Looking for a pack to carry when I ride sometimes. Been looking at single shoulder packs, as they look more comfortable to me. Anyone ever ride with one? Is there a big difference then in a bag with two shoulder straps?
Any suggestions?
single strap bags like to come flying across your chest... unless they have a security strap thing, like a messenger bag or something.
I've been contemplating the same thing. The Maxpedition Sitka has my interest. It has a secondary stabilizer strap that may keep it in place on your back, but the pack is designed to be pulled around to the front with easy access through the side of the bag (now the top as its pulled around.) I was thinking that riding with the bag in front may work ok. It is slimmer than a full backpack and it shouldn't flop like it would on your back. I am sure it wouldn't ride as well as a purpose built Kriega, but it may be a bit more versatile for general use.
Timbuk2 bags work well. They have a chest strap and can be tighten pretty good. I use one with my road bicycle as well and it never moves.
http://cgi.ebay.com/MILITARY-INSPIRED-BACKPACK-HIKING-CAMPING-GEAR-DAYPACK_W0QQitemZ350314517693QQcategoryZ87122QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp4340.m8QQ_trkparmsZalgo%3DMW%26its%3DC%26itu%3DUCC%26otn%3D5%26ps%3D63%26clkid%3D7855052590244756099#ht_2458wt_1010 (http://cgi.ebay.com/MILITARY-INSPIRED-BACKPACK-HIKING-CAMPING-GEAR-DAYPACK_W0QQitemZ350314517693QQcategoryZ87122QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp4340.m8QQ_trkparmsZalgo%3DMW%26its%3DC%26itu%3DUCC%26otn%3D5%26ps%3D63%26clkid%3D7855052590244756099#ht_2458wt_1010)
Think this bag would hold up?
Quote from: rideserotta on May 21, 2011, 06:08:27 PM
Timbuk2 bags work well. They have a chest strap and can be tighten pretty good. I use one with my road bicycle as well and it never moves.
+1 here.
They have a variety of sizes. I use one for both my pedal cycle and on the moto. carries clothes, school books, laptop, work materials easily. Tightens/looses one handed, and never moves when fit properly
I tried using a 2 shoulder bag for commuting. It didn't work well for me since the shoulder straps would dig in and cut off circulations to my arm. I switched to a Chrome bag and it has been working pretty well for me It's designed for bike messengers so it's secure on your back. Also has a car seat like buckle in the front so you can unbuckle and take off the bag without taking off the helmet. I think I have the medium. It's big enough for a laptop, office stuff, and a sack of lunch.
http://www.chromebagsstore.com/bags/messenger-bags.html (http://www.chromebagsstore.com/bags/messenger-bags.html)
I've had my Chrome Metropolis (large) bag for 6 years and love it. Really well made and holds a ton of stuff.
Quote from: WarrenJ on May 21, 2011, 05:44:03 PM
I've been contemplating the same thing. The Maxpedition Sitka has my interest. It has a secondary stabilizer strap that may keep it in place on your back, but the pack is designed to be pulled around to the front with easy access through the side of the bag (now the top as its pulled around.) I was thinking that riding with the bag in front may work ok. It is slimmer than a full backpack and it shouldn't flop like it would on your back. I am sure it wouldn't ride as well as a purpose built Kriega, but it may be a bit more versatile for general use.
I was just going to suggest Maxpedition Warren! [thumbsup] They've got some great stuff in their lineup.
Also, it was mentioned already..the over-the-shoulder bags really do fall off of your back onto your side or front when you're riding. This is unless it's small and full or there is an extra strap to hold it in place on your back.
Good luck!
You guys know of any stores that usually carry the timbuk2 bags? Would like to check one out for fitment and all before I fork over the dough.
Quote from: SpeedoJosh on May 23, 2011, 06:47:03 PM
You guys know of any stores that usually carry the timbuk2 bags? Would like to check one out for fitment and all before I fork over the dough.
No stores I know of. The XL is enormous. 2+ helmets worth of big.
