Zero-sum game?

**Sniper** · 16th April 2007, 15:07

What about Handbag?

Which reminds me... Jim2, where is or KB Wiki?

**Chisanga** · 16th April 2007, 15:16

I wear a backpack for my Uni stuff, although if I have LOTS Of things (heavy library books etc.) I will get a lift in instead as it gets uncomfortable. THe simple truth is I can't afford a packrack just yet, but it is definately on the list of wants for my VTR

**RantyDave** · 16th April 2007, 15:32

I've always been a tad concerned about the fact that a back pack has loops around my shoulders...

I'd taken it as read that the thing you want to do when falling off a motorcycle is to slide down the road decellerating gently as you went. Anything that causes you to decellerate more quickly, such as hitting a curb, or a tree, or a truck, is bad. Hence the way it is with leathers - few things on the outside that are able to catch, right?

So the backpack being solidly attached to my shoulders would not be a good thing when something on the backpack catches and tries to tear it off - taking my shoulders with it. This is also the reason I bungy the backpack onto the back of my bike every day despite the apparently greater risk to it's contents.

Not that I'm right, though. Comments?

Dave

**Jantar** · 16th April 2007, 15:33

I have ridden while wearing a back pack (36 years ago) but I soon decided that it made me too top heavy and was tiring if it involved a long trip. Then I discovered these marvelous items called bungy cords, and even without a packrack it is possible to strap quite large backpacks onto the rear seat and not have to wear them.

**skelstar** · 16th April 2007, 15:33

when something on the backpack catches and tries to tear it off - taking my shoulders with it.

I'm hoping my shoulders are stronger than the bits that are going to 'catch' on my backpack.

**Black Bandit** · 16th April 2007, 20:57

A quality backpack was one of the first accessories I bought when I got my bike and I use it almost everyday. It has chest and waist straps for additional support and a rain cover for the wet stuff. I think it's great!

I can see how a heavily loaded backpack, packed with say 10 textbooks, could cause discomfort while riding and potential drama in an accident. A recent Superbike mag has a top ten review for backpacks available in the UK - the winner is a Joe Rocket Blaster which has an enourmous 47.5 litres of carrying capacity! (even has a compartment for a spare lid)

I tend to carry a few essentials - lunch, work shoes, spare visor and dry suit.

I've never considered my backpack to be inherently dangerous. For me the backpack is a hugely useful item.

As far as wearing a back protector and backpack at the same time - why bother?

**gijoe1313** · 16th April 2007, 21:20

I have merrily worn my backpack to Wellywood and on such long diversions, I have always felt comfortable and never given it a second thought. I'm sure Pikachu who has ridden pillion in it many times has only positives about it also!

And I happen to like my TMNT metal shell plates on the back of it!

**Rotor** · 16th April 2007, 21:28

QUOTE:Why would someone wear a back protector as well as a backpack?
Why would anyone wear shorts or no jacket or no gloves?
Because they can.
I wear full leathers, boots, full face helmet (never been dropped) but choose to not wear gloves when I can because I can

**imdying** · 16th April 2007, 22:00

It's a toss up between getting hurt from wearing a backpack, to getting trapped and dragged by a pack rack.

Neither of which I have even heard of happening to anyone.

**Jantar** · 16th April 2007, 22:20

Originally Posted by imdying

It's a toss up between getting hurt from wearing a backpack, to getting trapped and dragged by a pack rack.

Neither of which I have even heard of happening to anyone.

I do know riders who have suffered the first of your options, but none that have suffered the second.

**Grahameeboy** · 16th April 2007, 22:25

Originally Posted by Devil

Yeah, curse those people carting their papers, wallet and light rain jacket in a backpack. They should stuff them all down the front of their pants.

Some of us ain't g ot room to do that!!!

**imdying** · 16th April 2007, 22:33

Originally Posted by Jantar

I do know riders who have suffered the first of your options, but none that have suffered the second.

Seems just as likely, or more, given the way some people load them.

**more_fasterer** · 17th April 2007, 12:19

Originally Posted by Black Bandit

A quality backpack was one of the first accessories I bought when I got my bike and I use it almost everyday. It has chest and waist straps for additional support and a rain cover for the wet stuff. I think it's great!

Me too. The backpack's not very large (8.5L) but enough for what I carry on the bike. About the most solid thing I've carried was a laptop inside its own carry case.
My teknic jacket has a small back protector so I would be relying on this to spread the load should I go down back-first with something solid in the backpack.

I'm willing to accept that risk, just like I'm willing to accept that the next blind corner may have unsignposted fresh gravel all over it (as happened last night)

**SPman** · 17th April 2007, 13:05

Having binned, wearing both a back protector and a backpack at the time, one of the straps immediately ripped off the backpack and it divested itself of my body well before I stopped - not that I slid/flopped very far - it was mainly air time!
The busted rib I got was from the pointy rock I landed on, which just missed the edge of the back protector!
The camera in the pack was unharmed so I could immediately start taking snaps of the debris.
Dunno what that proves, but I prefer not to wear a backpack these days.