Are backpacks dangerous?
Discussion
I wear a kriega R20 backpack with a back insert inside the compartment, how dangerous are backpacks in an off?
Panniers are too big to be practical on daily commute and I don't have a top box cos they look ugly (yes I know that is a dumb reason but its also dumb to ride bikes in the first place).
Panniers are too big to be practical on daily commute and I don't have a top box cos they look ugly (yes I know that is a dumb reason but its also dumb to ride bikes in the first place).
Can't really help, but I have a Kriega 35 that I wear, as soft panniers on a sports bike are poor at best. Had a mate nearly die when a throw over pannier failed and got caught in the back wheel, locking it up and throwing him off. Fortunately not crash tested the Kriega, but would hope that it wouldn't be too much of an issue in the event of an off.
Might be an advantage in some accidents.....might be worse in others, catch on something and cause you to roll more. Much will depend what you have in it; soft clothing or heavy books/laptop. Every accident is different, bit hard to predict really. Personal choice, if you need to carry stuff, you may have no option.
I do have a Dainese rucksack thats great for ad hoc use, has an expanding compartment to take a spare helmet. Handy if going to pick someone up or to carry your kit around with you during the day. I dont worry about using it when I need to, but thats only a few times per year, Im not wearing it daily and commuting in it.
I do have a Dainese rucksack thats great for ad hoc use, has an expanding compartment to take a spare helmet. Handy if going to pick someone up or to carry your kit around with you during the day. I dont worry about using it when I need to, but thats only a few times per year, Im not wearing it daily and commuting in it.
I've wondered this. I've switched to a backpack (Lomo 30l) based on my honda topbox mounting bracket failing completely and the box falling off (thankfully nowhere near the rear wheel, and not at speed). Honda were completely unfazed by this, so I doubt I'm the first. I went with a topbox because I had this mad idea that they were safer than backpacks. So far all I've learned is that no luggage is completely safe...
Another factor is if you have any straps or bits dangling from the backpack that could get caught - always make sure you roll up any loose straps and tape them up in a roll - or even use velcro securing straps. Strap them on nice and tight and I don't see any issues with a backpack providing you're not carrying around silly like rocks, loose nails, caltrops, independently targeting particle-beam phalanx, tactical smart missiles, phase plasma pulse rifles, RPGs, sonic-electronic ball-breakers, nukes, knives, sharp sticks.....
Don't over think this. 
Many other issues to worry about, diesel, cow pats, 'didn't see you mate', gravel, cyclists, horses, deer.
The list is endless.
Two riders came past me today as I was walking the dog - £500 + helmets and wearing normal jeans and trainers. In a low speed off I think the damage to skin and bone may make them rethink their choice of gear.
Many other issues to worry about, diesel, cow pats, 'didn't see you mate', gravel, cyclists, horses, deer.The list is endless.
Two riders came past me today as I was walking the dog - £500 + helmets and wearing normal jeans and trainers. In a low speed off I think the damage to skin and bone may make them rethink their choice of gear.
Charliecloud said:
Don't over think this. Many other issues to worry about, diesel, cow pats, 'didn't see you mate', gravel, cyclists, horses, deer.
The list is endless.
Two riders came past me today as I was walking the dog - £500 + helmets and wearing normal jeans and trainers. In a low speed off I think the damage to skin and bone may make them rethink their choice of gear.
I've seen guys fully geared up, jacket/pants/gloves/helmet... except for wearing ankle-high socks and snickers Many other issues to worry about, diesel, cow pats, 'didn't see you mate', gravel, cyclists, horses, deer.The list is endless.
Two riders came past me today as I was walking the dog - £500 + helmets and wearing normal jeans and trainers. In a low speed off I think the damage to skin and bone may make them rethink their choice of gear.
another one - full race suit, race boots...but no gloves
what is in those peoples' heads, I wonder
Ho Lee Kau said:
Charliecloud said:
Don't over think this. Many other issues to worry about, diesel, cow pats, 'didn't see you mate', gravel, cyclists, horses, deer.
The list is endless.
Two riders came past me today as I was walking the dog - £500 + helmets and wearing normal jeans and trainers. In a low speed off I think the damage to skin and bone may make them rethink their choice of gear.
I've seen guys fully geared up, jacket/pants/gloves/helmet... except for wearing ankle-high socks and snickers Many other issues to worry about, diesel, cow pats, 'didn't see you mate', gravel, cyclists, horses, deer.The list is endless.
Two riders came past me today as I was walking the dog - £500 + helmets and wearing normal jeans and trainers. In a low speed off I think the damage to skin and bone may make them rethink their choice of gear.
another one - full race suit, race boots...but no gloves
what is in those peoples' heads, I wonder
A backpack probably won't do you any good in a fall unless it's packed with cushions. I can imagine situations where it could easily make things worse. That said, I find the main problem with backpacks is the way they affect your airflow and cornering. I hate the noisy turbulence they create and even when they're tightly tied down there is always a cord or strap that starts flapping in the wind. I also dislike the way they feel when you lean the bike.
Bob_Defly said:
Ho Lee Kau said:
Charliecloud said:
Don't over think this. Many other issues to worry about, diesel, cow pats, 'didn't see you mate', gravel, cyclists, horses, deer.
The list is endless.
Two riders came past me today as I was walking the dog - £500 + helmets and wearing normal jeans and trainers. In a low speed off I think the damage to skin and bone may make them rethink their choice of gear.
I've seen guys fully geared up, jacket/pants/gloves/helmet... except for wearing ankle-high socks and snickers Many other issues to worry about, diesel, cow pats, 'didn't see you mate', gravel, cyclists, horses, deer.The list is endless.
Two riders came past me today as I was walking the dog - £500 + helmets and wearing normal jeans and trainers. In a low speed off I think the damage to skin and bone may make them rethink their choice of gear.
another one - full race suit, race boots...but no gloves
what is in those peoples' heads, I wonder
Donbot said:
A couple years ago I went into the side of a car on my bicycle at about 15mph. The only injury I had was to my lower back as I had a laptop and a couple of books in my backpack.
I still use one on the motorbikes, but it makes me nervous about carrying anything heavy.
20 years ago, my Belstaff Explorer jacket (best designed jacket I've ever own incidentally) had a handy bum-bag which you could use for maps, spare gloves etc.I still use one on the motorbikes, but it makes me nervous about carrying anything heavy.
I bumped into a guy at a meet who had the same jacket; when comparing the odds and sods we kept in the multiple pockets, he showed me the socket set in its metal box that he carried in his...
I avoid wearing a backpack when riding if at al possible as I find it feels quite restricting. Obviously it’s not, and I know it’s silly as I always wear a seatbelt in the car.
I like panniers/top box. Panniers don’t really make filtering much harder. I used to regularly filter along the A40 into London on a 1200GSA with metal panniers without trouble.
I like panniers/top box. Panniers don’t really make filtering much harder. I used to regularly filter along the A40 into London on a 1200GSA with metal panniers without trouble.
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