Backpack for Wheelchair

[ASBOB]

Here's the deal. I'm disabled and in a wheelchair. Now most folks like me are in manual chairs, and hang backpacks over the handles to carry their stuff.

But I'm in an electric wheelchair. Specifically, this one:

http://www.pridemobility.com/jazzy/jet3.asp

Take a look: no handles! I can't use a regular item.

Instead, I need a backpack with some kind of large top strap that I could hook over the head piece.

A side zipper would also be helpful, but not a deal breaker.

Any thoughts on models?

On where to look?

On other forums that might help with something like this?

My thanks, as always, to Bladeforums.

 

[Esav Benyamin]

Are you sure it's a backpack you want? If it's only going to be for that wheelchair, a messenger bag would work as well. If you want a backpack itself, take a strap to go around the top part of the wheelchair and run it through the grab loop on top of the backpack.

Any pack that zips around three sides can be arranged to open on one side easily. I understand the new Timbuk2 messengers have a side opening also.

 

[TLR]

You could use a Maxped Kodiak or Sitka as it has only one strap and is accessible sideways. The other option might be a larger lumbar pack.

 

[Cougar Allen]

Does that headrest pull out like a car seat headrest, with two rods that can pull completely out of the seat? If so you can take any backpack that has a carry handle and put the rods through the handle.

 

[jimh0220]

Forget the bag. Think trailer!

 

[Infi-del]

My girlfriend has a chair like this. Any Buttpack will work. Usually they have two D-rings at the top for attaching to an H harness. You can attach one strap between the D-rings and they you go... a headrest pack. Versapacks or single strap backpacks aren't gonna do well because they will eventually slide down the back of your chair and become a real pain in the ass to get off at that point. Check one of these out... http://www.tacticaltailor.com/modularbuttpack.aspx

you can run a belt underneath it through the sides of the pouches and make a little strap that hangs around your head rest. I can take a few pics of one I have like this if you're interested.

Here is the one I have. I know it's got a spot behind the side pouches to slip some webbing to make a suspension system. http://www.blackhawk.com/product/STRIKE-LRRP-Butt-Pack,41,59.htm

 

[fugawee]

I think something like the Maxpedition Jumbo
or anything like that would work fine.
You could attach an extra strap to the ring
that attaches the Carry Strap to the bag
and then hook the loose end to the arm of the chair.
That would allow you to pull the bag to the side of the chair
and let you grab stuff without having to reach to the back of
the chair or removing the bag from the headrest.

Any of those over the shoulder bags would be good.
The molle straps would really let you customize it
for both mounting options and extra pouch options.

thinking of it now,
you could use a caribiner on the top handle and attach it to a strap you would put around the top of the chair.
very simple and easy for you to get access to the bag.

 

[NorCalMtn2]

I'm guessing the headrest has a single post and is removable.
The Camelbak HAWG in foliage green would be low profile and mount via the headrest post by the top handle. The zippers zip down the side about 2/3 and the bladder compartment is side accessible as well