Why a "Backpack" Style bag?

[PMantle]

I tried a backpack. I hated it in every way.

First, comfort. I'd have to be uncomfortable with another bag for this to be an issue. I have no comfort issues with traditional bags.

The biggest thing I hate is getting discs in and out. When I approach a shot, I'm looking down in my bag as I'm visualizing what needs to be done. I then easily grab the right disc with the bag still on my shoulder. With a pack, I had to put it down, bend over and then do disc selection. Replacing the disc was also more difficult.

In the end, a backpack offered me zero advantages, and multiple problems. It's collecting dust in my storage.

 

[j0atz]

Only reason for me is comfort. I can wear a backpack all day long and never feel anything...unlike my old bags with straps. I miss my old "classic" disc golf bag for every other reason though. But the comfort is enough I guess.

 

[DSCJNKY]

I didn't read all the answers... but my reason is that backpack bags fit tight to your back and don't bounce up and down with every step like Quad Shock strapped bags do.
DSCJNKY

 

[Deebo4Discs]

Started with a backpack and still use one.. hands down the best for DG and YOUR BACK.

This was the reason why I switch from quad straps to a backpack style.

 

[atl scott]

Backpack bags hold more beer. What else needs to be said?

 

[oddjob]

I tried a backpack. I hated it in every way.

First, comfort. I'd have to be uncomfortable with another bag for this to be an issue. I have no comfort issues with traditional bags.

The biggest thing I hate is getting discs in and out. When I approach a shot, I'm looking down in my bag as I'm visualizing what needs to be done. I then easily grab the right disc with the bag still on my shoulder. With a pack, I had to put it down, bend over and then do disc selection. Replacing the disc was also more difficult.

In the end, a backpack offered me zero advantages, and multiple problems. It's collecting dust in my storage.

if it's a grip, i'll take it off your hands.

 

[Stemplejg]

Thanks for the Feedback

EDIT: Double Eagle Member, WOOH!!! (1k posts)

Congrats on your Double Eagle status!

Overall, I would say people claim comfort and "waterproof"! A few people stated they couldn't justify paying $200 for a bag like that, one guy stated he had one and didn't enjoy it and it's now collecting dust. To the guy that's 29 and in the Army, I'm right there with you, I'll be 31 in less than 2 weeks, and my first 5+ years in were spent ground pounding!

For me right now, I enjoy my "duffle" style bag! I enjoy that I can carry 25+ discs, 2 32oz bottles of water, along with room for my key's wallet, and phone, and still have room for an extra towel! When I get home I'll be "waterproofing" my bag. As far as comfort goes, I had my wife help me adjust my straps, and I have yet to have issues with my bag bouncing on my back, or my back hurting after a long day of multiple courses, or just a day of multiple rounds! Lastly my setup was just under $100, I got a really good deal on my bag, and straps, and I also couldn't justify spending $200 on a bag that I feel like I can do less with.

I think at the end of the day no matter what it's preference, yes they are a fad right now, but it really comes down to what's comfortable to you! Same concept with discs, just because my buddy enjoys throwing Innova, doesn't mean I will!

Thanks for the feedback everybody, I appreciate your opinions!

 

[JC17393]

My only experiences with backpack style bags have been when I was caddying for friends, so maybe the fact that they were their bags set up for them and their body size/shape makes a difference, but I have not been convinced that I want one myself.

For one guy, I carried his Revo dual pack for four days. Because I was the one carrying the bag, he let me adjust the straps for maximum comfort, and carrying it was no problem at all. The issue for me was putting it on and taking it off. The straps were too tight to make it easy to do. I could have loosened the straps to make it easier, but then the bag was looser and hanging lower on my back and stressing my shoulders more.

My only experience with a Grip bag was a similar situation, except it was only one round and I didn't do any adjusting of the straps. When it was on, it was comfortable and easy. But again, it was the on and off that was, to me, more of a pain than it was worth.

Fortunately as a caddy, I didn't need to take the bag off much so it wasn't an issue, but no way would it have been a big improvement to play with over my Revo Texas bag with quadshocks. I've shortened up my quads so that my bag rides on the middle of my back rather than on my lower back or butt (no bouncing, no discomfort), and the on/off is infinitely easier than I found with the backpack bags. I can't see myself changing anything with regard to my bag setup anytime soon.

