wirehead

So I'm starting to think about getting some sort of pack so that I don't need to have a backpack (that, mind you, is probably not as rainproof as it ought to be... and we're about to hit the Rainy Season here in NoCal)

So, thought number one is to get the Arkel Bug to replace my backpack and make that be "the" bag. This I found by searching.

Thought number two is to use the backpack when I take the bus to work but use a Pannier bag the rest of the time.

Now, the "essential, important" content of my backpack is not much. There's the little stuff -- a pen, a charger, some meds, business cards -- and then there's the laptop. So... the little stuff is more than I'd be able to reliably move from bag-to-bag without accidentally leaving something important in the wrong bag.

Now, at the same time, I'd love to have some better pannier bags for more heavily loaded explorations. I'd like to maybe next year see about bike camping or whatnot. And I'd love to be able to cart more groceries around.

So, clearly I'd want to have some sort of "small stuff bag" and maybe a "laptop" sleeve with this sort of option.

Am I just thinking too much about this and need to just accept that by the time I'm done I'll have ten different Pannier bags for different situations?

taliesin

The Arkel Bug is expensive!!!

This is what I use:


It's called the Mahoubar bag and is made by Crumpler. It survives the NorCal rainy season well, is super-comfortable, holds a ton (I think it's around 1,700 cubic inches), and is really well designed. It's expensive too, but about $40 less than the Arkel bag.

I don't carry a laptop in it, but I wouldn't hesitate to except on maybe the rainiest of days.

AdamD

I hate riding with a backpack, and it sounds like I have similar requirements as you do. I opted for a rack, an Arkel Tailrider($99), and an Arkel Utility Basket($99). Most commute days the Tailrider will hold enough and should be all I need. About once a week I'll need to take in pants, socks, underwear, etc. for the rest of the week so I intend to use the Utility Basket on those days and then use the Tailrider by itself on the other "light" days. The Utility Basket will also do great for grocery shopping... that's what it's designed for. The Utility Basket also has a laptop sleeve option if you want it. As far as moving things between bags that you can't forget I use a bag-within-a-bag solution and just move that smaller bag to whatever bag/backpack I happen to be using that day. You could also leave those items in the Tailrider (or any trunk bag for that matter) and then leave the Tailrider on the bike. Just thought I would share what my solution is. I just got all this and haven't got any time/miles on it yet, I'll let you know what my take is on it after I use it more. It's certainly not the cheapest solution, but seems to be pretty robust and flexible.

BuckyYuen

I like using a backpack but am in Norcal too... and thinking about the rainy season coming up. I like using a backpack so that the bike can be moved around easier. Banjo Brothers makes a waterproof backpack that I'm seriously checking out.

https://www.banjobrothers.com/products/01150.php

lns55

Check out the Seal Line backpack. It doesn't matter how hard it's raining - everything stays nice and dry.

Szczuldo

I'm not a big fan of backpacks for the soul reason of a very sweaty back at your destination. A rack with panniers, or even your backpack on the rack feels so much better in that you don't worry about a sweaty back and can easily carry a lot more than just in a backpack.

wirehead

Yah, I was mostly trying to get an idea about alternatives to wearing a backpack on the bike, not suggestions about the best commute backpack.... Either a Pannier bag I could use sans bike when I take the bus or a bag-within-a-bag option...

Szczuldo

the backpack mentioned above should work, especially if it's water proof. Just tie it with Bungee cords on the top part of your rack, and then you don't have to worry about a sweaty back, getting pannier stolen or trying to carry about a bag that isn't meant to be carried. At the moment I am able to take my bike inside where I commute to, so I use panniers and leave my backpack there, but if I ever ride somewhere and need to leave my bike outside for a long time I'll just grab some bungee cords and a backpack and leave the panniers at home.

srmatte

Fill backpack, throw it in the milk crate strapped to the rack, go. Need more room....wear the backpack.

Yes, looks very cheesy...I thought I might, but I don't seem to care.

mhnassi

That causes too much butt rubbing for my taste. I have a seat post mounted rack

Szczuldo

I don't understand the milk crates...I think it looks very horrid, just put your stuff in a backpack and strap it down with bungee cords...or get larger panniers...

dbelcher

+1 on the Banjo Bros - Basically just a big open plastic-lined bag with fold-over closure.

I carry computer (17" MacBook Pro), clothes, lunch, and misc. every day. I feel more secure with my computer on my back (and I ride a road bike, so no panniers).

It has a chest and waste strap and is designed to ride a little lower on your back so your rearview is not obstructed. IT has a small pen/glasses velcro container, aedium zippered pouch, a good-sized outside pocket - holds pump and extra water bottle.

The lining makes the bag very waterproof (here in SoCal that's not a big issue). My only beef is that it only comes in black, so it acts like a solar collector in summer, and the rides at 5:00PM can be uncomfortable when the temperature is north of 95 degrees.

I'd recommend it.