"Backpacks" thread in "Staying Alive"
Is it really light flexible and breathable as it suggests? Seen so many ads for stuff claiming to have all these properties and when they ...

Is it really light flexible and breathable as it suggests? Seen so many ads for stuff claiming to have all these properties and when they arrive always seem more like a reshaped inner tube.

As perhaps the exception, being a front-down lander, I've asked about that before and Knox seemed to be the only stuff available, although some wag suggested getting a Mae West.

I had a rucksack incident like that, although with consequences no more serious than arriving at my destination and finding I lost my favourite shirt. The OH had warned me several times not to do up the zips on top, but I just didn't take him seriously
Also lost a mobile from a rucksack pocket I'd forgotten to zip up. What wasn't funny was that at about the same moment I lost a friend that was following me (well I lost her first, and when I stopped to call her I realised I'd lost my mobile). I had horrible visions of my mobile hitting her in the face (visor) and her lying on the hard shoulder because of my forgetfulness. Luckily she'd only got lost.

On the whole I prefer a (well-secured!) tailpack, and a bumbag for the most important things (money, phone, chocolate). I love my little Oxford bumbag so much, I've had it for years and it's still solid, and it's a real tardis, I just can't give it up. In order to avoid spinal injuries I try not to fall off

Make your mind up, you were only saying the other day.....

I've seen the loosing luggage from rucksacks and tail packs several times. Always makes me laugh. Am I the only rider who, in nigh on 30 years riding, has never ridden with a rucksack? I cannot ever remember doing it. I've never had a tail-pack either. Always thought they were both a stupid idea.

For carrying stuff I've always been a satchel man, or the courier's favourite of years ago, the newspaper delivery bag. Better still tank bags and panniers, both throw-over and fitted, and top boxes. Or bungy net stuff to the seat. On the Silver Wing huge there was a space large enough to hold two helmets and more under the seat. The Voyager obviously has masses of storage.

Keys live in a little leather pouch in my pocket. I'm not overly bothered about my phone - small, plastic and if I hit something hard enough for that to cause me damage the damage is already being done!

I don't reall ever saying I've fallen off and landed on my back.

I also turned down the suggestion of the Mae West for a couple of reasons.

You were saying your jacket was err... full. So you have your own Mae West!
I was trying not to be too obvious. I'm ashamed now

Not sure. Certainly looked like it would be breathable, definitely felt lightweight and didn't look like an inner tube!! I think BladeriderEssex has bought one so will see if I can get a test ride!

Cant actually fit it inside my leathers when wearing my back protector too so its still brand new sat in a drawer! Was cheapish though at £25!

Too many pies....

My weakness isnt for pies!

You are welcome to try it out! Not sure how much room your leathers have either though! we sound like a couple of fat lads BTW!

Also... If you get a rucsack with a rain cover, try to get one that is stored at the bottom of the rucsack or one that fastens with a zip

Mine is stored in a pocket at the top fastened with velcro which kept coming open when I was riding at silly speeds through France and instantly deploying the rain cover like a parachute which was ummm, interesting.

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CBA TBH

Perhaps you should be. I'm one of those people who cracked a rib falling flat on my mobile phone. The crack was exactly where the phone was and I landed on a flat surface, so I'm in no doubt about the reason for the pain in the ensuing couple of weeks.

I was skiing by the way, not even at motorway speed and landed on packed snow, which is still slightly softer than tarmac. And my phone is not particularly thick either (http://europe.nokia.com/A4254242).

I am, thank you for posting that, glad your mates ok. I've been wondering about the best option this summer for me on my little bike (and for when we're touring), so it was helpful

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Lead me not into temptation for I can get there easily by myself.............keeping a slightly older man very, very happy btw!!!!!!

Should have bought a Kriega