Inspired Spinal Cord Injury Support Forum

Lαrα
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Wheelchair Backpack Tips and Considerations Jun 24, 2014 1:12:36 GMT -8

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Post by Lαrα on Jun 24, 2014 1:12:36 GMT -8

I figured that we havent really done the wheelchair backpack service by never mentioning it and yet it has such very useful function..Most of us will be self propelling or driving wether it be a manual or power chair. We need our hands free plus we dont want a bulky bag in our way!

I think that the backpack in the pic below shows a good example of a backpack. I like how it the weight will be evenly distributed compared to some backpacks that are not so 'square' and it sits clear of the wheels.
I like the zip feature at the top ..it also looks easy to open, especially for those with limited hand function and im sure that the zip opener could be adapted to make it more practical for someone to open.
If your bad dosent already have flourescent strips on then you could add your own...They will be useful for after dark when you are out and about..

The disadvantage is that it is positioned where we do not have view so this makes an easy target for theft. It is important to not carry large amounts of money or your cards etc in the bag or valuable items.
Be careful to not keep anything with your personal information on in your bag because if it is stolen you dont want your identity info being used. The same goes with your house keys...If your address and house keys are taken, then its not a good situation.

Tips for what to carry:
Medications, especially emergency meds if you use them.
Spare catheter and some wipes and hand gel.
A small repair kit for your wheelchair including a small portable pump.
Keep a note with a telephone number: "Call this number in case this bag is found or in case of emergency."
Something for self defense. Wheelchair users are often the target of crime. Having something in your bag as protection may be in your best interest
A small light may be helpful also for after dark...
Water!!

I guess the list could go on a little so il stop there!

You may be interested in this thread: Self Defense for Spinal Cord Injured

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Europedude
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Wheelchair Backpack Tips and Considerations Jun 24, 2014 2:08:30 GMT -8

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Post by Europedude on Jun 24, 2014 2:08:30 GMT -8

Nice thread Lαrα!

I just recently started wearing a backpack. Sometimes I still have money or my phone there... Because when I have that in my pocket, anyway I dont feel anything so I dont know if the things are still there so I have to check all the time

Something for self defense... What do you suggest? I know from one of her posts that Knight uses pepper spray, what else?

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Lαrα
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Wheelchair Backpack Tips and Considerations Jun 24, 2014 2:11:44 GMT -8

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Post by Lαrα on Jun 24, 2014 2:11:44 GMT -8

Jun 24, 2014 2:08:30 GMT -8 Europedude said:

Nice thread Lαrα!

I just recently started wearing a backpack. Sometimes I still have money or my phone there... Because when I have that in my pocket, anyway I dont feel anything so I dont know if the things are still there so I have to check all the time

Something for self defense... What do you suggest? I know from one of her posts that Knight uses pepper spray, what else?

Thanks Europedude

To be honest..i would have no issue on carrying a small aerosal deoderant spray if pepper spray is illegal. But im of the opinion that its not legal to attack someone either so i would use whatever i needed to.

Did you get chance to read the ideas on the link i added on the original post?

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Wheelchair Backpack Tips and Considerations Jun 24, 2014 2:47:43 GMT -8

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Post by Europedude on Jun 24, 2014 2:47:43 GMT -8

Yeah I saw that thread already, nice one, also the video.

But I also read that carrying a weapon, however just for self-defense, increases violence. For example - you would grab the weapon even if you are not threatened, or you could work it out without using a weapon. So I think I will rely just on myself Well... I have to admit I was thinking about having a metal stick somewhere in my chair several times so will see
Maybe Knight can help out, have you been using the spray also when not really necessary? I can just imagine you spraying on people that ask stupid questions

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Lαrα
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Wheelchair Backpack Tips and Considerations Jun 24, 2014 3:02:04 GMT -8

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Post by Lαrα on Jun 24, 2014 3:02:04 GMT -8

Jun 24, 2014 2:47:43 GMT -8 Europedude said:

Yeah I saw that thread already, nice one, also the video.

