Backpacks for riding?

Originally Posted by graemepaterson

I have seen the knox aero....is it quite a big backpack then as its hard to tell in the pictures, also the pictures dont show clearly whether there is a waist type strap so it doesnt flap all over the place?

It's 25 litres but in a wierd aerodynamic shape. I think you'll be able to hold your lunch, shoes and a folder.

It has a chest and waist strap

It's expanable, I'd say, 30-40 litres? Decent enough certainly. I've had one for 2 years now and it's fine. The weight is lower and it has a cheat and waist strap. I think there is a review on the forum somewhere - try a search.

Seriously though, a £3 bungy net secures it very well to the pillion seat.

Me and a few others on the forum have got one of these:

http://www.kriega.com/pages/r35/R35frameset.html

I find it to be the most comfortable backpack that I've ever used as the weight is distributed around your chest rather than just the shoulders....most of the time I forget it's there. It's guaranteed for 5 years and there are also extras which you can clip on to make it larger as well as waterproof. A bit pricey but well worth it IMO.

Originally Posted by svstreetfighter

Me and a few others on the forum have got one of these:

http://www.kriega.com/pages/r35/R35frameset.html

I find it to be the most comfortable backpack that I've ever used as the weight is distributed around your chest rather than just the shoulders....most of the time I forget it's there. It's guaranteed for 5 years and there are also extras which you can clip on to make it larger as well as waterproof. A bit pricey but well worth it IMO.

I'm looking at that to replace the Knox, bit pricey, will have to save.

My knox (the early ones, about 4 years old) isn't expandable but has a bag that zips out to be used as an helmet carrier at the bottom. Used that feature once, very uncomfortable having a helmet bashing against your legs when you walk. Plus you can't put the bag down on the floor properly with a helmet in.

+1 Law

That helmet bag thing is a bit pointless.

[Stu]

Originally Posted by thor

+1 Law

That helmet bag thing is a bit pointless.

Nah, it's fine on the bike, great for fitting in a full takeaway when your bags already full.

(food not hard cans or bottles mind )

[SoulKiss]

My Luggage Options......

Tankbag - choice of 2 these days.

If thats not enough, Oxford Humpback Panniers - still allow for a pillion.

If need more carrying capacity and no passenger, tailpack as well.

If I need more than that - bungee net over the tailpack.

More than that - well time to pack lighter.

Wouldnt wear a rucksack - even tho I do like the look of the kreiger ones.

Why bother wearing a back protector if you are going to wear a rucksack with hard items in it.

Amendment - would wear a rucksack if all that was in it was clothes.

Another vote for the Kriega, a great rucksack.

Although saying that i wear a cheap ordinary Karrimor for my 120 mile a day commute most of the time. Anything will do although i do prefer to have a chest strap on whatever rucksack i wear on the bike, not bothered about a waste strap.

Day to day I use a Knox Aeropack, but I'm going for a Kriega R35 next because the Knox isn't really that well made and the Kriega has loads more features and extra pockets - my Knox is starting to pull apart at the bottom of the shoulder straps. For longer/touring trips I use Oxford Sports soft luggage - tailpack and panniers. I have a Baglux Alpha bag (got a Triumph with a plastic tank, so Baglux is mandatory) and a magnetic Oxford Sports expander tankbag for my other bikes as well.

Kriega rucksacks are the mutts, really well designed and manufactured. You won't find me using any rucksack without a back protector though.

Tesco's do a couple of sizes in a couple of colours for under a tenner.
Very pleased with mine for a pair of shoes, trousers, wallet, mobile an bobbins.

RR