainly shorten your duration and/or make your ride a whole lot less enjoyable. I've had times when the weight was so bad I literally had to stop and walk. You mention that your pack was so heavy that you had to stop, were you carrying an anvil or something ??:....Being a little uncomfortable is good , it makes you stronger and builds mental toughness. |
Originally Posted by bassboy1126
(Post 20684356)
So recently I've been biking with external frame hiking backpacks. What are your thoughts on this?
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When it goes back to 30C + summer temperatures ,
you may not want something hanging over, covering all those sweat glands , in your skin, trying to cool your core temperature.. .... |
Originally Posted by fietsbob
(Post 20686534)
When it goes back to 30C + summer temperatures , you may not want something hanging over,
covering all those sweat glands , in your skin, trying to cool your core temperature..
Originally Posted by chas58
(Post 20684785)
Interesting.
My external frame pack carries the weight way too high for how I ride (relatively aero). I guess it could work if you are more upright. Big bonus is that their is air circulation so you won't sweat that much (not that this is a concern this time of year, lol). I carry a small backpack on the bike a lot. But, would reserve the big packs for very rare "emergency" use, and probably would snag a trailer instead if that worked for where I was going. |
Using a backpack, I was a sweaty mess in the summer when I got to work. Been doing a smaller messenger-type bag this year. But sometimes it wants to swing and fight with me. Since I really don't have to carry a lot anymore and am fortunate that I can stow things at work (such as clothes), I'm considering switching to a "fanny"/hip pack. Don't care how it looks.
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Originally Posted by fietsbob
(Post 20686534)
When it goes back to 30C + summer temperatures ,
you may not want something hanging over, covering all those sweat glands , in your skin, trying to cool your core temperature.. .... Also, makes harder to regulate when the weather is cold. And it’s pointless to layer clothing when the moisture is trapped against the skin. |
I assume OP is pretty dedicated to using a backpack. Mine is an ugly $4 thrift store find, but it was unused. It fits my 15.6” work laptop and a change of clothes. Or about 2 bags of groceries. In addition to my bike tools, spare tube, mini pump, and lock if I’m carrying one. Wallet, keys, all the personal effects. I started using a backpack years before I started commuting by bike. They’re just practical. A cheap rack and pannier that my backpack fits into works pretty well for me. Keeps my backpack clean and dry and off my back while I’m on the bike. I get the added bonus of more than double the hauling capacity for grocery store trips, I can wear the backpack AND load the pannier AND strap a bag or two to the top of the rack. Or I can take the pannier off completely, strap the pump, patch kit, and tools and maybe some food to the top of the rack for a day trip. Rear racks are generally inexpensive and will fit almost any bike. Panniers can be pricey but people do sell them used. To go back to carrying all that weight on my back and dealing with the additional sweat at this point would feel like punishment. Edit: Additional thought - Handling is very different for me, too, whether load is on my back or on the bike, but I don’t generally commute aggressively, I tried for a few months and was never able to realize the benefit. It was just more sweat and more pain, I never really saved any time. Maybe I just wasn’t aggressive enough. But I would not describe the difference in handling as positive or negative if not riding aggressively, just different. If I were to want to ride aggressively, I wouldn’t want any added weight on my body or the bike honestly. |
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