Riding with a backpack

9 replies · 250 views

Chris18
41 posts
#1Apr 16, 2024, 11:05 AM
Hi,
My wife and I will be vacationing this summer and renting bikes that don't come with panniers or frame bags. I was thinking about a new backpack as a travel carry-on and for the rides we plan to do (rail-trail/Greenways- paved or packed gravel, probably doing like 40 miles/day, not bringing much besides a change of clothes and a little food/hydration bladder).

Are there specific types that would work well? I was thinking something like a rucking backpack.

Any info appreciated.
0
stu
646 posts
#2Apr 16, 2024, 12:03 PMedited
Hi,
My wife and I will be vacationing this summer and renting bikes that don't come with panniers or frame bags. I was thinking about a new backpack as a travel carry-on and for the rides we plan to do (rail-trail/Greenways- paved or packed gravel, probably doing like 40 miles/day, not bringing much besides a change of clothes and a little food/hydration bladder).

Are there specific types that would work well? I was thinking something like a rucking backpack.

Any info appreciated.
There exist MTB and motorcycle specific backpacks. I haven't used any of those, just a small AK snowboard pack which has worked well for little things.

A few thoughts: First, a back pad will protect you if you crash with something hard in the pack. Also some air space between your back and pack will help with sweat evaporation. Riding position matters too, I find it more comfortable to lean forward when wearing a pack.

Overall I wouldn't recommend a backpack for heavy loads. It will tire you out and the high center of mass won't help handling. I'd put as much as possible in a frame bag.
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Eisbaer
27 posts
#3Apr 17, 2024, 1:56 AM
It's true, the backpack and the stuff inside will protect you, but if you carry some bigger, some solid or even sharp stuff, it's quite the contrary.

Anyhow. For a better fit you could look for backpacks with a chest strap and a hip strap. Check the dimensions: the backpack should not extend your silhouette otherwise you could get snagged.

Personally, I do not like backpacks for longer rides due to sweating. A combination of a frame bag, a bigger saddle bag (like the Topeak Backloader) and a front bag could be an option.
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Chris18
41 posts
#4Apr 17, 2024, 12:37 PM
Thanks to you both.
This will be for short, overnight trips, staying at a B&B or hotel, so just a set of clothes and a few small toiletries, then returning to our vacation base. Nothing heavy or sharp in the backpack or bag. While it will add weight up high, it shouldn't be much, which is why I don't think I'd mind it. I was more concerned about the pack shifting around during riding, causing a rash or sort of sanding the skin. But rucking backpacks are not supposed to do that. Not supposed to...
I was looking at rucking backpacks, which have the chest & hip straps. Backpack is definitely narrower than my shoulders, so snagging "shouldn't" be an issue. Somehow those things always happen though, don't they?
We'll be in Ireland, where the weather is always questionable, hour to hour. Most likely won't get too sweaty since it's usually cool & breezy, but rain is likely. My attitude on getting wet is that I've always dried off in the past, so no worries, unless it's cold/windy, in which case I'd throw on another layer.
The trouble with frame bags for us is we're both short, so larger bags don't fit bikes that would fit us. And we'd lose all water bottle space. I'm looking more at handlebar bags now. Most of the behind the seat bags are either too small to hold enough stuff, or too large to bring in our luggage easily. Trying to travel lightly overall, which is one of the reasons I was thinking a large backpack might be a good idea.
I appreciate the input!
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Eisbaer
27 posts
#5Apr 18, 2024, 1:37 AMedited
I see. 👍

Out of my perspective, a big drawback of bags is that you cannot carry them away easily, if you make a break or what. So, if your load is small and if sweating is not your problem, try a backpack!

And, a handlebar bag is a good idea in any case. I also like these small bags to be installed on the upside of the top tube. They are wobbly, but easy to reach when riding.
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KStraker
13 posts
#6May 17, 2024, 10:46 AMedited
Hi,
My wife and I will be vacationing this summer and renting bikes that don't come with panniers or frame bags. I was thinking about a new backpack as a travel carry-on and for the rides we plan to do (rail-trail/Greenways- paved or packed gravel, probably doing like 40 miles/day, not bringing much besides a change of clothes and a little food/hydration bladder).

Are there specific types that would work well? I was thinking something like a rucking backpack.

Any info appreciated.
I would use a Camelbak Mule or something similar. It has the hydration bladder and enough space to carry the things you describe. REI makes one called Link that is cheaper.. The Osprey packs have a nice magnetized clip for the drinking nozzle.
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Chris18
41 posts
#7May 17, 2024, 11:05 AM
I forgot to update this.
I got a rucking backpack, largely just because we had credit card points that scored me one for free. Then I finally heard back from a rental place that they include panniers with their rentals, so all of this was pretty pointless to ask. Thanks for all the replies though!
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Eisbaer
27 posts
#8May 21, 2024, 5:28 AM
lol ... I would not say pointless, because it was interesting to discuss. Have a nice trip!!
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Chris18
41 posts
#9May 21, 2024, 5:48 AM
lol ... I would not say pointless, because it was interesting to discuss. Have a nice trip!!
Good point.
Glad to have finally heard back from someone over there.

I would use a Camelbak Mule or something similar. It has the hydration bladder and enough space to carry the things you describe. REI makes one called Link that is cheaper.. The Osprey packs have a nice magnetized clip for the drinking nozzle.
I somehow missed this post but a Camelbak Mule ad popped up for me yesterday. That thing is so cool! I'll definitely keep that in mind for the future. Thanks!
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climbbkr
1 posts
#10Jun 5, 2024, 7:33 PM
Hi,
My wife and I will be vacationing this summer and renting bikes that don't come with panniers or frame bags. I was thinking about a new backpack as a travel carry-on and for the rides we plan to do (rail-trail/Greenways- paved or packed gravel, probably doing like 40 miles/day, not bringing much besides a change of clothes and a little food/hydration bladder).

Are there specific types that would work well? I was thinking something like a rucking backpack.

Any info appreciated.
I have extensively ridden with backpacks while mountain biking. This is on trails and some pretty technical ones at that. I have put my tent on the bike and even with that small amount of weight find it too much a compromise. I normally have less than 9 kg load. I've ridden 25 kg once riding to Spruce Lake along Gun Creek trail. It is surprising how that didn't slow me down too much.

I might not want to have a pack on roads. But when you are on rough roads and trails you're constantly moving around and the bike I find is more fluid and smooth when unloaded.

It's critical that the pack sits properly and won't interfere with your helmet in any riding position. Otherwise, it will bug you so much. I have a MEC Zephyr 45 which is perfect for up to five days.
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