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Carrying backpack on a bike? Carrying backpack on a bike?
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Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



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  #1  
Old 2 May 2011
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Carrying backpack on a bike?
I see it being warned against across a few threads, but have been communicating with some guys who did it with minimal issues it seems: http://no-guts-no-glory.weebly.com/index.html



I realise it might change the balance of the bike for experienced riders, but for someone crusing along slowly on a 125cc it seems like it might be reasonable to do, no?

(and a bike newbie, so go easy on me )
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Old 2 May 2011
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Hey there...

It depends on the backpack doesn't it....

A very small day pack with waterproofs and a water bladder isn't too bad (although even that annoys me) but carrying any serious weight gets uncomfortable REALLY fast. It's bad for your posture, back, shoulders and makes long days even more uncomfortable...

A backpack also makes your back very hot and sweaty.

There's also the safety matter. My friend had a spill and his rucksack got caught on the handle bars, dragging him down the road with the bike instead of just dumped at the side.

Also, having any hard objects in the pack will also injure you if you fall on them in a topple. Imagine a camera being shoved into your spine ??

Couldn't you strap it on the seat behind you ??
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Old 2 May 2011
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OH ??? I didn't see the picture. I read "carrying"....

If it's strapped down securely and WELL waterproofed then why not. Keeping the straps and buckles secure and away from the chain/wheels should ALWAYS be in your mind though.
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Old 2 May 2011
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Ha ha, I was about to reference the photo after recieving notice of your first post.

Yeah, would definitely have it strapped securely, and make sure it was 15kg max (that was the weight these guys had). I guess it's lighter than if I was carrying a second person afterall, right?
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Old 2 May 2011
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Quote:
Originally Posted by deeve007 View Post
Ha ha, I was about to reference the photo after recieving notice of your first post.

Yeah, would definitely have it strapped securely, and make sure it was 15kg max (that was the weight these guys had). I guess it's lighter than if I was carrying a second person afterall, right?
Definitely lighter... It's a good idea if you're mixing riding with backpacking but if you're JUST doing a bike trip then there are better options like a big dry bag. Keeping it waterproof will be your biggest headache I think.

Ortlieb rack pack etc.
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Old 2 May 2011
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I've also got to factor in that I'm already in Argentina, and will be going to Chile in a couple of months to purchase bike ...etc, so I don't have as many luggage/equipment options as I might back home. But will definitely see what there is. You're obviously right about the waterproof issue, even though I've no plans to do any serious riding in the wet, I'm bound to get caught in a downpour or two.
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Old 2 May 2011
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What is the intended use of the Backpack and how often would you wear it?

A bit more info would help like how often you intend to wear it, how long your travelling for, what weather you expect, what you need to carry in the backpack.

All this would help form your needs or requirements then you can look at options.

Like Ted says, an Ortlib (waterproof bag) might be better if you expect a lot of rain, then you could possibly fold up the backpack and put it inside the ortlib empty... that is if there is enough space.
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Old 2 May 2011
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Yeah, the "how often will I wear it" is a good question, something I'll need to think about. Being a small bike, there may be times when I head high altitude when it may be best to leave the bike somewhere for a week or more and come back to it. So will need to plan out a rough route and see if that's a factor.

Great advice guys, really appreciate the tips.
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Old 3 May 2011
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I definitely recommend it if you are on a small bike with not much luggage capacity.

Here's how I rode through China.

Name: backpack on Haobon.JPG Views: 2253 Size: 38.9 KB
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Old 3 May 2011
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Yep, think that's what I'm leaning towards mate, thanks for the photo. Being a novice rider and lower budget, it seems the way to go to "dip my toe" into a journey like this.

I've got a feeling that once bitten with the ride bug I won't be going back...
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Old 9 May 2011
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Heya,
I've just started a trip from Santiago CHile heading north on a Euromot 200 - I decided to get plastic pelican boxes and build panniers - for security, balancing weight, waterproofing etc. Glad I have it rather than strapping on too many bags... BUT I do um perhaps um am carrying a little more that I should be! What I have is 2 plastic panniers, and threw my backpack, jerry can, tent, mat etc into 1 bag that I sit on top. Extra helmet sits on top of that. Bag is not so heavy (minus a 5L water and jerry can) and feels solid to ride. I'm also a novice rider but solidly bitten now
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Old 9 May 2011
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Did you get the panniers and other stuff while in Chile? Is bike from Chile or did you import it from somewhere else? And if bought in Chile, costs?

Thanks.
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