Backpacks. Are they a safety hazard?

**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

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.

**Ixion** · 6th July 2005, 17:34

Originally Posted by Jeremy

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.

**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

Originally Posted by alarumba

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

Originally Posted by Waylander

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

Originally Posted by Biff

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.

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

Originally Posted by alarumba

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

Originally Posted by Waylander

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

However, I check that there isn't anything sharp in the back pack, just incase I was to land on it.