Hello,

I am looking into a backpack for commuting, since my old one was stolen along with its contents a while ago. I am thinking I want a backpack/mess bag for the general use of a backpack/MB off the bike, but know it will be hot on my back while riding(schvettyback!). So I was thinking of getting a pack that I can mount to a rear rack or the like somehow(bungee/ratchet tiedown etc.)? Is it feasible, and do you think it will stay in place or cause any issues when riding? Thanks.

Ben

Get whatever bag you want and just strap it on. It's not rocket science, it's just a bicycle. You could also attach a milk crate and toss it in there.

There are backpacks with pannier mounts / panniers with backpack straps that some people may post, but those tend to be small and pretty crappy to actually carry around, not to mention pricey.

Have a look, if you'd like, at my set-up. the core of it is a couple of hard saddlebags mounted to a rear rack. In one of the photos you'll see a large duffel bag strapped down onto the top. But I usually strap my backpack onto that spot. It's wide and strong. You can fasten things down there without worrying about them shifting around and getting in your wheel,etc. It's inexpensive and you can keep tools, spare tubes, pump, etc in the saddlebags. No need to load up your backpack with that stuff.

Here's a link. Good luck.


https://www.bikeforums.net/utility-cycling/566657-mostly-diy-saddlebag-set-cargo-platform.html

My original setup that I used for a couple years was a regular backpack with a grocery pannier. It worked great, because I could just pop the backpack out of the pannier when I got to work. Plus you can use the pannier for other things like grocery shopping or whatever.

The one I have is the Jaand grocery pannier. It's a bit on the expensive side, but it's very solid. There are plenty of other brands that you can get a little cheaper.

https://www.jandd.com/detail.asp?PRODUCT_ID=FGBP

I am using a bungee chord to tie secure my backpack. Works great.



I have a little write up on my personal blog on rigging it and also some things I learned while I riding with it. See that dangling strap on the pic. Very very very bad for the spokes! Overall with this set-up I don't see any need to get panniers or bags. Note that the bag in the pic is empty.

If you want a bike-specific backpack, it is hard to find better than the offerings from VauDe, with their very effective ventilation system https://www.vaude.com/epages/Vaude-de...IN&PageSize=99.

However, if you are planning to mount it on a rack (which I perefer to a backpack any day), I'd say go for panniers that offer the ability to use a shoulder strap (or have a comfortable handle).

Thanks for the replies. I am looking into a rack purchase soon. Any to avoid?

Any rack made by a reputable company will do fine.
Topeak racks are affordable and strong. The "explorer" is a $35 tubular rack that offers great bang for the buck.

Be sure to check your bike for rack mounting options. I'll assume the rear dropouts (where the rear wheel mounts) have rack eyelets, but also look to see if the seatstays (the tubes that run from the seatpost down to the rear axle) have mounting hardware for the rack. If not, no worries, you can buy hardware that accommodates this need (rubber-covered metal straps that wrap around the tubes). Just be sure to get the appropriate sized strap for your needs.

Also, if your bike has disk brakes, your rack will probably need to be a 'disk brake specific' rack.

Enjoy!

Bungee net works beautifully.

My gently used Tricross cyclotank came with Blackburn Expedition rack already attached. It is a very strong rack, however, it does not have solid shelf which acts like a fender. Specialized, Trek and ToPeak have rear rack compatible bags with brand-specific fastening system. All racks from these three have solid shelf. Bags range from outright utilitarian to fairly snazzy camera-style shoulder bags. Lous Garneau makes "one size fits all" kinda bag that is fastened to any rack with 4 velcro strips in the corners. Why limit yourself to backpack?

Have fun

SF

I splurged on the Arkel Bug and love it. I've never had such a high quality bag.

Here's one approach
https://www.instructables.com/id/Back...till-backpacks

Here's another approach
https://www.bikeforums.net/commuting/236014-home-cobbled-camera-bag-pannier.html

Here's mine:
https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...=diy+pannier#5

I've been using DIY panniers like these since 2005 so they are durable

Well, I've seen at least one that looked good - Arkel's "The Bug" -
https://www.calhouncycle.com/productc...idproduct=1087
https://www.arkel-od.com/panniers/bac....asp?fl=&site=

But for a much cheaper and more versatile option, I would get some of those folding wire baskets that attach to the side of the rack, then put my regular backpack in those while I'm riding. Depends on your uses, I suppose.

2nd the Blackburn rack! It's very strong. it is strong enough that my Rhode/Co-pilot child seat includes it as the only rack to support a child!

The Knog Dutch Dog is a pannier that converts into a backpack. Voila. https://www.glorycycles.com/kndudogpa.html

Another vote for the Arkel Bug... we've got 2 of the beasties (red for my wife, grey for my own personal self), and the quality is excellent.

Be sure to avoid the Topeak OS Rack in this case, however, as the integrated U-Lock holder is incompatible with Arkel's mounting system. It's the only rack I've encountered which would be problematic.

It's also got drawings of naked people on the inner lining. Not a big deal for some, but a real deal breaker for plenty of people including myself.