I worked for an organisation that promoted a major motor sport event. One of the freebies given to competing crews was a fabric backpack containing other goodies. I got some leftovers over several years -- four of them. They lay dormant in the cupboard until I took up cycling and decided to ride from Perth to Adelaide across the Nullarbor.

Panniers? I was looking for something cheap, so the backpacks suddenly found a use. I cut off the shoulder straps, got some hooks used for tonneau tie downs on utes/pick-ups and simply screwed them on with nuts and bolts. The backs of the pannier were reinforced with several layers of fabric and strapping.

The hook fitted with a "snap" over the pannier. Red panniers went on the rear, green ones on the front. I used straps to stabilise the bottom of them.

The "panniers" were great. One thing I liked about them was the zipper that opened the flap to the side. It proved better than having to go pannier-diving. And they were light. Waterproofing was taken care of by using plastic bags.

I dug them out the other day. Both pairs were terribly faded from the constant sun exposure, but otherwise, I could still use them tomorrow.

I've often thought of making panniers along similar lines out of waterproof stuff. But I keep on using my Torpeako panniers, and on and on. <shrug>

For touring cyclists who have any creative ability, I think a sewing machine and a dehydrator for food/meals would be a great combination leading to relative self-sufficiency. I dropped a hint to my daughter and son for Christmas, about the sewing machine, but I think it went over their heads!

By the way, if you want a real sewing machine challenge, try lycra. Grrrrr!!!!