Backpacks are getting a undeserved bad rap imo

24 replies · 1,277 views

tinman
76 posts
#1Jul 12, 2021, 3:21 PM
Maybe it’s just me? Seems there are a small group yet very loud of backpack haters on the internet
Yet in real life cycling in the USA and especially Europe backpacks are the go too

My thoughts , experiences of the good ol backpack

* I am 60 years old. Quality cycling backpacks have gotten substantially better over time !
* They are the quickest to grab and go
* My modern smallish 15 L bike specific backpack is REALLY comfortable and handy
* “” sweaty back “” is HIGHLY overrated with modern packs. It’s not an all or nothing thing either and it only applies at hotter , humid temps HIGHLY over rated with good modern modest sized packs
* I am pretty aero dynamic in a head wind with my backpack compared to most other bags
* I keep it light now a days. Typically 5 # or less and soft goods only ( clothes, water , bananas…..bread from a bakery :-) For safety purposes ( crash) I no longer keep any hard goods , repairs tools in my back pack
* Because it’s now soft goods only it can actually help protect my back if I crash !
* The straps , ergonomics are much improved over years !
* There are large differences between low quality and high quality as well as proper fit.
* Multi Use for traveling with out a bike

I could go on and on and on including money savings compared to other bags , no bag straps scratch marks on your bike , bike handling - feel compared to on bike bags , hike a bike = no comparison , climbing hills compared to bike bags etc

But rather than that I will just say THANK YOU ! to my handy , comfortable 15L ish bike specific backpacks and those whom design manufacture , as they stay …….make the cut continuously….while all my other bike bags ( packing and touring) which cost me more total $$$ , racked my brain on choices, fit or not , tire clearance , frame size for , weights , mounts , bla bla bla come and go

Thank You Modern Bike Specific Back Packs / Rucksacks !
1
stu
646 posts
#2Jul 12, 2021, 3:42 PM
I have an old Burton [AK] 20 L snowboard pack which I mostly use for school supplies. It's thin, light, comfortable, and stable. Also works great with a bike when I need to carry extra stuff.
1
ljsmith
762 posts
#3Jul 12, 2021, 4:24 PM
I think a lot depends on how far you ride. I typically ride long distances, often over multiple days. A back pack would get very tiring. I use a very light camelbak, and even that can start to get tiring when its completely full of liquid. But if a backpack works for you thats great!
2
Mark_S
144 posts
#4Jul 14, 2021, 5:52 AM
@tinman I was just thinking I need to get a small backpack for use on longer rides. May I ask which one you are using, as it sounds perfect?
0
advcyclist
29 posts
#5Jul 14, 2021, 8:22 AMedited
@tinman Seems fairly obvious you don't ride in the sauna that is the U.S. Southeast... you'd be singing a different tune if, when you took off the backpack; it was saturated with your sweat that then crystallized into a salt block after it dried.

Wanna carry crap; let the bike be the pack animal... be that a hydration bladder, tools, spare clothes, whatever you fancy. There is absolutely no need to pack yet another insulating layer of heat retention on your body, as well as the fatigue induced from the shoulder straps over time and distance.

1
chas
1,305 posts
#6Jul 14, 2021, 9:14 AM▲ Top
Sweat is a pretty big deal, and I find that most backpacks wear too high up on my shoulders as I on a drop bar bike.

I've used a camelback Mule since they came out if I want to carry a lot of water and yet want to bike to be light and nimble.

