Biker friendly Backpacks?

Captain · Biker friendly Backpacks?

I am currently using a small pack that is specific to bicycle riders.
It has good padding and a few pockets.

But the problem with it is that the arm straps are fully connected.
Trying to get it on wearing my leather jacket involves a very embarrassing "chicken dance". :compress:
I am after a backpack that has the arm straps with clips at the bottom, so you can throw it over your shoulder and then do it up.

I don't want anything too big, really just for getting milk and bread or the fish and chips!
Either leather or material would be OK.
I prefer one that is reasonably tight on your back, so that it doesn't move around at speed.

I did see something online way back that was a leather one made in Aus specifically for bikers.
But damned if I can find their website any more.

Anyone have any clues?

Murdoch

Not that this is much good to you except for interest sake
But I have one of the Buell sling bags
I find it really good
It has a heap of pockets & on the front part of the sling there is a pocket for a mobile phone & another separate one that could be used with a MP3 player as it has the earphone hole
It also has a waist belt you can use so it fits quite snugly & hangs on at speed

You can easily slip the sling over your shoulder with a jacket on or the sling section will separate as it has a Velcro sleeve set up
I don't think you can buy them but I do see them on Ebay now & then

Bombardier

I use one of those bags with the water bladder in the back.

It has a chest strap so you can leave the straps loose and then do up the chest strap so it doesn't fall off.

Got it given to us from our work so we don't die from heat stroke.

Can't think of the bloody name of it!!!!!!!!!

Camel back!!

zedman

I have an alpinestars back pack that is friggin awesome. Have had it for about 3 years now, has straps with quick disconnect and heaps of other cool things like ipod pouch etc. Was a little expensive ie $140 but so far has been well worth it

Krusty

I get the same thing periodically from a discount bag place in town. About 20 bucks. Use for 12 months n chuck away. In black too.

buellbabe

I've also got one of those Buell slingbags but not quite big enuf to carry wet weather trou, bike cover, lunch etc to work n back each day so instead I use my trusty old macpac. Bloody great Kiwi brand,the bags gotta be 20yrs old and it only takes a wash cycle to make it look like new again.

Strap adjusters are at the bottom so no embarassing chicken dance involved LOL.

Captain

Thanks all for your replies.

I have one of the earlier Buell sling bags, but I just checked and it doesn't have a waist belt.
The main strap is attached at both ends, does have a mobile pouch, but that's about it.
I use that for local trips, but over distance and speed, it moves around way too much.

I will peruse the bike shops this week to see what they stock.
I'll check Alpinestars on-line too.

I have a Macpac treking rucksack that I used around Europe many years ago.
Damn good quality and fit, but too big for what I now need.

If anyone comes across the Aussie website of leather packs made specifically for bikers, please let me know.

Let's go shopping . . . . . . .

Krusty

Mines got the waist band Capn but I reckon if I come off I'd rather the pack fly off than have it attached for a coupla tumbles.

Bombardier

An added bonus for the Camel Back is that you can have a drink on the go and if you should come off the beast the water in the backpack will help break the fall a little. Yet to test the fall theory but it sounds like it would work!

Fuzz

I use the Buell sling bag, but it only had 1 strap, so I cut it in half and sewed it back together with the 2, it also works as a tank bag on the M2....wrap the shoulder straps around the front "manta ray" portions of the tank. On longer sojourns, I use soft, throw over saddlebags (Panniers) and a large duffle across them and the seat.

BGA

I nearly cried when you said you cut your buell sling bag Fuzz!!!!!
Murdoch did you buy yours or get it for free when the ride days were on?

I have had a dri-rider backpack for about 8yrs and going great despite the straps being melted on the exhaust of my previous bike!!!

Captain

I found the website for Kriega backpacks.
They are an English mob that have designed specifically for motorcycle riders.
I like the R25 pack; and the buckle system could be what I am after.
Not cheap, but you get what you pay for!
They also have an Aussie on-line shop, so that's handy.

Anyone come across these before?

Murdoch