What do you carry stuff in for commuting?

[dhunt]

Hey,

My backpack is pretty stuffed and needs replacing and I was wondering what most people use for commuting to carry lunch/books in. I was thinking of a tank bag with backpack straps but all the bags I've seen have the backpack part zip out from the magnetic base so wouldn't be what I'm after. Has to have backpack straps as I need to cart my books round uni.

David

[Slim]

Do you have a pack rack on your bike?

While the Ventura bags are quite expensive, you can pick up a generic pack with a built in sleeve to fit over the rack plus back pack straps too.

[Blakamin]

Backpack... ride fast enough and it doesnt even get wet!

[DebK]

Backpack here too. Go to the gym everyday so need to cart that stuff around but also need to carry some work clothes.

I read on another thread though that wearing a backpack can make a fall more dangerous (can't remember the term used).

Not too sure what else to use though as I don't want to add a box on the back and can't have a tank bag as the fuel tank is in the back, under the plastic fearing.

[MikeL]

Hey,

My backpack is pretty stuffed and needs replacing and I was wondering what most people use for commuting to carry lunch/books in. I was thinking of a tank bag with backpack straps but all the bags I've seen have the backpack part zip out from the magnetic base so wouldn't be what I'm after. Has to have backpack straps as I need to cart my books round uni.

David

It's easiest if you let the bike do the work, i.e. have a pack rack or tank bag, but this is only really important for touring. For commuting I've found that a back pack is fine. In fact in some ways it's more convenient, as you don't have to fiddle around with straps or bungees or whatever. I bought a cheap backpack from the Warehouse and the only drawback is that it's not waterproof. Everything inside goes in plastic bags.

[erik]

I just use my old school bag. I got a 2 metre length of bungy/elastic cord and strap the bag on to the pillion seat. I don't like the idea of coming off the bike with a bunch of lumpy heavy textbooks and stuff on my back.

[Blakamin]

I read on another thread though that wearing a backpack can make a fall more dangerous (can't remember the term used).

I have Rjays Voyager gear and the back has "armour" and the only thing that will hurt in a crash is salami, raro or the zip (pretty sure the bread and burger rings will squash!)

[bgd]

Topbox for me. Don't even know it's there.

[jrandom]

Smallish waterproof backpack, bungeed to the pillion seat. Handles most requirements with aplomb.

Of course, sometimes plombs just aren't quite enough.

[Zed]

Hey,

My backpack is pretty stuffed and needs replacing and I was wondering what most people use for commuting to carry lunch/books in. I was thinking of a tank bag with backpack straps but all the bags I've seen have the backpack part zip out from the magnetic base so wouldn't be what I'm after. Has to have backpack straps as I need to cart my books round uni.

David

I have had Ventura rack systems & packs on my last 5 motorcycles - they are very practical and you don't even remember it's existence when you're riding.

I won't get used to carrying extra weight on my back, it's hard enough on the body sometimes after being on the bike for a lengthy period.

I used a tankbag with one bike and it was acceptable, but I prefer having nothing in front of my person when I'm riding (outta sight, outta mind)...I was a bit paranoid also that the tankbag would scratch my lovely paintwork on my tank, which is easy if you get a stone or something caught underneath it!

Spend the extra dough and go Ventura all the way I say!


Zed

[geoffm]

Hey,

My backpack is pretty stuffed and needs replacing and I was wondering what most people use for commuting to carry lunch/books in. I was thinking of a tank bag with backpack straps but all the bags I've seen have the backpack part zip out from the magnetic base so wouldn't be what I'm after. Has to have backpack straps as I need to cart my books round uni.

David

Topbox. I can't remember if i had it with my RZ, but i used it for years on my GSXR750, and now the beemer. Big enough to hold a helmet is useful as well. Mine is a
"Charlie" brand, but I think Givi ones are just over $100ish new. I made a bracket for the GSXR to take the bottom plate that holds the case and fits onto the packrack. The case comes off like a suitcase if you want to take it inside.
Geoff

[Re-cycled]

Hi David. Yeah well, I reckon you might as well bite the bullet and spend a bit now on a rack and top box. They lock on, and lock closed so you can walk away and leave your gear secure on the scoot, or carry it with you, still secure. They won't leak either, unlike most every pack system I've ever had anything to do with. And they will outlast several packs so are the cheaper option in the end. Givi now have an excellent range, and there are other brands if you hunt around.

My original top box was about the first Givi, fitted around 1988/89 and still in use along with a pair of more recent pannier boxes each of which can also be used individually as a top box. I explain them to the people in the lift as my lunch box. The original box although admittedly somewhat battered by now has been mounted on 3 different bikes, and interchanges between the commute and the chook chaser as required, with no more than the turn of the key.

Happy riding, Recycled

[dangerous]

I have had Ventura rack systems & packs

Yep same here 45L for touring but when it comes to day trips or around town stuff I just use the sport rack and a 10L bag..... just brilant

[Jackrat]

I just use an old canvas Fitters tool bag.
When it finaly falls apart,due soon, I will replace it with one of them heavy woven canvas army bags.
Gott'a look the part man

[FROSTY:Me]

Ive always used a bike pack. The best ones were always the Ex courier ones
the fabric is heavier and the zips heavy duty