Safety Vest with Backpack?
01-06-15 | 11:21 AM
#1
Thread Starter
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Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 18
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From: Sarasota, FL
Bikes: 2013 Jamis Nova Sport 2012 Jamis Trail XR
Safety Vest with Backpack?
I'm looking to start commuting with a safety vest, but I'm not sure where to start. I own two, one nice plastic heavy duty mesh one left over from my days in EMS with "Emergency Management" and "Search and Rescue" bolded on the reflective tape, and a simple one from Harbor Freight. I commute with a Camelbak Mule, and I'm looking for ways to incorporate both. I don't want to give up the Camelbak, since it not only allows me quick hydration, but I'm able to carry everything I need for a long day in various locations in my work truck. I take the bag off, put it in my truck, and I'm good to go. I've tried draping the vest over the back of the bag, but it made things a little too tight.
Anyway, give me some suggestions. I'm running out of ideas over here.
Anyway, give me some suggestions. I'm running out of ideas over here.
01-06-15 | 12:06 PM
#3
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01-06-15 | 01:20 PM
#5
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From: In The Middle Of "Out There" / Downtown "Lost Angels"
Bikes: 2001 Trek 520 - Hvy Hauler, Epic Adventure Bike / 2011 Fuji Newest 1.0 - Sporty Quick Bike
I call them inadvertant/accidental Ninjas. The intentions were great, unfortunately the execution Lacked.
Usually seen toting Large, DARK COLORED, messenger or knapsacks that totally obscure the Bright Safety Vest from the back.
Sadder still is the the rider wearing a bright vest/jersey, in an aero tuck due to wind or Going for a Personal Best, not realizing that overtaking traffic is Only Seeing the dark colored back end of Shorts/Pants, the Day-Glo Color and Numerous Wide Reflective Bands of the vest visible only to avians, Air, and Spacecraft.
Buy an inexpensive neon vest from the retailer of your choice (have personally purchased extras when price drops below $6-$7 per, GF is handy with scissors and sewing) large enough to accommodate you and the 'Mule' with an extra vest in Super Giant XXXXL or whatever for Cutting Up and adding to the bottom of the Mule, Messenger/Knapsack for instance, when an Aero or even Semi-Aero Tuck Is Absolutely Critical. ;^)
Usually seen toting Large, DARK COLORED, messenger or knapsacks that totally obscure the Bright Safety Vest from the back.
Sadder still is the the rider wearing a bright vest/jersey, in an aero tuck due to wind or Going for a Personal Best, not realizing that overtaking traffic is Only Seeing the dark colored back end of Shorts/Pants, the Day-Glo Color and Numerous Wide Reflective Bands of the vest visible only to avians, Air, and Spacecraft.
Buy an inexpensive neon vest from the retailer of your choice (have personally purchased extras when price drops below $6-$7 per, GF is handy with scissors and sewing) large enough to accommodate you and the 'Mule' with an extra vest in Super Giant XXXXL or whatever for Cutting Up and adding to the bottom of the Mule, Messenger/Knapsack for instance, when an Aero or even Semi-Aero Tuck Is Absolutely Critical. ;^)
Last edited by HvPnyrs; 01-06-15 at 01:23 PM. Reason: Crap: Noticed that tread tread beat me to last part.
01-06-15 | 02:12 PM
#7
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Joined: Oct 2014
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From: Portland, OR
Bikes: (2) ti TiCycles, 2007 w/ triple and 2011 fixed, 1979 Peter Mooney, ~1983 Trek 420 now fixed and ~1973 Raleigh Carlton Competition gravel grinder
I use a standard long tail orange mesh and yellow reflecting cycling vest. I often use a dark grey Black Diamond backpack over it. When I got the backpack, I decorated it with about 2 feet of 3" 3M silver/grey reflecting tape on the back, sides and bottom. Very, very visible.
Google 3M reflecting tape. There a few outfits that carry it. The silver/grey is not that noticeable daytime but second only to white at night. I also decorated a bike I had powder coated the standard sky blue. The 3M blue reflecting tape is so close to yhr paint color you do not see it at all daytime. (Nowhere near as bright as white or silver/grey at night though.) Once you find those tape outlets, you will have a great choice of colors and patterns. It's fun.
