Backpacks. Are they a safety hazard? [Archive]

Ixion

6th July 2005, 17:15

I notice a lot of people use backpacks. So do I on Li'l Ratty. Have at various times over the years, though I've always preferred saddle bags.

But some have commented that they could be asafety hazard. And thinking about it that seems like it might be so. Not the bag itself, but what's in it. I have a nasty notion that coming off and landing on your back, when wearing a fullish backpack, could result in a broken back (if things went the wrong way).

Any thoughts?

Anyone know of any authorative opinion ?

What are the alternatives ?

bugjuice

6th July 2005, 17:19

alternatives would be (like you mention) saddle bags, or a tank bag. Some people don't like riding with bags, and too heavy, it'll move the CoG (Centre of Gravity) will move slightly, which will be a little odd until you get used to it.

I don't mind riding with one. I do pack it bearing in mind if I have to land on it, the best way I won't get hurt, and the best way the stuff will least likely to be damaged. Sometimes there's no choice.

On the plus side, it could cussion (sp? brain fart) a fall and help you out, if the backpack is durable enough.

personally, I don't really see much harm in it, but don't overload it, and don't put sharps in there if you can avoid at all costs!!

Jeremy

6th July 2005, 17:29

Ixion

6th July 2005, 17:34

How would you be more likely to end up with a broken back? Unless you carrying something in your bag that's harder than what your going to hit (most likely the asphalt) it should be a safer landing (hands up those who carry slabs of concrete in their backpacks). Though I suppose the reduce surface area might make it slightly more dangerous as it'd increase the pressure.

I think it would be because of coming down with your back bent around the backpack. i.e. the middle of your back is on top of the back pack, your upper and lower back aren't. Like a seesaw. Best way to break something is to bend it across a fulcrum. Depends of course what's in the bag, but people often carry books and stuff like that.

Biff

6th July 2005, 17:34

My motormacycle specific backpack has a built in back protector and has a compartment that expands in order to cater for a helmet.
No help I know sorry Ixion - I'm just bragging. :whistle:

Coyote

6th July 2005, 17:36

I always thought the big problem with Backpacks was those stupid straps hanging off of them getting caught in the wheel

Waylander

6th July 2005, 17:37

I always thought the big problem with Backpacks was those stupid straps hanging off of them getting caught in the wheel
Never seen a backpack with straps that long mate.

Coyote

6th July 2005, 17:41

Never seen a backpack with straps that long mate.
Trendy school Backpacks often do. You have the straps to the tightest setting leaving about a meter of extra strap, bloody useless

Beemer

6th July 2005, 17:41

With the Beemer it doesn't matter as the backpack straps into a special compartment on top of the bike, but otherwise I would just be careful of what I put into it. I was given that advice when I first learned to ride - so I'd give glass bottles of anything a miss, and anything particularly hard/sharp or otherwise likely to give you an injury. With most bikes there is the option of using a cargo net and strapping them on the back - that's what I've done in the past when the pack's got a big heavy or I've had to lug something like a few bottles of wine or tools/equipment.

And as for long straps - either cut them shorter or wrap them around and secure them - or don't use trendy school ones!

Ixion

6th July 2005, 17:41

My motormacycle specific backpack has a built in back protector and has a compartment that expands in order to cater for a helmet.
No help I know sorry Ixion - I'm just bragging. :whistle:

That's rather nifty, wiv the built in back protector (I usually wear my helmet on my head and I don't think I could get my head into a backpack - not while attached anyway, and I never trust that bumbling twit Igor to reattach it properly if I detach it). Can you get them in this 'ere country ?

Waylander

6th July 2005, 17:43

Trendy school Backpacks often do. You have the straps to the tightest setting leaving about a meter of extra strap, bloody useless
Since when does a biker care about cager trends? Stand out mate be original.

Coyote

6th July 2005, 17:47

Since when does a biker care about cager trends? Stand out mate be original.
But it's Hip to be a Square!

If I was worried about the latest trends, I wouldn't have long hair and be into Heavy Metal, I probebly stand out too much

Also, instead of putting $5500 into a bike, I would've got a Mazda Familia, git it sum bling rims, sum phat soundz an big borr exhoorst

FEINT

6th July 2005, 17:48

I ride with a backpack to Uni and back. I don't have any other method of carrying my stuff. It doesn't bother me if the COG changes as I am not doing anything that drastic.. hehehe :Punk: However, I check that there isn't anything sharp in the back pack, just incase I was to land on it.

murhf3

6th July 2005, 18:06

Mate I got a 300kg bike comming down with me if I crash,Personally my bacpac could contain glass and I still think I.ll be better off[lol] :weird:

Sutage

6th July 2005, 18:10

i just find it annoying taking it off/putting it on, it likes to piss me off
getting used to it tho

erik

6th July 2005, 18:13

I take my stuff to uni in a backpack, but I strap it to the pillion seat with a length of rubber bungy cord. I do the same thing on rides. Only time I have the backpack on my back is if I'm carrying something that might get damaged by vibration or the bungy crushing it.

