sweaty back carrying backpack

wannabe7a

I started commuting to work carrying a backpack. I dont really like that my back is getting sweaty so I try not to cycle too fast but its unavoidable. When I step in the office my back is sweaty sharing my odours with others

I see a lot of guys on roadbikes cycling with backpacks. Just wonder if they are having this problem. Must be!!!
Is there something to do about this. I hardly see any roadbiker using a carrier + pannier.

Look forward to the responses.

Idleater

I keep a change of clothes in work and wash when I get in. My colleagues don't comment, so either they're too polite or what I do is sufficient. Either way I don't care.

Dermot Illogical

The backpack I use has a mesh which sits on my back, while the bag itself is arched away from my back and sits off it. Picked it up in Lidl for around a tenner earlier on this year. Doesn't fully cure the problem, but does help.
I still sweat, but the contents of the bag aren't affected

Squidgy Black

there's a lot of bags designed to actually keep it off your back, they have ventilated strips etc in the back rather than a normal backpack which just rests on your back.

I just use a messenger bag.

petethedrummer

Cycle in wearing a cycling jersey, wipe yourself down with a small travel towel. Deodorise. Put on work garment.

Real_World?

I use the Deuter bike backpack.

http://www.deuter.com/en_DE/backpack-details.php?category=76&id=1709&title=Cross%20Air%2020%20EXP

Its available in Great Outdoors. Also wear breathable running t-shirts and shorts. Then just get changed in work.

Keep_Her_Lit

wannabe7a wrote: »

I try not to cycle too fast but its unavoidable.

No problem there! Cycling too fast is a lot more enjoyable than cycling too slow, I'm sure you'll agree.

I hardly see any roadbiker using a carrier + pannier.

But that's no reason not to use one yourself if you think it would solve your problem. Like you, I dislike the clammy feeling that a backpack can produce. Also, if you're carrying an appreciable amount of weight (e.g. a stack of books), it fairly messes up your form when you're out of the saddle, when climbing or accelerating. Your shoulders and lower back will also ache sooner on longer journeys.

A carrier adds weight of its own, along with some aerodynamic drag. And of course it looks dorky. But for me, the pros outweigh the cons. It's an option worth considering.

Lemag

Real_World? wrote: »

I use the Deuter bike backpack.

I have a Deuter and I really like it. I don't cycle to work though.

wannabe7a wrote: »

I hardly see any roadbiker using a carrier + pannier.

Not all road bikes can accommodate panniers but if yours can then why not? For this check to see if there is an 'eyelet' above where the rear brake caliper is.

Canis Lupus

There are backpacks with space to allow airflow but honestly it doesn't make much difference. If you can, grab a rack and a pannier. Much nicer, specially if your commute is long.

petethedrummer

Keep_Her_Lit wrote: »

But for me, the pros outweigh the cons.

Same for me. Great job so they are.

Black Bloc

I have a Zoot brand back pack (no water reservoir) and haven't had any problems with sweat patches. Plenty of mesh and pockets. About €30 in Cyclesuperstore.

enas

Real_World? wrote: »

I use the Deuter bike backpack.

http://www.deuter.com/en_DE/backpack-details.php?category=76&id=1709&title=Cross%20Air%2020%20EXP

Its available in Great Outdoors. Also wear breathable running t-shirts and shorts. Then just get changed in work.

I commute with that one too (I believe after a recommendation from here ). I am very happy with it, I would believe it as good as it can get with a backpack (I only sweat where the bottom of the backpack contacts the bottom of my back, the rest is completely dry). My only gripe is that it's not ideal for carrying laptops, but I saw that since I bought it, they did a similar model that has a proper laptop carrying compartment (check on Wiggle too, they have quite a few models).

07Lapierre

I drive into work one day a week. I bring in everything i need for the other 4 days. Then i cycle in 4 days a week. No backpack.... Much better.

seamus

Yeah, nothing you can do about it really. My trip into work is always the easier leg and I haven't sweated on the way into work in years, but once the temperatures go above freezing, there'll always be a slight damp patch on my back where the bag is.

A courier-style bag might be better for avoiding it because it's not pressed against your back.

People on road bikes tend not to use panniers because they're not quick to remove and attach. However Topeak do a range of quick-ish-release panniers, if that's what you want to do. Problem with seatpost mounted panniers is that they can't take much. So if you want to carry 10 or 15kg of stuff (say a laptop and the like), then proper panniers are the way to go.

wannabe7a

There are carriers for the roadbike but they can only hold less than 10kg. I would be already wary then if it is more than 8. So not really great.

