Hi,
I was wondering if anyone knows of a good pannier that doubles as a messenger bag or backpack. Basically, I'd like something that is designed clip to my rear rack like a pannier does but that can also double as a bag that I can use around town (NYC) to tote stuff around in.

Thanks for the help!

Alex

Jandd makes one, I don't recall the name, maybe the "commuter". Anyhows, carries just like a messenger bag, then -shazam!- zip off the backside panel to reveal the attachments to carry like a pannier and also a yellow raincover. Carry in all weather, then zip back in so you don't get all messy toting it around on foot. Pretty neat. They also make one called the "garmet bag" that is the same concept, but is 20"x20", which is great for my art supplies, sketch pads, etc.

This is probably closest to what you're looking for: Arkel Bug

Some people have posted here to stay away from the Nashbar Action Pannier because it's not a real backpack. The entire black panel visible in the photo is a dry bag that can be removed.

My solution will be (for now) to buy a set of Ortlieb Back Packer Plus panniers and stuff my North Face backpack in one of them. If the backpack isn't overstuffed it should fit into one of those panniers without too much convincing. And if I need to carry more I can just fill the other pannier.

+1

Spot on. I've tried all the above and perfer the Arkel for dry weather and the Ortleib for wet winters. The Nashbar is the worst designed product I've ever seen. Really.

Thank you for the replies! That Arkel looks nice, and thank you for warning me about the Nashbar bag, that was high on my list given the low price.