Currently doing the backpack for carrying the college texts and stuff. Not a problem for now because I'm using the bus instead of the bike. My schedule will allow me to ride 2 days a week when it warms up.

When I do start riding again, I want that weight off of my back. Doesn't need to be waterproof, but does need to be durable enough to hold up to the weight of my Philosophy text, 2 half inch binders, and other items. Currently carry a not so lightweigh laptop (7.7 lbs w/o cord), but not planning on carrying that when I ride. The panniers also need to be easy to install/remove.

Any suggestions?

P.S.- I don't want this to turn into a "weight on your back vs weight on your bike" debate...

I like my Novarra Transfers. I don't usually carry quite that much load - but I have. I bought an old iron at an estate sale on my way home one day - my bag was already loaded and this sucker weighed like 10lbs or something. I use them every day and they are holding up great. Kick-flix mounting for extremely quick, secure and virtually universal on/off performance.

edit: crapper - can't find them on REI's site. Hopefully they're just temporarily out of stock - I love mine.

Ortlieb. They have an back harness for 'em. Have your cake and eat it too.

I would like to second this man's notion. I have a set of Ortliebs on my rear rack and I absolutely love them. I have put all kinds of things in there and have stuffed them to overflowing. They are also waterproof, which I know is not a criteria. But, it also means that you could fill the bags with a bunch of ice and some beer and go for a Sunday stroll around the park and have a beer or two wherever you go. Oh, yes the Ortliebs can haul a huge amount of weight. Make sure that your rack can take that sort of abuse. I had to change racks because my old one couldn't carry the heavy loads that were now capable with my then newly arrived Ortliebs. I have had mine for about a year now hauling fruits, veggies, books, cat food, gallons of water, dirty clothes, cooking implements, etc.

The system that CastIron mentioned is a harness system where one of the Ortlieb bags gets converted into a backpack. I have never used the system so I don't know how good it is but I do know that the Ortlieb connection system onto a bike rack is one of and maybe is the best system on the market. It takes me probably all of 5 seconds to load a bag onto my rack and about 1 second to take it off.

There are a number of other choices out there and I don't think you will be disappointed with anything that the people here recommend. They have been through it all and know what they are talking about.


https://www.ortliebusa.com/CartGenie/prod-31.htm



https://www.ortliebusa.com/CartGenie/prod-75.htm

I just graduated and the setup I used and was quite happy with was an Arkel Utility Basket for my laptop, books, and such and then a Nashbar Townie Basket to hold my lunch cooler. The Townie Basket was zip tied onto the rack so it could be left on, folded flat, without having to worry much about it, and I took the Arkel with me everywhere on campus.

I've been using Axiom Appalachian bags now for nearly two years. They were dirt cheap (under $30). I NEVER expected them to hold up so well with daily year round commuting. The bags are always stuffed. Once side is filled with foul weather gear and extra cloths. The other side is filled with all the food and drink I need to get through a days. The only down side is that these are saddle bags so they are not the easiest to remove and hook-up. Otherwise these are a descent side, in expensive, remarkably water proof and durable. The Ortleib bags look like they are much nicer, but you'll spend 6 times as much on a set of their bags.

Happy riding,
André

What do you mean by double-sided? Most decent panniers come as 2 separate bags that clip on using locking, quick-release clips (not hook and elastic or velcro). Some come as horse-style saddlebags that drape over the rear rack but these are generally of low grade. You can use the standard panniers together or as singles on one side. In practice it doesnt unbalance the bike.
For everyday use, an external pocket is useful. Some people find internal dividers helpful but they get in the way for me.
Ortleibs are top quality; they make roll-top panniers, very waterproof but getting in and out of ther bags is an event. Flap-top bags are a bit easier to use as everyday luggage.
Books have sharp edges so get a tough, durable material with.
Other strategies for carrying books are a rear rack basket or a handlebar basket.

A townie or grocery getter type pannier is what I used while I was in school because I never found a good pannier that actually converted to a back pack that was comfortable and not ugly as sin. I just flopped my regular comfy backpack into the grocery pannier while I rode, then got to school and removed the back pack. I did what some of the other posters did by attaching the pannier more permanently so that I did not have to worry about it getting ripped off so much, zip ties are one way. Those townie and grocery panniers are pretty cheep anyways. Another way to go are the Wald rear baskets or the folding rear baskets by the same maker. They attach with bolts so are very safe! I think this is the best way to go for students who need to be able to carry a back pack on and off the bike.

I second the Axiom Appalachians. Not waterproof but very resistant. I like having the handle connecting both rather than two separate panniers.
For me I just throw them on and secure two velcro tabs rather than whole shebang with the bungees and other velcro tabs, easy on easy off.

+1 on the Appalachians. Can't kill 'em. I did learn, the hard way, that two velcro tabs is not sufficient to keep my set on the rear rack, however.

By double sided, I mean saddlebag, like those Axiom Appalachians. Arkel and Ortlieb are too pricey at the moment. I just realized that dis/mounting them in a hurry could be problematic. I want the quick on/off because I will be putting the bike on the front of the local bus. It is their policy that the bike be stripped of all loose items before it can be put on their rack.

I've got an old pair of Nashbar Townies, they are about 15 years old now, and there is no way I would trust putting putting the weight that I carry around on my back in one of those. But the idea of ziptying one appeals to me. Guess I need to start checking those things out. I wonder what the max load on one of those is? I know, probably varies by manufacturer...

While Ortleib panniers are very tough, the backpack harness is next to useless and takes up a lot of room inside the pannier when not being used.

I've found that the Arkel Bug is a much better solution, and is just as tough as the Ortleib with a much better design as a backpack and many more usable pockets.

I own all and have tested all of the products mentioned above.

EDIT: The Bug is big enough to carry all of your books; you really don't need a double pannier.

I've also heard that the Ortlieb harness isn't that great. Haven't tried it myself though.

OP mentioned he wants a system with quick on/off. I'd skip anything that has velcros, zipties or bungee chords then. Quick release systems such as Ortlieb's allow you to put the bag on rack and remove it with just one hand. It doesn't get much easier than that.

If you find a nice, affordable pannier with no quick release, it may be possible to retrofit it yourself. Rixen & Kaul have the Klickfix, and I remember seeing some pannier manufacturers sell their mounting hardware separately.

--J

They're not double-sided, but my wife got me a pair of the Nashbar ATB panniers for christmas. I'm lovin' 'em so far!

One of the nice things about them being two separate bags is that you can use them one at a time. I loaded one of them up with work clothes, but then didn't ride to work for a few days. With a one-piece bag, I would have had to drag the clothes around everywhere I went, unpack them, or not bring the bags. Since mine are separate, I just used the other bag.

I also like how easy they go on and off. I take them off of the bike when I get home and unpack them inside. When I want to go for a ride, I pack them inside and then bring them out to the bike. I like not having to pack the bag on the bike.

Jandd also makes a Saddle Bag Pannier. I've never used one, but I am really impressed with my rack pack and commuter pannier from them. The construction, stitching and attention to detail are really nice. I expect mine to last for many years. Bonus that they are made in the USA.