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So me being the non-saddle bag type I'm looking for some backpacks that can do two things. One hold a decent amount of stuff and two is waterproof. My current backpack which I use for school is the perfect size except now that I'm riding when its full it starts to tare. And enough water will make it soggy.

Anyway so those who use backpacks to lug around the occasional change of clothes or lots of books and a headset tell me. What do you use?

I use a regular back pack, and it works well. I haven't ridden in very heavy rain, but I don't think I'll be doing it enough to warrant a new waterproof back pack.

There is rarely a time I'm riding without my backpack and I have saddlebags.... I just wear my school backpack which is a Samsonite...green somethin or other. Has a nice place for the laptop. Rugged and a ton of space. I've riden in light rain with it and didnt have much of a problem. but as a rule I avoid rain so it hasn't been tested a lot. Only real problem i have is that the two leveled seat makes things fun sometimes. Alternatively I have been known to wrap the sholder straps around the sissy bar and just snug it up for shorter trips.

I've ridden in the pouring raid with a regular backpack, the straps get REALLY wet, but most of the rest of it stays dry. It'll stay almost completely dry, unless you stop a lot. Remember you're moving into the rain, meaning most of the water is going to be hitting you, unless the wind is blowing from behind faster then you are riding (unlikely, and very unsafe to be riding in) very little water will be getting past you to hit the bag.

I use either my leather back pack or my woven hemp back pack . The hemp one is lined .
Regards, Wizzard

Wizard, has a hemp backpack, go figure.

I use a Jansport canvas backpack. When I bought it 10 years ago it said it was water resistant however I am sure that time and wear has negated any water resistant chemicals they put on it.

My paperwork never gets wet at all but I also put my reflective vest on after I put my backpack on. The vest is one of those orange mesh vests you see road workers using so I wouldnt imagine that it provides any extra water resistance. Maybe it helps maybe it doesnt....

I'm not going to go on a "Safety Rant"

But ...

I don't have the study right now, but if you dump w/ a backpack, you have a HUGE chance of increased back injury. Just recently some dude in Birmingham (UK, Not Alabama) had his ARM ripped off at the shoulder when his bag got caught on the mirror of a car he was passing.

They make tank bags and tail packs that you can take off the bike and strap on to your back like a backpack - might want to give those a look.

Here's an example
http://www.bagster.com/en/moto/showroomview.php?id=65

TechBMW wrote:I'm not going to go on a "Safety Rant"

But ...

I don't have the study right now, but if you dump w/ a backpack, you have a HUGE chance of increased back injury. Just recently some dude in Birmingham (UK, Not Alabama) had his ARM ripped off at the shoulder when his bag got caught on the mirror of a car he was passing.

They make tank bags and tail packs that you can take off the bike and strap on to your back like a backpack - might want to give those a look.

Here's an example
http://www.bagster.com/en/moto/showroomview.php?id=65

The only problem with tank bags are that is some places (dont worry--if you dont know where I am talking about you cant get to them) in the US made it illegal to have tank bags while riding. If you get caught with one they will ticket you then force you to remove it on the spot. Guess they would prefer you had your arm tore off.....


BTW thanks for the tip about backpacks. I didnt know that

Then there are these little babies!

http://www.atpm.com/11.04/axio.shtml