Why so many people start with a backpack
A backpack is the easiest way to carry things by bike. You already own one, it needs no fitting, and it goes with you when you lock up and walk into a building. For short, light trips that convenience is hard to beat.
It also has real downsides, and they tend to show up on longer rides or hotter days. Knowing both sides helps you decide when a backpack is enough.
What a backpack does to balance
Weight on your back sits high, above the saddle and behind your shoulders. That raises your overall centre of mass a little, and a heavy pack can shift as you lean, brake or hit a bump. With a light load you will barely notice. With a heavy or loosely packed one, the bike may feel top-heavy, especially at low speeds or when you stand on the pedals.
Braking can feel different too. Under hard braking a heavy pack can push you forward slightly, which adds to the load on your arms and wrists. It is one reason to keep what you carry modest and to slow down earlier than usual. How weight changes things in general is covered by carrying loads, and the same ideas apply here on a smaller scale.
Comfort and sweat
Much of the complaint about backpacks is about comfort rather than safety.
- Sweat. A pack against your back blocks airflow. In warm weather you may end up with a damp shirt and a damp pack. Some packs have a ventilated back panel that helps a little, though it rarely removes the problem.
- Pressure points. On a bike you lean forward, so straps pull on the shoulders and the pack can press on the lower back. Wrists, neck and shoulders may tire sooner.
- Reach. A tall pack can bump the back of your helmet when you look over your shoulder or ride in a low position.
If you notice numbness, pain or tingling, take the pack off, ride lighter and consider seeing a health professional if it continues.
Wearing a pack sensibly
A few habits make a backpack more pleasant.
- Pack heavy items close to your back and low. Put the bulkiest, lightest things away from your back.
- Tighten the straps. A pack that swings is annoying and affects balance. Many packs have a chest strap or waist strap, and using them stops side-to-side movement.
- Check the fit. The pack should sit snugly on the back, not hang low over the saddle. A pack that rubs on the saddle or catches on the back of your seat is the wrong size for riding.
- Keep it light. There is no safe weight that suits every rider, so go by feel. If the pack makes the ride tiring or unstable, it is carrying too much for your back.
- Keep it away from the wheels and chain. Loose straps and dangling items should be tucked in.
If you ride in the dark or in traffic, make sure the pack does not cover your lights or reflective clothing, and that your signals are still visible. Good riding with a bell and lights is covered separately, but a large pack can hide both.
When panniers or a rack are better
A rack and a pair of panniers or a single bag usually become the better answer when:
- you carry more than a light load every day
- your commute is long or hot
- you carry something fragile, such as a laptop, and want it off your back
- you want to wear lighter clothing without a sweaty back
- you have back, neck or shoulder discomfort when riding with weight on your back
The weight then sits low on the bike frame instead of on you. Many riders find this feels steadier and more comfortable, though the bike will generally be harder to handle at low speeds and slower to stop than with an empty frame. If you are choosing bike bags for riding, look for ones made to fit your rack and check the maximum weight. Rear rack cycling takes a little getting used to, so practise somewhere quiet first.
Handlebar bags and frame bags suit smaller items such as keys, a phone and a wallet. Heavy items on the handlebars can make steering feel heavy, so keep them small.
A middle route
You do not have to choose one or the other. Many riders keep heavy items on a rack and use a small pack for things they need on foot, such as a wallet and lock. That keeps most of the weight off the back and still gives you somewhere to carry personal items.
If you use a backpack, treat it as part of your riding setup. Practise on a flat, quiet stretch, with a helmet on, before you take it on a busy road. Pay attention to how braking and turning feel with the pack on, and adjust your speed accordingly. Individual comfort varies a great deal, so what works for one person may not suit another, and you should change the setup if it does not work for you.