Bag for Wheelchair

[MikeC]

I'm getting a new wheelchair next week and it won't have the pusher handles. The bag that I use on my current wheelchair has straps that fit around the handles. I'm looking for a bag (pack or something like that) that will fit on the new chair - appreciate anyone's tips on what they use.

T12 Incomplete - Walking with Walker, Oct 2003

[Nancie]

i've always used a plain ol' back-pack on my chair and i've never had push handles on any chair in the past 20 or so years.
the straps slide right over the corners of the chair back.
i don't even know they're there.

[jimnms]

The first loaner chair I had didn't have push handles. It had little nubs that stuck up so you could still put a backpack on it. I didn't want push handles on my chair (don't like to be pushed), but my mom made me get them, now I can't get a car until I get a new chair because the push handles make it impossible to load in a car. I might take a hack saw to mine.

_____
Learn from the mistakes of others, you won't live long enough to make all of them yourself.

[MikeC]

Thanks, I'll look at the chair a little closer and see if it's got something I can hang a backpack on. I sat in the chair for a few minutes this week and they need to make some adjustments. I wanted to go ahead and get a bag so that I'd be ready when I get the chair.

Jim, sounds like your Mom should meet my wife. I don't like to be pushed either but my wife wanted push handles (in case we go to Disney or something like that). When the VA ordered the chair they forgot to order it with push handles so I'm getting it without them. It does have a very high back with adjustable straps (for tension) and seemed to be really comfortable when I sat in it. It will be interesting for me to load it because I put it in the trunk - currently I use the push handles to grab it - not sure what I'll use on the new chair but sure I'll figure something out.
T12 Incomplete - Walking with Walker, Oct 2003

[jimnms]

You could also look into getting an underseat bag. I had one bookmarked that I was thinking of getting, but I tried to load it last night and the site had changed. http://sci.rutgers.edu/forum/images/smilies/frown.gif

_____
Learn from the mistakes of others, you won't live long enough to make all of them yourself.

[~Patrick~]

I have a cheap $5 pack from walmart. Its just small enough for cath stuff. No pushers and it stays on just fine.

T-10 complete
10/08/01

[Hunker]

Mike try http://www.sportaid.com Stacey and Jimmy run the place and search for one - I did and saw a few (Stacey is in the right hand corner) she used to work for SSC recreation dept. Real nice person. http://sci.rutgers.edu/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif
Matt

[Belle]

My husband Eric has a fixed frame Ti-lite with some kind of bar across the back. This makes it difficult to hang stuff off the back - anybody else have a problem like this? What the heck is that there for anyway??? You can't use it to lift the chair - it would unfold.


*************
AB wife of T8 complete para

[amanda]

I currently have an under seat bag and it works great for me. It doesn't get in the way when breaking the chair down, yet can hold a whole lotta junk too. But, I'm thinking of switching to one of these (http://www.thenorthface.com/opencms/opencms/tnf/gear-shop-subcategory.jsp?category=54&site=NA&subcategory=544) bags. It would be much easier to get to than having to go between the legs to get something out. I figure it can g around the back instead of the waist. On my back it could fasten between the plastic hard part of the back and the soft cushion part ( don't laugh at my elevated terminology http://sci.rutgers.edu/forum/images/smilies/biggrin.gif). It looks more like a regular back pack, rather than a dorky fanny pack type bag.

" The best way to predict the future is to invent it."
- Alan Kay

[-scott-]

I hear that Amanda... you've got a good idea. I use the removable top of my internal frame pack every so often -- an older version of http://www.gregorypacks.com/prod.php?ID=7. I hate the dedicated WC bags. North Face has some good stuff. Look for zippers that are a bit beefier than normal... they'll hold up much better. Also, check out Eagle Creek's gear.

[ohiochica]

for those that have teh ti-lite chair with no push canes, look into getting the removable ones that bolt on from quickie. jack has no push canes and our first trip to new york was hard, teh second trip we had a set of push canes on and it was awesome! our dealer just gave them to us but i bet you could buy them.
they attach to the bar on the back of the chair.

oh and for bags....we found a small carry on bag at k-marts that fit the back of his chair very nicely.

****MORE OHIO CC RAGE INFO COMING SOON!****

[Tommy Kristensen]

Hi, my name is Tommy Kristensen. I'm a T 4 & 5 paraplegic of 34 years. Recently, I started my own business designing, having custom made & selling my own wheelchair backpacks. My web site is http://www.thefreedomsystems.com I believe the backpack I have built is the finest, most innovative & functional bag available. It has patent pending "braced zippers" which allow all compartments to be instantly accessed with as little as one-finger while the bag is still hanging on the wheelchair. This I believe puts my bags in a class all their own. They come with a 30 day money back guarantee & a 2 year warranty for other than normal wear & tear. I believe they will fit on almost any "square backed" chair. Best Wishes, Tommy Kristensen

[LooseCannon]

I have a cheap $5 pack from walmart. Its just small enough for cath stuff. No pushers and it stays on just fine.

What he said http://sci.rutgers.edu/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif

Keep in mind that if you run your wheels close to the frame, the strap padding may rub. Most wheelchair packs use thin nylon straps so rubbing isn't an issue.

wild as a river...<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre"> </pre>

[rwm]

Mike,
I use a cycling backpack called a camel back(many different stylesand sizes). The shoulder straps sling over the outside edges of my back rest (low profile, no push handles). I do not even notice them. Also, the lower part of the bag is attached to the frame of the wheelchair to minimize any movement of the bag. Many pockets to store and organize stuff, one can keep the drinking bladder in to have H2O handy or remove bladder to gain extra pocket. I attached "O" rings to zippers for easy open /close. Product found at most outdoor stores, REI, EMS, Campmore, etc..

Good luck

Bob Mulcahy C5/C6 inc. April 25, 2002

[SCI-Nurse]

tommy kristensen, we need you to edit your response. Commercial messages such as this promoting your own business are not allowed on this site. Thanks.

(KLD)

[amanda]

just a little update- I ended up getting a North Face (http://www.thenorthface.com/media/gear/catalog/AAV5/AAV5-61Q_mag.jpg)bag. It works great. I was trying to get a pic to show....but, my comp is all screwy and isn't recognizing my camera. Anyhow, the places for water bottles is a major plus. I can just reach around and keep whatever I need in the bazillion pocket and nooks.

" The best way to predict the future is to invent it."
- Alan Kay

[Bookjunky]

Something I did that allows me to hang and easily remove a bag from the back of my chair is to take cable ties and attatch them to the back of the chair. They can be attatched to the frame, push handles, or head rest posts. Then I take a snap clip like a carabiner and put through the cable tie.

Depending on the configuration of the chair you may have to attach one cable tie to the frame with another to get the best functioning setup.

[tegdirb]

the idea of a special bag just for your chair is silly to me...there's no reason why a 'normal' backpak won't work. anyone should fit, especially if you don't have push handles. i have had no problems so far and i have a billion bags. i often buy little backpak purses. an underseat net like this (http://www.1800wheelchair.com/asp/view-product.asp?product_id=635) is great though.

~~Everyone wants to change the world, but nobody wants to change himself. ~Leo Tolstoy~