Riding with a back pack....yay or nay or....?

[1/32 man]

Any thoughts on this subject?

My luggage capacity isnt that great and also it is fixed to the bike. With a back pack it comes with me increasing convenience and security.

Looking at Ogio brand currently.

Thoughts, comments, ideas, opinions welcome.

[R650R]

Long time backpack user due to poverty but now it’s my last resort. No good for circulation around your back/neck muscles.
Had a great high capacity tank bag awhile ago that I’d fill before using a backpack.
Next option would be a 40L roll bag tied on rear seat. Cheap, effective, 100% waterproof and you can scrunch them down smaller if not needing all space.
Have luxury of panniers for longer trips now and if anything needs to go in backpack it would only be lighteds of light stuff.

[Berries]

Have always ridden with a backpack. On the commute it just had a laptop and my waterproof trousers in it but gets filled up on longer trips. Always wary when I have a bottle of whisky in there, or chisels or steel toe capped boots as I imagine it will make a mess of me if I go for a tumble.

Not heard of Ogio. They look like nice bags but hard to tell without touching one how they will stand up to the rigours of riding, I certainly wouldn't buy one online without holding one first. The problem I see is they have too many pockets. One large space means everything can be made waterproof in a rubbish bag easily. Not so easy with ten pockets all over the shop so in the end you might not use them.

Never been able to justify the expense of a Kriega and don't actually want a waist strap to scratch the tank anyway. Currently using a Cactus Climbing pack only because the one I had previously was indestructible and lasted for years. The zip is solid which is important. It has one opening and a small pocket on the back for my glasses and fags. There are two mesh side pockets but they are a waste of time on a motorbike. They have some good quality stuff at Hunting and Fishing as well if you are willing to pay for it.

For my current ride I got some flash saddle bags for trips away. 20l each side is not much room though so I still end using the backpack.

It is always going to be better to carry a heavy load on the bike not on your body. It can tire you out on a long trip. Pack light is the answer.

[jellywrestler]

For my current ride I got some flash saddle bags for trips away. 20l each side is not much room though so I still end using the backpack.

.

many modern bikes don't do well with saddlebags (soft) without having to get a frame to keep them out of the wheel.

[Gremlin]

Once I went to a top box, I never went back to backpacks. If you're doing a lot of km, consider the lack of circulation to rather vital parts, like your hands and fingers...

[Berries]

many modern bikes don't do well with saddlebags (soft) without having to get a frame to keep them out of the wheel.

Yes. Had considered the Hepco and Becker C bow bags but they were expensive and i did not want the support frame stuck to the bike when I was not using them. Same reason Ventura were out. Have had the Ventura system already fitted on a few bikes and it is great but could not bring myself to put it on a new bike and mess the rear end up.

In the end I got SW Motech Blaze saddle bags. They require a simple frame but it clips out easy so is not there when not needed. The bags connect to each other over the pillion seat as well so very little chance they will fall into the wheel. Have spent enough time with bungee cords and spider nets scratching plastic I decided it was time to go posh.

[rambaldi]

Went with a backpack when commuting for a few years, actually I had two bags. A magnetic tank bag with bike only shit and then a backpack with all the other crap. It was pretty useful as I could just grab the bag that was relevant for the day - out just riding, take the tank bag (really it lived on the bike to minimise the chance of it picking up metal bits and then scratching the tank). Going in to the office - grab the backpack if on the bike/car/bus. I think the versatility, and ease of actually wearing it when off the bike, make a backpack pretty useful - but maybe not so comfortable for longer rides.

So long as the backpack is comfortable for you over your riding gear (back protectors and shoulder armour can change how they sit, they really need nice wide straps as well) go for it.

[nerrrd]

Any thoughts on this subject?

My luggage capacity isnt that great and also it is fixed to the bike. With a back pack it comes with me increasing convenience and security.

Looking at Ogio brand currently.

Thoughts, comments, ideas, opinions welcome.

I bought an Ogio no drag backpack for a two week tour around the south island in 2019 to carry stuff I didn’t want to leave on the bike, the only complaint I had was it wasn’t completely waterproof (even with the optional rain cover), otherwise it was well made and comfortable once I got used to it.

I replaced it with a waterproof backpack (also an Ogio) when I got back which I still have and use. But I’d echo the sentiment that riding without a backpack is generally less tiring.

[release_the_bees]

For commuting, I have a couple of different capacity Givi tank bags which I mount to the pillion seat. I do use a backpack for the laptop when commuting.

For longer trips, a backpack is a last resort as it makes it harder to move around on the bike, and I'd prefer to wear my hydration pack. Instead, I have a pair of SW Motech soft panniers. They're also great for trackdays, as I can fully remove the mounting hardware at the track with minimal hassle.

[JimO]

i saw some hire adventure bikes last weekend with some sort of bag that seemed to attach to the fuel cap, wasnt big but would hold wallet, phone, condoms etc

[1/32 man]

Thanks for the comments and thoughts, chaps.
I bought an Ogio 3 for a good price off Trademe and so far it is a help.
Another couple of outings and I will know if my $130 was well spent or not.

[Blackbird]

Some great comments on this topic and pretty much in line with my experience. It also depends very much on what sort of bike you have and how you use it. The last bike before retirement was a Duke 790 which was principally used for day runs. I had a small tail pack for bits and pieces which was ideal. The only longer ride was a trip to an IAM conference in Wellington from Coromandel, extended at the end with a trip over the Rimutakas, round East Cape and home. On top of the tail pack, I strapped a 10 litre yachting dry bag and wore a back pack for the first time. I personally didn't like the feel of a back pack but for the 6 day trip, it was easy enough to put up with it. Horses for courses and all that jazz

[HenryDorsetCase]

For short distances I like them but for your lunch and waterproof pants and some rubber johnnies if you get lucky. Not if you are imitating a snail and carrying your house round on your back. A few years back I bought a REALLY expensive Kriega backpack which was supposed to be the tits for staying put and not flapping about etc. I didnt like it and just could not get comfortable in it. I gave it to a mate and it fits him better. He is still using it he tells me and so it has had around 10 yrs of everyday use, so reliable. I dont have a use case fr other than either my Cactus subductor bike courier bag or my little Macpac canvas backpack.

[Gremlin]

i saw some hire adventure bikes last weekend with some sort of bag that seemed to attach to the fuel cap, wasnt big but would hold wallet, phone, condoms etc

Most likely something like the Givi tanklock range (other brands have their equivalent). You get a flange that suits your bike, then the tank bag clicks into the ring.

As for luggage capacity, try full panniers and top box for a 3 day trip to Napier... but, I have an excuse. Amongst the kit was 2 additional helmets, 4x high viz vests, multiple comms units and other stuff. No kitchen sink... there wasn't room
Mate got away with top box and bag on back seat, but he only had one helmet to transport...

[Berries]

Neither of you thought to use that tray in front of the headlight? That's a long weekend right there.

Perfect spot to carry your supper back from the chip shop.