I have a big Crumpler backpack that's great for biking and a small Manhattan Portage bag that I use off the bike. They're both great, but I get very anxious keeping them (and other things) for a long time, especially when they can't be easily returned to a 'primitive' state (i.e. what happens when it gets so badly worn that it's unusable or undesirable to use?).

What I'm interested in now is alternatives to bags and racks for carrying stuff on (and off, but primarily on) the bike; stuff like a few tools, wallet, cell phone, snacks, and maybe larger things like books.

I'd like to use materials that are easily and freely attainable and recycled (like paper products such as newspaper and paper grocery bags) or machine washable (something I could throw in with the rest of my laundry, like the cotton reusable grocery bag that I have or a simple handkerchief).

So far, all I've come up with is essentially Rivendell's Burrito Wrap. That would work for small/medium sized and not-irregularly shaped items, and could be done with the cotton grocery bag that I mentioned above. A handlebar-mounted version of that should be easy to do, too, but it could limit my hand positions slightly.

Does anyone have any clever ideas along these lines? I'm especially interested in designs that can be work like a backpack.