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Riding with a backpack?

Red Line

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Dec 19, 2010
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Hi, Never had any concerns of luggage but i am going back and forth between either a backpack or a small tail bag. I need to carry a average laptop, power cord, few papers etc. I never rode with a backpack. Can you last an hour or does drag eventually get to you and you shoulders start aching? Seems it would be easy to just hop off and carry everything into work rather than un-hook the tailbag and carry that. Any feedback appreciated.
 
Hi, Never had any concerns of luggage but i am going back and forth between either a backpack or a small tail bag. I need to carry a average laptop, power cord, few papers etc. I never rode with a backpack. Can you last an hour or does drag eventually get to you and you shoulders start aching? Seems it would be easy to just hop off and carry everything into work rather than un-hook the tailbag and carry that. Any feedback appreciated.

When I was in school I rode with a backpack for an hour each way with one HUGE A$$ book, a notebook, a laptop and various other items. Also had a tailbag and side bags too. It's not too difficult and my shoulders never got tired. Although it was a pain to have to take the bags off. I wasn't about to leave them on the bike on a college campus.:doh2:
 
Personally I don't like riding with a back pack, but if you need to and are happy to then have a look at the Kriega stuff. I've got a couple of their products (not backpacks) and they are well made.

Kriega - Welcome
 
I ride with a backpack quite a bit. It just depends on the weight of the load and your personal tolerances as to the comfort level.
I have seen several luggage systems that detach pretty easily so you can carry them with you. I think I saw them on Motorcycle Super Store but I'm sure that this type of product is all over the web so you don't have to buy from them.
I will say that I think a backpack is the cheapest, easiest and most convienient way to go. :tup: And after you do it for a little while - you will be astounded at how much you can put in that little bag. LOL In fact - one of the girls at work told me that was my "Man Purse" :ugh:
Just my 2 cents - It's worth it to buy a good backpack. I'm not trying to push any names but I bought a Swiss Backpack and that is one of the best purchaces that I have bought. It is SO MUCH more comfortable than my old backpack. I would have paid the difference over several times. I mean you can literally feel the quality of the bag.
 
I remember a test in a magazine once what the effect of wearing a backpack is when you fall. Appearently you have a higher risk of breaking your neck and spinal injury.

A back protector is flat for a reason.
 
I remember a test in a magazine once what the effect of wearing a backpack is when you fall. Appearently you have a higher risk of breaking your neck and spinal injury.

A back protector is flat for a reason.

+1, unless it is purposely built for riding I only use my tank and tail bags,
 
I remember a test in a magazine once what the effect of wearing a backpack is when you fall. Appearently you have a higher risk of breaking your neck and spinal injury.

A back protector is flat for a reason.



does anyone know where I can find a copy of this article?
 
does anyone know where I can find a copy of this article?

I personally have not seen any such report. Just my own gut feeling. If someone finds it I would love to read it. I don't want anything oddly shaped on my back if I go down.

There are plenty of backs out there that are purposely build for riding motorcycles though.

Backpack at Motorcycle Superstore
 
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I like this one!!!

0000-Ogio-Less-Drag-Backpack-Black.jpg
 
Backpacks dont bother me at all. Been using for years. but starting soon. I am putting a small trunk on my bike. I like to have my cover with me or room to put my helmet while away from the bike. Ill let you know how this goes.
 
I ride with a backpack, it's a Cortech, has a nice sling for your helmet when you reach your destination, and room for a laptop, lunch, etc. :)
 
I cleaned out my old magazines a long time ago, it was a dutch magazine, not sure if it was "Motor" or "Moto73", at least I think it was either one of em.

the conclusion was, if possible don't use a backpack, if you do need one, get one specifically designed for motorcycle use.
with a hard plate and cushions between the stuff in it and ur back, and wear it as low as possible, because when you fall and land on your back you risk breaking one of your lower back bones. (something about your lower body sweeping away)
 
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I can't speak for the safety aspect but I've worn a backpack quite a bit on the bike. My leather jacket and shoulder armor really helped with the backpack such that I never even really knew it was back there.
 
I have the shoei backpack and love it. Feels like its not even on my back. the padding is great and the top and bottom buckles latch onto you well and you dont feel it there. I ride every day to work and forget its even there. It holds a ton of stuff in it. As its designed to be able to put your helmet in it.
 
I too use my Swiss-Gear/Computer Backpack for my company laptop during the summer if needed. My commute is about 30 minutes, 40 if I take some back roads which I usually do and I have no issues at all.. other than sometimes I have to take work home that is ;)
 
This is what I use when I need to carry things..

DSCF6472.jpg


DSCF6471.jpg


Got it on sale at Dicks Sporting Goods when the back to school rush ended, and it worked great all summer!
 
I wear a backpack on my sled as a tailbag would bounce around too much but on the bike I have tank ,tail and saddle bags . I only run as much storage as I need at the moment
 
I've thought about riding with a back pack but with my back and chest protector (Knox) it really does add to the whole bulge. Not to mention when I wear my AS jacket that has a slight hump. The Oggio looks cool though. How about a large tank bag? I was riding with my buddy's Cargo tank bag which is pretty large and it wasn't bad at all to maneuver. Don't buy it for 100 though wait until it goes on sale for 50. It fit my laptop 15" though I don't think it would fit a 17".

Cycle Gear - CARGO: Endurance Tank Bag, BLACK
 
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