But realistically, for the last 15 years or so, I use a messenger bag to carry lighter high volume) loads for trips >1hr. No sweat, no Aero issues, bike is still light and nimble, and I have it riding low - on my hips, not on my back.
3
Frank
82 posts
#7Jul 14, 2021, 9:22 AM
Tinman--I may have missed it, but where do you carry your tools if not in your back pack?? Riding mostly in Az, I have gravitated over this last 5-10 years to packing all my stuff including tools, water, food etc on the bike when riding gravel and road. Wearing a back pack is limited, for me, to riding MTB where it makes more sense for protection and extra water. Even good quality backpacks are much too hot in summer here when it can be avoided. I use a top tube bag and bar bag mostly and sometimes a rear rack if I need to carry more stuff which gives me a less encumbered feeling.
1
Shurlock
40 posts
#8Jul 14, 2021, 12:00 PM
I have found The Osprey Hydrapak is a significant improvement over any Camelbak products and wear one regularly. Through Unbound 200 miles, 3000+ miles on the GDMBR and even on short 3 hours rides, it has been a nice surprise that their proprietary venting and suspension systems do deliver what the marketing division claims it will do.
I agree that having something on the back is not for everyone but for some that have been used to hauling 50+ lbs in backpacking for weeks on end it is hardly even noticeable to have 2.5 litres agua there.

Like everything biking, there is no panacea and YMMV.
1
tinman
76 posts
#9Jul 14, 2021, 12:20 PM
Mark_S wrote:@tinman I was just thinking I need to get a small backpack for use on longer rides. May I ask which one you are using, as it sounds perfect?

Hi Mark,
Note - I have zero professional interest,sponsorship, bike shop association. My opinion is genuine , un-bias , end user. However I do try to support local brick and motar business

My current fav. is a Specialized Base Miles Water Proof 15 liter that also holds a 3 L bladder when needed. More importantly the straps are very comfortable, it ergonomically bicycle specific, not large and I keep it light 5 pounds or less. You might have a look at the Vaude packs, smaller Camel and of course Osprey as well.
0
tinman
76 posts
#10Jul 14, 2021, 12:50 PMedited
advcyclist wrote:@tinman Seems fairly obvious you don't ride in the sauna that is the U.S. Southeast... you'd be singing a different tune if, when you took off the backpack; it was saturated with your sweat that then crystallized into a salt block after it dried.

Wanna carry crap; let the bike be the pack animal... be that a hydration bladder, tools, spare clothes, whatever you fancy. There is absolutely no need to pack yet another insulating layer of heat retention on your body, as well as the fatigue induced from the shoulder straps over time and distance.

I don't know where to begin . How about first ~ I DO LIVE IN THE SOUTHEAST for a fact = THANKS !...... chuckle

Nice Selfie .................

Your a good example of why I started this thread

Thanks and I am glad it works for you !
1
Toadmeister
53 posts
#11Jul 14, 2021, 12:59 PMedited
The other problem with a backpack is it has a high center of gravity if loaded up. I'm already a big Clydesdale (6'4", 270#). I'm build like a gorilla w/dad bod beer belly -or rather I resemble Shrek... in any case I don't want more weight up high.

And being that sized/shaped backpacks really don't fit me well...

I used to carry a Camelback but now leverage my bike frame for all the other reasons mentioned. If I were just commuting on level roads I think a light pack would be OK for clothes and other light items as mentioned.
1
tinman
76 posts
#12Jul 14, 2021, 1:08 PMedited
Frank wrote:Tinman--I may have missed it, but where do you carry your tools if not in your back pack??

Howdy Frank, I use to but for safety reason's in the event of a crash I moved my repair kit back to a rear tool saddle bag again or depending on the ride, (perhaps a c card micro tour etc) I put them in a modified water bottle type tool kit holder on the under side of my down tube nearest my bottom bracket, in a water bottle cage.

