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I have always used standard 25l rucksacks when out on the bike and get a very damp back when I stop for a break, not a nice feeling putting it back on in winter. Do the higher end mountain bike specific rucksacks prevent this sweaty back issue? thinking along the lines of the back ventilation systems on the EVOC, Osprey, Montane etc.
Ime they all make great claims about ventilation and channeling air, but I've tried a few and end up with a sweaty back anyway. The only things that have worked for me is a wingnut type pack that keeps most of your back clear, and a hip pack for shorter rides.
Don't take a rucksack if at all possible. Plenty of ways to avoid.
Ime they all make great claims about ventilation and channeling air, but I’ve tried a few and end up with a sweaty back anyway.
+1
Don’t take a rucksack if at all possible.
Not really an option as I commute to work and need to carry lunch, clothes, laptop etc. I also use a 25l for 2/3 days trips away. Interested in the mesh systems that create a gap between the rucksack and back, are they comfy for riding with? Something like this:
Fine for riding with, but the mesh just pins your shirt against you back so it still gets sweaty. You can’t avoid a sweaty back with a backpack; either don’t bring the stuff, put up with the sweaty back or carry it in another way (e.g. panniers or saddlebag).
I’ve tried them all - Deuter Airscape probably the best, but much prefer carrying stuff on bike rather than on the person
Not really an option as I commute to work and need to carry lunch, clothes, laptop etc
Tbh I used to take all weeks my pants socks t-shirts in on a Monday then not have to carry much the rest of the week.
And those evil panniers but the bike packing front roll can work well.
Panniers end being everything and the kitchen sink just because you can 🙂
I've got a nice Osprey backpack and now that I have to carry a laptop I'm switching to panniers for the commute. I don't think you can avoid a sweaty back with 3 or 4kg in a backpack.
I think it's partly to to with posture on the bike - you're leaning forwards, so there's more weight pushing it down onto your back.
When walking upright, it works better at staying away from the back IMO.
Carradice saddlebag? Works brilliantly for me!
Running vests are generally thinner and breathe better, but your real problem is you aren't wearing a wicking baselayer.
Even in the heat of summer, temperature management is best done by a thin mesh vest and then whatever riding jersey you wear on top. That way, the sweaty outer jersey can be damp, you stay dry and comfortable as the baselayer wicks it to your outer layer.
Even if you watch the TDF going into the alps in the summer - they're all wearing baselayers under jerseys.
They don't make much of a difference IME. If you don't want a sweaty back don't use a back pack.
Somethings in life are uncomfortable, it's findings the discomfort you can cope with that is the key.
I use a messenger bag instead of a backpack. It sits lower down on the back, and o find it is much less sweaty (though if you have anything on your back you’re going to be a bit sweaty - there’s no avoiding it). It won’t work for everyone, some people hate messengers, but I like it.
I use this: https://lbbjkt.com/the-echelon-s-#/14-color-black/52-cobra_buckle-none/178-embroidery_letters_patch-none as I find it so versatile, but there are loads of others.
Have a look at Lowe Alpine AirZone back packs. I made the change 3 years ago, made a big difference for me.
For commuting I used to use one of these.
Apart from having to get used to NOT swinging your leg over your saddle when mounting the bike, and the general change in feel with weight being so high up the bike, it was absolutely brilliant. If I went back to bike commuting I wouldn’t choose anything else.
Added bonus being that if you want to un-commuter your bike you can do so in about 10 seconds.
I’ve been using the trampoline (ventilated) mesh back system for 10+ years, I wouldn’t have any other sort of pack & so thoroughly recommend them. It’s very comfortable as it allows sweat to wick away & the major bonus is you’ve not got a sweat soaking pad sitting next to you back, though they make for a larger pack overall. Deuter & vaude have been using the system for years, I wasn’t aware that Lowe used the system too.
As others have said its impossible to stop it entirely.
At best some designs manage to mostly limit it on part of your back although even then the sweat is going to spread somewhat.
Personally I dont bother taking the backpack off when stopping in the cold since it works as a nice insulation layer.
The only rucksacks I’ve ever owed that don’t result in a sweaty back are some Low Alpine ones that suspend the pack away from your back (and a cheap 25L Blacks one that did the same). That way there’s air between you and the back.
Edit - also an Osprey commuter rucksack that had the same
Probably a bit overkill for what you need, but both the ex Swedish army LK35 pack and the Norwegisn army Ludvig pack have steel frames which allow an airgap between your back and the pack outer layer.
I use both on the bike for carrying gym kit, and the Norwegian one is the most comfy, its very comfy .