Wot back-pack?

[sinned]

I have been thinking of a back pack for on the bike and general use. The Oxford Aeropack 22L or 30L rucksack looks okay online but only found one review.

Has anyone got one who would care to comment on this or any other pack which is suitable for us on a bike? http://www.oxprod.com/index.php?pg=3&action=dept&id=129&pid=363&p=

[Spazman727]

Ive got one of these http://www.oxprod.com/index.php?pg=3&action=dept&id=17&pid=281&p= I don't know how big you want it but they have a bigger one too. It's magnetic so it sticks to your tank and has a strap for off the bike. And its attached to the bike not you so it won't be detrimental if you get off by mistake.

[sil3nt]

I have this one http://www.oxprod.com/index.php?pg=3&action=dept&id=17&pid=14&p=

Fairly large when expanded. I use it every day for my uni work. I don't use it as a backpack though as you need to unzip the magnetic base which is too much effort when it has a handle to carry it. I think it cost me $120 from Boyds in Hamilton. Has a clear top for maps although i use mine for my timetable.

I have actually read that backpacks and riding can be a bit of a no no. If you fall off onto your back you can damage your neck as it travels further since your back is higher. Although tank bags probably aren't suited to hardcore sports bikes.

[Quasievil]

I use this one, awesome, nice weighting i.e. all at the bottom, cool pockets on the hips for bits n bobs, cell phone holders, visor holder, laptop bag, made by bikers for bikers.
$250 each, worth it trust me


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[Okey Dokey]

Please don't get me wrong, but I always wonder if it is safe to use a backpack whilst riding? I know this is not helping you find a good model, but I've always had the impression that wearing a backpack is very bad if you should happen to come off. Plus it may not be too comfortable.

I use a ventura rack, and it is possible to get a pack that fits it that converts to a backpack for when you get off the bike.

I hope you find something suitable, and I hope you don't mind me suggesting something different. I just want to help a bit, but sometimes on kb this turns into a big bun fight :)

[HenryDorsetCase]

A friend of mine has a Kreiga one. Mega$ but he likes it.

http://www.kriega.com.au/index.php?extra_image=3



I looked and looked and ended up spending $80 on a Macpac 18l wee daypack thing. They do a 20 and 22l version too. Perfectly adequate: the only thing I intend to do is fit some keepers so the excess strappage doesnt flap so much in the breeze.

Not bike specific, but perfectly functional, made of canvas stuff so stronger than nylon, comfortable to wear on or off the bike: lots of internal pockets etc: I rate it.

http://www.macpac.co.nz/shop/en_nz/gear-and-clothing/packs/packs-day-packs/kahu-18.html


the other thing is dont buy too big a size: the bigger the pack, the more shit you end up taking, till you're like a snail with your house on your back. As small as you can get away with....

[HenryDorsetCase]

Please don't get me wrong, but I always wonder if it is safe to use a backpack whilst riding? I know this is not helping you find a good model, but I've always had the impression that wearing a backpack is very bad if you should happen to come off. Plus it may not be too comfortable.

I use a ventura rack, and it is possible to get a pack that fits it that converts to a backpack for when you get off the bike.

I hope you find something suitable, and I hope you don't mind me suggesting something different. I just want to help a bit, but sometimes on kb this turns into a big bun fight :)

I love buns. chelsea, raspberry, chocolate icing, all good.

I think coming off generally is bad: I'm not sure there would be a difference wearing a small daypack or not. I wouldnt like to be wearing a big metal frame tramping pack or whatever.

I personally dont really like those Ventura racks: they put all their weight up high, and behnd the back axle. Makes the bike top heavy, and steer funny. They have a place if you are two up, but even with the pack on the front of the rack they still can be felt. My touring solution these days (one up) is a tank bag, seat bag, and throwover panniers. And I have used the ventura racks extensively.

a small backpack (which i think is what the OP is referring to) is comfortable, relatively aerodynamic (as long as its not wider or taller than your back...) and moves with you on the bike. Good solurion particularly for communting, IMO.

but you know, each to their own.

Now about those buns.......

[carbonhed]

I've got a Kriega R25. Very comfy because the weights supported across your chest not on your shoulders.

If I remember I'll bring it tonight.

[Quasievil]

Please don't get me wrong, but I always wonder if it is safe to use a backpack whilst riding? I know this is not helping you find a good model, but I've always had the impression that wearing a backpack is very bad if you should happen to come off. Plus it may not be too comfortable.

I use a ventura rack, and it is possible to get a pack that fits it that converts to a backpack for when you get off the bike.

I hope you find something suitable, and I hope you don't mind me suggesting something different. I just want to help a bit, but sometimes on kb this turns into a big bun fight :)

A few opposing views on that.
Personally I use one for light loads, i.e a bit of shopping or perhaps a light weekend load, change of clothes n bits.
For a bigger load a Ventura or similair is great, nothing worse than being weighted down with a back pack on with to much stuff in it.

I would buy a KNOX or the Krega both purpose made bike units.

