ammcrill

Hi everyone. I am new to the bike scene, and have a specific problem. I have an overuse injury that is really flaring up because I am carrying the weight of my books while riding. Is there a certain Pannier that I could use, that could be used as a backpack when not on the bike? Please keep in mind that I may also have a laptop. There is no convenient place for me to leave books at the University either.

I have ben advised by my physical therapist to keep the weight off my shoulders as much as possible, as the straps are pinching the nerves in my clavicles, thus affecting the tendons, nerves, wrists and hands.

Thank you, Ann

Savas

Both Arkel and Ortlieb feature panniers that do double duty as backpack and pannier. Check them out. Arlel offers the Bug, while Ortlieb has a few that will attach to your back with a separate add-on component. Both are good companies, yet the Bug is very purpose designed for what you are looking for. Other alternative both supply is a computer bag that attaches like a pannier.

budster

I've been using these for the past two years:
https://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?c...eid=&pagename=

In a similar concept to the "computer bag as pannier" I use these as book/computer bags, which I facilitated by attaching shoulder straps (I had two old laptop bags, you could check army/navy). The strap tucks away into the pannier for the ride. If you do this, be sure to secure the little clip that holds the pannier to the bike, lest it snag your clothes.

They've done me good for school, work and trips to the groc store, et cet. BTW, they come in other colors and I got mine (black/red) on eBay for a lot less than the regular price.

Cyclist0383

I use the Arkel Bug. It's well designed and worth the money if you'll really use it.

I checked out the Ortleib system and it seemed to be designed as an afterthought rather than a backpack/pannier.

https://www.arkel-od.com/panniers/bac...asp?fl=1&site=

Blue Order

I know someone who used the Ortlieb-- the advantage they have is they're waterproof.

budster

My bag is also waterproof, thanks to the magic of trash compactor bag technology.

The Arkel seems like a really nice bag, but jeez! I paid less for my two bikes than a pair of those would cost! ;D

Wheels4

budster, i was thinking the same thing.... that arkel is expensive. looks to be a really nice bag/pannier though.

Savas

Arkel construction is very good. I have their Tail Rider bag and it handles like it will last for many years. Material selection, construction, zippers and such all seem very stout. Arkel Bug is back-pack specific in its design, insofar as appearing more like a backpack than a pannier. It should perform very well on both counts. If you can pony up the funds, it's worth checking out. I am certain they have a liberal return policy so that you can be sure you like it before deploying it for use. Especially important in internet purchases from photos of products and other's recommendations. But each person has their own idea of how much stuff to carry, so what bag works for one may not work for another.

Walkafire

If you get the BUG from Arkel and a Rear Rack to handle the weight you are talking about....
At least $ 200.00 Total (US)

I thought of getting the Bug also... but the cost just changed my mind. I have no problem hauling around NORMAL looking panniers.

What kind of Bike are you hauling this stuff around?

Thomasd

If the Arkel bug is too expensive, how about their Utility Bucket? It's a lot cheaper, has the same high quality Arkel construction, and holds a bit more. It's not a backpack, but you can put a shoulder strap on it and carry it around just fine. I've got the bug and the ub and often use them in conjunction for my commute. I've also toured with them as rear panniers-worked well. The Arkel rep said that they don't recommend that because the UB is a bit bulky, but what's a bit more bulk when you're already fully loaded up? I'm not exactly going to get aero on a loaded touring bike. Anyway, the UB is US$70 (each). You could also put plenty of school/office stuff in a set of T-22s for $90 (pair). Good luck!
Tom in Osaka

mooklekloon

I used the Arkel Utility Basket. Arkel construction/quality is amazing. The utility basket would probably be good for books, etc because of its squarish shape and hard bottom.

Ritehsedad

nashbar has one. https://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?c...eid=&pagename=

Its called the "Nashbar Special Waterproof Action-Pack 'n Pannier" on sale for $39.99.

As far as your laptop is concerned, I've found that the Eagle Creek Laptop Cache https://www.eaglecreek.com/40270.html is a pretty cool item. I have an older version. It is simply a padded case that holds the laptop and few accessories like power supply & mouse and is designed to be used with your backpack/brief case & possibly pannier. It actually comes in 3 sizes, 13x11x2.3, 13x11x2, & 17x11x2.

MichaelW

A cheaper option may be to stash your computer bag/backpack into a large pannier or basket that is permanantly attatched to your rack.

Cyclist0383

The Nashbar Special Waterproof Action-Pack 'n Pannier is complete rubbish. Check out these threads on backpack/panniers for more info.

https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...r+backpack+bug

https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...r+backpack+bug

phillybill

Arktel Utility basket is nice for books, groceries laptops.........

Savas

I am getting a Carradice A4 Student pannier for exactly the reason of putting a small computer bag and other stuff into it. It's got quick release to take it off the bike, a carry handle and a shoulder strap. The size is generous and it's in a vertical orientation, so it will be easy to set it back a bit to avoid heel strikes. Access into the bag is easy with its clips. If it works out, I'll get one for the other side to put groceries and stuff into it. Or clothes, etc. btw - I am not a student.

tajsss

I have the Arkel Bug and feel it was well worth my money. I've been using it for about a month or maybe a little more. Arkel's connections and adjustments are great. The Bug was really thought out and works good. The straps hide away nice for when its on the bike and it is comfortable to carry as a backpack too. If you read their site, they do have a nice return policy if you do not like it for any reason. Plus they have tons of pictures and explanations on their site. I bought it for these 2 reasons alone. They are obviously really proud of their stuff to tell you so much about it online.

Tim

Walkafire

Big Feet = Larger Rear Rack

Iffin you want this BUG, you better have small feet!

Chasseur

My cx commuter has verrry short chainstays--41.1 cm. I use Ortlieb Front Rollers with a standard length Delta rear rack. Because the Front Rollers have adjustable mounts, you can slide them rather far back. No heel strike at all with size 11.5 feet here. I carry 30 to 40 lbs per trip--casebooks and a laptop and lunch and coffee. I put the Dell Latitude in a Case Logic neoprene sleeve.

The Ortliebs are incredibly waterproof and tough. Because I commute in all weather, supreme waterproofing was my big requirement. The only non-robust part of the Ortliebs that I can find is the mounting handle. One handle has pulled through its mount screw on two occasions during removal from the rack. However, you wouldn't carry the bags by these handles any distance anyway. The shoulder straps are fine. Once at school, I ditch panniers into a locker and put my laptop/sleeve and needed books into a cheap shoulder bag. You could work out of the pannier bags, but they are not so convenient due to the fact that each is just one big compartment.

My main concern was whether my laptop would be hammered--so far I've ridden about 1000 miles commuting on a combo of decent pavement and crushed rock canal paths in all conditions and everything is great. For commuting to work or school, I can't imagine needing more capacity than the Front Rollers.

Something like the Bug, or the Nashbar thing, that purports to "do it all" might be nice, but I wanted bomber waterproofing and durability and didn't need much versatility, and I'm very satisfied.

ammcrill

Thank you all for your kind feedback. This has given me many good tips. Tell me. Is the Bug completely waterproof the way that the Ortlieb perports to be?

Again, my thanks. Ann