Wearing a rucksack - damages back?

[montage]

also...I know about decent rucksacks and all that, just want to know if wearing one while cycling on a road bike can be damaging, as due to the position of the bike, the weight of the pack will be on the back, not shoulders/waist.

But the info is greatly appreciated

 

[fossyant]

Nope won't damage your back..... unless it's 50kg's or something daft. I'm using mine with a duffed shoulder (RTA induced) - it's fine.....

 

[J4CKO]

I got some panniers, will still use a rucksack if I need to (if I get a slinky road bike I dont want to spoil with a rack) but I do prefer having any meaningful weight low down, it can make the difference between going over and not I reckon, you don't get a sweaty back and can carry a lot more.

I weighed my bike tonight, being a bit sad, 37 lbs with one laden pannier, rack, lights etc, add the other pannier with monster laptop,charger etc 51 lbs Don't want that on my back.

 

[Wolf04]

Heavy rucksack is fine with me, though hybrid not road bike.
The civil war was about slavery i.e. money innit! If in doubt blame Bush

 

[grhm]

Aren't lots of rucksacks designed to keep the weight lower i.e. on your hips? You shouldn't be taking the weight on your shoulders.

I seem to remember being taught at Scouts to pack my rucksack with light items at the bottom and heavier items at the top. Always seems a bit backwards as surely the heavy item will crush the light items.

I believe that if the straps are set right, the weight is not carried by the shoulders and that having the weight higher up means the weight is carried easier (you naturally lean forward slightly, so moving the weight up brings it above your hips/legs and stops it just pulling your shoulder back)

However, all the above is my thoughts - and may be complete guff - and is based on a vertical walker - so is no help at all to the OP. I use and prefer panniers, so can offer the OP no usefull advice other than if it hurts then that your body saying somethings wrong (but you knew that already)

 

[biking_fox]

I cycle on drops with a loaded rucksack all the time - 35L weighs in at 10kg maybe. I've never experienced back ache from it. So for anecdotal n=1 studies, NO it's not a problem.

I'm also a hiker, and definetly have the straps set at different positions between riding and walking. However they are both set so that the weight is on the waistbelt rather than the shoulders.

Cycling wise the biggest issue is making sure you don't overstuff (use) any side pockets so that your vision behind you is completlely unobscured.

 

[J4CKO]

One thing a rucksack is good for, is mounting an additional rear light.

 

[Keith Oates]

I have a fairly large backack for my 50Km round trip commute and don't get any trouble with the back. I have mine so that the base of the backpack is roughly on the waistline!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[got-to-get-fit]

i carry a rucksack with a laptop and some clothing and cycle tools, wallet etc ......and when i get to work (12mile) my back is usually in agony.
Its just a cheap rucksack though so perhaps there is something out there that gives more support/cushion for cyclists.

I do hava a history of lower back problems as well, so that does not help.

 

[got-to-get-fit]

I think the Civil War was more to do with the north and south fighting over who got to the drive through first for the 'biggy stodge burger, with extra large fries and gallon on sprite 'free refills')

 

[eldudino]

I use a Karrimor airflow backpack for my everyday commute, enough space to carry a shirt, shoes etc. but I have a rack and panniers that I can put on if need be. If you don't like the look of fixed panniers, mine are on a quick release attachment that goes round the seat post. I thought it'd be a bit flimsy bit I've laden it up with beer with no ill effects. It takes about a minute to get on and off withouth the need for any tools.

 

[shunter]

I used a rucksack for a few months with no back issues then had problems with 'heat rash' on back, arms, shoulders and chest - in the middle of winter - so converted to panniers and heat rash has gone. Never had it in my life before so haven't a clue as to whether I really was overheating, or it was the number of showers I was taking or some sort of allergy to soap powder compounded by the amount of sweat. I used a Deuter rucksack with airflow pads and hi-vis cover.

 

[Willow]

I actually use panniers but just the mere fact I;m cycling makes me only take essential stuff. Surely you don't need the whole of all of those folders. I would suggest you a) tidy them up and have a series of smaller folders to put the stuff you are likely to need in. I bet you only use a fraction of what you take each day.

 

[montage]

I actually use panniers but just the mere fact I;m cycling makes me only take essential stuff. Surely you don't need the whole of all of those folders. I would suggest you a) tidy them up and B) have a series of smaller folders to put the stuff you are likely to need in. I bet you only use a fraction of what you take each day.

I'm going to bet that you have children at school? That was definately a "sort your organisation out" mother like comment lol!

 

[buggi]

i think bad bads are caused more by uneven weight, rather than lots of it. like if the weight is more on one side or falls to one side while you are cycling. Therefore i think the answer is :

(a) get a good rucksack which locks at waist and chest (as suggested) to keep it steady and in place; and
( listen to your body. If your back aches when you get off the bike after getting said good rucksack, then yes, i would say it was damaging. If you feel fine then i would say you are fine to carry on.