Cycling Backpacks
#1
Newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2021
Posts: 3
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Cycling Backpacks
Hey nice to meet you all! What do you all look for in a backpack? My company's making a backpack for cyclists and we'd love some feedback if possible.
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Mich
Posts: 7,389
Bikes: RSO E-tire dropper fixie brifter
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6 Post(s)
Liked 2,972 Times
in
1,918 Posts
If I were to design a backpack that I'd use on my routes, it'd be a slightly wider, less tall Topeak Trunk Bag that slides onto the rear quick rack yet also has 4 attaching points on the flat side that is facing you back, for adjustable traditional backpack straps.
__________________
-Oh Hey!
-Oh Hey!
#3
Advanced Slacker
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 6,210
Bikes: Soma Fog Cutter, Surly Wednesday, Canfielld Tilt
Mentioned: 26 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2762 Post(s)
Liked 2,537 Times
in
1,433 Posts
#4
On Your Left
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Long Island, New York, USA
Posts: 8,373
Bikes: Trek Emonda SLR, Sram eTap, Zipp 303
Mentioned: 34 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3004 Post(s)
Liked 2,433 Times
in
1,187 Posts
I've never used one for cycling buy have for hiking.
It should have a place for a bladder to hold water and somehow not sit directly on your back to increase ventilation and reduce a hot sweaty mess.
It should have a place for a bladder to hold water and somehow not sit directly on your back to increase ventilation and reduce a hot sweaty mess.
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Mich
Posts: 7,389
Bikes: RSO E-tire dropper fixie brifter
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6 Post(s)
Liked 2,972 Times
in
1,918 Posts
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Highlands Ranch, CO
Posts: 1,221
Bikes: '13 Diamondback Hybrid Commuter, '17 Spec Roubaix Di2, '17 Spec Camber 29'er, '19 CDale Topstone Gravel
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 590 Post(s)
Liked 445 Times
in
260 Posts
High contrast colors (hi-vis on black).
Reflective patches on all sides.
Mesh holder(s) on the sides for standard cycling water bottles.
Fuzzy lined pocket(s) for storing riding glasses (lots of backpacks have this for cell phone storage I think).
Three separate zippered compartments, for separating clean, wet, dirty, and electronic things, with more sub-divides in each, for organization.
Comfortable padded shoulder straps.
Latch to secure the shoulder straps together at the nipple line.
Large enough to carry change of clothes, lunch, and shoes for when I get to work.
Horizontal piece of nylon at the very bottom for mounting clip-on tail-light.
If any one of those features were missing, I'd probably not buy it.
And the one thing my current commuting backpack doesn't have, that I really wish it did, was a built in way (hook and loop maybe?) to manage the tightening cords of the shoulder straps, so they don't flop around while riding. Right now I have to wrap them around and just hope they stay.
DM me for my Venmo account # for sending me the consultation fees
It took me years to find one, but here's the one I use that meets all that criteria. Good luck on competing with their high volume pricing though:
Last edited by Riveting; 03-17-21 at 01:34 PM.
Likes For Riveting:
#8
Habitual User
Join Date: Jan 2020
Location: Altadena, CA
Posts: 7,987
Bikes: 2023 Niner RLT 9 RDO, 2018 Trek Procaliber 9.9 RSL, 2018 Storck Fascenario.3 Platinum, 2003 Time VX Special Pro, 2001 Colnago VIP, 1999 Trek 9900 singlespeed, 1977 Nishiki ONP
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4947 Post(s)
Liked 8,087 Times
in
3,826 Posts
For times when I put my bike in my car for rides where I'm driving to the start (after-work rides, most often), I have found that one of my daughter's softball backpacks is excellent for packing the gear I need because of the following features:
- Main compartment has a removable separation panel, dividing it into upper and lower sections. The upper section I use for clothing. The lower section is accessible with its own mesh-panel zippered flap, which makes it great for shoes.
- Exterior pockets (intended for bats) make a great place for water bottles.
- Front smaller pocket for computer, lights, etc.
- Helmet-holder (tucks away in a zippered pocket when not in use)
The one I use is similar to this...
__________________
"Swedish fish. They're protein shaped." - livedarklions
"Swedish fish. They're protein shaped." - livedarklions
Last edited by Eric F; 03-17-21 at 02:05 PM.
#9
Advanced Slacker
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 6,210
Bikes: Soma Fog Cutter, Surly Wednesday, Canfielld Tilt
Mentioned: 26 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2762 Post(s)
Liked 2,537 Times
in
1,433 Posts
#10
Newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2021
Posts: 3
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Sounds good! What kind of cycling do you mainly do on your routes?