 

[A Gold Piggie]

I used to tote around a Latitude 64 Pro bag which carried a max of 34 discs. After playing 2 rounds at a tournament last year over some of the most rugged terrain I've faced, I realized that I needed a change. I used my funny money to buy myself a Grip bag and I freakin love it! Realistically, no one needs 25-25 discs with them. The Grip offers plenty of disc space, the only problem is the lack of room for anything else. Tis why I'm going to get a DD Ranger

 

[Shreddedcoconut]

Your key has a wallet?

This is so annoying but also so hilarious!

 

[IHearChains]

I've shortened up my quads so that my bag rides on the middle of my back rather than on my lower back or butt (no bouncing, no discomfort)

That is what I was going to say also. A heckuva lot cheaper to adjust your quads shorter, but instead people will buy a whole new rig. :|

 

[JC17393]

That is what I was going to say also. A heckuva lot cheaper to adjust your quads shorter, but instead people will buy a whole new rig. :|

I already had it rigged as short as I could get it when I played a round with Kyle Maute, the owner of Phenix. He suggested taking the top carabiners off and threading the straps directly through the bag's D-rings to raise the bag up even more. That was probably 6-7 years ago and I haven't looked back.

 

[ru4por]

Never felt the need to go to a backpack. I have a gateway tournament bag, keeps water out well enough, plenty of room for disc, never have needed more storage room (even in Michigan weather) and plenty of room for beer and ice. I guess if it ain't broken.....

 

[backswing_aplenty]

I got the Mahal simply for storage. Rainy tournaments are no fun, and even worse when the rain finally stops and your Fade bag has nowhere to put your rain gear. I can fit everything in the Mahal. Everyone else's stuff too.

And if you're wearing you bags with the traditional bag straps where they SHOULD be, i.e. high on the shoulders, not bouncing around at knee level, they shouldn't cause back pain. I also see Mahals worn real low too. Totally defeats thr purpose of the "backpack" style. I think the Grips are helping so many with back pain as you're forced to wear that high on the shoulders.

 

[scarpfish]

One argument I have against backpack bags is that I would tend to carry it in the same fashion that I would any other backpack since I would be putting it on and taking it off a lot in a short span of time, and I would lazily carry it over only one shoulder. Even with my quads I do this sometimes. I've been doing it since high school. Not good on the back, and not good for the durability of the bag either.

If one of the straps on a backpack bag wears out because of that, the entire bag is shot. If I do that with a pair of quads, I only have to replace the straps.

 

[pineappletrees]

One argument I have against backpack bags is that I would tend to carry it in the same fashion that I would any other backpack since I would be putting it on and taking it off a lot in a short span of time, and I would lazily carry it over only one shoulder. Even with my quads I do this sometimes. I've been doing it since high school. Not good on the back, and not good for the durability of the bag either.

If one of the straps on a backpack bag wears out because of that, the entire bag is shot. If I do that with a pair of quads, I only have to replace the straps.

You're over-thinking this so much. The bags will handle one shoulder since they're made for double that!

 

[scarpfish]

You're over-thinking this so much. The bags will handle one shoulder since they're made for double that!

My quads can handle one shoulder too. In either case, you're going to be wearing out the fabric over time putting twice the normal stress on one spot and its not like you can reverse the straps to even out the wear in say the same fashion that you can rotate your car tires.

Even if we concluded the backpacks bags had twice the durability, the math is still not in favor of buying one, as I can buy 3-5 pairs of quads for what one backpack bag costs.

 

[PMantle]

if it's a grip, i'll take it off your hands.

No, it's a DIY made from an Academy bag. Looks like:http://www.dgcoursereview.com/forums/showthread.php?t=75417

 

[pineappletrees]

My quads can handle one shoulder too. In either case, you're going to be wearing out the fabric over time putting twice the normal stress on one spot and its not like you can reverse the straps to even out the wear in say the same fashion that you can rotate your car tires.

Even if we concluded the backpacks bags had twice the durability, the math is still not in favor of buying one, as I can buy 3-5 pairs of quads for what one backpack bag costs.

Twice as fast than what? My bag shows no signs of wear in 1.5 years of wearing it. Wear through a bag carrying it on one shoulder before you complain about a bag wearing out too soon. I don't think you can.

 

[garublador]

Twice as fast than what? My bag shows no signs of wear in 1.5 years of wearing it. Wear through a bag carrying it on one shoulder before you complain about a bag wearing out too soon. I don't think you can.

I've worn out one shoulder strap of my backpack. It's not completely broken or anything, but the padding is shot compared to the other side. Granted it doesn't really matter to me except that now my bag is asymmetrical in that respect. It doesn't hurt to carry it or anything. I just try to wear it on the other shoulder instead to even it out.