I used to have a bag with air between my back and the bag but it did not seem to make much difference in hotter countries or when you are running around a bit, especially around the areas where you make contact with your back.
But I guess it would be better than the usual backpack. Combining it with bringing a towel and deo, would be not too bad. Or just use the bog roll at the companies expense to get most off ur sweat

Khannie

Those Deuter ones are pretty pricey. Any cheaper alternatives out there that people would recommend?

p

You need to take it up a notch style-wise. Get one of these:


http://www.copenhagenize.com/2011/01/brand-newish-bag.html

DaveyDave

I cycle in wearing a jersey and put a t-shirt in my bag, then just wipe down and spray a bit of deodorant on myself, though I change in a ****ty toilet cubicle in a Further Education college, I'd imagine a lot of office workers have it better.

blobbie

DaveyDave wrote: »

.... I'd imagine a lot of office workers have it better.

Not much. I use the disabled toilet

TinyExplosions

blobbie wrote: »

Not much. I use the disabled toilet

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aW2esYwKxiU

uberpixie

I use this: Carradice SQR Slim bag
(more of a box tbh, it has an internal rigid frame to keep its shape)
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/carradice-sqr-slim-bag-including-sqr-bracket/

I have tried regular panniers (a little awkward and I didn't like the change in balance to the bike) and a Chrome courier bag (very comfy for cycling but I still had a sweaty back...) and the SQR slim suits me the best tbh.

Mounts of the seat post on a SQR quick release bracket, its a bit of a squeeze to fit on a size 52 road bike frame, but it fits! I had to take off my rear mud guard, but the bag itself will act as a mudguard so no real loss.
It's big enough to take a change of clothes for work, a small towel and some small items. It is a little fiddly at times to mount on the quick release but it is well worth it.

Wiggle have a batch of these under their saddle bags section: http://www.wiggle.co.uk/saddle-bags/

The bigger Carradice saddle bags go past 20 liters for larger bikes with more clearence, so you should be able to get one big enough for your commute!

If you do look at one, I would go with one of their SQR line bags that includes a bracket.

You can also buy an extended mount that raises the level of the bag:
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/carradice-sqr-saddle-bag-uplift-system/

blobbie

TinyExplosions wrote: »

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aW2esYwKxiU

Must try that on Monday. Get a free lift to my desk

wannabe7a

uberpixie wrote: »

I use this: Carradice SQR Slim bag
(more of a box tbh, it has an internal rigid frame to keep its shape)
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/carradice-sqr-slim-bag-including-sqr-bracket/

I have tried regular panniers (a little awkward and I didn't like the change in balance to the bike) and a Chrome courier bag (very comfy for cycling but I still had a sweaty back...) and the SQR slim suits me the best tbh.

Mounts of the seat post on a SQR quick release bracket, its a bit of a squeeze to fit on a size 52 road bike frame, but it fits! I had to take off my rear mud guard, but the bag itself will act as a mudguard so no real loss.
It's big enough to take a change of clothes for work, a small towel and some small items. It is a little fiddly at times to mount on the quick release but it is well worth it.

Wiggle have a batch of these under their saddle bags section: http://www.wiggle.co.uk/saddle-bags/

The bigger Carradice saddle bags go past 20 liters for larger bikes with more clearence, so you should be able to get one big enough for your commute!

If you do look at one, I would go with one of their SQR line bags that includes a bracket.

You can also buy an extended mount that raises the level of the bag:
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/carradice-sqr-saddle-bag-uplift-system/

I did not come across this one but it seems like a solution for on the road bike. Thanks for the tip. I will keep this in mind. But as a quick solution I bought the following one from amazon. Its half of the price of the recommended Deuter one and it seems to do the job. I am getting it next week so I will let you know if the sweat issue is gone/reduced.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Berghaus-Freeflow-Mens-Backpack-Black/dp/B003AM8AGQ/ref=sr_1_45?ie=UTF8&qid=1305662623&sr=8-45 problem is gone. If not I will move on with the SQR line bags.

Khannie

Nice one. Interested to hear how you get on.

petethedrummer

I have a similar Carradice SQR(possibly the same) and don't like it. The weight is too high up. Unlike Uberpixie I much prefer rack and panniers as the weight is carried down low and the balance of the bike is less affected IMO.

Undercover Elephant

seamus wrote: »

People on road bikes tend not to use panniers because they're not quick to remove and attach. However Topeak do a range of quick-ish-release panniers, if that's what you want to do. Problem with seatpost mounted panniers is that they can't take much. So if you want to carry 10 or 15kg of stuff (say a laptop and the like), then proper panniers are the way to go.

