Originally Posted by
madpogue
I've carried all that, as well as lunch, changes of clothes, a laptop (not just a table) and more, with a convertible backpack-pannier. Shoot, I delivered a couple DESKTOP computers with my big-ol' Timbuk2 convertible (if it were white instead of black, you'd think I was an Apollo astronaut). I sure wouldn't have wanted it on my back at the time....
These days I'm using a Bikase convertible. Smaller, more like a business backpack with compartments. This morning it rained, but I knew it would be dry in the afternoon, so I put my bike on the bus bike rack. Pulled the back straps out of the pannier at home, tucked in the rack hooks, put it on my back and walked the bike to the bus stop. On a lark I rode the bike from the bus stop to my locker, but kept the bag on my back. Wasn't worth switching modes on the fly, but it definitely reminded me how much easier and more stable it is having it on a rack. So for the ride home, it goes back into pannier mode.
It's not about carrying capacity. Backpacks trump all other modes for carry capacity. I'm staring at a 10L, 15L and a 25L right now that our party used yesterday, while walking.
Someone even had one of these ... sigh ... Fjällraven what have you become.
https://www.google.com/search?q=fjallraven&safe=strict&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjqofLqlffhAhWEuHEKHV_ABsIQ_AUID ygC&biw=1268&bih=562
I must admit that I haven't tried every product save for the Ortliebs (as they are seen as 90% of all panniers here in southern England).
When, I see someone with a pannier on their back I actually ask them how it is. In the barber shop, someone came it with the Orteib and I asked. There, the response was uncomfortable and expensive.
I'm OK with the expense, as I spend 1 Ortlieb/month to keep my hair in order. (Barbership Black membership is £100/mo) ...
The Barbership ? Portsmouth Barbershop ? Barbers in Southsea & Gosport
However, I'm not cool with the discomfort. Would I like walked 5 miles yesterday while pushing a pram/buggy/Kinderwagen, probably not and that makes the decision for me?
Also, they get dirty, compared to a backpack and I don't want dirt on my nice clothes.
Was wearing one of these yesterday and don't want it soiled.
https://www.tigerofsweden.com/gb/blazers/1903-blazer-T66533003.html?cgid=99eab02a0a4d5bc95fe6eea4cb2ecdd51561b4c5&dwvar_T66533003_color=090#!start=9
It is good that you have stated that a Bikase is somewhat comfortable. If I see one discounted at a bike shop or at an outlet (TK Maxx, went into three of those ****ers yesterday), I'll give it a shot and pass my own judgement.