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.

Poster went that way .. I like my Brompton touring bag on the front of my bike.
same sort of volume as a backpack, but wider.. shoulder strap for off the bike..

Rixen and Kaul another German manufacturer,
have a backpack , that have a fitting to snap into their Klick Fix system,
so You Don't have to wear it while you ride, but can grab it quickly to go, off the bike..

Yeah, I'm about to "tldr" myself

A couple or three years ago I got a Hydrapak El Boracho from Nashbar. It has three large knitted pads that stand it off from your back. Is it perfect? Of course not but the pads are absorbent and I've not had an issue with it. Works for me. I didn't like the pressure needed to suck from the mouthpipe so I removed the entire bladder assembly. It has dozens of zippered or velcroed compartments to separate small items. Its the best pack I've ever owned and is still going strong. Full list is less than half of the BC-3 and I got it for $29.00. IMO the Ergon answers questions no one has actually asked.

H

Wow, that hydrapak looks like it would have been a much better deal. Sure I have 50% more space and waterproofness, but your pack at $30 costs about what I paid for the hydration bladder. The $80 for my pack definitely doesn't seem like such a good deal now as it did when comparing to the $200 list. Oh well. Live and learn I guess. Hopefully, I'll get the fit adjusted right and get used to the dampness of my back as I really love the get on the bike and go nature of backpacks as much as I never wanted to admit it. Throwing a backpack in a folding basket or on a rack and bungeeing it in place isn't that much more work, but I just like the simplicity of hopping on and going.