Waylander

6th July 2005, 18:15

Carry my stuff in a backpack now just cause it's easier to get on/off and don't have to worry about the load ballance but back when I was riding it to uni and stuff I carried everything in my saddle bags just so I would get curious looks from other students.:yes:

Skyryder

6th July 2005, 18:22

I use a back pack on the odd occasion. If I go for a run up to Hanmer to the hot pools I use the b/pack to carry cozie towel etc. Can't see the safety issue with wearing one.

Skyryder

DingDong

6th July 2005, 18:34

Ive worn a backpack... and dont like it cause I cant move around the bike as freely (it might make me fall off and break my back?)

Im more worried that the straps could rip your arms out if you come'a'crappa... depending on speed OC :devil2:

zeRax

6th July 2005, 18:43

usually the givi top box is all i need, thou when i was prunning i just slipped the loppers through my belt, if i ever came off with them in there O_O quick impale for sure :E

MoFunthanmost

6th July 2005, 18:47

Short trips around town have it on my back and havent had probs (except maybe when it's really full and i pull the straps too tight - cant move my shoulders too well) but on longer trips, usually have it strapped to the pillion seat anyways.

Been thinking about getting a hardcase BP but i think that would be more of a safety prob in an off if i was wearing so dunno... putting a BP on and off the pillion seat with bungies is such a pain in the butt, esp only on short trips.

SixPackBack

6th July 2005, 18:58

I got six.....wear them all at once!

Zed

6th July 2005, 19:01

I notice a lot of people use backpacks. So do I on Li'l Ratty. Have at various times over the years, though I've always preferred saddle bags.I have fitted the Ventura rack system to my last six bikes, that is my preference. I have never ever ridden with a backpack because I don't want any extra weight on my person that would restrict movement, the safety factor never entered my mind till now.

But some have commented that they could be asafety hazard. And thinking about it that seems like it might be so. Not the bag itself, but what's in it. I have a nasty notion that coming off and landing on your back, when wearing a fullish backpack, could result in a broken back (if things went the wrong way)I tell you now that if I was wearing a backpack last year when I binned my bike I would have probably been injured badly because during the accident I made a conscious decision to flip myself on to my back protector and slid across the road for 10m - it did a great job! Can remember it like it was yesterday. :nono:

Jantar

6th July 2005, 19:10

I wore a backpack on a long ride in 1971. NEVER again.

It isn't just a safety issue if you come off, but there is also the fact that it is more tiring, and hence takes the riders concentration off his riding after an hour or two. Thus wearing a packpack is not only more likely to cause injury in an accident, it is also more likely to contribute to causing an accident.

It is easy enough to strap your backpack on the pillion seat, so that is the safest place for it.

Biff

6th July 2005, 19:16

That's rather nifty, wiv the built in back protector (I usually wear my helmet on my head and I don't think I could get my head into a backpack - not while attached anyway, and I never trust that bumbling twit Igor to reattach it properly if I detach it). Can you get them in this 'ere country ?

It's a Frank Thomas (http://www.frank-thomas.co.uk/product/cargo/index.html) backpack. I can't find the name of any distributers in NZ, but it may be possible to get a UK company to send one over for you. I've used M&P (http://www.mandp.co.uk/list.aspx?tier1=Luggage&tier2=Soft+luggage&tier3=Frank+Thomas) for mail order goodies in the past, albeit not from here, so I can't comment on their overseas capabilities. But they're a friendly helpful bunch.

Good luck.

Re' the safety of backpacks - I heard a story once (here?) about a guy that carried a container, with petrol in it, in a backpack. He crashed and ended up upside down caught in a wire fence. The container ruptured and petrol spilt out of the backpack into his helmet, where is began dissolving the polystyrene in his helmet! Apparently he was stuck there for a while – and I can’t remember the end.

At least there wasn’t a spark!

zeRax

6th July 2005, 21:48

holy crap, i bet he was freaking out, that is one hell of a situation to be in O.o

i dont like wearing a backpack, dont like the feel nor the extra weight on my back, catches wind, just puts you off i think.

topboxes and panniers :D

SixPackBack

6th July 2005, 21:50

topboxes uuuummmm

Waylander

6th July 2005, 21:50

Re' the safety of backpacks - I heard a story once (here?) about a guy that carried a container, with petrol in it, in a backpack. He crashed and ended up upside down caught in a wire fence. The container ruptured and petrol spilt out of the backpack into his helmet, where is began dissolving the polystyrene in his helmet! Apparently he was stuck there for a while – and I can’t remember the end.

