Balexander

I went looking for diy panniers not long ago, and the only thing I could find with good photos was for litter bucket panniers (which I have made 3 sets of). Here are some photos of the Pannier and saddlebag I have made. The Pannier is a US Army Surplus map bag

The Saddle bag is a US Army Surplus 3-fold Medic bag

For the Pannier I removed the shoulder strap and attached two carabiners to the d-loops connecting it to the top of the rack, I then punched a hole in the bottom of the bag just under the plastic plate, ran another carabiner through to attach to the bottom of the rack.

For the Saddlebag, I used to lengths of webbing strap (less than a 5' roll). I attached the little quick adjust ring things to keep it tight on both sides. I doubled a very short bungie cord around the seat post and then hooked it on each d-ring on the bottom of the bag.
photos below

Pannier


Saddlebag

robi

Great work.... nice and simple!

I have always wondered just how waterproof those types of bags are... Have you been out in the rain yet?

Robi

Balexander

Haven't been in the rain with them yet. I imagine if you scotch guarded the canvas bag it would hole up alright. The medic bag feels like a modern tent material, I would guess water proof, but who knows

Onions

I use a very similar setup with waxed canvas messenger bags retrofitted to be panniers. Works great, even in the rain.

Balexander

I love the canvas bags, no zippers to break. The plus of using the 'map bags', is they have a hard piece of plastic in the back so it remains rigid against the rack. No bungie cords involved to keep it from touching the wheel.

cyclocello

This is such an awesome idea! I was going to get some manufactured panniers, I can't believe I forgot about how great military surplus is.

Balexander

I have a great (expensive) set of manufactured panniers. I love em, keep my laptop and clothes secure and, super stable retention system, light. They were also $150 and they're big. When the wife and I are going on a ride, or checking out some shops in town I take these. I keep the shoulder strap in the bag so it can be a messenger bag, and plenty of storage for any medium size purchases. The med kit has plenty of room for all tools, spare tires/tubes, and my phone and keys. The other bonus, if someone stole that pannier, it would be sad, but nothing terrible, I'd order a new one the same day

cyclocello

I really can't afford much right now, and I need them for school.. It'd be pretty handy to figure out a quick-release so I can take it off and go right to class with the "pannier"! The dimensions of the map case don't leave too much flexibility for school supplies, though. Some other messenger type bags are appealing but they don't have the stiff back..

I think a solution to waterproofing is to wax your own canvas: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HOF_2p-lAok

Balexander

It is pretty quick release, I just use 3 springy caribener clips and leave them on the bag when I put the strap on to carry. Just unclip, and click on the the strap. It could easily carry a text book or 2. The other option would be a larger 'messenger' bag, and put coreplast in the back for ridgitity.

Balexander

https://gallery.me.com/balexander669/...ook%20in%20bag

This is the map bag with my 1200 page math book in it. Makes me remember why I haven't been in school for 13 years . As you can see, lots of room.