DIY Dutch Army Kit Panniers
06-05-16, 07:30 PM
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DIY Dutch Army Kit Panniers
I saw these Dutch military kit bags at a surplus store and decided they would make great panniers for a Swiss Army bike inspired theme. I have no idea what they would be used for originally but they are a heavy duty rubberized material and in new condition.
I decided to make some stiffeners out of some 1/8th ply I have kicking around. I sealed the edges with 2 part epoxy and the sides with a spray epoxy.
I fashioned some hangers out of corner brackets and bolted it all together (have since added washers to prevent the bolts from tearing through the fabric). I also made some hangers out of S hooks to secure the bottom of the bag to the bike using bungee and the two attachment points already on the base of the bag.
4 bags at 19.99 ea and about $20 in hardware and a days fun in the workshop. I think I need some green dry bags now.
I decided to make some stiffeners out of some 1/8th ply I have kicking around. I sealed the edges with 2 part epoxy and the sides with a spray epoxy.
I fashioned some hangers out of corner brackets and bolted it all together (have since added washers to prevent the bolts from tearing through the fabric). I also made some hangers out of S hooks to secure the bottom of the bag to the bike using bungee and the two attachment points already on the base of the bag.
4 bags at 19.99 ea and about $20 in hardware and a days fun in the workshop. I think I need some green dry bags now.
Last edited by Happy Feet; 06-05-16 at 07:44 PM.
06-06-16, 02:42 AM
#2
apocryphal sobriquet
I like 'em! They have that classic utilitarian quality which I find very appealing.
06-06-16, 12:19 PM
#3
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They look very nice. The military surplus bags I have used look like old military bags. Can you clarify on the stiffer you used?
Thanks,
Tom Palmer
Twin Lake, MI
Thanks,
Tom Palmer
Twin Lake, MI
06-06-16, 12:24 PM
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Very interesting! Nicely modded.
How do they close? Are they an open space with the external flap for sealing?
How do they close? Are they an open space with the external flap for sealing?
06-06-16, 12:48 PM
#5
hello
Nice project!
On my bikepacking rig I've been using Condor tactical bags and pouches strapped on my handlebar. The molle attachments enable you to attach these ammo and gear bags practically anywhere on the bike.
On my bikepacking rig I've been using Condor tactical bags and pouches strapped on my handlebar. The molle attachments enable you to attach these ammo and gear bags practically anywhere on the bike.
06-06-16, 01:13 PM
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Love it! Reminds me of the ammo can panniers I used to have on my old motorcycle, I appreciate the utilitarian approach!
06-06-16, 06:49 PM
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Thanks all. I started thinking about this last year when I was browsing images of BOV's (bail out vehicles). Some look better than others but I dig the look of a Swiss Army bike overall. I thought of using some cool looking poly ammo boxes with a waterproof gasket but they were a tad small for the purpose. I also thought of kitty litter buckets sprayed camo but then my next tour includes a flight and I thought bringing those as luggage would be a hassle.
The stiffeners are thin plywood but, when it gets wet, ply will delaminate so I sealed the edges with west system epoxy (I have some for boat building) and sealed the sides with a spray epoxy (which I also had extra of from another project). I had to drill it all and make sure the bolts went where they ought to then took it apart and epoxied the drilled holes. That's why there are no washers on one of the pics (first mock up). Other people use starboard or some synthetic material but I had all the stuff already.
The bag is just one big compartment. The bags close first with two side flaps that are connected with a string. You tie it together and the sides pull in and then you seal the flap over top.
I looked at tactical bags with molle attachments too to use as a frame/top tube bag, basically zip tied together over the top tube but for now they are expensive and I'm experimenting with a third bottle cage in that spot now.
One guys website I looked at is here: https://www.bicyclinglife.com/HowTo/HeavyDutyRacks.htm
As I really like the look of his set up
The stiffeners are thin plywood but, when it gets wet, ply will delaminate so I sealed the edges with west system epoxy (I have some for boat building) and sealed the sides with a spray epoxy (which I also had extra of from another project). I had to drill it all and make sure the bolts went where they ought to then took it apart and epoxied the drilled holes. That's why there are no washers on one of the pics (first mock up). Other people use starboard or some synthetic material but I had all the stuff already.
The bag is just one big compartment. The bags close first with two side flaps that are connected with a string. You tie it together and the sides pull in and then you seal the flap over top.
I looked at tactical bags with molle attachments too to use as a frame/top tube bag, basically zip tied together over the top tube but for now they are expensive and I'm experimenting with a third bottle cage in that spot now.
One guys website I looked at is here: https://www.bicyclinglife.com/HowTo/HeavyDutyRacks.htm
As I really like the look of his set up
Last edited by Happy Feet; 06-06-16 at 07:00 PM.
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