AutoRucksack: A Backpack for Your Car
by Collin Dunn, Corvallis, OR, USA on 08. 3.07
One consequence of smaller cars like the Toyota Yaris and Honda Fit -- which TreeHugger loves -- is that they have a bit less capacity for hauling stuff. While not a huge problem when you're driving back and forth to work (for most of us), it can make it tougher to put a load of gear in the back before heading off for a long weekend at the beach (or wherever your plans may take you). One German company has realized this problem, and come up with a solution: the Auto Rucksack, which is exactly what it sounds like. The waterproof backpack for your car rests comfortably off the back, which, as you can see in the above picture, doesn't add drag to your car (and decrease gas mileage) like a roof-rack-based system would. As an added benefit, when not in use, the rucksack adds virtually no weight to your car when not in use; the caveat is that it makes it pretty tough (okay, virtually impossible) to see out the back, but that's what the side-views are for, right? Wonder if they make a solar version? ::AutoRucksack via ::AutoblogGreen and ::Gizmag
clever idea, but its terribly for visibility. the thing blocks off the entire rear window.
Why couldn't you lengthen the top straps and slide it down below the rear window. Or even make a small platform on the rear bumper like those that plug into t atrailer hitch receiver.
it looks like it kills a LOT of visibility. will it be worth it with increased accidents?? How many treehuggers have driven with mirrors only?
As long as you're not parallel parking, driving with only side mirrors isn't too difficult. And, let's be honest, if the trunk is filled with stuff you'd be driving without your rear-view mirror anyway!
It look more dangerous than is worth to me.I will stick with my detachable roof rack.It gives up to much visibility.Most people can not drive on mirrors alone.
Hatchbacks have flat backs for a reason. A car either has to be very long or end sharply and abruptly at the back to be aerodynamic. Long cars are not light enough to be fuel efficient in most cases, so the flat back is the best solution. The Toyota Prius is a good example of this design. Having a bump creates more drag, which can put a damper on milage.
If I'm wrong, correct me. The design is called a Kammback, I just found out. Here's the wikipedia article: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kammback
It'd be interesting to see how this stacks up compared to a roof-rack, milage-wise. I understand this isn't an everyday thing, but I think this looks inefficient and dangerous. Cute idea, though.
All fun and games till the rear door comes off...