At least there wasn’t a spark!
Scary thing is I had a petrol tank in my backpack on the bike the other day. Was empty though as I had just finnished refueling the bike to get it home.

chickenfunkstar

6th July 2005, 22:45

Used to ride around with a backpack back in the olden days.
A friend pointed out that it could do some damage to your arms if you fall off and the bag gets caught on something.
Also don't think it would be too good if you were carring hard items and fell off at an akward angle. i.e. If half your back fell onto some uni books and half fell onto the road. Might snap something important.

I now use a ventura pack rack. It can fit heaps of stuff in it ( I think about 45 litres ). Its also got straps on it so you can wear it like a backpack when you get off the bike. The only real downside is they tend to create quite alot of wind resistance. You can only really notice once you're past about $1.50 though, so most of the time its not a biggie.

N4CR

6th July 2005, 23:03

I saw this guy riding today with a bright yellow refectorised vest on.. safe fellow I thought. When he went past he had a backpack on..... couldnt see the vest thru that.... What was the point in the vest??? Idiot

Thats why I got XXL so it goes over the blardy bag.... some silly people out there I suppose :/

Makes you look really weird though... 'turtle' anyone ;D?

edit: My current backpack is reasonably small so it has a smaller chance of getting caught on something than my old large macpac... great pack but a little too big.

Madmax

6th July 2005, 23:25

I came off at 140km with a backpack on once
my laptop had a crack in its case but the bag was stuffed
(the laptop only died after on of my workmates managed
to spill coke on it)
I am not a fan of backpacks as i have had my foot caught
on one trying to get away from the bike in a spill
:devil2:

Pixie

7th July 2005, 03:10

IMO carrying luggage on your body makes you the nail and the luggage the hammer.
Back in 82 I was on a trip around east cape with auck uni bike club,and witnessed a rider and pillion lose it on a corner and ride off a bluff,landing 20 meters below in a paddock the pillon had all their stuff in a hikers pack on her back and suffered spinal injuries.She was not crippled, but did suffer continuing extreme pain.I heard that the Docs were considering performing sympathectomy procedures to reduce the pain.

750Y

7th July 2005, 06:42

I used to carry my boxes of piss in a backpack, 24 bottles of beer. that was until i t-boned a car at speed & did the superman, crushing them all. I've carried glass once since then. As for general duties, backpacks are fine but if they are heavy then on long trips it can be tiring. The ventura packrack system is the best way to carry stuff on a sportsbike that i've come across.

Lou Girardin

7th July 2005, 08:27

I don't like backpacks, they're uncomfortable when loaded, unsafe if you have heavy/solid objects in them. I use a topbox for commuting and panniers when touring. I haven't had any handling woes with the bags on, even had a bloody good fang with some sportbikes through the Whangamoas.

Pwalo

7th July 2005, 08:29

I still wear a backpack for commuting, and short trips (so I only carry lunch, jersey, etc). I've got a Ventura pack rack for any longer ones.

I was wearing my backpack when I canned last year with out any problems. May have been something to do with it being a highside which meant I landed on my helmet and gloves. The pack was scuffed a bit so I'd obviously rolled.

The scary bit was that the tyre pan that I'd been carrying in one of the outside mesh pockets was scratched. I sure as hell don't carry that any more (in fact I'd just forgotten that I'd put it there).

IMHO it's probably not a problem using a backpack for carrying small, light stuff, but for the heavier bits I'd use my carrier.

vifferman

7th July 2005, 08:50

Up until I got the VFR750 (1999), I used to wear a backpack. The VFR had a Ventura rack and pack, so that was the end of that.
One problem not mentioned with backpacks is that if it has any weight in it, it's pulling you backwards, so you're going to be holding the bars more, and it could potentially affect the steering. Also, I found the pressure from the straps on my shoulders restricts the blood flow a little, and makes your shoulders sore after a while. Of course, you can loosen the straps so the pack rests on the seat, but then it's more likely to flop around. Furthermore, with a heavy bike jacket on (leather at the time), getting the bag on and off was a bit of a drama.
The first few times I rode to work with the Ventura rack after using the backpack I was really pleased at how much better it felt riding the bike without a bag on my back.
One more point - even though the Ventura backpack doesn't seem to affect the handling much unless it's very full/heavy (I had two fire extinguishers in it once - THAT made it sway around!), it's nice riding without it on, if for no other reason than I can hear the zorst more betterer. :yes:

sels1

7th July 2005, 09:05

I used a backpack on my last bike and was never that comfortable with it. Fortunately my current bike had a Givi topbox fitted already when I bought it. Altho it clicks off and on at the push of a button I tend to leave it on most of the time because its so bloody handy. The only time I noticed affect the handling was when I crammed it really full to go to the Waikato Rally. Even go offroad with it on - no probs

XTC

7th July 2005, 09:47

Pack frames or top boxes for me.... Not worried about whether or not it "looks" funny I just want to be able to carry stuff.

