Riding backpack

[Sindyeli]

I am new to road riding and finding that I'd like to keep the Camelbak idea from mountain biking, so that I can also carry extra stuff. It seems that it's not the trend, even the guy who sold me my new bike at the store advised me against a pack. So what's everyone's take on that, and do you have any recommendation if you use one?
thanks ahead,
S.

[uk elephant]

I have never been accused of following any trends. I carry a camelback backpack for that extra food, clothing, camera, sunscreen, tools etc on rides and find it pretty comfortable even on long rides. I've taken the water-bag out of mine as I find drinking out of water bottles more comfortable and it leaves more space in my pack for all that "stuff" I feel I need to carry.

[Zen]

Trend?
I make my own trends.

[HillSlugger]

If it's hot out I don't like wearing a CamelBak backpack, but there's absolutely nothing wrong with doing that if you want. It's great for carrying extra stuff. Do what works for you and don't worry about anyone else.

[Nia]

I totally agree...trend doens't matter...whatever is more comfortable to you is what counts. It depends on how long i am planning to ride and where...sometimes i like not having too much extra with me, othertimes i swear by it!

[singletrackmind]

My husband uses a camelback Mule when he needs the room, I use either my camelback Rogue and tie stuff to it or my old $10 Eddie Bauer backpack. Enough stuff (like groceries or the 40+ library books I tend to check out all at once, etc, etc) and I just take the BOB trailer.

[lph]

I commute daily (40 min to 1 1/2 hrs, depending on how adventurous I'm feeling) with a small backpack, and as long as it's not too hot I barely notice it's there. It's actually a add-on daypack to a larger Osprey hiking pack, weighs nothing, is very narrow so it sits nicely between my shoulder blades, and does not have a padded hip or chest strap. Great for carrying lunch, keys, wallet and a few items of clothing so my colleagues don't have to see me wear the same thing EVERY day.

Anyhoo, I use it on road rides as well and have never really understood what roadies have against them. On fast training rides I'd rather move (and sweat) freely without a pack, but otherwise it sits just fine.

[KathiCville]

Do whatever works for you....I don't worry about what anybody thinks about whatever I carry with me when I'm riding. I figure that anyone who has time or inclination to criticize somebody's else bike and/or accessories is too bored and boring to bother with or be bothered by, LOL!

That being said, my favorite item for carrying small stuff with me isn't a backpack, but an Ortlieb under-saddle bag---which rolls up, clips shut, never gets in the way. Waterproof, durable. I have a large one, which is big enough to carry small tools, wallet, jacket/vest, even lunch, if opened full-sized. But if half-empty, it rolls up much smaller. Quick-release latch makes it a snap to put on, take off the bike......For now I'm toting regular water bottles, but pondering the Camelbak option......

[Geonz]

Snork... if you go ahead and use one then he'll change his tune 'cause it *will* be the trend! He may be a closet Weight Weenie and think carrying *anything* extra is Dorky. The rest of the world tolerates weight weenies and their silly disdain. He also might not have realized that you already have worn 'em - they do make some people uncomfortable (not me). I carry a whole backpack, sometimes with my laptop or a travel iron...

[babynoahsmom]

THose two guys in the photo don't need a rack, they need a uhaul. Wonder if they make one for bikes?