Ingah Posted March 26, 2009 Share Posted March 26, 2009 Not trying to intentionally put anyone off backpacks here but..I was told they were dangerous to wear whilst on bikes, because if you come off the impact will majorly screw up your back?I've intentionally avoided using one for that very reason, and keep ramming my panniers full of stuff instead - anything to avoid a back pack.Is this right? Wrong? Any back packs where this is not the case?I'm also considering a top box, but have been put off substantially by the story on here of the guy being rammed by a car from behind and his back smacked straight into the top box first - he was wearing a back protector so he was OK, but i don't, so i don't want to chance it. Again, anything that can be done to make the top box thing safe? (it would be really convenient to have one) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted March 26, 2009 Share Posted March 26, 2009 I don't use a backpack regularly (have in the past) and use a topbox most days for work. I don't concern myself with what if scenarios... I just carry my stuff and enjoy riding a bike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MtotheJ Posted March 26, 2009 Share Posted March 26, 2009 I suppose it could be dangerous. I have the Kriega r25 with a back protector in and a back protector in my jacket. I don't know as i luckily havent ever come off but surely not many people land directly on their back when they come off? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rosie Posted March 26, 2009 Share Posted March 26, 2009 I tend to use a tank bag when carting all my stuff around.At the moment I'm still waiting for my new tank cover to arrive (more about that in a new thread when the time is right )so I put my stuff in a back pack but I cargo net it to the back of me on the pillion seat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jamo Posted March 27, 2009 Share Posted March 27, 2009 I don't use a backpack regularly (have in the past) and use a topbox most days for work. I don't concern myself with what if scenarios... I just carry my stuff and enjoy riding a bike SameI cant imagine a backpack being dangerous unless your carrying rocks in it or something,Im just thinking if im sliding down the floor on my back, ima welcome the laptop thats coming between me and that very abrasive stuff whizzing past. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest akey Posted March 27, 2009 Share Posted March 27, 2009 I dont like using a backpack for the same reason, I use tankbag, panniers and a top box. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted March 27, 2009 Share Posted March 27, 2009 I don't use a backpack regularly (have in the past) and use a topbox most days for work. I don't concern myself with what if scenarios... I just carry my stuff and enjoy riding a bike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevie16v Posted March 28, 2009 Share Posted March 28, 2009 i use a backpack daily for work. I put the softest stuff (clothes etc) nearest my back and the other stuff further away. |to be honest, im a bit of a tight A$$ and spending 200 big ones on a box is something i cant justify just now Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
techno Posted March 28, 2009 Share Posted March 28, 2009 I use a backpack for work only wouldn't really want to spoil the bike with a top box and am not old enough to really own one As for a bum bag these are to be avoided at all cost not because they maybe dangerous just that you will instantly look a dick Oh and I also dont do what if scenario's! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted March 28, 2009 Share Posted March 28, 2009 I suppose if the top box wasnt there the car could have rammed into him... maybe it protected him from a worse scenario..I think as long as you ..1. make sure its in good condition, straps, zips etc2. make sure loose straps are secured.3. dont have heavy/sharp objects in it4. make sure its all zipped up and clipped properlyit should be ok.Im sure there will be occassions when someone has come off bike and backpack has protected them... life is full of what ifs.... if we worried about all eventualities, we prob wouldnt ride at all .. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevie16v Posted March 28, 2009 Share Posted March 28, 2009 completely agree vicky. At the end of the day. If you come off a bike at anything above 20mph regardless if you're wearing a backpack or not, its going to hurt Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill_on_a_bike Posted March 28, 2009 Share Posted March 28, 2009 I wear a back pack every day I ride to school. It's made of very weak material, and has hardly got anything of great weight in it, few books and some food.It would rip in half well before it twisted my shoulders up......I hope. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hoody Posted March 28, 2009 Share Posted March 28, 2009 Ruck sacks even empty could break your back if the ruffled up and created a 'high spot' against your spine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted March 31, 2009 Share Posted March 31, 2009 I use a small backpack in which I carry my books and some stationary etc. There are very good biking rucksacks that have integrated back protectors. I have an Oxford one which is excellent. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Voodoo Posted March 31, 2009 Share Posted March 31, 2009 In my younger days I had an accident whilst wearing a rucksack. I did a 360 degree spin over a car and landed on my backpack. It saved me from loads of damage and I was so glad I wore it that day.As for boxes on the back of your bike, well if you watch the Long Way Round Ewan has an accident in American. Ewan manages to stay on his bike (I'm sure his panniers helped) and the car that rammed him ends up totalled (which was caused by the panniers). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill_on_a_bike Posted April 1, 2009 Share Posted April 1, 2009 Ruck sacks even empty could break your back if the ruffled up and created a 'high spot' against your spine. A high spot on your spine? much like a back protector would I imagine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pumilio Posted May 12, 2009 Share Posted May 12, 2009 I wear one with a laptop and random other small items in it every day to work. I've never really thought about safety for it I feel safe, comfy and confident using it on the tiger (spacious, upright riding position). Reading the above, I may look into getting a backpack made for bikes... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Posted May 12, 2009 Share Posted May 12, 2009 I sometimes wear one. It's an ourdoorsy type thing with a strap around the waist and one around the chest with clips on. I used it nearly everytime I went out when I started biking - I didn't have a back protector then so used to stick a Haynes manual in it!!I actually feel quite a bit 'safer' with one on sometimes. Privided the bag isn't overloaded and likely to cause a 'twist' when it comes to falling off I don't see the problem. The only reason I won't carry my laptop in there is because if I do come off and need to spend time on the ward I'm going to want something to check email on! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jpow112 Posted May 13, 2009 Share Posted May 13, 2009 I used to use a backpack - a Givi one, v good, but found it was just too restrictive and sweaty in the summer (what summer), so on my VFR I've got the topbox, which doesn't look great, but is very practical, and I can use it to store my helmet and gloves reasonably securely.For odd rides about when I've not got my workstuff I'm gonna get a tankbag most likely.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sparky Posted May 14, 2009 Share Posted May 14, 2009 I wear one with a laptop and random other small items in it every day to work. I've never really thought about safety for it I feel safe, comfy and confident using it on the tiger (spacious, upright riding position). Reading the above, I may look into getting a backpack made for bikes...i have heard about computer harware actually contributing to the safty of the rider. that was a long time ago though, and was probably riding pushbikes... wouldn't say that a laptop is going to improve you safety at all. might help you slide a bite longer.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted May 17, 2009 Share Posted May 17, 2009 i just noticed my pack has been scratching my solo seat unit. i won't wear it anymore. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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