Eurygnomes

7th July 2005, 11:49

So what's the best top box/pack carrier thingie to get for my shoes when I ride my GN250?!

At present, I've been using my backpack - with the chain lock thing, my wallet, keys and sunglasses and a change of clothes (just in case something dramatic happens en route) but I would rather have stuff off my body. It's not like any of my gear is heavy or even particularly bulky - but it would be far handier (and I could stop at the shops on the way home instead of going home, collecting the car and then going shopping!)

vifferman

7th July 2005, 12:15

So what's the best top box/pack carrier thingie to get for my shoes when I ride my GN250?!
Depends on your budget, and whether you need to be able to lock stuff in it to leave it on your bike. Choices are Ventura (~$200 for the rack, plus ~$100 for a bag), or Givi for a lockable topbox $???). Alternatively, see if you can find a rack somehwere that will fit, and just bungy an ordinary pack on to it, or get some "throw-over" saddlebags that go on the seat, or a tankbag, or (if you don't have much stuff) there are some tailbags that clip onto the pillion seat.

XTC

7th July 2005, 12:34

Hitcher

7th July 2005, 12:43

There are pros and cons for any system of carrying stuff, other than a rider, on a motorcycle. There will always be an effect on centre of gravity, wind resistance, rider/pillion comfort and just general aesthetics. The fine print in the owner's manual for a Yamaha FJR1300, for example, cautions about using panniers AND a top box. Whatever system you choose, you should be aware of its limitations and the effect it will have on your bike's riding performance.

There are risks in carrying hard objects on your person, particularly in case one lands on said and has them inserted in places most painful. And the backpack has to be the nuttiest idea of all. It constrains your ability to move freely, increases your drag, alters your centre of gravity, has straps that can get caught in stuff, and just generally looks naff. The biker equivalent of a "baby on board" sticker...

Lou Girardin

7th July 2005, 12:53

So what's the best top box/pack carrier thingie to get for my shoes when I ride my GN250?!

Givi rack and top box kit = $199.00 inc.
I'm almost sure this is a 30 litre box.

Wolf

7th July 2005, 13:47

Generally use a backpack as that's all I have. I don't like it - restrictive, tiring on long journeys, annoying to put on/take off. I feel overweight enough with the armour and helmet without the pack turning me into a B-grade Igor.

I'd love proper lockable waterproof panniers. I've always figured them as rather expensive, though.

Hitcher

7th July 2005, 16:30

I'd love proper lockable waterproof panniers. I've always figured them as rather expensive, though.
Throw-overs are a good compromise. Jimmy sold us a set (no brand-name) a couple of years ago, and they are just brilliant! They have waterproof inners, as opposed to some of the more expensive "named" varieties that require waterproof outers.

Lockable panniers are good though, especially when they can be easily detached from the bike. One design flaw with the ST's pannier system is that you need two keys -- you can't have both unlocked at the same time if you only have one key.

Wolf

7th July 2005, 17:02

And you come to me in a submarine. [The Bee Gees]
"...keep me warm in your sub and a soft sea breeze"

surfchick

7th July 2005, 17:06

geeeze i totally hadn't thought about this! i carry a backpack all the time with camera gear in pelican cases & the other day i had the camera and a full size manfrotto tripod in it... OMG back would have been mince meat... bikes aren't exactly camels...

surfchick

7th July 2005, 17:08

Makes you look really weird though... 'turtle' anyone ;D?
.
:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: baha I've been there...thinking more...WHALE or ELEPHANT

Lou Girardin

7th July 2005, 17:20

On the other hand, Tony Rees used a camelback during the 300 km endurance race.
Maybe the Vodka and Red Bull he had in it was impact absorbing.

scumdog

7th July 2005, 17:59

I saw this guy riding today with a bright yellow refectorised vest on.. safe fellow I thought. When he went past he had a backpack on..... couldnt see the vest thru that.... What was the point in the vest??? Idiot

A point I've made several times about vests being hidden by back-packs/top-boxes etc - or at the front by fairings etc.

myvice

7th July 2005, 18:26

Got hit by a taxi (shocking eh?) at the bottom of town and did the big splat with a backpack. Doc told me "Dont worry, you'rv just pulled the tendons on the lower left of your spine a bit"
I try not to use one if I can help it caus that kinda hurt just a tad,
standing wasnt too good,
couldnt sit for too long eather,
and lying down hurt too,
I wont even mention walking.
Zero G's would have been Ok, but the shop was fresh out.

sAsLEX

7th July 2005, 18:31

wear a small back pack in to uni most days, and have my 2m abus lock worn as a sash as well, just dont crash is my moto

Pixie

7th July 2005, 21:59