You can get a cheapy version in the bigger Tescos, like Clare Hall. About €20. It doesn't have the bungees but otherwise it's basically the same and does the job. I keep the bag attached and take the whole shebang off together.

I just use a rack bag for commuting, though. Wouldn't try to bring the shopping home on it.

Oh, and you might have to experiment with the position a bit to try to keep the lever away from thigh-zone.

wannabe7a

Undercover Elephant wrote: »

You can get a cheapy version in the bigger Tescos, like Clare Hall. About €20. It doesn't have the bungees but otherwise it's basically the same and does the job. I keep the bag attached and take the whole shebang off together.

I just use a rack bag for commuting, though. Wouldn't try to bring the shopping home on it.

Oh, and you might have to experiment with the position a bit to try to keep the lever away from thigh-zone.

The issue seem to be that on almost every road bike you cannot add a rack so you cannot have a pannier. Correct me if I am wrong.

Undercover Elephant

wannabe7a wrote: »

The issue seem to be that on almost every road bike you cannot add a rack so you cannot have a pannier. Correct me if I am wrong.

The rack I'm talking about clamps onto any seatpost, including the one on my road bike. It has the side drops so will take panniers, and the sticky on it says it's rated for 25kg - not sure I'd try it though.

Some road bikes have rack points (mine does) and on those you could fit a rack permanently if you wanted to. It's just that I don't want to.

BostonB

When I was looking at entry model road bikes, many of them had rack mounting points. But not all do. Indeed some hybrids don't have them either. You need to check. Ditto mudguards, if you want them.

doozerie

wannabe7a wrote:

The issue seem to be that on almost every road bike you cannot add a rack so you cannot have a pannier. Correct me if I am wrong.

It depends. Road bikes geared specifically towards racing don't have braze-ons for racks, but many roads bikes do have them. For those that don't have braze-ons you may be able to use P-clips which basically wrap around tubes on the frame where braze-ons would otherwise be and you then bolt the rack to those. P-clips can't be used on all frames though.

In terms of carrying stuff generally, I used a variety of backpacks for years when commuting. They are very convenient but yes you end up with a sweaty back, and regardless of which variety I tried. I ended up with a slightly less sweaty back with a courier bag, but I was still sweaty. I changed to a Topeak bag that slotted into the top of a pannier rack and this was an improvement sweat-wise but the position of the bag effectively raised my centre of gravity and after a few months I decided to try something else. For the last few months I've been using a pannier bag and I plan to stick with that for the foreseeable future - centre of gravity is okay but you have to make allowances for the extra width at the back and you can't flick the back of the bike around as easily so handling is a bit impaired.

For me there were issues with all of the options that I tried, but the pannier bag is currently proving to be the most acceptable compromise. I'm still sweaty when I get off the bike, mind you, but that's 'cos I push myself on the bike. Sweating is not a problem if you are wearing the right clothes (not cotton for a start, unless you plan to change as soon as you are off the bike as otherwise you'll stay wet and cold for quite a while) or address it once you are off the bike.

wannabe7a

doozerie wrote: »

It depends. Road bikes geared specifically towards racing don't have braze-ons for racks, but many roads bikes do have them. For those that don't have braze-ons you may be able to use P-clips which basically wrap around tubes on the frame where braze-ons would otherwise be and you then bolt the rack to those. P-clips can't be used on all frames though.

In terms of carrying stuff generally, I used a variety of backpacks for years when commuting. They are very convenient but yes you end up with a sweaty back, and regardless of which variety I tried. I ended up with a slightly less sweaty back with a courier bag, but I was still sweaty. I changed to a Topeak bag that slotted into the top of a pannier rack and this was an improvement sweat-wise but the position of the bag effectively raised my centre of gravity and after a few months I decided to try something else. For the last few months I've been using a pannier bag and I plan to stick with that for the foreseeable future - centre of gravity is okay but you have to make allowances for the extra width at the back and you can't flick the back of the bike around as easily so handling is a bit impaired.

For me there were issues with all of the options that I tried, but the pannier bag is currently proving to be the most acceptable compromise. I'm still sweaty when I get off the bike, mind you, but that's 'cos I push myself on the bike. Sweating is not a problem if you are wearing the right clothes (not cotton for a start, unless you plan to change as soon as you are off the bike as otherwise you'll stay wet and cold for quite a while) or address it once you are off the bike.