The medium is a helmet and a 1/4 - 1.5 helmets
Answered my own question. Did a search, and came up with this.
http://www.timbuk2.com/tb2/retail/retailer.htm (http://www.timbuk2.com/tb2/retail/retailer.htm)
Quote from: SpeedoJosh on May 21, 2011, 08:07:55 PM
http://cgi.ebay.com/MILITARY-INSPIRED-BACKPACK-HIKING-CAMPING-GEAR-DAYPACK_W0QQitemZ350314517693QQcategoryZ87122QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp4340.m8QQ_trkparmsZalgo%3DMW%26its%3DC%26itu%3DUCC%26otn%3D5%26ps%3D63%26clkid%3D7855052590244756099#ht_2458wt_1010 (http://cgi.ebay.com/MILITARY-INSPIRED-BACKPACK-HIKING-CAMPING-GEAR-DAYPACK_W0QQitemZ350314517693QQcategoryZ87122QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp4340.m8QQ_trkparmsZalgo%3DMW%26its%3DC%26itu%3DUCC%26otn%3D5%26ps%3D63%26clkid%3D7855052590244756099#ht_2458wt_1010)
Think this bag would hold up?
Liking that!!
I have several different sized mountaineering packs. One is a small one that I can fit a couple changes of clothes plus tennies in, one is an alpine style pack... long and slim and can fit my tent and clothes, etc... in, and one is a 5500cc monster that I could probably travel cross country with. All have contoured and tapered shoulder straps designed for freedom of movement while rock/ice climbing, mountaineering, etc... They work great on the bike. If I lengthen the shoulder straps, I can rest the pack on the pillion seat and the waist and chest straps still keep it tight to my torso and doesn't shift. I can hang off and touch a knee with all but the big one and haven't had any issues. I've made it from Ventura, CA to Monterey, CA via HWY 1 (300 miles almost all twisties) and back again in a weekend with the middle pack. I've got a pic around here somewhere...
here ya go...
(http://i415.photobucket.com/albums/pp231/tazios/HostelHoney1.jpg)
[bacon]
The pack I use was made by Jansport for winter mountain rescue. Its narrow and snugs down tight and rides real well. I've road several thousand miles with that pack on. It can get a bit tiring on the shoulders after a couple hundred miles. From what I've seen, the Kreiga harness might be a bit more comfortable on the bike - but I own the Jansport and it has worked well enough for motorcycling and many other adventures so its hard to justify getting a Kreiga at this point.
From what I've seen of conventional backpacks, the mountaineering style packs are very adaptable to motorcycling.
Quote from: mattc7 on May 21, 2011, 09:19:10 PM
+1 here.
They have a variety of sizes. I use one for both my pedal cycle and on the moto. carries clothes, school books, laptop, work materials easily. Tightens/looses one handed, and never moves when fit properly
I have used the same Timbuk2 messenger bag for the last 10 years commuting to work via bicycle and motorcycle without any trouble.
It is large enough for my lunch and my laptop.
At the end of the day, my laptop and a six pack (with the bottles out of the holder) can come home with me! [beer]
What else do you need? [thumbsup]
It has been a great bag with zero issues. [moto]
(http://www.cyclegear.com/images/backpacks_bags/dainese_laptop_bag_LG.jpg)
Dainese Laptop Bag. $99. Has shoulder strap plus an additional strap that goes around your waist to prevent the bag from flying back.
I personally would rather go w/ the Ogio No Drag Backpack.
(http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/32777/437615.jpg)
^^ Saw that Dainese bag at CycleGear. [thumbsdown] [thumbsdown] [thumbsdown] [thumbsdown]
Quote from: IZ on May 24, 2011, 09:19:09 PM
^^ Saw that Dainese bag at CycleGear. [thumbsdown] [thumbsdown] [thumbsdown] [thumbsdown]
What didn't you like about it?
For around town commuting I have a few suggestions -
For the single shoulder bag I use one very similar to this one (I found at Target):
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41a1UXPOQEL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
It slides a little, but it's not bad and it works fairly well.
The other suggestion that I have and it's one that I've grown quite fond of is using retired the High Sierra Camelback bags that I've picked up cheap at Costco (retired because I've removed the water bladder).
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41x53tX2bYL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
I've used that for long trips and it never moves, and keeps my things compactly packed in a slim bag that really doesn't weight that much.
Here's a detailed review on another motorcycle forum of the exact one that I have:
http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=330288 (http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=330288)
For $19.99 you can't hardly beat that!!