Ben
Google 3M reflecting tape. There a few outfits that carry it. The silver/grey is not that noticeable daytime but second only to white at night. I also decorated a bike I had powder coated the standard sky blue. The 3M blue reflecting tape is so close to yhr paint color you do not see it at all daytime. (Nowhere near as bright as white or silver/grey at night though.) Once you find those tape outlets, you will have a great choice of colors and patterns. It's fun.
Ben
01-06-15 | 02:26 PM
#8
commuter and barbarian
Joined: Oct 2009
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From: Potomac, MT, USA
01-06-15 | 06:07 PM
#11
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Bikes: Trek 1.1, Nashbar Carbon105 , Specialized Rockhopper-SS, Aventon Aventure
I bought this reflective triangle on Amazon awhile back. The backpack is an inexpensive Addias. I have a Mule and will use it when the Addias wears out.
01-06-15 | 06:46 PM
#12
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Joined: Mar 2012
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From: Minnesota
Bikes: '09 Trek 2.1 * '75 Sekine * 2010 Raleigh Talus 8.0 * '90 Giant Mtb * Raleigh M20 * Fuji Nevada mtb
I just use a mesh breakawasy vest like you described, large enough to drape over my backpack w/o issues.
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FB4K - Every October we wrench on donated bikes. Every December, a few thousand kids get bikes for Christmas. For many, it is their first bike, ever. Every bike, new and used, was donated, built, cleaned and repaired. Check us out on FaceBook: FB4K.
Disclaimer: 99% of what I know about cycling I learned on BF. That would make, ummm, 1% experience. And a lot of posts.
FB4K - Every October we wrench on donated bikes. Every December, a few thousand kids get bikes for Christmas. For many, it is their first bike, ever. Every bike, new and used, was donated, built, cleaned and repaired. Check us out on FaceBook: FB4K.
Disclaimer: 99% of what I know about cycling I learned on BF. That would make, ummm, 1% experience. And a lot of posts.
01-06-15 | 07:58 PM
#14
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Joined: Oct 2014
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From: Portland, OR
Bikes: (2) ti TiCycles, 2007 w/ triple and 2011 fixed, 1979 Peter Mooney, ~1983 Trek 420 now fixed and ~1973 Raleigh Carlton Competition gravel grinder
... Sadder still is the the rider wearing a bright vest/jersey, in an aero tuck due to wind or Going for a Personal Best, not realizing that overtaking traffic is Only Seeing the dark colored back end of Shorts/Pants, the Day-Glo Color and Numerous Wide Reflective Bands of the vest visible only to avians, Air, and Spacecraft. ...
ben
01-07-15 | 12:34 AM
#15
contiuniously variable
Joined: Apr 2014
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From: Southeastern Pennsylvania
Bikes: 2012 Breezer Uptown Infinity, Fuji Varsity
01-07-15 | 03:14 AM
#16
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From: Savannah, GA
01-13-15 | 07:54 PM
#18
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From: Sarasota, FL
Bikes: 2013 Jamis Nova Sport 2012 Jamis Trail XR
You don't think the Camelbak Mule is a dedicated cycling backpack? I wound up buying a Camelbak rain cover and sewing on reflective tape. I knew all those years as a medic and learning how to suture would pay off!
01-15-15 | 06:35 AM
#20
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From: Erie, PA
Bikes: Bacchetta Giro 20, Trek 7000, old Huffy MTB, and a few others
01-15-15 | 08:42 AM
#21
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From: Katy, TX
Bikes: 2014 Specialized Roubaix SL4 Sport
I have a hi-vis work vest from a brief stint running pipelines. I just pull it over my backpack with the shoulder straps through the arm holes. Works fairly well.
01-15-15 | 12:21 PM
#22
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From: FL
Bikes: 77 Schwinn LeTour
Strap a couple reflective belts to your bag. Similar to this: YFY-48 Adjustable Reflective Safety Buckle Waist Belt Band - Fluorescent Green + Gray - Free Shipping - DealExtreme
01-15-15 | 09:35 PM
#23
contiuniously variable
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 2,280
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From: Southeastern Pennsylvania
Bikes: 2012 Breezer Uptown Infinity, Fuji Varsity
