Your current thoughts on backpacks

[tazio]

Ever use them or not? Recommendations? Is it even worth considering?
Limited space on the GRiSO. Going with a tank bag(future purchase), soft luggage and dry bag stuffed and bungee'd out back. Want to do the camping thing more often this year. Want all the capacity I can safely get.
No way am I drilling into side panels for some monster rack though.
Are these things gonna snap my spine in two in a "get-off"? Hell, I don't know.
I do use one mountain biking and one particular landing (on my back) hurt my neck as my head had several inches to go before inpact. Buts that's one in 15yrs of riding.
You guys have some strong thoughts either way on this?
Thank you in advance for all input.

[Murray]

What do you intend to carry in it? Tanks bags are good for heavy stuff backpack ok for lighter stuff but also depends on how far you are going.

[Sheepdog]

The problem with backpacks is that they effectively increase your body weight. This can affect your hands and your nethers. Also, you'll be carrying that weight a bit higher. I would recommend a large seat pack like a Rev-Pack Tourpack (link below) and a large tankbag.

http://www.revpack.com/tour-packs/

[kballowe]

I commute 94 miles round-trip - with a laptop backpack.   The only change was to add an "across the chest" strap to keep the side straps from migrating off of the shoulders.  Also, adjust the straps so that the bottom of the backpack rests on the seat, and takes the stress off of the shoulders.

It's sometimes annoying to get it adjusted, depending on what you're wearing, and your back-side will be sweating in hot weather because of the reduced airflow.

Backpacks are handy for day trips - as you can put drinks, snacks, etc. in there, and then take everything with you when ya get there. 

My preference is 15 pounds or less.

[Groover]

I also use a backpack when riding to work. Gets pretty heavy with all the work junk I have in there, but I lower the straps enough to where the backpack actually "sits" on the seat, and I can hardly feel it. I use an "incase"  backpack with is water resistant (not proof) and built to last. It's made for 17" laptops, so it's padded quite a bit so a lot of the size is that. Bought that one at a computer store. The straps are nicely padded in the right spots. I also have another one that is much thinner, and has the horizontal buckle mentioned above to lock the straps together. I think I got that one at an outdoor camping/hiking type store, and is not padded. The straps are good, but not as good as the incase brand.

Mine is the older version of this, and I paid 99 for it which I already thought was high. This new model is $250! 

https://www.incase.com/featured-items/collections/icon/icon-triple-black-spu-backpack

Good especially if you plan on packing electronics.

[mechanicsavant]

I'm with sheepdog,as for safety a decent back protecter is a must. Also ,cargo nets instead of bungees. I regularly carry 75Lbs. of camping gear,two nets one over the other , never lost anything yet! even survived a chash & everything stayed intact!

[JJ]

Backpacks are for hiking...not motorcycle riding (IMHO).  However, I have riding friends that swear by them, also.

I prefer an expandable "TAIL BAG" (Cortech) like the one pictured and a small tank bag and have gone one week, but staying in cheap motels, not camping.   

Like the old expression goes..."Less is more" when packing a motorcycle for trips.   Nothing worse than an over packed, unbalanced motorcycle!

[cloudbase]

I wear an airbag vest when riding, and a backpack would hinder the inflation.  I could also see a backpack possibly exacerbating injuries in case of a get-off.

[Guzzistajohn]

Myself, I would rather carry a light backpack than rely on bungee nets and cords. A buddy of mine got a smokin' deal on a wrecked LeMans with a net wrapped up  in the rear wheel. 

[Perazzimx14]

I very rarely use a backpack and only to go to the grocery store to pick up a few items. Each time I dislike it more than the last. I'm getting to the point where I'd have no problem drilling through the motor to mount proper panniers to eliminate the need of a backpack. Tanks bags and tank panniers are tied for second right behind backpacks.

[kballowe]

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Meh, I don't know what all the fuss is about
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[Moto]

I stow a drawstring-type backpack under the seat of my Buccaneer; it folds up to the size of a paperback book. It is great to always have the capability of buying something and taking it home in the backpack, unplanned. But since a Griso doesn't have any room under the seat, I don't carry one on that bike.

