Touring - Panniers that can be carried like a rucksack when off the bike

Hi All,

Do these exist? Currently my partner and I are looking at buying some Carradice Super C front and rear Panniers, but we'll need to carry them with comfort when off the bike. The ideal way seems to be simply carry them on our backs just like a rucksack or backpack. However don't think this is possible with the Carradice panniers. If anyone knows of a brand with which this is possible, we'd love to hear about it.

Thanks in advance

I'm not sure if this is what you are looking for but try this: http://www.arkel-od.com/index.asp.

Well, the link didn't make it to the specific page I copied. Arkel has one called a Bug Backpack. It is designed to attach to your bike like a pannier and also be carried off the bike like a backpack. Other companies may have something similar. You might also consider attaching a shoulder strap to your favorite pannier.

Ortlieb makes a carrying system that clips on to their panniers and converts the pannier to a day pack. I have used this - it does work, but I didn't find it has the same comfort level as a "real" daypack. Here's a link: carrying system for Ortlieb panniers (http://www.ortlieb.de/2005web/_prod.php?lang=en&produkt=tragesyst-rad).

Carradice have mounting points for shoulder straps, which are good enough for handling luggage at airports, stations and hotels. I use Super-C model and would recomend it without any reservation.
I carry a lightweight minimalist daysac if I want to go hiking.

second with denise, no problem with walking using the carrying system, but if i would also do some hiking then i would carry another small rucksack instead. but most of the time i just use the shoulder straps that comes with the panniers, they work just fine when walking around in short distances.

I have the Bug from Arkel and find it to be a well designed and comfortable pannier/rucksack. I looked at and tried the Ortlieb in a store and found the rucksack converting backplate to be difficult and uncomfprtable. The Bug is self-contained, with the Ortlieb you need to carry the backplate in the pannier while it is mounted on your rack. The backplate clips into four clips on the pannier. The Ortlieb system seemed to be designed as an afterthought, while the Arkel seems to be designed as BOTH a pannier and a rucksack.

Do some searches on this forum about this one:

http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=66&subcategory=1004&brand=&sku=9036&storetype=&estoreid=&pagename=

It's giant, though.

Serratus (http://www.serratus.com/BikeBags%5CPannierPack.html) makes such a pack. I have no experience with them. I like the mesh pockets on each sides, handy for water when hiking. More info here (http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=669637&PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=196023&bmUID=1105544113635).

I haven't tried these put I've thought about them. http://www.panpack.com/

Jeff

I don't know much about Delta but they have something called a Backsack.
http://www.deltacycle.com/index.html

Thanks for all the replies. Out of all those mentioned, the PanPack panniers and the one on the Nashbar site seem to be most suited to my needs. Anyone got any experience with either of these?

Also, getting back to the Carradice super C. I must say I like them for their simplicity and good reputation. MichaelW, you said that they have mounting points for shoulder straps. Do you know if the straps come with the panniers as standard? Also is it possible to carry both panniers in this way while they are fastened together?

Thanks in advance

They have upgraded the design since my version:+
http://www.carradice.co.uk/expedition-rider.htm#supercrearpannier

Yes and Yes.

Thanks for all the replies. Out of all those mentioned, the PanPack panniers and the one on the Nashbar site seem to be most suited to my needs. Anyone got any experience with either of these?

I just recieved the Nashbar one today. It's really disapointing. It's more of a carrier for a canoe sack than a backpack. The "backpack" part is a holder for a rubber canoe sack. The canoe sack dosen't go fully inside a cloth back pack, it forms the back pack. If you look on the Nashbar site you will see three pictures of this pannier. Look at the third picture. Everything black on the pack lifts out of the red "holder". It's a really poor design. The straps and buckles on my "holder" will not fit through the loops on the rubber canoe bag as in the picture. The loops are too small.

The mounting system is quite bad as well. Two simple hooks and a cheap bungee cord, ca 1973. I've had many problems with these falling off my rack on bumpy roads. If I lived in America I would return this pannier without a second thought. It pales next to the Bug...

It's really disapointing...

I agree, sorry I didn't notice this thread untill now-to reply before you bought. If you'll be keeping it and using it, some modifications may be helpfull. I swapped out the "klunky" dry bag, for a liteweight one I had allready. I mounted the back plate to a rear rack with the hooks as well as zip ties&climbing cord.

I recommend Panpack (www.panpack.com). I have used the world tour model for several bicycle tours over that past 5 years. (I also have the commuting model that I use for my daily commute.) It is not the sort of bag that converts instantly into a backpack, but it converts easily enough. When in backpack mode, you can hide the shoulder straps and waist belt, so that it also functions as a suitcase -- which is very convenient for flying. Only downside is the cost -- but it is well made and worth it, IMHO.

Sorry to hear you got a bad product Ziemas, but thanks for letting the rest of us here know about it. It looks like either the Carradice or the PanPack. Whichever I choose I'll post back here in a month or two to let you all know what I think of my new panniers.

Next I just have to choose a bicycle to carry them! My next post...

Reporting back on my decision! I've gone with... Arkels!! GT54's and GT34bp's. After thinking about it it looks like Arkel produce the best product. They're expensive but hopefully worth it.

The Arkels have arrived and I'm impressed. Definitly worth the money!