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Following on from the which trail running backpack thread..
I dislike rucksacks for cycling and not used one for a good few years. Instead I have my backpacking pouches or a bag under the top tube.
But I have often wondered about these trail running backpacks as a lightweight bag that you deliberately can't put too much in if you are in the need for a bit more space.
Anyone use one for biking?
I have thought about it, but then I remembered how much I dislike wearing any sort of carrying equipment on my body whilst cycling.
Anyway, if you've got the money Restrap will sell you a cycle specific one
https://restrap.com/products/race-hydration-vest
I’ve done a few longer rides with an Ultimate Direction FKT backpack. I found it comfortable, didn’t move around at all, and carried enough for a few days.
Used it, in conjunction with a top tube bag, for Herbrides ride over 3 days, a couple of days around the Cairngorms on the MTB and the Deeside Trail on the MTB.
I tend to use it for clothing and lightweight stuff, and the front pockets for stuff I need to get to easily, like phone, snacks, etc. The long top tube bag then has some slightly heavier stuff like toiletries (well toothbrush, etc) and charger, food, etc.
I’ve also used it for running, and it works well for that as well, unsurprisingly.
I contemplated it - I have Osprey and Montane running packs - but on the bike where there's less jarring motion, a lumbar pack seems to make more sense and leaves your back exposed to lose heat, plus similarly hard to overload if that's an issue for you.
I guess a running pack would be better for carrying a reservoir, but I can live with that, I think - bottle on the bike, small res' in lumbar pack in hotter weather / for longer rides.
I used my Harrier running vest for doing the Ride to the Sun. I carried a warm jacket, gloves and a few odds and bobs that wouldn’t fit so well in my usual bum bag. It worked well, felt light on my back and as it was cool, sweating wasn’t a big problem.
I also prefer to avoid wearing a backpack when possible, but I've used my Salomon 8L running vest a few times and it works well. I can drink while keeping both hands on the bars which is useful on long climbs. I like that the weight sits higher unlike a normal pack and they also don't compress/pinch around the stomach like a bumbag can (IMO).
If you don't want to or can't run a frame bag, I think they can be a good option!
I've got a decathlon 10L trail running pack that I used last weekend for a big solo hike a bike day in the lakes. Carried 1litre of water, first aid, spare layers, lots of food in addition to the 750ml bottle and tools I can carry on the bike. To me this is where it makes sense over my Aguille hip bag which would have felt overloaded.
FYI my partner has a Solomon and a UD trail running bag, we agree that my Decathlon number is every bit as good for a fraction of the price.
I have a CamelBak Chase Race 4 vest that was bought for gravel riding, but also used for trail running. It's great for both. Super comfortable, lightweight, doesn't move around. Has a 1.5litre reservoir and enough space to store a few essentials. It's designed so that is still allows access to cycling jersey pockets, and I find the pockets on the straps/harness part to be particularly handy for phone and gels. They also do an 8 litre version if you need a bit more stash space.
Cheers all.
I need to pop into decathlon soon.will have a gander.
Restrap, reminds me to get their foldable coffee filter thing.