By choice for safety I know longer carry any hard goods in my pack pack (spine) in the event of a crash - only soft goods, water bladder, clothes, soft food. I also keep it below 5-6 #'s including the 1# pack weight and have no issues on humid days in the 90's but I am not riding at a race pace either. Moving my repair kit from the backpack back to a tool sized saddle also helped keep my small'ish 15 L backpack lighter weight and good for what its best at imo - soft goods like clothes, food and / or water bladder

Via research I seen enough evidence that documented spinal injury from hard goods in backpacks in the event of a crash. Likewise there is much the same for protection of the spine with soft goods including water bladders, clothes etc.
0
tinman
76 posts
#13Jul 14, 2021, 1:19 PM
Shurlock wrote:
I have found The Osprey Hydrapak is a significant improvement over any Camelbak products and wear one regularly. Through Unbound 200 miles, 3000+ miles on the GDMBR and even on short 3 hours rides, it has been a nice surprise that their proprietary venting and suspension systems do deliver what the marketing division claims it will do.
I agree that having something on the back is not for everyone but for some that have been used to hauling 50+ lbs in backpacking for weeks on end it is hardly even noticeable to have 2.5 litres agua there.

Like everything biking, there is no panacea and YMMV.

Good Info ! Thanks for sharing that with us Shurlock. How many liters is that pack? I am looking for one for my 31 year old son as a gift. He also rock climbs besides cycles avidly do you happen to have a link ? BTW - thats usually all I run in mine is 2.5 liters water (6 pounds) or the same 5-6 pounds total of clothes/soft goods food but not both and I hardly notice its there
0
Mark_S
144 posts
#14Jul 14, 2021, 1:36 PM
tinman wrote:
Hi Mark,
Note - I have zero professional interest,sponsorship, bike shop association. My opinion is genuine , un-bias , end user. However I do try to support local brick and motar business

My current fav. is a Specialized Base Miles Water Proof 15 liter that also holds a 3 L bladder when needed. More importantly the straps are very comfortable, it ergonomically bicycle specific, not large and I keep it light 5 pounds or less. You might have a look at the Vaude packs, smaller Camel and of course Osprey as well.

Thank you. Looks great but very hard to come by. An easily available alternative is the Vaude Uphill 12L and this is apparently bike specific. If you have a moment to glance at it and tell me what you think I'd be grateful.
0
advcyclist
29 posts
#15Jul 14, 2021, 2:12 PM
tinman wrote:

I don't know where to begin young man. How about first I DO LIVE IN THE SOUTHEAST for a fact = THANKS >!...... chuckle

2nd - Your go by name "avid cyclist ", race finisher (notice I didn't say podium) mug shot of the dirtty kanza profile and additional action shots of yourself, submitted by yourself , at no request = Raise's A Lot Of Flags With Me. Is that to raise credibility? If so it didn't work well with me and had an opposite effect.

If you want to hate on bike backpacks to that level

fwiw - Of all the bikepacking bags I have purchased and used- yes the Relevate Designs Tangle Top Tube was by far the most practical (with frame tape). But, I could not credit card tour with it and a tool saddle for a few days like a small 15L, Backpack with 5 #'s of clothes. Nor could I pick up a some banana's or a loaf of bakery bread (no I am not car- less and actually, am a successful entrepreneur and ride for pleasure) on the way home from a ride. Nor hop from one bike to another, nor shoulder my bike for a hike up some stairs, etc etc etc.

I don't race either but I appreciate most ( roll eyes ) of those that do

Yet many of those running the Great Tour Divide 2700 miles per memory do run small backpacks as well

Your a good example of why I started this thread = " small but loud group of backpack haters"

Thanks and I am glad it works for you !

It's ADV (Adventure) cyclist, though I am an avid cyclist and log thousands of miles per year across all disciplines of pedaled motivation... gravel, road, MTB, et al...

I use photos for examples, not as any form of bragging rights (though I am admittedly proud of my avatar photo as that was the first year I finished before the sun), and I do not hate backpacks. I just learned, through many, many years of "avid" cycling, racing, and adventuring, that backpacks have more cons than pros in most instances. If the ride is short, say 2-4 hours, and the terrain is too sketchy to grab bottles; I'll use a pack, but only to carry a bladder, and I moved away from center-of-spine style packs to a Camelbak Octane years ago w/ a lumbar bladder that keeps the weight low, centered, and frees some of the air space between my jersey and the pack. The only other time I'm using a pack is on my commutes to/from work but that's to carry a change of clothes only. So, no; I don't hate backpacks...

