A backpack will always be the definition of practicality, no matter what your tastes are, you just cannot deny this fact. Backpacks are used in various situations and there are all types of backpacks for all your different needs such as for hiking, for training, for school or even for work. But how about backpacks for motor riding?
Are there good motorcycle backpack designed specifically for motorcyclist? Of course! However, is riding a motorcycle with backpack a good thing? Is a backpack really that practical when you are planning a journey with your motorcycle?
That is exactly the topic that we are discussing today in this post. I will be sharing with you my opinion on the pros and cons of riding a motorcycle with a backpack.
You might want to read them through and adapt the information to your own experience. Please keep in mind that not all the points below will be 100% applicable to your life as it is based on my personal opinion of riding a motorcycle with a backpack.
Advantages Of Riding a Motorcycle With Backpack
Let’s start with the benefits of carrying a backpack while out riding your motorcycle. There are plenty of reason for you to choose to carry a backpack during your riding journey, but here’s mine…
Comfortable, Yet Practical
So far, the main reason you should wear a backpack while you are riding your motorcycle is that you have everything you need right behind your back, literally.
When you need to stop to take a sip of water, it would be way easier. All your important belongings will be right there in your motorcycle backpack. You don’t have to mount from your bike and open up boxes just to get a sip of water.
Furthermore, a backpack is close to your body, you feel it and you could be sure that there will not be stolen items. You control the situation, no one else has the power except you. You don’t have to worry about your belongings when you need to leave your bike to explore the surroundings. As such, you get to enjoy your riding experience at its best.
Life Saving
It is not something that you want to be involved in while out riding, but accidents do happen. You should be prepared in those situations. If you do not have a box attached to your motorcycle, where would you put your emergency kit?
When you are on the road, you must have one of those with you all the time. You do not even know when a small bandage could save your life by stopping bleeding. Moreover, you could lend a helping hand for others in need.
In addition, a backpack could also act as another layer of padding for your back in case you are thrown out of your bike during an accident. You never know but it could be the difference between you injuring your spine and having minor bruises.
Drawbacks of Riding a Motorcycle With a Backpack
Although riding motorcycle with a backpack is practical and could be life-saving, there are some drawbacks. You need to understand them so that you could make some adjustment accordingly. So let’s see what are some of the disadvantages of carrying a motorcycle backpack.
That’s Too Much, I Can’t Take It!
If you do plan a riding journey that will last a few days, you will face a small issue if you are planning on having a backpack only. And the issue is your entire wardrobe will not fit into your small motorcycle backpack.
Even if you somehow managed to pack super light or squeeze everything in, it won’t be comfortable for you to feel that pressure on your shoulders all the time.
When out riding, you should concentrate on the traffic. Your last concern should be the heaviness of your backpack. Think about other ways to brings your goods with you. Carrying them like a donkey is not the only solution.
Where Is The Balance?
Let’s face it, with a backpack you are not light as a butterfly. You are riding with speed, (and I am not talking about illegal speed, your life matters the most, keep that in mind all the time) it is not like you are running or walking on a sunny day.
As a rider, you should know that keeping balance is vital. The heaviness of your backpack may put you on the ground while driving through curves.
Accidents – If Not Worn Properly
Another point that you need to take note is to ensure that your backpack is strapped on to you the right way. We do not want straps flying around during your ride.
That could be dangerous and a hazard as the loose backpack straps could get hooked to anything. This will cause you to lose control of your bike.
Higher Risks of Injury During a Fall
During an accident, a backpack could be a good or bad thing depending on what items are in your backpack. As much as backpack could be an additional padded layer (if you fill it with clothes), it could also be an additional hazard if you are carrying heavy items such as canned food or bottles.
As such, DO NOT fill your backpack with something hard or heavy.
Think Before Riding a Motorcycle With a Backpack
Is it worth the risk or can you actually survive without that backpack? If you still feel that it is a necessity, then, by all means, please ride with care.
It may seem such a small decision to make, but you have seen that it could have such an impact on your experience. Think more about you would like to do and stay safe!
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