What?

I've read a lot of reviews here about the Bug, and it seems like a great bag. I have a couple of problems with it though.

First, I really don't just want one bag. Although I really need a backpack style pannier for carrying heavy textbooks plus lunch and clothes to school and then around campus, I want to use it for getting groceries and weekend tours (possibly some longer tours this summer). I don't think one bag really suits my needs, and I don't want to get the Bug plus something else.

Second, price. For one bag, I can barely justify $165 or however much it is exactly. While I can afford it by the time I absolutely need it (late August), I would like to get it for this summer when I will have a lot of time to take day trips/weekend trips/week-long trips.

So are there any sets of bags that double as backpacks? I would prefer cheaper but I'm not against spending a decent amount ($165 would be a decent amount ) for two bags.

(And I don't want to just throw my backpack in a milk crate on the back, either.)

You might want to consider a normal backpack, and then something like a basket or pannier to put it in. Should come out a bit cheaper than the Bug.

I have a laptop backpack I really like, but I don't like riding with it on my back. In the next few days I have been planning to get a rear rack with a basket or milk crate on it to drop the backpack into when I ride. The basket will also be useful on days when I don't have a backpack with me, and want to stop at the shop on my way home or something like that.

I don't want to do that because I want to use these panniers for other purposes that a basket or milk crate won't work for. I just don't want to buy ONE pannier that costs so much, but my needs for school might demand it.

I can't speak for other bags, since the Bug is the only pannier I've ever used, but I've LOVED mine. It's very well-made - shows practically no sign of wear at all despite using it extensively in all kinds of weather for a couple of years. It holds a surprising amount as well. I only have a few small complaints about it - a better way to stash the hook when wearing it as a backpack for example, and a better way to secure the compression straps on the sides when it's on the bike and mostly empty. (maybe these have even been addressed in the past 2 years?). I do my grocery shopping with it without much trouble, though admittedly,, I usually go shopping every few days.

It is very expensive, and I almost didn't get it because of that, but I just couldn't see myself using a regular pannier, since I carry things around off the bike as well as on it. Most panniers seem to be absurdly awkward to carry, and forget about shopping while carrying one!

I wonder if they make a grocery pannier that would fit a backpack? Just toss the backpack in it.

+5

I've had mine for 4-6 months and I don't have problems with either of these two things (or anything else). Must have been improved.

Check out arkel's Closeout Specials. There aren't any bugs available right now, but there are a few of their other convertible backpack/pannier the GT-18BP. One for $123 and a few slightly used for $102-$109. Everything on the closeout specials page (including the slightly used section) carries arkel's badass guarantee, so no worries there.

One more vote for the Bug. I use mine as a regular backpack when I drive and just leave everything for work in it all the time. It's certainly not going to be a comfortable day-hike pack but for getting to/from work/school it works no matter how you're getting there. I've used the Bug for weekend rides and I don't see why it wouldn't work for a day tour. Plus if you actually want to get off the bike sometime during the ride to do something on foot having backpack straps is a great benefit.

Have you thought about using one of their other bags and using a shoulder strap. I own the 2 bugs and love them but I did think about using a shoulder strap on their commuter bag.

I haven't thought about it. Sounds like a possible solution, but wouldn't you have the problem of it being oddly shaped and uncomfortable? I do want something that I can wear for walks of about a mile at most.

I wish Arkel would make a larger version of the bug. If we all bug them about it, maybe they'll design one. (that pun was too dumb to be intentional)

I'd go with one of the following options:

Get the Bug, and a Wald basket for the other side. That way you can put groceries in the basket and keep the other stuff in the Bug. You can also leave the basket attached to the bike all the time, so only one bag to carry when you lock your bike and leave it behind.

A cheaper solution might be to convert an existing backpack to a pannier. Arkel sells a kit that allows you to do this, but you'll have to figure out how to keep the straps out of the spokes.

Another solution is to put your backpack into a large pannier or basket.

Personally I'd consider Option 1 if you can afford the Bug. I have several pannier bags, but most of the time I just carry a single pannier. Usually it's my Arkel Utility Bag. I'm thinking about attached a Wald basket to the other side just so I can have the extra capacity when I need it.

Sean

Check out Axiom.