I have begun commuting to school this past month, and my back is already killing me. The problem is that I am using a backpack. Though the pack has waste and chest straps, the hilly commute with the pack is making it very difficult on my back.

In speaking with a fellow commuter at school, it was recommended that I get a back rack, and put a bag on there to hold my books, clothes, etc.

I have the problem of then needing a bag that I can remove from the pack, and easily convert to something with a strap to carry around while on campus (as I cannot leave the bag on the bike and risk it being stolen).

I have a Kona Dew, and wondering what would be a recommended rack and bag? I tend to carry a lot of books, so a larger bag would be good.

Thanks for your help.

well you can go old school if you are on a budget and get a basket for the back and then put your bag in that. Wald baskets will cost less than half of a good set of panniers.

What might work is getting a rear rack and a basket to put your backpack in so yo can take it out easily. I use a folding basket on the back of my commuter to haul stuff/junk including a backpack at times. I like the setup and I have strapped all kinds of stuff in there.

what do you guys think of this?

https://www.arkel-od.com/us/bug-cummuting-bag.html

I don't have that bag, but I do have the commuter which is also made by Arkel:

https://www.arkel-od.com/us/all-categ...-bike-bag.html

The bag itself works very well for me and is easy to take on/off the bike, and is easy to get into and out of while off the bike. The bug is a tiny bit larger than the commuter and seems like it now has a U lock holder for it which is handy. I don't like backpacks so I chose the single shoulder strap commuter with laptop sleeve (I don't use the laptop sleeve much at all anymore, though but it was convenient while I did). Arkel bags have adjustments to move it forward and back on the rack which is great to avoid heelstrike on the bag, and once you get used to the fastening hardware it is very quick and easy to hook it to the rack. I've had the bag fall of my bike twice, and both times were because I didn't put the bag on all the way.

I've had my bag for more than 3 years and it has held up extremely well. I don't anticipate this bag wearing out within the next 5 years either, and so to me the brand represents a very good value because of the longevity.

Nearly any rear rack will probably work - then what I do is attach 2 wald baskets, one to each side of the rack with pipe clamps or p-clips, or whatever you have. Then I put my backpack on one side and secure with bungie straps. The other side I sometimes use for extra clothes for work or something -- works great.

Thank you so much for your reply. IS there a certain type of rack you need to put a bag like this on?

Would this rack work?

https://www.rei.com/product/697821

That looks like it would work fine. It just needs to have the edges be tubes like that so the top two hooks can grab on. The bottom hook-on-a-bungee will hook onto either side of the center support of that rack.

I think I got mine off of their ebay store at the time which was a little bit cheaper, but it has been a really long time so I don't remember.

Edit: Their installation guide here shows how the system works so you can see what kind of rack it would attach to

I had the same issue a while back. I didn't have enough $$ to buy Arkel or Ortlieb. I bought a basic rack (Delta), and I bought the Detours Toto messenger bag/ pannier ($45). If you have the cheddar to spend on a high-end item, go for it. The Detours bag has worked well for me, though it's not a big bag. It's surprising how few companies make messenger panniers. Timbuk2 also makes one, but the set up on that doesn't look secure to me. Regardless, I am so happy I made the transition to panniers. Haven't looked back since. Good luck.

https://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/60105...-toto-bike-bag

So in the end, I bought the Arkel, and a Topeak rack. They are both coming this weekend and I will have photos up as soon as I have finished installing them! thanks for all your help, guys!

Please do! I'd be interested to see the bug (is that what you got?) other than stock photos.

I recently purchased the Bug from Arkel and am very pleased with it. It is well designed and quite comfortable as a back pack. It goes on and off the bike in just a few seconds.

The only flaw in the design is the j-hook which secures the bottom of the pack to to the bottom of the rack to prevent it from bouncing. This hook needs to be moved up and out of the way when using the bag as a backpack; however, it is the one thing they have forgotten to include some doohickie to secure the hook in this position. It is possible to do so, but it is not something they seem to have designed for, which is surprising since they have designed for all other aspects of the bags function.

Overall a very good pannier/back pack.

a plastic crate always works well if your on a small budget.

I also use an Arkel Commuter. It uses the same j-hook and cam system as the Bug, and it stows away like so:

I use a Kelty Redwing 2650 backpack, often loaded up with 30-40 pounds or more. When I first started commuting with it, it hurt my back. After a few rides with the pain, I tried reattaching the (removable) waist strap and cinching it down. No more back pain.

I use a Sunlite Traveler 1 saddlebag and it's held up very nicely. It holds a full change of clothes, towel, laptop, padding, lunch fixings, battery, and the little side pockets are good for repair kits and wallet/keys. It's held on with 2 bungees and 4 buckle straps, takes about 20 seconds to get it off. You can carry it around with the center handle.

lots of students at my school use milk crates

That looks really convenient as well. Something for maybe the future, if i happen to have a lot of classes in one day.

When I was in college and doing cycle commuting on the cheap, I bungee-corded a milk crate to my trusty rack and simply stuck my backpack in it. As long as the milk crate is in good shape and is tied down well, you shouldn't have any problems.

I use a Timbuk2 pannier/messenger bag combo. It is waterproof and is easy to take on and off. Mounting has been plenty secure for me, but I commute only on city streets. It is large enough to hold a change of clothes and my lunch for work. On Sat., it held a 12 pack of PBR, 1lb. of hamburger, hotdogs, and buns.

That's one hell of a bag! Haha

I know some of you wanted to see the Alker on my bike when it arrived. Heres a quick shot with my cell phone!



(Ignore the toe pedal, I realized after this shot I had them on wrong - as I did a lot of work on the bike today!)

Looks like you did a lot of things too fast today... including your misspelling of "Arkel". I hope you enjoy your new bag as much as I enjoy mine. If I ever get to realize my dream of a fully-loaded touring rig I'm definitely outfitting it with Arkel bags.