King_pks

I've looked at many pictures of loaded bikes and I'm getting and idea of ways to pack gear but I'm wondering, if some of you don't pack a backpack as well. If so, what type/kind and if not, why not? Thanks for your help!

Bacciagalupe

Generally speaking, backpacks are uncomfortable to use on a bike. Too much strain on the back & shoulders. Plus the weight is very high, which makes for poor handling.

You're much better off with panniers or a trailer.

Tuffwolf

no only those but you sweat a lot too although some riders i have seen wear camelpacks

Thomasdregos

I use my old day pack from Boy Scouts all the time. Yes I do get it sweatsoaked. I keep my good clothes and valuables inside a small plastic trashbag to keep them dry.

acantor

I carry a small backpack, but it's bungy corded to the top of rear rack. I mostly fill it with lightweight yet rarely needed items, such as my sweater, rain gear, and small souvenirs.

I wear the backpack on my back for hauling stuff on days when I am not riding, or when I go hiking.

n2t

I use a 19 dollar jansport pack from wallyworld. It has a computer section which I use to put my clothes in (more a divider) and I put shoes and hard items on the other side of that, the back has an inflatable lumbar support and it has a chest strap which keeps the weight more secure though nothing fancy. I will get paniers and a rack someday but I'm young and able I'll survive with a pack for now.

Cave

- Problems are sore back, wrists and neck and sweaty back
- Advantages are more convenient packing; easier to carry things off the bike, easier to walk/push the bike if you have to; backpack can potentially be lighter than racks + panniers; you probably already have some form of backpack so it can cost much less.
- Problems ALMOST always outweigh the advantages.

Exceptions:

- Some off-road / MTB tourers seem to prefer backpacks - less likely to get caught on scrub/rocks, easier to manouver the bike. I don't like using panniers on trails (but I've never toured off-road, only day trips). You want something with the weight low and the support spread along your back, like a light climbing pack.
- Short-distance rides, commutes, etc - backpack sometimes is just more convenient
- If you travel VERY light, like 5kg total weight, you can keep the weight down by using either a light backpack, or using stuffsacks attached directly to the bike or a light rack, or large saddle and handlebar bags.

Cave

This is a great "compromise".