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Bicycle backpack or bicycle panniers for short bicycle trips?
For short cycling trips, it is worth taking additional bicycle accessories or food with you. Bicycle backpacks and bicycle panniers are perfect as a place to transport such things. It is worth considering the pros and cons of the models available on the market and checking which one will be the optimal choice for a short ride. We invite you to read our analysis.
What to consider when choosing a backpack or bicycle pannier?
First of all, the selected equipment should be fully adapted to the individual needs of the user. We will need a different backpack capacity during a short bicycle trip, and a different one when we go on a long ride or go to work, and we want to take the necessary electronics or food with us. Therefore, one of the basic selection criteria is the capacity of a backpack or bicycle pannier.
What capacity will be optimal?
For short trips, small backpacks and panniers with a capacity of up to 10 liters will be sufficient. Such a model will allow you to hide a small repair kit, a water bottle, fruit and energy bars in it. If you are afraid of changeable weather, it is worth considering larger backpacks with a capacity of 15-20 liters. Then we can additionally fit in them a raincoat, a camera, a first aid kit, or an additional portion of food. The larger the backpack, the more we can put in it, but at the same time the load on our body while driving will increase. It is worth remembering when going on a bicycle trip with several people. Skilful distribution of the weight of luggage among all participants of the trip will make the trip more comfortable and safe.
Larger backpacks can hold up to 30 liters or more. These are models dedicated to longer trips, but you can fit a lot of things inside them. They work well, e.g. during multi-day bicycle trips with a tent and a sleeping bag. Ultimately, the capacity of the selected model should be adapted to your individual needs and cycling plans, but backpacks with a capacity of 10-20 liters remain the most popular choice for short trips. They will be perfectly sufficient.
Characteristics of a good bicycle backpack
First of all, a good quality bicycle backpack is made of a material resistant to weather conditions and intensive use. It is worth checking whether the model we choose has reinforced threads that will minimize the risk of rubbing the backpack. Another important criterion is the weight of the backpack, which is an additional burden for the cyclist. Of course, the lighter the better. Additional aspects include the possibility of intuitive installation of a water bottle or hydration bladder, or a helmet mount. Appropriate adjustment of the backpack will allow it to be fully adapted to the cyclist's body, which will affect the comfort of his ride and safety. At the very end, it is also worth betting on an additional cover to protect the backpack from rain or snow, as well as the aesthetics of the model. After all, each of us wants to look good and fashionable, even while cycling.
ERGON bicycle backpack with a capacity of 15 liters + 2 liter pocket for a hydration bladder
Cons of using a bicycle backpack
Of course, cycling backpacks also have their downsides. These include, above all, the additional load on the cyclist while riding, which can cause faster fatigue. The more tired the body, the easier it is to lose concentration and have a possible accident, which reduces driving safety. In addition, the backpack is an additional element on the back of the cyclist, which can catch a branch or other obstacles while riding, so it is worth being careful. When choosing a poor-quality backpack, the equipment may get wet or painful abrasions on the cyclist's body, so it is necessary to conduct a good analysis before buying. Ultimately, a high-quality backpack will be a good choice even for short cycling trips.
Bicycle panniers - an alternative to a backpack
Bicycle panniers are a popular alternative to bicycle backpacks. These are bags that are mounted directly on the rear rack, under the saddle, on the frame, under the frame or on the front fork. Then, their installation requires the use of a lowrider, i.e. a front rack, which may involve additional costs for the buyer. For short bicycle trips, you can bet on single panniers with a capacity of 5 to 10 liters, but on the market you can successfully find models with a capacity of up to 30 liters / piece. The latter are perfect for longer trips.
Advantages of a good bicycle pannier
High-quality bicycle panniers can have many advantages. First of all, they do not directly burden the cyclist's body, because they are mounted on the bike and not worn on the back. This facilitates movement and increases the comfort of movement while driving, which may affect its safety. Adjusting the capacity of the panniers or panniers (they can be used in pairs or individually) to the user's needs makes it easy to fit what we need during a bicycle trip. In the case of short routes, the needs are not large, so one smaller bicycle pannier is enough.
Disadvantages of using bicycle panniers
Just like backpacks, bicycle panniers are also not without flaws. First of all, for their installation, an additional rack may be necessary, which is associated with costs. In some situations, the installation of such panniers will be impossible. In addition, the wrong load of panniers while riding can cause a threat and the effect of drifting the cyclist to one side. Therefore, it is very important to skillfully distribute the weight of the equipment into two chambers when using two panniers. We will have less of a problem with one pannier placed under the saddle or near the bike frame. In addition, panniers are an additional burden on the bike, so they will not work when you want to keep its weight as low as possible. In other cases, they will be the optimal choice for short trips around the city or during a trip out of town.
Both bicycle panniers and bicycle backpacks have their admirers and opponents. The choice is an individual matter and should be tailored to our needs and preferences. Let's take care of your safety and comfort every time.