#11
Fxxxxr
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: falfurrias texas
Posts: 1,003
Bikes: wabi classic (stolen & recovered)
Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2671 Post(s)
Liked 1,151 Times
in
872 Posts
Trash Garbage Barge
I switched from a CHROME Kremlin to a TRASH Garbage Vortex ... the Trash is a very large back pack and is easier for bigger loads ... any back pack design should at least consider how Andy at Trash did the Garbage back packs
__________________
Nothing is true---everything is permitted
Nothing is true---everything is permitted
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Mich
Posts: 7,389
Bikes: RSO E-tire dropper fixie brifter
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6 Post(s)
Liked 2,972 Times
in
1,918 Posts
road & hybrid. the racks on each bicycle type are equipped for the same quick rack slides. I'd ride the bicycle to work more if I were able to stow my laptop in the trunk rack bag if it were wider. It's robust enough, just not wide enough.
__________________
-Oh Hey!
-Oh Hey!
#13
Newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2021
Posts: 3
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
For wearing while cycling, but that's awesome that you use your daughter's softball backpack for your gear 😂 Do you ever carry smaller packs while riding?
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Highlands Ranch, CO
Posts: 1,221
Bikes: '13 Diamondback Hybrid Commuter, '17 Spec Roubaix Di2, '17 Spec Camber 29'er, '19 CDale Topstone Gravel
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 590 Post(s)
Liked 445 Times
in
260 Posts
(not my pics)
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Mich
Posts: 7,389
Bikes: RSO E-tire dropper fixie brifter
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6 Post(s)
Liked 2,972 Times
in
1,918 Posts
I think, if one is designed for a beam rack as described, it'd be the first for supporting those of us with beam racks & open up more traveling opportunities for the weight weenies too.
__________________
-Oh Hey!
-Oh Hey!
#16
Habitual User
Join Date: Jan 2020
Location: Altadena, CA
Posts: 7,987
Bikes: 2023 Niner RLT 9 RDO, 2018 Trek Procaliber 9.9 RSL, 2018 Storck Fascenario.3 Platinum, 2003 Time VX Special Pro, 2001 Colnago VIP, 1999 Trek 9900 singlespeed, 1977 Nishiki ONP
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4947 Post(s)
Liked 8,087 Times
in
3,826 Posts
Not any more. Years ago, when I would occasionally commute to work, I carried my change of clothes in a simple hiking backpack. These days, if it doesn't fit in a jersey pocket, it's not coming with me.
__________________
"Swedish fish. They're protein shaped." - livedarklions
"Swedish fish. They're protein shaped." - livedarklions
#17
Clark W. Griswold
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: ,location, location
Posts: 13,523
Bikes: Foundry Chilkoot Ti W/Ultegra Di2, Salsa Timberjack Ti, Cinelli Mash Work RandoCross Fun Time Machine, 1x9 XT Parts Hybrid, Co-Motion Cascadia, Specialized Langster, Phil Wood Apple VeloXS Frame (w/DA 7400), R+M Supercharger2 Rohloff, Habanero Ti 26
Mentioned: 54 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4356 Post(s)
Liked 3,994 Times
in
2,665 Posts
My backpack would be not a backpack and a pannier and made in North America of quality components. Arkel already made it for me and I have had them for years with no issues.
Best feedback don't make junk or copy others.
Best feedback don't make junk or copy others.
#18
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Nor Cal
Posts: 6,016
Mentioned: 17 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1814 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 923 Times
in
569 Posts
Osprey has covered all the bases, IMO- copy them.
I use Talon 22 for utility- mesh back panel is key, but pockets and helmet holder are nice.
I use Talon 22 for utility- mesh back panel is key, but pockets and helmet holder are nice.
Likes For woodcraft:
#19
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 39,241
Mentioned: 211 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18415 Post(s)
Liked 15,553 Times
in
7,330 Posts
Everything that a Timbuk2 bag has, including a website that allows you to design you own bag and see what it will look like before you purchase it.
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Mich
Posts: 7,389
Bikes: RSO E-tire dropper fixie brifter
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6 Post(s)
Liked 2,972 Times
in
1,918 Posts
#21
Thread Killer
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Posts: 12,446
Bikes: 15 Kinesis Racelight 4S, 76 Motebecane Gran Jubilée, 17 Dedacciai Gladiatore2, 12 Breezer Venturi, 09 Dahon Mariner, 12 Mercier Nano, 95 DeKerf Team SL, 19 Tern Rally, 21 Breezer Doppler Cafe+, 19 T-Lab X3, 91 Serotta CII, 23 3T Strada
Mentioned: 30 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3145 Post(s)
Liked 1,709 Times
in
1,032 Posts
Cycling backpacks are dumb, like, straight-up-BTDT dumb. Maybe a hip pack with shoulder strap(s) for stabilization, weight distribution, and extended load capacity would make sense, but a backpack is a really stupid idea for cycling.
