Backpack + rear rack = ???
 

How do you carry a backpack on a rear rack? I have a couple backpacks that I use regularly (North Face Surge II and Tamrac 759). Both are rather large and have lots of dangling straps.

I'm trying to figure out how to secure the backpack to a plain old rear rack without having it tip one way or the other, and without having the straps cause trouble. I'm thinking that I'll have to build some sort of tray-like base for the rack that is ample enough for the backpack, and that will contain the straps.

Any ideas appreciated :)

I've used two bungee cords, criss-crossed over the backpack and holding the straps down.

Bungee cords are where it's at.

I have a wald basket on my rack (zip tied) and I just throw the back pack into the basket... don't even need bungies

Got a Cetma Half Rack so I need them. Racks are the jam though!

see this one http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=4c76T3g5wwY
its standing Up with a dowel toe strapped across the saddle rails . like a wooden handlebar..

back pack straps hook over the cross bar.. and the sternum strap buckle holds them together .

I bought a couple pannier clips (Lone Peak brand) and attached them to the upper corners of my daypack. They're far enough out to the side so they never touch me when the pack is worn and they have a hook that locks them onto the rack so I haven't found any issue with not having the bottom of the pack secured. When used as a pannier I flip the shoulder straps around to the other side of the pack and use a twist tie to keep the straps together and out of the way. It leaves the top of the rack free for anything else I might need to carry.

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=358975http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=358976http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=358977

Ziptie milk crate to rear rack... if it's the 4gal size with high sides you don't even need bungees :-D

That's what I use as well - have 2 of the collapsible ones mounted. Those things are heavier than you'd think but I can't imagine commuting without them.

Hey, that's really clever! Putting the straps on the front of the backpack is the key. Thanks for the idea!

My solutiion to this problem on my mountain bike was to affix a plywood, and later aluminum base to the rack. Attaching ropes or straps to this base keeps the pack from shifting off to the side. An improvement is to use a rectangular duffel bag instead of the backpack.

denny

I tried a milk crate, but then I got new backpack that simply would not fit into it. Then I went with this for a while:http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=359044
Another option that I thought of (but never tried) was to shove the backpack into a stuff sack of some kind, then strap that down to the top of the rack.

Is that a commercial dishwasher tray?

No. It is a flat beverage crate- the kind that is used by vending machine companies to haul 20 oz bottles with.

I just happened to be in the break room when the machine was being re-filled and I asked the guy if he knew where I could get one (if the price was decent) and he just gave it to me.

I see. They are similar in appearance:
http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=359050

I just stuff mine into the road side Dummy Bag.

If I didn't have an Xtracycle, I would probably use a milk crate ziptied to the rack.

If you are interested in a new bag, you could get the shopping bag pannier and just put the backpack in it. For example: http://www.calhouncycle.com/productc...nnier-p560.htm

Or go with bungee cords or even a cargo net to keep the strap tucked in. Here is a cargo net: http://www.axiomgear.com/products/ge...tic-cargo-net/

Try fuel bungee cord cargo net on amazon or google. Same principle for motorcycles. Work really well for what you want and they are cheap.