Backpack protocol, why, why not?

Just starting to ride again on the street with my VFR, and have used a back pack. I want to ask experenced pack users if there are any pit falls to using them. I defer to your superior knowledge. Thanks

Fly.:thumbsup:

 

I do it all the time. I've picked up Gallon bottles of Rotella on my bike with a backpack and such.

It does fall outside of the load triangle, but much less so than saddle bags and such.

Just make sure the backpack has a strap that buckles to the front of your stomach and can be tightened, you DO NOT want the weight of a heavy backpack moving independently from you (you lean over and get in position, then the backpack shifts weight which can throw your line off mid-turn). also, you don't want a light backpack flying around.

I've ridden several thousand miles with a backpack, it's fine. Just keep in mind it does fatigue your shoulders/arms if you're carrying too much.

 

i use a tank bag on thr front and one strapped to the back.....I used a Bpack to go to school and I didnt like it.. felt wierd...and before any one says it...yes I know how to wear a backpack. I find them uncomfortable....while riding....I do however condone a camelback for those long summer rides....

 

nope

I try to never do it , better to make the bike carry the load.I use a tank bag and the rare days I use one on long trips I will mail it home rather than wear it any longer than I have to.:biggrin:

 

It's been suggested to me that in an accident/fall situation anything in a backpack is more stuff that can mess with your spine. Can't say I've ever talked to anyone who has experienced this but it makes sense. I like to use a tank bag mainly because I don't like the feel of a backpack. Likewise I have friends who don't like tankbags and would rather use a backpack. Seems to be a protocol of personal preference.

BTW, happy Friday to all (Friday is my favorite holiday).

 

So far most of the points have been brought up.
But, I find that the worst thing is that a backpack ruins the lines of my beautiful Italian leathers.


(I am joking!!!)

 

Ghost says "Let's learn about Backbacks!"



Just kidding.

I use one only when I must. Me personally, I havent gotten used to the additional load / center of gravity change.

I also NEVER wear one at night, or on the weekends for the simple reason that its harder to see reflective colors or contrasting patterns at night... (4 wheelers are stupid enough, no need to increase my odds of not being seen), and on weekends, since I am usually going somewhere, I plan to either buy what I need, consume and move on like a locust, or I use a bunjee cargo net with hooks on the back.

Long trips of 300 miles or more, obviously.

 

I used one all the time on my bike, it worked great for everything (I could even get 24 cans of 'beverages' in there without it being too heavy. Mine has the strap that goes around your waist and the two shoulder straps also hook together. Helps with the weight distribution a lot. I pack some very heavy wedding gifts in it for a 4 + hour ride and never got fatigued.

Edit: I never had one packed heavily on a spirited ride, but would be comfortable taking one more moderately packed. Mine feels like an extension of me when properly attached.

 

I ALWAYS wear a backpack.

Use it to carry water, tools, small spares, documents, raincoat, wire, electrical and duct tape, and use it to haul comestibles from the sto, yes beverages too.

IN my one time get-off caused by a big patch of sand in a curve, the backpack quite definitely helped to protect my back and generously sacrificed itself in the effort.

I added several reflective elements for night riding.
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Additionally, yes,
it's true that in my extra-large , ex-military pack i have many times briefly transported newly-trapped squirrels ( both ground and tree) to new, safer homes or to mine for the purposes of civilizing them, educating, feeding and taming them to be good pets for both scientific and entertainment purposes, mostly my entertainment, not theirs.

(Nothing on U-tube yet, and don't for it wait becuz squirrel knowledge is reserved for the few pioneers, advanced academic degree holders, and average mostly but not entirtely harmless eccentrics.)

 

I took the yellow straps off an old safety vest and put them on my backpack for just that reason. Works marvelously. Though, I did lose them a while ago because I didn't secure them with anything more than stationary type staples.

 

I have used them all. I have a large tank bag that works pretty good. I have Cortech soft saddle bags and trunk bag which also work well. But my preference is my 75L back pack. I commute 1oo mile roudn trip every day and the weather here swings so bad, I have to carry gear to cover just about any condition that may arise. Enough cannot be said for fit of the back pack thought.

Mine has the hip adjustments, shoulder straps and a chest strap. That little chest strap is probably the most important. As stated earlier, you don't want that pack flinging around. I have gone fully packed with the tank bag and back pack for a 4 day trip and i did not experience any fatigue to speak of. Of course, try to keep the weight down. But for the most part, my pack will rest on the rear cowling so my shoulders are not bearing the brunt of the weight.

I am sure that when I pack to go for a trip, I must look like a Griswold. There you go. A sequel....VFR Vacation

 

I am in the "use one to commute but not to play" crowd.

 

Try Motorcycle Luggage from Luggage Locker.

I have one thats made for a Viffer and they work great! :biggrin:

 

Not for me..Had a buddy wipe out with one and he swears it added to the injuries big time. Some of the harder objects in it pierced his back..Local dealer gets mad at me if i even mention it as has seen a lot of pain from them. But I Never landed with or without one myself,so can't say from any experience.. I suspect no big deal till it is.
good luck either way.!

 

i find them very uncomfortable to wear while riding. i use a tank bag all the time. if i need more space ill use the saddle bags, tail bag, or top case.

 

I have only found two drawbacks to using a backpack;

1. The condensation that drips/blows off of my helmet drips on to it and leaves stains.

2. I forget that I have it on, and knock things off shelves at gas stops, or start taking my jacket off and have things get complicated...

 

BackPack = Squid ..... get a tank or tail bag.

 

Ahhhh, the Squirrel Whisperer unmasked!