crispbike

I've been recently looking for a backpack that will attach like panniers. Currently I have just been bungee cording my backpack to my rack but I am tired of this system as it takes longer to put on and take off, it doesn't attach very well and squishes my bag, and if it rains I have to put my bag in a trash bag. Since my commute got a lot shorter and i'm commuting every day multiple times I want something easier.

I want something that is more of a backpack than a pannier and it needs to be able to carry a 14" laptop safely, as well as notebooks, folders, and maybe a book. I really like something like the Arkel Bug Pannier Backpack, but I don't like the price.

I found a similar bag ::WOHO Ninja Ninja::, But I'm having problems finding reviews. I was wondering if anyone has this bag or if someone can recommend a similar bag.

corrado33

I watched the video for the Ninja bag. I personally would not buy it. The "attachment mechanism" is simply 2 U brackets. I've built a bag like this before. Those U brackets are not enough to keep the bag from bouncing off of the bike, even if you hold it down with a bungie.

Go with the Arkel. They know how to make panniers that'll never fall off of your bike. $170 for a good backpack isn't a bad deal. Look on amazon or ebay, you can probably find it cheaper.

chefisaac

Ortliebs are nice too

Hugh Morris

Ortlieb has a good looking option I'd be putting aside money for if I was you. Their stuff is pretty bombproof and secure on the rack.

Though I haven't owned nor can I recall the name of their backpack pannier.

EGUNWT

I have the Thule, but it's more of a good messenger bag than a backpack. it's also a bit small in capacity, but it snaps onto the rack securely and has a neat little swivel thing that puts the hooks away from where you're carrying the bag.

corrado33

I also have the Thule. I honestly never use the strap, but I don't have to walk very far with it either. The swivel thing is very nice (keeps your clothes clean.)

the sci guy 

I would say no simply because it's not waterproof. Whenever you have to stop and try to put a "rain cover" over a pack or bag, I just simply wouldn't bother buying it.

erig007

I do that all the time with my not waterproof bag and it's no big deal. It's not because it rains that i have to put the rain cover. Bag can whistand light rain without much trouble.

JohnJ80

What does Ortleib have for a backpack like the Arkel Bug? Last time I checked (when I bought my bug) they had this separate thing you had to mount to the backpack to make it rack compatible. To my knowledge, the Bug is the only real backpack that converts to a pannier. Is that still the case?

J.

Hugh Morris

I guess I was thinking of the 'vario' I saw on thetouringstore.com, it's number 6 on this page; looks like the backpack straps are an attachment that use the pannier's mounting system. Also looks like a pretty convincing backpack.

JohnJ80

Thanks for clarifying.

Yep, that was what I had seen when I was looking at them. That didn't work for me because I have to, on occasion, go from bike to mass transit and it was a hassle to have to attach the thing and take it off again. The Bug actually works really well and fits well on the bike or the back plus it goes quickly from backpack to pannier. When I got to get on the bus, you can have both hands free to wrangle the bike onto the bike rack. Then when you get off, you can either just have to deal with a single backpack strap or no strap (use the handle) and put it on the bike right away.

I would like to see Ortleib come out with a backpack to pannier that is less fiddly. Competition is good. The Arkel quality is first rate so even though it's expensive, it's a very very nice piece of gear.

I agree with the comments about not using this WOHO thing. The mount system for the bike is flat out dangerous. Be very easy to have the bag come off the rack and land in the wheel. And that would really end badly.

J.

erig007

320$ for 2.
I get more or less the same result for 120$ using straps from cheap laptop bags (20$ for 2 straps) , on my LG panniers (currently on sale at 75$ for 2 so it would be 95$ instead of 120$)

So for 320$ i could get 6 panniers/backpacks for 295$ and keep 25$ extra for chocolate
Another thing is that your bag (number 6) has a 20L capacity mine is at 50L.
https://www.louisgarneau.ca/ca-en/pro...-50_BAG#second