Hi -

I'm looking to getting into bike touring and would like to get a good set of panniers, which don't appear to be cheap. I'm also involved with a local Boy Scout troop and might be accompanying them on some backpacking trips. A good backpack for such activity, not unlike the panniers, is also not cheap.

I'm thinking of making a set of panniers that could each double as a day pack/school backpack, but could also attach to an external frame and form a hiking pack. That way I could have one set of bags that could perform both functions. I know that panpack does something similar to this, but they still seem to be pricey - much more than I can afford.

Has anyone tried anything like this? Any suggestions/advice?