Frowned upon to bike with a backpack? Lightweight kit just haven’t put time into learning how to put gear on the bike.
by GavinR98
Frowned upon to bike with a backpack? Lightweight kit just haven’t put time into learning how to put gear on the bike.
by GavinR98
18 Comments
Nope. Light weight is good. Get some Viole straps and lash it on your bike.
If it’s light enough that it’s not killing your back, go ahead. But I think for a lot of people bicycling with a heavy backpack is going to turn into agony pretty quickly.
Hey, you do you.
Personally though I find a backpack really annoying. Having the weight on the bike is more relaxing and also you are less sensitive to the weight.
Few kgs in backpack on your back are fine (at least with MTB-like bike with no dropbars). With a rear rack and no dropper you can ‘stand’ your backpack on a rack and attach it to the seatpost – also works great. (I wouldn’t lay UL backpack horizontally for longer, multiday trips or the fabric may get worn out due to rubbing against the rack)
Furthermore, on a budget, handlebar harness and small kayaking drybag work great. Keep it simple, fewer but bigger bags are easier to pack.
I did it once. Just a lot more comfortable without all your crap on your back.
I’ve had to use a backpack for multiple trips and I HATE it. It’s so constricting, and you can’t put anything heavy in because it hurts. Handy for food shopping and quickly stashing things, though.
It’s not frowned upon for style reasons, more so that it get uncomfortable pretty quick compared to having all the weight on the bike. How are you finding it?
My first bike packing trip involved a rented bike. I had a hiking backpack.
I had fun.
Whatever gets you in the saddle is a win. Only downside is more back sweat
If it works for you, no one else’s opinion matters. I wouldn’t find it comfortable for anything more than short single nighters, but that’s me.
28L Osprey Daylight backpack, carries my wildlife photography kit. My camera is best carried on my body vs on the bike frame itself. I use frame bags for other things like bike repair tools, food, drinks things like that. Stuff in the backpack cost more than the bike itself. 😆🤙
Anyone “frowning” at my get up – can take a hike of their very own. 😆
Durston is never frowned upon
I have pleny of stowage with the bags I havefor camping, but sometimes you want something a little bit extra, especially if its colder.
That being said I use a backpack when im winter commuting. It keeps me that little bit warmer, and IlI feel okay bringing leftovers in a container instead of just sandwich stuff.
Getting out there with what you got!
I just use a lightweight Apidura backpack for last mile riding (hopefully) with food. I really don’t like cycling with heavy backpacks but as others have said, do what makes you happy!
Nah – who cares. The whole point of bikepacking is to get out there and discover it for yourself. Any bike, any gear. Evolve and learn as you go. It really is about the journey!
Ride your own ride! People judging you on how you ride or your gear are not good people , even if they’re allegedly saying they’re trying to help you. They are just doing it to be jerks.
Nope, you’re camping on a bike. Good work.
Gatekeepers can get fucked.