Thanks, you seems to have tried out all the tricks.
Are you using the p-clips right now to be able to use pannier bags?
I saw on ebay you can buy the pannier rack with the p-clips but as you mentioned it cannot be used on all frames. Do you know for which frames it is okay to use p-clips?

doozerie

No, I'm not using P-clips as I have attachment points on those bikes of mine with pannier racks. My MTB has braze-ons on the seat stays above the brakes, whereas the rack on my road bike attaches via its own bracket which sandwiches both seat stays above the rear brake - the racks on both bikes rely on threaded holes/lugs beside the rear dropouts where the axle sits.

Views will vary on which frames can take P-clips. Personally I wouldn't use them on a carbon frame at all and for a steel or aluminium frame I'd be wary of using them on seat stays which are very narrow/thin. P-clips would typically not be able to bear the same weight as integrated lugs/braze-ons either but unless you plan to carry a lot of weight in your pannier bag they should be fine for commuting.

wannabe7a

I am using the Deuter bag now for 2 days.

Plus:
- no sweaty back from the bag: its got a great airy frame
- great support for the shoulders
- ventilation holes on the shoulder straps
- great support with the waist band
- the waist straps: I am using it now to get me even more air on the back
- I don't feel like I am having a backpack on my back, its very "airy"

Minus:
- you are a target for some vans: I was almost knocked over by a crazy driver :eek:

Khannie

Nice one. Thanks for the update. Think I'll invest in one of those when payday rolls around.

Oh look. It's payday.

tomasrojo

wannabe7a wrote: »

Minus:
- you are a target for some vans: I was almost knocked over by a crazy driver :eek:

Do you mean that van drivers deliberately target cyclists wearing Deuter bags?

Korvanica

tomasrojo wrote: »

Do you mean that van drivers deliberately target cyclists wearing Deuter bags?

Probably a van driver for a rival bag company...

wannabe7a

Korvanica wrote: »

Probably a van driver for a rival bag company...

Yeah, you probably right. Just one correction: the bag I got is from Berghaus. And it was probably the Deuter gang that was targeting me. Thanks to my brakes and 5 centimeter distance left, I can still tell the tale!

wannabe7a

Khannie wrote: »

Nice one. Thanks for the update. Think I'll invest in one of those when payday rolls around.

Oh look. It's payday.

Just be aware, the bag itself is not contributing to you being sweaty. I am cycling around in a t-shirt with these sissling summer temperatures. As one of the guys before was saying, if you are pushing for it, go uphill and you've got the wind against you, you might develop some sweat particles. But don't blame the backpack for that. Also note that you cannot bring all your belongings with you in the bag. e.g. the truck loads of money you got on payday

Khannie

Haha. Ah my current bag is definitely contributing to the amount I'm sweating. I'm no spring chicken when it comes to sweat, but my back is generally soaking (to the point that it's going through the bag like!) by the time I get in while the rest of me (chest etc.) is generally grand.

That's even better news that it's the berghaus that you got. That was cheaper if memory serves. Think I'll buy one now. Thanks again for the feedback.

Khannie

Well my Berghaus arrived. I've done 3 spins since (in and out Wednesday and in Today).

Pros:
Significant difference in the amount of sweat on my back.
Lovely breeze wafting over your back sometimes.
Good support for your back.
Stuff in the bag stays sweat free.
Very well built.
Reasonable cost (the cheapest non-sweaty back one I could find).


Cons:
Not that much storage space.
Storage space is curved (to keep the bag off your back) and therefore somewhat awkward to use efficiently.
Not enough small pockets / the water pouch pocket isn't a great small pocket for your bits.


Overall I'm delighted though. Money well spent.

wannabe7a

Khannie wrote: »

Well my Berghaus arrived. I've done 3 spins since (in and out Wednesday and in Today).

Pros:
Significant difference in the amount of sweat on my back.
Lovely breeze wafting over your back sometimes.
Good support for your back.
Stuff in the bag stays sweat free.
Very well built.
Reasonable cost (the cheapest non-sweaty back one I could find).


Cons:
Not that much storage space.
Storage space is curved (to keep the bag off your back) and therefore somewhat awkward to use efficiently.
Not enough small pockets / the water pouch pocket isn't a great small pocket for your bits.


Overall I'm delighted though. Money well spent.

Acknowledge the space is a bit on the small side, but it fit the essentials, especially on the bottom there is enough space. Just a matter of balancing it out.
But if you need bring more than 20 L, you can attach another bag on top of this bag (if you have one with top & bottom straps that can be linked together). I was able to carry more than 40 L and still be sweat free (sort of).