If the ride/race is longer, and there will be plenty of opportunities to grab a bottle (ie; Kansas) then it makes absolutely no sense to trap that heat on my back with the weight and density of a full hydration bladder with other bits moving around. In those events; I use the Tangle frame bag with Mountain Feedbag(s) on the handlebars to carry extra bottles. That also serves a secondary benefit of breaking up my liquid calories between different flavors so as not to get tastebud-sore of one flavor.

To be perfectly honest; I've been looking more at the hip/lumbar packs to carry emergency or supplementary water as that would provide some additional capacity without the negative affects of increased shoulder and neck strain with the added heat retention.
tinman
76 posts
#16Jul 14, 2021, 2:13 PMedited
Mark_S wrote:

Thank you. Looks great but very hard to come by. An easily available alternative is the Vaude Uphill 12L and this is apparently bike specific. If you have a moment to glance at it and tell me what you think I'd be grateful.

Mark,

It looks very good to me and has a hydration bladder sleeve, I like the wings and sleeve for food/fuel on the strap but personally I would likely opt for the 16L over the 12L, not for more water space ( i only use 2.5 liters when in use), but rather, light rolled up clothes space for example C-card tour or grocery store stop after local fitness ride before heading home. Its either or for me 2.5 liters of water (6 #'s ) or no water and soft goods space (6 #'s). Or half and half - 6#'s............then its like butter for the major convenience having it and if all soft goods there is some good data out there from downhill MTB'ers using bladders only it may be a spine saver in a crash also. Another tip is to keep the should straps wide as possible on your shoulder blades and not by your neck. I also keep my pack a bit lower on my back cycling rather than hiking

May not matter much but I have not owned one quite that small (12L) ........yet to say.

You may want to check with Shurlock above on that/which Osprey Hydro Pack he recommends as he has done from the Great Divide MBR to quick 3 hour outings.

Hope that helps
0
Shurlock
40 posts
#17Jul 14, 2021, 2:36 PM
tinman wrote:

Good Info ! Thanks for sharing that with us Shurlock. How many liters is that pack? I am looking for one for my 31 year old son as a gift. He also rock climbs besides cycles avidly do you happen to have a link ? BTW - thats usually all I run in mine is 2.5 liters water (6 pounds) or the same 5-6 pounds total of clothes/soft goods food but not both and I hardly notice its there

Made specifically for biking.
https://www.osprey.com/us/en/product/raptor-14-RAPTOR14S19.html
1
Mark_S
144 posts
#18Jul 15, 2021, 12:08 AM
[QUOTE username=tinman userid=3356327 postid=1326953801]

Mark,

It looks very good to me and has a hydration bladder sleeve, I like the wings and sleeve for food/fuel on the strap but personally I would likely opt for the 16L over the 12L,

@tinman thanks very much. Ordered. Appreciate it -
0
tinman
76 posts
#19Jul 16, 2021, 7:43 AM
Mark_S

Awesome , let me know how you like it.
0
Alex_C
148 posts
#20Jul 18, 2021, 6:00 PMedited
I live in south west Florida.The humidity and heat are intense. I'm not a fan of backpacks when exerting myself ie; running or cycling. Any extra heat trapped on the body is awful. I've used backpacks in the past when doing longish trail runs, they were a necessary evil with several miles between water stops or worse, the unsupported runs. I carry 4 water bottles on my bike. Yesterday we rode 60miles in the heat, went through 6 bottles (we stopped at mile 40 to get ice and liquid). It was awful near the end, mud, shallow water crossings, mid 90's temps, high humidity and full sun for 4+ hours. I can't imagine how much hotter I would've been with something sitting on my back.
With all that, I understand that everyone is different and I've seen many a bad ass rocking a backpack while cycling. Whatever works is good!
1

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