Originally Posted by
Jerrys88
Here is a copy of something I posted on another thread regarding the
Green Guru Hauler Bike Pack:
I use one of these on my bike and really like it a lot. It has a stiff plastic insert on the bottom, so it's like a removable rack. It's expandable so it's only as long as it needs to be depending on how much stuff you have in it. It comes with a shoulder strap, so when you reach your destination it can be worn as you would a messenger bag. When I don't need to carry lots of stuff, like when I go out for lunch, I can easily remove it from my bike so I'm left with a bike that has no added weight from an attached rack. It's very durable and waterproof and I like that it's made entirely from recycled materials. Only downside is the straps that go through the saddle rails are short, so it takes some practice inserting them, but that's a minor complaint. Also, it only has one outside "pouch" that is a decent size 2-dimensionally, but not 3 dimensionally, if you know what I mean (It's a flat pouch. I would have designed it to have more depth). I fit my smartphone and keys in it, and could probably stuff my wallet in it, but not much else. Not a huge problem - it's quick and easy to undo the side clasps and open the main bag while it's attached to the bike.
This weekend I bought one of these Green Guru Bike Packs for my high end carbon fiber bike with carbon fiber seat post. I have been looking for a seat bag with larger volumes than the typical small tool bags. I wanted something to carry voluminous but lightweight stuff like extra clothing and food, besides tools, spares etc, but I lack rear stay eyelets for a rack, and can't clamp onto a carbon fiber seat post.
Today I carried a pair of shoes and tools. It might be cool to attach my toolbag outside the bikepack, if possible, to further expand the volume, and make the tools more quickly accessible. I might even revert to using an (empty) back pack as well, as a lightweight "reserve" cargo space, e.g. for an extended ride to stow a light weight jacket or fleece as the day warms up.
The picture below shows the Bike Pack fully extended. It has a roller type closure like the Ortlieb pannier bags to expand or collapse for the particular cargo. A Velco strap attaches the bag to the seat post without much stress, and straps with easy closures suspend the bag from the seat rails high above the wheels.
The only better alternative I have seen is a custom-made (four weeks) bag which requires an additional metal seat bag support.
PS: See this additional
post about attaching tool bag.