The best thing about having a bike rack is that it allows the biker to carry all types of loads, including a bike pack. However, attaching a backpack to your bike is easier said than done. Failing to attach it the right way can make the bag fall and might lead you to lose valuable things.
How to attach backpack to rear bike pack properly? Strapping it on the rear bike rack, you can generally secure the backpack. But, you must do it right to prevent it from falling. You can use a cover to protect the backpack from being wet during the ride when it is raining.
Attaching a Backpack on a Bike Rack
You can attach a regular standard bike rack and ride thousands of kilometers without worrying if the backpack falls down. In this method, your bike must have a simple rear rack and a backpack with side straps. Check the step-by-step guide below:
Step 1: Proper Position at the Rack
If you want to learn how to attach a backpack to a bike rack properly, you need to know the proper positioning of the backpack at the rack. You can put the backpack back against the seat post. That’s the appropriate position to secure the backpack fully.
Step 2: Hooking the Shoulder Straps
After properly positioning the backpack on the rack, the next step is to hook the shoulder straps around the seat post one after the other. Doing this step will allow you to secure the bike rack on rack properly.
Step 3: Laying the Backpack Flat to the Bikerack
After hooking the shoulder straps around the seat post after the other, you need to position the backpack into the biker properly. What you will do is lay the backpack flat on the rack. Then, thread the side straps through the rack to attach the bike pack securely.
Step 4: Length and Tension Adjustment
Now that the backpack is attached correctly, you can adjust the straps’ length and tension until the backpack is firmly against the rack. But make sure that the backpack does not wobble around during the ride.
Attaching a Backpack on a Bike Rack Using a Rubber Bungee Cord
You can also use a rubber bungee cord to attach a backpack to the rear bike rack. This method will provide stability and security, especially when biking on bumpy terrain. The normal way is to lean down the backpack against the saddle while securing it with a rubberized bungee cord.
Then there is an alternative method you can use when laying the backpack flat on its back while using the bungee cord when tying it up. This technique works best when using small and mid-sized backpacks, offering easy installation and convenience. Check the step-by-step guide below:
Step 1: Proper Positioning
The initial step is to put the backpack in the right position. You can start by placing the backpack straight up. The backpack must lean its backside against the bike seat. This position is completely the opposite of the first method, where it lays back flat on the back.
If your bike rack comes with a spring, it can be lifted before putting the backpack on the rack. A spring-loaded bike rack will help in holding the backpack in place.
Step 2: Placing the Backpack Straps Over the Saddle
After putting the backpack in the correct position, the next step is to secure the backpack using the bungee cord. Place the backpack straps over the bike seat. Start by putting one strap followed by the other, so they end up crisscrossed.
Step 3: Securing the Backpack
Now that the backpack is positioned correctly in the saddle, the next step is to secure it using the bungee cord. You can attach the bungee cord to the rack so that the hooks point away from the backpack. This technique can also be used with a pannier bag.
Other Related Information
People tend to lean towards using a bungee cord when securing a backpack in a bike rack. However, when using this type of security, it tends to stretch, which can be affected when riding on a road with constant impacts.
Another alternative is to use nylon webbing when securing the backpack on the rack. With nylon webbing, it does not stretch even if securing heavy bags. Nylon webbing is an excellent alternative since it has the strength to protect the backpack or bag.
Conclusion
Learning how to attach backpack to a rear bike rack is an essential skill to know if you are carrying a backpack every day during your bike ride. This method is much better than having your backpack at your back which can cause body pains, especially on longer rides. This article presented two different techniques that you can use to properly attach your backpack to the rear bike rack.