Hi all. Not for me, but a friend...what are the pitfalls and benefits of light touring with a rucksack? Just a long weekend tour in the UK spring... Panniers better? Doesn't matter? Rucksacks are great because...? Rucksacks are a.terrible idea because...? Any thoughts or opinions welcome!
Thank you for such a swift reply @littleade. That's kinda what I thought but didn't know, so it is good to hear others thoughts.
I went to Germany with a rucksack and it wasn't a massive problem, although my heavy stuff was in a tankbag. Will cause a bit of backache though.
Agree, I love the Triumph backpack given as part of my bike purchase, but strap it to my rear fender under my Kreiga US Drypack. These drypacks come in multiple sizes that you can strap together
Roll top waterproof bag such as https://www.lomo.co.uk/acatalog/dry-bike-tail-bag.html#SID=118 on the pillion seat attached with Rokstraps https://rokstraps.com/pages/rok-moto
I guess it depends how long you plan to ride for. I find ruck sacks make my back sweaty and uncomfortable and I don't like weight up on my back when riding, might be psychological, but I feel less stable. One thing having a pack lunch and laptop for a short trip, but packed up for the weekend with a few hours of riding isn't my idea of an enjoyable ride. Agree with the bag strapped on being better. Something like Lomo bags are waterproof and great value. Rokstraps or similar also reasonable and easy but not essential. Edit, typed same thoughts at same time as Tiglet!
I have a good kriga backpack, can easily wear it all day in comfort. But I reckon the amount of stuff you'd likely pack for a short trip would make to too heavy so a roll bag on the back seat gets my vote too. PS. I crash tested it too and it may have actually offered additional padding as I rolled down the road, I don't think a well designed bike rucksack is much of a safety concern.
I agree I use a gear sack on long trips or panniers ,if you have them .I would like having a back pack on all day
I agree I use a gear sack on long trips or panniers ,if you have them .I wouldn't like having a back pack on all day
Backpack is fine for short trips and if lightly packed. The more bike oriented it is ie. Kriega, the more comfortable it will be. I've used a Lomo roll bag strapped to the pillion seat for a trip to Germany. I used bungees back then but would definitely invest in Rokstraps if ever doing it again. Had panniers - probably the best for capacity, security (if the hard type) and balance on the bike. Downside is they can hamper filtering. Not a big fan of tank bags but prefer a tailpack strapped to the pillion seat. I suppose the advantage of the rucksack is that it comes with you when you leave the bike, whereas your roll bag is either left on the bike or you have to unstrap it and attach it again.
Tank bags are ok. They’re useful for keeping your Knick knacks in and are easily accessible eg money for tolls, camera etc
I personally avoid any extra charge on my shoulders on long trip. I reserve backpack for short commuting.
I wasn't born to be a baggage donkey. I simply fail to understand why anyone would consider touring on a bike and carrying a load on their back. Might as well pick up the bike and carry it too whilst about it.
I always use a rucksack by preference. If I need to carry a lot, I arrange the straps so that the sack is mounted low and literally sits on the seat behind me so my back isn't taking the load. Also makes it easier mounting the bike as there is nothing on the back seat in the way when I swing my leg over.
A bit out of subject. A friend of mine that does motorcycles trips (Peru, South Africa, etc) never ever want a rucksack. He once explained the rucksack could cause severe spinal damages if he fall off the bike (and he knows what he says, he came back from South Africa with one leg in several pieces)
I don’t know whether there’s any safety aspect to using a rucksack, but very many people of many different genders carry huge rucksacks on their backs for many hours each day, and, walking at the same time! Surely a ruffty tuffty biker can do that? Ken.