I've also used a laptop backpack with a cross-chest belaying strap, and enjoyed the convenience.

But I don't think I'd use a big one for a long trip, for reasons already stated by others.

Moto

[Siamese]

No backpack for me.  I wear a mesh/armor jacket, and when it's cold, I wear a couple layers and a windbreaker under it.  Add a backpack, and I feel like the Michelin man.  And, on a hot day, I don't want anything attached to my back. 

On my previous bikes, I used a small, black backpack that I would strap to the seat behind me.  My Guzzi deserves something better, so I found a nice looking bag that straps to the back seat of my V7III. 

[earemike]

https://www.ogio.com/mach-5-motorcycle-backpack/spr4704935.html

[Thirtyaughtsix]

i commute 80 miles round trip on most days now with this right here:



I absolutely hate the looks of bags and fairings so backpacking is about the only option for me. Down the road I'll have a bike dedicated to all of that, but that's another story.

This is nice because it's made for motorcycling, as in it has reflectivity on the back, none of the straps or anything will scratch your helmet or tank, its hard shell is aerodynamic and almost waterproof etc. I do just fine packing my lunch and some random tools in here, there truly isn't the most room available but I don't need much and am able to take a little a long way.

You can read more here:    https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/ogio-no-drag-mach-3-backpack

[Rebochi]

  I use a back pack for short trips such as going to the grocery store .anything over 10 lbs in a back pack gets annoying on a long ride.

[tazio]

What do you intend to carry in it? Tanks bags are good for heavy stuff backpack ok for lighter stuff but also depends on how far you are going.

I guess I'm just wanting to squeeze the last bit of storage for clothes, no weight of any significants, and probably only resort to it's use less than a dozen times a year. Mostly Interstate speeds, and <1500 miles round-trip.
You guys have given me a headstart on this decision with your experiences.
I do wonder about buffeting and the insignificant amount of space to gain..
When entering a Convenient store wearing it, does this present any issues?

[Perazzimx14]

A PVC boat bag or rollie and a bungee net to the back seat will be much more comfortable.

[wirespokes]

Check out the Kriega R25. Both my guzzis came without luggage, and I'm used to the airheads that always came with bags. I rarely drive the truck, so am always hauling stuff on the bike. Regular hiking backpacks can be difficult to put on, especially with bulky riding gear. Getting my left arm into the strap was almost impossible.

Matteo introduced me to the Kriega when I needed a way to haul something home from his place one day. I'm not free with my hard won cash (Guzzi content) but was happy to spend for my own pack after that trial run. I love that thing!

It's high quality, very comfortable, adjustable, and easy to get on or off. It's got a really slick system tying the two straps together. There may be other comparable packs, but I'd definitely get another Kriega should something happen to this one. 

[Huzo]

I very very rarely use one on the bike, so I don’t have a rock solid opinion worth hearing.
My only issue might be that with a mass strapped to your torso, in a crash, the extra mass has an amount of kinetic energy that needs to be dissipated in a deceleration situation and the mass will place high g loads on your body.
If your lower body is restrained and your upper body has 10 kg attached, there’s a lot of bending moment applied.

[Old Jock]

Check out the Kriega R25. Both my guzzis came without luggage, and I'm used to the airheads that always came with bags. I rarely drive the truck, so am always hauling stuff on the bike. Regular hiking backpacks can be difficult to put on, especially with bulky riding gear. Getting my left arm into the strap was almost impossible.

Matteo introduced me to the Kriega when I needed a way to haul something home from his place one day. I'm not free with my hard won cash (Guzzi content) but was happy to spend for my own pack after that trial run. I love that thing!

It's high quality, very comfortable, adjustable, and easy to get on or off. It's got a really slick system tying the two straps together. There may be other comparable packs, but I'd definitely get another Kriega should something happen to this one.