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Nor Cal
Posts: 6,016
Mentioned: 17 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1814 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 923 Times
in
569 Posts
When I went to the gym (before it folded, taking a year+ of pre-paid membership with it) I brought shoes, towel, jacket, lights, lock, spare tire etc, and sometimes clothes change.
Did not try to get that stuff in a hip pack. 1/2 hr each way.
Likes For woodcraft:
#23
Thread Killer
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Posts: 12,446
Bikes: 15 Kinesis Racelight 4S, 76 Motebecane Gran Jubilée, 17 Dedacciai Gladiatore2, 12 Breezer Venturi, 09 Dahon Mariner, 12 Mercier Nano, 95 DeKerf Team SL, 19 Tern Rally, 21 Breezer Doppler Cafe+, 19 T-Lab X3, 91 Serotta CII, 23 3T Strada
Mentioned: 30 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3145 Post(s)
Liked 1,709 Times
in
1,032 Posts
There’s simply no good reason to carry weight on a bike high up on the rider’s back. It doesn’t make sense from either performance or ergonomic perspectives. It’s cheap, easy and convenient, but so is any ol’ backpack, and therein lies the problem.
Rucksacks, aka backbacks, existed before the bicycle, yet we came to all sorts of contraptions to carry stuff on the bike, from rear racks, to porteurs to panniers, handlebar bags, seat bags, lumbar packs and messenger bags. All that should tell you something, not the least of which is that the backpack has been found to be wanting.
#24
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Nor Cal
Posts: 6,016
Mentioned: 17 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1814 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 923 Times
in
569 Posts
But any ol’ backpack will work for that. When we start talking about a cycling specific backback, when we get to the use scenarios which would distinguish it from any ol’ backpack, it gets real stupid real quick.
There’s simply no good reason to carry weight on a bike high up on the rider’s back. It doesn’t make sense from either performance or ergonomic perspectives. It’s cheap, easy and convenient, but so is any ol’ backpack, and therein lies the problem.
Rucksacks, aka backbacks, existed before the bicycle, yet we came to all sorts of contraptions to carry stuff on the bike, from rear racks, to porteurs to panniers, handlebar bags, seat bags, lumbar packs and messenger bags. All that should tell you something, not the least of which is that the backpack has been found to be wanting.
There’s simply no good reason to carry weight on a bike high up on the rider’s back. It doesn’t make sense from either performance or ergonomic perspectives. It’s cheap, easy and convenient, but so is any ol’ backpack, and therein lies the problem.
Rucksacks, aka backbacks, existed before the bicycle, yet we came to all sorts of contraptions to carry stuff on the bike, from rear racks, to porteurs to panniers, handlebar bags, seat bags, lumbar packs and messenger bags. All that should tell you something, not the least of which is that the backpack has been found to be wanting.
Hmm, come to think of it, I have way more backpacks than bicycles. Am I in the wrong forum?
#25
Thread Killer
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Posts: 12,446
Bikes: 15 Kinesis Racelight 4S, 76 Motebecane Gran Jubilée, 17 Dedacciai Gladiatore2, 12 Breezer Venturi, 09 Dahon Mariner, 12 Mercier Nano, 95 DeKerf Team SL, 19 Tern Rally, 21 Breezer Doppler Cafe+, 19 T-Lab X3, 91 Serotta CII, 23 3T Strada
Mentioned: 30 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3145 Post(s)
Liked 1,709 Times
in
1,032 Posts
One problem I used to have with backpacks while cycling was helmet interference. Maybe because my posture on the bike is more leaned forward rather than upright, the backpack would contact the back of my helmet, interfering with movement.
I worked with a clothing designer friend years ago, in the early ‘90s— what up Randall Roy!— prototyping a backpack design for cycling which dropped the storage compartment well below the shoulder straps, for load stability, helmet clearance, and cooling. We didn’t have the technical material expertise to pull it off like it needed to, but the concept was good and he made me a couple of cool bags which I wish I’d held onto.
My favorite on-body bag for cycling is the lumbar bag, specifically the Mountainsmith Tour:
If I really need load support, they have an optional strapette kit which I guess makes the Tour the ultimate cycling backpack:
Likes For chaadster: