Yeah I know, riding with a backpack generally isn't a great idea, but sometimes it can be the lesser evil. For those occasions I favor a low slung backpack, to me it seems like that position transfers the added load more directly to the saddle with the least amount of added rider discomfort. Now there's this bike messenger who says that he and all of his pals prefer to have their packs hitched up high, because that way "the pack will pull less on the shoulders". I've tried that method as well, but all I feel is the extra weight pushing my upper body towards the handlebars and I quickly get fatigued in my arms and shoulders.
What do you say, If you HAVE to ride with a backpack - do you want it slung low or hitched high?
Yeah I know, riding with a backpack generally isn't a great idea, but sometimes it can be the lesser evil. For those occasions I favor a low slung backpack, to me it seems like that position transfers the added load more directly to the saddle with the least amount of added rider discomfort. Now there's this bike messenger who says that he and all of his pals prefer to have their packs hitched up high, because that way "the pack will pull less on the shoulders". I've tried that method as well, but all I feel is the extra weight pushing my upper body towards the handlebars and I quickly get fatigued in my arms and shoulders.
What do you say, If you HAVE to ride with a backpack - do you want it slung low or hitched high?
I have a camera bag that sits quite low and snug to the small of my back. I like it for the bike because it feels much more stable than having weight up high which might unbalance me in a turn. It also has a waist strap that takes much of the weight off of my shoulder ( its a one strap style). I was quite suprised that it really is pretty comfortable to ride with though I wouldn't want to take it long distances as the camera and lens are pretty heavy -about 10lbs.
I wear my pack high and tight. it doesn't seem to flop around that much. I only take my pack when riding to class, and to get there I have to go up a mountain. when I get to the base of the hill, I loosen all the straps. it's slightly more uncomfortable on the shoulders, but it allows me to breathe easier.
Yeah I know, riding with a backpack generally isn't a great idea, but sometimes it can be the lesser evil. For those occasions I favor a low slung backpack, to me it seems like that position transfers the added load more directly to the saddle with the least amount of added rider discomfort. Now there's this bike messenger who says that he and all of his pals prefer to have their packs hitched up high, because that way "the pack will pull less on the shoulders". I've tried that method as well, but all I feel is the extra weight pushing my upper body towards the handlebars and I quickly get fatigued in my arms and shoulders.
What do you say, If you HAVE to ride with a backpack - do you want it slung low or hitched high?
Low for me when commuting. I have the same issue that you have with the weight of a high pack putting too much weight on my arms.
Go with what is most comfortable for you. I have seen messengers with low packs.
Here in Aus we have cycling back packs from Carribee. They are easily adjusted on the bike, have an air duct down the back, waist and chest straps. The waist ones are padded and seem to tuck in just below the rib cage. Quite comfortable on a FB road bike and walking.
I sure do. Thing is that I thought I had both experience and a good line of reasoning on my side when this bike messenger came along and put in a good effort to convince me that I was wrong. But thanks to these replies it's starting to look like he's the odd one out 🙂
John M said:
I have seen messengers with low packs. Low for me when commuting. I have the same issue that you have with the weight of a high pack putting too much weight on my arms.
It's probably dependent on the weight of the pack. If it's only a few pounds high and tight works well too, and might feel better out of the saddle. But when pack weight reaches > 10 pounds then low really tends to work better.
I actually went to the trouble of making very long, adjustable straps, so I could move the bag way up or way down.
I do tour skating during icy winters, and backpacks for that purpose are already designed to hang low. Lucky me to have one piece of kit that actually works well for two very different purposes 🙂
I have a camera bag that sits quite low and snug to the small of my back. I like it for the bike because it feels much more stable than having weight up high which might unbalance me in a turn. It also has a waist strap that takes much of the weight off of my shoulder ( its a one strap style). I was quite suprised that it really is pretty comfortable to ride with though I wouldn't want to take it long distances as the camera and lens are pretty heavy -about 10lbs.
