Bonneville America Forums Forums Rider Safety Forums Helmets and Gear Backpack suggestions

So, I'm looking for a backpack and would like to get some suggestions.

Basically I want to go to the gym after work. The backpack has to fit a change of clothes, shoes, gloves and a small towel.

Of course it has to be comfortable too... not asking too much, right?

I use an Adidas one, I think you can pick them up almost everywhere backpacks are sold.

well, I suppose I can just go to the sports supply store and get whatever they have in stock but I was hoping on something that was designed with motorcyclist ergonomics in mind

You can buy a backpack from a cycle shop - but, they're all the same for the most part - except for the price. Get one from a sporting goods store that has a selection that has reasonable water repelling characteristics, has many pockets and compartments, and largest interior size. If I was buying a replacement right now, I'd lean toward one that has a removable waste strap (less flopping). To give you some idea of what I mean by they're all the same - I've used the same bag for about 10 years (10 years of back and forth to work in the car 5 days a week), 6 years of medium distance bike rides, several camping and fishing trips, and bunches of vacations. It shows little or no wear and it cost me about $20 and gets thrown about all the time. It's a regular old Eastpac if that makes any difference.

Cool, thx for the info. I'll. Go check out what's around this weekend.

I have one of these. It works out pretty darn good on the bike and seems built pretty well and sturdy.

Don't wear the backpack. It's not good for your back or your neck.
Get a bungiecord net and strap it to the passenger seat.

Get a Kriega which is made for Motorcycle riding and be done with it.

I run a Ventura type that fits onto the bike.

http://www.ventura-bike.com/

These look really nice, and playing with them in the store they seem well made,
but for almost 200 bucks for a "motorcycle" backpack...

http://www.motomummy.com/store/product.php?printable=Y&productid=17613&cat=494&page=1

I'm thinking head for Wallyworld, pickup some cheapo (yet stylish of course) backpack, stuff it with yer gym clothes and yer done! It's not like you heading into the Andes, or planning to ride across the continent... keep 'er simple!! It's just a bag of gym clothes.

http://www.kriega.com/pages_usa/products/prodframeset.html

I agree with Keith here. I've use my son's old school backpack (minor rips, etc., that made it not quite work for his needs anymore) and a bungee cargo net Engle's gave me at an open house - I rarely "wear" the backpack, but do sometimes.

Some of those moto-specific ones are cool, but you're paying a premium for them. I've got a pretty simple Samsonite back pack that I use - I liked it because it's made for travel, so it has nice padded shoulder straps that are comfortable for me while on the bike. It's big enough to carry my helmet when I park the bike.

Thanks for all the suggestions guys, I'll see what I find with a removable waist strap. I'll get something I can also take when going for a hike. Thx!

If it weren't for the shoes being included, I would highly recommend a CamelBak H.A.W.G., I have one it holds 100oz. of water and I can fit a good amount of stuff in it, surely a set of gym clothes and a towel. It has a waist strap, I've worn it on the bike many times, it's a really nice product. Maybe they make a bigger one now, mines at least 10 years old. Insulated around the water bladder too so it stays cold for quite a while, even in the sun.

I went to wallmart and grabbed a hiking backpack, it doesn't have a waist strap, it has a chest strap and plenty of room. Did my first ride with it yesterday and there was no noticeable discomfort or excessive flapping at 85 mi/hr... will see how long it lasts...