[thumbsup]
I use this for everyday commuting and it's amazing!
http://www.ospreypacks.com/Packs/ReSourceSeriesRecycledMaterials/Elroy/ (http://www.ospreypacks.com/Packs/ReSourceSeriesRecycledMaterials/Elroy/)
The Osprey Elroy
great construction, pockets galore and expandable.
a lot of us are fans of the kreiga packs. They're two strap bags, but different than most backpacks. They were engineered for motos. It's worth a look.
Quote from: Blue on May 24, 2011, 08:41:09 AM
I have used the same Timbuk2 messenger bag
At the end of the day, my laptop and a six pack (with the bottles out of the holder) can come home with me! [beer]
What else do you need? [thumbsup]
my timbuk2 holds 2 six packs and my old Vaio.
(http://s3.amazonaws.com/twitpic/photos/full/49577813.jpg?AWSAccessKeyId=AKIAJF3XCCKACR3QDMOA&Expires=1306774099&Signature=N%2FshboAJwRKSAiu88E%2BAPjWoboU%3D)
(http://[url=http://s3.amazonaws.com/twitpic/photos/full/49577813.jpg?AWSAccessKeyId=AKIAJF3XCCKACR3QDMOA&Expires=1306729889&Signature=99oBzM%2Fx5vcKa6Vk0I0dSufY%2Fj8%3D%5Dhttp://s3.amazonaws.com/twitpic/photos/full/49577813.jpg?AWSAccessKeyId=AKIAJF3XCCKACR3QDMOA&Expires=1306729889&Signature=99oBzM%2Fx5vcKa6Vk0I0dSufY%2Fj8%3D%5B/url%5D)
I own one of these:
http://www.aerostich.com/aerostich-courier-bag.html (http://www.aerostich.com/aerostich-courier-bag.html)
I love it. I wore it on my Monster for three years with a 45 mile commute each way.
I will also vote for the Kriega backpacks if you want a full pack. The Kriega is engineered for motorcycling.
The Aerostich courier bag is also engineered for motorcycles. It is an awesome piece.
Cheers.
I've used both Timbuk2 and Chrome bags for years. The chrome strap is more comfy, but also more hot. I let it slide because the seatbelt fastener is really handy when you have a helmet on. My metropolis has lasted 10+ years of bicycle messengering, scooter rallies, school, and a trip to Asia. I've (uncomfortably) fit a case of beer and 2 bottles of liquor in it. Bonus, if you fill it up with ice it can work as a pretty decent cooler in a pinch. Somehow it still looks reasonably new.
I bought a Chrome bag 4 years ago for use on my bicycle, but also use it on my motorcycle. I don't use the waist strap, but it has never shifted on me either. I love that thing. It's water proof too, so I don't have to worry about getting caught in a storm and messing up my stuff.
I've been using a Timbuk2. You can custom build one here (http://www.timbuk2.com/tb2/custom (http://www.timbuk2.com/tb2/custom)), pick your colors and they have cool reflective materials if you wanna be seen at night.
Timbuk2 Nightrider Messenger (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fMsLtNTAff8#)
i mostly use backpacks, ogio no drag and a kriega r30, but i do toss on a smaller single shoulder bag if i just need something to carry something small. i use this normally:
http://www.lapolicegear.com/tabaoutbag.html (http://www.lapolicegear.com/tabaoutbag.html)
that being said... i really dont like using single shoulder bags all too often. what bothers me is that if i do have a off, i dont like the idea of something around me neck that could easily drag and put a lot of pressure on it. having it get caught on something and yank back hard is what i think about when i'm riding.
overall, in terms of safety... i'd just get a good backpack and stick with it.
I use an inexpensive (Jansport, I think) shoulder bag for commuting and errands. It has a waist strap, but I never use it. I rarely hit 40+ on these runs and I've never had an issue with it flapping. If not adjusted correctly it does tend to slide a little bit of my back, but I just reach around and adjust it. The biggest pain is that I have to take my helmet off to take the bag off, but I like that I can swing the bag around and get into it easily. Also, you have to make sure the strap is adjusted short enough that the bag sits on your back and doesn't get hung up on the seat behind you. I think too large a bag will be uncomfortable, and it doesn't take much weight before it becomes uncomfortable particularly on longer rides.
For single strap I've loved my Chrome bag I picked up 10 years ago. It's XL and I've used it on bicycles, scooters and bikes. I've never had a problem with it moving around when I use the chest strap.
As for what it can carry, I can squeeze 2 12-packs of Fat Tire bottles in the boxes into it. What more does it need to carry?