I don't know about the availability in the US but a big  for Kreiga, there backpacks are terrific well, designed and can take a real soaking too

They have a modular approach to their luggage so panniers can be used as tank bags and you can double up on stuff

Check them out they are worth a look even if you discount them

https://kriega.com/riderpacks

[kirb]

Not a fan of backpacks for a lot of reasons above. I use small sized single strap 'messenger bag' style from Chrome for a few tasks:

Daylong (gloves, cigars, or a light jacket/rain jacket):
https://www.chromeindustries.com/product/kadet-nylon-messenger-bag/BG-196.html?dwvar_BG-196_color=ALLB&cgid=sling_bags

Fly-n-rides or overnights when I can't set up a bike:
https://www.chromeindustries.com/product/mini-metro-messenger-bag/BG-001.html?dwvar_BG-001_color=BKRD&cgid=messenger_bags

Going on a trip, I'd use a wolfman drybag strapped to the rear seat, but don't go too wide (also can go long-way, but not too long):
https://wolfmanluggage.com/collections/all-motorcycle-bags/products/expedition-dry-duffel-small

Something bigger?
https://kriega.us/uscombo-30

Giant loop also has some cool no-rack options:
https://www.giantloopmoto.com/product-category/saddlebag-systems/

[John Croucher]

May have just been a freak chain of events, but a young kid died at the end of my driveway a couple of years ago from a motorcycle-backpack strangulation.  The Kid had wrecked the previous week while riding in front of me.  He went off the inside blacktop drop off.  I stopped and helped him up and got him going again.  Telling him he needed gloves and a coat while riding.

1 week later, he was dead at the end of my driveway.  Based on the evidence I could see, He was coming up a blind hill that turns to the left at the top.  A vehicle coming the opposite direction was over the center line.  Causing the kid to panic, lock up the rear brake and high side. The skid marks were visible.  When He was launched off the bike to the left, the back pack got stuck on the left mirror.  The bike and rider slid into a large concrete mailbox.  Coming to a stop and choking him to death. 

It was sad.  And yes, I ride with a backpack sometimes. 

[yogidozer]

Wear them while riding? Nope. Strap them on to hike later? Yup

[oilhed]

I had a small single strap backpack (SwissArmy branded)  The strap went from one shoulder to the opposite waist.  It worked ok for carrying a handful of stuff - camera, phone, extra gloves & faceshield.  I wouldn't want anything larger.  But really not very useful.

[BrotherJim]

I have a small Alpinestars backpack that I will wear on occasion when riding my Triumph Thunderbird Sport.  This bike has no capacity to carry much other than me.  Backpack has a couple of water bottle pockets on the outside and a padded laptop pocket inside.  Enough room for an overnighter if I have a place to stay.  Nice padded and ventilated straps and back protection.  A little pricey at $90, but I like it. 

[Rick in WNY]

A couple others have mentioned the small drawstring packs... yup, I have a couple, toss them into the saddlebags because it's nice to be able to carry a few light items on my person after getting to my destination.

But wearing one while riding... no thanks.

[80CX100]

     I love magnetic tank bags for general use and flexibility between bikes.

     As I ride more bikes with plastic tanks, I'm finding tail bags and soft sided cases a reasonable substitute, although I miss the clear map pocket on the top of a tank bag.

     I'm reading accounts of some horrible accidents, not to be a Debbie Downer, but I will throw another cautionary tale to the mix.

     About 30 yrs ago a young female rider wearing a small knapsack, was riding a small Honda Twin on the busy 4 lane 417 Highway through the middle of the City of Ottawa. Somehow one of the straps of her knapsack came loose or the long tag end somehow got caught in the chain/sprocket/wheel assembly pulling her down and off the seat, her and the bike tumbled along the highway as a few vehicles made contact, it was an extremely ugly fatal accident.

    I've ridden wearing a knapsack may times in the past, not something I like to do at this point.

    If you wear a knapsack, please double check and secure your straps.

    Ride safe and often

    Kelly

[SeanF]

Nice looking Griso. 

Most tank bags will have a means to carry them once you arrive at your destination. I usually bring some 1" webbing to use as a shoulder strap, if the bag doesn't already have one. (A few feet of webbing and a couple of small carabiners have many uses when moto traveling.)

Personally, I have never used a backpack while riding, for the reasons previously stated in this thread.

[yackee]

Small east-pak style back pack is very handy and doesn't weigh much, for holding bulky but light stuff, like rain gear.