For $224 you can get one from Jandd that is waterproof... (well that manufacturer says it is). Not affordable = not useful. The only difference between them is that the (far) more expensive bag has a waterproof cover. My backpack is supposed to be waterproof and it mostly is. Still... if you are out there long enough... I work as an organist and I have to take suits and robes, etc. and look very presentable. Rolling up a suit jacket to fit in regular panniers... well I'm hoping I don't have to do that anymore. I think I can get around whatever lack of weapons grade waterproofing the Nashbar bag might have with dry cleaner bags etc. Or obtain some kind of external cover which is what just about any other pack or pannier or trunk bag requires if waterproofing is the ultimate goal.

H