[imdying]

I have a Knox Six Pack Rucksack like Quasi has posted. I'm pretty hard on it, I use it every day, even if I'm not on the bike. I've had it totally stuffed to the limits, used the helmet holder, and generally treated it like shit. It's still basically mint; it was worth the money.

[rickstv]

I have a High Sierra from Briscos, and I love it. I don't know how to put a link up so just google it.
Excellent quality,American made, all zips covered with flaps so rain cant get in and best of all not expensive. Mine cost me about $50.

Rick

[HenryDorsetCase]

Cactus equipment are having a sale this weekend too: I get their newsletter.

NZ made, GOOD quality kit this

another option for you.

http://www.cactusclimbing.co.nz/

they're doing sale stuff on their website too and I think free shipping.

I really rate Cactus stuff. and NZ made. keep a kiwi in a job!

by the way, dont forget these guys: they dont just repair, they make their own kit too

http://twinneedle.co.nz/sackbuilder-about.html

[Banditbandit]

Please don't get me wrong, but I always wonder if it is safe to use a backpack whilst riding? I know this is not helping you find a good model, but I've always had the impression that wearing a backpack is very bad if you should happen to come off. Plus it may not be too comfortable.

I use a ventura rack, and it is possible to get a pack that fits it that converts to a backpack for when you get off the bike.

I hope you find something suitable, and I hope you don't mind me suggesting something different. I just want to help a bit, but sometimes on kb this turns into a big bun fight :)

I'm with him .... You can't slide on a backpack .. if you need to slide ...

I hate riding with weight on my back anyway ...

I've used Ventura packs for years ... never had any problems, recommend them ...


I personally dont really like those Ventura racks: they put all their weight up high, and behnd the back axle. Makes the bike top heavy, and steer funny. They have a place if you are two up, but even with the pack on the front of the rack they still can be felt. My touring solution these days (one up) is a tank bag, seat bag, and throwover panniers. And I have used the ventura racks extensively.



Never had that problem ... I've never noticed it affect the hanlding ... Most days I'm only carrying my wet weather pants (just in case) wallet, lunch ... pair of shoes ... the pack sits on the back with no issues.

For heavy loads, I turn it around so the pack is sitting on the seat (where a pillion would be) and put a sleeping bag on the small carrier ... It's never affected the handling at all ... and the fastest I've been on my 650 was with the pack on the back ...

[Spazman727]

I also have one of these http://highriders.co.uk/Timberwolf-Tail-Bag-pr-1103.html
It attaches under the seat so you don't need a pack rack. Its pretty big and has a reflective strip on the back. It comes with a waterproof cover, and you can lock the zips if you want to leave it on the bike. I got mine off trademe but I can't find any more on there. Its big enough to fit a 15 pack of Summit and a few other things. It comes with a padded visor holder thing too.
Oh, and it has straps to use as a back pack.

[sinned]

After contemplating the backpack options I have gone for broke and ordered a hideously expensive Kriega R30 (http://www.kriega.com.au/rucksacks?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.pbv.tpl&product_id=35&category_id=4) rucksack. It is only 3 to 4 times the price of a general purpose backpack. However, general purpose backpacks don't work well for me on the bike.

The Kriega stuff has received excellent reviews and user comments.

[imdying]

I have a Knox Six Pack Rucksack like Quasi has posted. I'm pretty hard on it, I use it every day, even if I'm not on the bike. I've had it totally stuffed to the limits, used the helmet holder, and generally treated it like shit. It's still basically mint; it was worth the money.Still treating it like a whore, still taking it all like you'd hope.

I'll give a Kriega a go if I ever manage to kill this, they (long term) review really well.

[FJRider]

I've used a Ventura pack-rack for a number of years ... putting it forward of the rack frame helped with weight placement issues. But it really wasn't an issue on my FJ. I had more problems with wind catching it ...

I have a tank bag, plus two Givi (36 litre)panniers and top box fitted now. If it cant fit on the bike now ... I dont need it ...

[sinned]

I've used a Ventura pack-rack for a number of years ... putting it forward of the rack frame helped with weight placement issues. But it really wasn't an issue on my FJ. I had more problems with wind catching it ...

I have a tank bag, plus two Givi (36 litre)panniers and top box fitted now. If it cant fit on the bike now ... I dont need it ...

I also have a ventura frame with Rjays bag and find strong wind (a bit of that in lower nth island) pushes the bike around with bag on frame. This is only a problem on the faster long distance rides. I will still use the frame and Rjays bag for touring with the back pack filling the gap for day rides when wet weather gear etc needs to be carried.

[sinned]

Ordered the Kriega R30 backpack online Sunday, dispatched from Australia Monday and delivered to me Friday. Very nice and the strap system seems to work well with no weight on shoulders.


After contemplating the backpack options I have gone for broke and ordered a hideously expensive Kriega R30 (http://www.kriega.com.au/rucksacks?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.pbv.tpl&product_id=35&category_id=4) rucksack. It is only 3 to 4 times the price of a general purpose backpack. However, general purpose backpacks don't work well for me on the bike.

The Kriega stuff has received excellent reviews and user comments.