General Biking Discussion Approved.

It is never recommended to carry heavy backpacks while you are riding for long distances as it WILL end up having an adverse effect on the back. Eventually, it can lead to some serious issues, if not taken care of.

It's always better to either travel light (in which case, a backpack can be carried easily), or perhaps tie the said backpack to the pillion seat by the use of a bungee cord or something similar. Alternatively, you can also carry a tank-bag coupled with saddle-bags. Agreed, all this makes the actual traveling part a little cumbersome, but it's WAY better than ending up with a permanent damage on the fragile backbone, mate. Trust me.

I had more or less similar requirement and browsed through all sorts of tank bags (I always knew Backpack is not good while riding) . Though I was never considering a big amount for tank bag but AlpineStar Tech Aero bag seemed to be the best option . Now its my companion in every ride. Specially capabilities of this tank bag to be used as back pack , expanding to more than 30 ltrs makes it an awesome purchase. Expand it and place your helmet in it and you are free to take a walk or hike if you want to explore a place on foot after parking your bike.

@Abhimanyu, how much did you shell out for this. I got it for 5.2k here in Hyderabad and found decent compared to its $189 list price in US.

Ordered it from Motorcycle Superstore for $160/-... had it delivered to my cousin's place in U.S., who then got it here. At 5.2K you got a very good deal indeed...

hello my friend.
even i am the one who carries backpack all the time.
i don't carry much stuff in it.
i always wear a jacket and my DSG primal gloves.
i carry my backpack even when there's nothing inside it so that i can keep my long gloves and that jacket inside when i am off my bike as its difficult otherwise.

i have 3 bags.
a VIP backpack (smaller one typically meant for laptops, has an extra pocket)

a samsonite one (detachable laptop case very very handy and bigger in size)

a Nike one (i took it from my brother and never returned it back big but not as big as samsonite, quite tall though, stands on the seat very well while riding)

vip one doesn't have rods on the back surface so it becomes troublesome after a while

nike one also doesn't have rods, but its very tough from behind works ok ok.

samsonite one is amazing.
no matter how much weight you put in never feels heavy, no back issues at all.
thanks to the 2 removable rods on the back with a curvy design.

i cannot afford an Alpinestars i think (how much does it cost) so i am happy with what i have,
what else can you expect from a college goer?

and i totally agree with Aryan, that wearing backpacks while riding is a huge pain, specially in long tours.
it kills your back soo quickly as it blocks the wind and pushes it on your back.
making it even worse.

the rod ones are amazing even for biking, but still avoid any backpack while touring.

I do carry a back-pack sometimes and for most of my commutes confined within city-limits I have started to use a waist-pouch(limited carrying availability, but still does the job for 2-3 days out of 7).

The biggest hurdle I face is tying my dark/clear visor with bungee cords*, so I end up carrying a back-pack. I do not want to use a tank-bag for fear of scratching the tank and limited Crouching-ability.

*any idea/s?

You could try the Knoxx Sixpack backpack, it is a really good backpack, it comes with a protective visor pouch for spare visor that fastens in the interior, a removable laptop case, and the backpack is equipped with a helmet carrier and water resistant helmet bag... you could use all of them together or individually.

Me too carry a shoulder bag when ever on my bike.Im really comfortable with it.But when u hit a pothole with the bag on It is seriously NOT comfortable.

Where are they available? E-Bay?

Debit cards/on-line transfers are fine, else I shall have to give it a miss.

@abhimanyu31
Even I have the habit of taking things in my backpack. I need to take somethings with me all the time.And the backpack is the answer to that.
Though I haven't had any back problems like you did.

Been using Reebok, samsonite and timbaland backpacks for a long time.

guys can we get a backpack which can be converted to a tank bag as and when needed??? and it should also have sufficient carrying capacity to carry a jacket, gloves and some other nick knacks....

The only one bag that can do both the jobs till date (and believe me, I have searched high and low) is Alpinestar Tech Aero Tank Bag Backpack. Maybe @Juris could tell you where he exactly he bought his from. He got it at a very good price...

@Kinshuk . Your profile pic suggest you own FZ16 , which has a non metallic tank. Nevertheless , you can use Alpinestar Tech Aero Tank Bag Backpack as it comes with straps apart from magnets.
I second Abhimanyu and I agree this is the best option available if you are looking for Backpack and Tankbag combo. It can not only hold your jacket , gloves and some knick knacks but can carry your helmet too (upon expansion). I bought it for 5.2K in Hyderabad from Ritesh , the owner of Adventure on the Rocks. All details of the Tankbag with pics and price @
Tank Bags - xBhp Classifieds : Buy & Sell

While searching for a suitable tank bag , I came across this thread http://www.xbhp.com/talkies/help-me/...r15-india.html . I talked to the dealer and he has a product that can be used as a tank bag as well as tail bag. I am mentioning this as FZ16 has a non metallic tank bag.

Hope this helps.

yeah magnet thing will not work on FZ.... need to put straps....

I also carry a large backpack to work. Contains my 17" laptop, lunch, chargers, notebook, external HDD, and a few miscellaneous items. But I have adjusted the straps in such a way that the entire bag rests on the rear seat while riding.

The bag is an American Tourister (Samsonite). Thinking of picking up either a Woodlands or Timbaland bag if they have one which takes a 17" laptop!