But I also read that carrying a weapon, however just for self-defense, increases violence. For example - you would grab the weapon even if you are not threatened, or you could work it out without using a weapon. So I think I will rely just on myself

Well... I have to admit I was thinking about having a metal stick somewhere in my chair several times

so will see

Maybe Knight can help out, have you been using the spray also when not really necessary?

I can just imagine you spraying on people that ask stupid questions

To be honest...if i felt i was at risk..maybe in a vulnerable situation and on my own then i would carry a spray and it wouldnt be in my bag...it would be on hand and ready to use.

I would hope i would never need to but thinking it may never happen would also be naive...so better to be prepared i would think. I feel vulnerable being female as it is but being female and in a chair is a double whammy (or on crutches although a crutch could be pretty useful! lol)

The ideal is that if there is time for negotiation and hopefully resolve the situation but that's really dependent on the situation. If i feel threatened i want to use that spray and then get away..quick!

Your last comment amused me!

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DJ
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Wheelchair Backpack Tips and Considerations Jun 24, 2014 5:31:26 GMT -8

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Post by DJ on Jun 24, 2014 5:31:26 GMT -8

I've used my good old school bag from before my accident all school year this year and it's worked great! I always have a laptop & iPad in there but I don't really worry too much about getting robbed. I don't think I'll every be alone in sketchy places so I should be fine!

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cbdives Advanced Member Posts: 735 Post Likes Received: 490 Date Joined: November 2013 Injury: Peripheral Neuropathy Date Injured: Progressive Member is: Offline Send PM	Wheelchair Backpack Tips and Considerations Jun 24, 2014 14:29:21 GMT -8 Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top Post by cbdives on Jun 24, 2014 14:29:21 GMT -8 Someone tried to "pickpocket" my back once. I was in busy spot and I got qot pretty verbal...my wallet somehow reappeared very quickly

DJ
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Wheelchair Backpack Tips and Considerations Jun 24, 2014 14:42:32 GMT -8

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Post by DJ on Jun 24, 2014 14:42:32 GMT -8

Jun 24, 2014 14:29:21 GMT -8 cbdives said:

Someone tried to "pickpocket" my back once. I was in busy spot and I got qot pretty verbal...my wallet somehow reappeared very quickly

That's terrible cbdives! I'm glad you got it back though

cbdives Advanced Member Posts: 735 Post Likes Received: 490 Date Joined: November 2013 Injury: Peripheral Neuropathy Date Injured: Progressive Member is: Offline Send PM	Wheelchair Backpack Tips and Considerations Jun 24, 2014 16:41:51 GMT -8 Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top Post by cbdives on Jun 24, 2014 16:41:51 GMT -8 There were too many people around for him to get away with it
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Butiki Advanced Member Posts: 2,270 Post Likes Received: 1,154 Date Joined: July 2013 Injury: L 3 ASIA B CES Date Injured: 16/11/2012 Member is: Offline Send PM	Wheelchair Backpack Tips and Considerations Jun 24, 2014 19:42:02 GMT -8 Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top Post by Butiki on Jun 24, 2014 19:42:02 GMT -8 This what I use, it's a backpack I was given in rehab from paraquad SA, use it for carrying spare catheters, lube, hand wash and just junk.
	Lαrα likes this Just do it

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Wheelchair Backpack Tips and Considerations Jun 24, 2014 23:23:18 GMT -8

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Post by Lαrα on Jun 24, 2014 23:23:18 GMT -8

Jun 24, 2014 5:31:26 GMT -8 DJ said:

I've used my good old school bag from before my accident all school year this year and it's worked great! I always have a laptop & iPad in there but I don't really worry too much about getting robbed. I don't think I'll every be alone in sketchy places so I should be fine!

It could happen anywhere..being robbed etc isnt confined to sketchy places DJ. Public places are where some professional thieves work on a regular basis..and it happens in broad daylight and in company.

