Backpack when cycling?
 

Do you wear a backpack when cycling? Any suggestions for ones that don't cover much of the back, to allow it to cool?

would this work?
http://www.maxpedition.com/store/pc/...=4&idproduct=6
http://the-gadgeteer.com/asset_cache...versapack2.jpg

I only use a backpack on very short commutes. Otherwise, I use a trunk bag.

yes, that one for example would put your firearm to close to the sweat. Sweat causes rust and misfires, which are really bad in an auto. might rethink that bag, or slip your handgun in a plastic bag then put in the backpack.

A Camelbak has cooling pads to promote airflow.

same, i got a 2 hours ride, a back pack, is an annoyance, so i got a rack bag (panniers) instead :thumb:

for short rides yeah, back pack is quicker

the tight fits back pack are best for riding,

back packs with too mush slack, sags around you, and makes it some what uncomfortable when you are riding fast

i never got the point of a mesenger bag, to me it simply looks like a purse for men. but hey, it is most definately an alternative to a backpack that will cause back sweat.

at any rate, what ever decision you come to, just remember, its your personal comfort that matters, not how you look.

personaly, i use a backpack, but thats mostly quick jaunts to the store and back.

Or when you're cornering .... I had to use a different one than my usual backpack one day, and just about fell off the bicycle going around a corner when the backpack slid off to one side.

I've done a couple of longer rides this year carrying a backpack, 3 centuries etc without issue.. Karrimor Sabre 30 packed with normal clothes, pump, tools and a bottle or two of water, maybe 4-5kg altogether and that worked very well. I wouldn't want to carry much more though. It does cover the back but has very good damping and ventilation and the straps are the most comfortable I've ever had. Wouldn't even try with a "normal" bag like an Eastpak or somesuch.

It looks a lot bigger than it really is in this pic

http://www.pri.uk.com/ksf/images/sab...ofilelarge.gif

I mostly use a rear trunk bag but also a backpack for overflow, e.g. carrying additional clothes. I put the lightest and most voluminous things in it. It's a cheap, no special model. It doesn't bother me when it's empty or light.

I use a backpack for my short 4ish mile commute. I use a Mountainsmith Tour lumbar pack when I don't need to carry much, and a Banjo Brothers commuting pack when I have to carry a bit more. For my short commute (to a company that does not have showers, storage for clothes or food) the backpack works better for me. For my previous longer commutes, I either pre-staged and carried little, or used panniers.

It depends on your rides. If its a long ride, an all day thing with no convenience stores along the way, then you need to carry your provisions. But if you can manage otherwise, there is no need for a backpack.

As an alternative, I use Mountainsmith Nitro. This product is a fanny pack. So your back stays cool and I can carry stuff and eliminate the need for a saddle bag.

http://www.buy.com/prod/mountainsmit...208158905.html

I always have a backpack on when I commute to work, but I am thinking of strapping down the bag on my rear rack for my work commutes and any other occasions. For pleasure rides, I am planning a saddle bag, instead of having a duffle bag on my shoulders.

This is one good thread, i used to carried a normal size backpak for few months,only kept few items inside,air pump,cable lock,multi tool set,bottle of Slime,sometimes a digital SLR or/and a Handycam camcorder,the pack you show in the first post in hanging on the side, it will be off balance as you ride,not a good idea,i have tried that. far as the handgun,you dont want to keep it inside that bag unless you have to, i will recommand a good hip holster for a quick draw.sweat will cause misfire and rust? this depends on many factors,my Glock 36 been riding in an inside waistband holster for many sweaty summers without rust but this is not the topic right?

How much do you need to carry in the backpack?

They do make cycling specific backpacks designed to keep airflow going over your back as much as possible, which is generally the biggest problem with a backpack on a bike. There's others, but I'm lazy and don't feel like writing about it. :-)

Here's one with a decent carrying capacity - the Ergon GC3:
http://www.ergon-bike.com/us/backpac...c0it728244sn4#
http://www.ergon-bike.com/i/i_backpa...8/bc3_3_kl.jpg



Here's another one that wouldn't carry a lot but it also doesn't obstruct your view backwards and it can take a water thingy (like a camelback):
http://detours.us/product_info.php?c...roducts_id=110

http://detours.us/images/2007%20sien...20mod%20sm.jpg
http://detours.us/images/bike_pack.jpg


However, NO backpack is going to be as comfortable as putting a rack on your bike and using panniers or a trunk bag.

One of the reasons my race bike gets so few miles.. I hate backpacks and the hot spot on one's back.. And most of my cycling is used for errands or commuting.. My tour and commute bikes have panniers. My race bike does not.. So , I take the bike with panniers and a trunk bag..
For the few days, I take my race bike and I know I'll bring something lite home. Like a newspaper stop. I try to just take one of those cloth backpacks that are light and breath..And can be inserted in my jersey pocket until the time I need it.

Geeze, i did not know they could cost that much? Very nice however.