“Blackpack” Is the Most Tech-Ridden Backpack Every Cyclist Needs

So how exactly do bicyclists take care of their electronics while riding through blizzards to deliver your food? The answer may surprise you. I’ve seen everything from plastic-wrap to zip-lock baggies and even a sock being used to protect a phone or a laptop from water and cold. Heck, I think we’ve all tucked our phones near our goods in case of rain or snowstorm.

But all that seems a bit primitive, so one designer has set out to offer the perfect protection and fashion statement for every bicyclist. His name is William Root, and is a resident of Seattle, Washington - one of the wettest environments for a bicyclist this side of Amsterdam. And like any good invention, this one too seems to have come about from necessity.

It’s called the Blackpack, and it was created before the whole BLM movement, so Root didn’t need to be so PC Principal about it. Built upon the principles of how a turtle’s shell functions, Root created a backpack that can withstand all the elements and protect whatever valuables you have inside; it also includes a bit of tech meant to help save lives.

First and foremost, it’s a tough one. The exterior casing is composed of a hard shell meant to withstand what looks to be a friggin hailstorm. The seemingly rudimentary polygon paneling is placed at certain angles in order to deflect a blow if it ever happens. What also sets it apart from standard backpacks is that this casing is also completely impermeable. The rain has no business here as the inclusion of waterproof seams adds further protection to your internal goods.

The backside, however, does look pretty standard. No fancy plating or protection here, except the classic padding backpack wearers rely on and two over-the-shoulder straps. Hopefully the designer included a waterproof layer here as well - otherwise, what would be the point?

As for the interior of the bag, we find even more levels of protection. Judging by the images in the gallery, the interior also includes a sort of heatshield, but this is speculative, as we haven’t gotten hold of the designer. However, it would make sense to include something like this in the design as electronics are highly susceptible to temperature changes.

What helps sustain the heatshield theory is the fact that the backpack does include electronical components itself. The first of them is a set of internal lighting to allow you to see what you’re doing in there. Secondly, if we have a look on the exterior of the backpack, we can notice a red LED strip. This strip acts as taillight and can even signal a turn. To do so, just press a button on the shoulder strap, and the backpack will signal your intention.

Honestly, that sounds absolutely perfect. If it also helps protect the rider in case of an accident, even better. But, before you take out your credit card, don’t. Even to this day, this backpack has not made it into production. Or maybe it has, just under a different name, design, and possible functionality. Shame, I was really excited about looking like a turtle with wheels.