Personal attacks less so but if you go to places where there a people and alcohol being consumed then the chances increase again. Never be too careful is my advice

cbdives..thats terrible to hear that you were robbed..its a complete low life who would do that

but im pleased he wasnt successful!

Butiki......looks good and i actually prefer one of these because i can choose a pretty colour..there are more choice with a backpack!

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Knight
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Wheelchair Backpack Tips and Considerations Jun 24, 2014 23:58:16 GMT -8 via Inspired Mobile

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Post by Knight on Jun 24, 2014 23:58:16 GMT -8

I used to carry my backpack on the back of my wheelchair like your photo shows, but as my center of gravity is set forward at 4", it made me too tippy since I have a low back also. My pack is full of wipes, catheters, catheter kits (with the prep wipes, underpad, etc.), a change of clothing, and Depends just in case! I carry it on my shoulders as it is safer and more comfortable that way.

As for my money, a couple catheters, and meds, I carry a fanny pack strapped on my frame underneath my knees. Nobody can get to my stuff except me! I have had nothing but bad experiences carrying things on the back of my chair: I got robbed of 13 hydrocodone, 7 tramadol, and a really cute shirt.

I will post a photo of my backpack when I pop on my computer here. I have a black Pink® backpack from Victoria's Secret® that I love!

[posted from mobile]

Too Pretty to Walk™

Lαrα Global Moderator STAFF Posts: 7,350 Post Likes Received: 3,100 Date Joined: August 2013 Injury: CES Date Injured: March 2011 Member is: Offline Send PM	Wheelchair Backpack Tips and Considerations Jun 25, 2014 0:26:42 GMT -8 Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top Post by Lαrα on Jun 25, 2014 0:26:42 GMT -8 Change of clothes is a good one Knight...i used to always put extra panties in and leggings Good idea on the money too
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Butiki
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Wheelchair Backpack Tips and Considerations Jun 25, 2014 2:18:10 GMT -8

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Post by Butiki on Jun 25, 2014 2:18:10 GMT -8

My wallet and leatherman travel in a little pouch under my seat that was ordered with my chair, it very handy. Smokes and phone go at my side between the cushion and cloth guards. So if someone wants to steal from my backpack all they are going to get is catheters.

Just do it

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Wheelchair Backpack Tips and Considerations Jun 25, 2014 2:22:36 GMT -8

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Post by Lαrα on Jun 25, 2014 2:22:36 GMT -8

Jun 25, 2014 2:18:10 GMT -8 Butiki said:

My wallet and leatherman travel in a little pouch under my seat that was ordered with my chair, it very handy. Smokes and phone go at my side between the cushion and cloth guards. So if someone wants to steal from my backpack all they are going to get is catheters.

Hahaha...now wouldnt that be a find for someone (catheters)

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Wheelchair Backpack Tips and Considerations

Post by Lαrα on Jun 24, 2014 1:12:36 GMT -8

Post by Europedude on Jun 24, 2014 2:08:30 GMT -8

Post by Lαrα on Jun 24, 2014 2:11:44 GMT -8

Post by Europedude on Jun 24, 2014 2:47:43 GMT -8

Post by Lαrα on Jun 24, 2014 3:02:04 GMT -8

Post by DJ on Jun 24, 2014 5:31:26 GMT -8

Post by cbdives on Jun 24, 2014 14:29:21 GMT -8

Post by DJ on Jun 24, 2014 14:42:32 GMT -8

Post by cbdives on Jun 24, 2014 16:41:51 GMT -8

Post by Butiki on Jun 24, 2014 19:42:02 GMT -8

Post by Lαrα on Jun 24, 2014 23:23:18 GMT -8

Post by Knight on Jun 24, 2014 23:58:16 GMT -8

Post by Lαrα on Jun 25, 2014 0:26:42 GMT -8

Post by Butiki on Jun 25, 2014 2:18:10 GMT -8

Post by Lαrα on Jun 25, 2014 2:22:36 GMT -8

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