Pannier advice
 

I'm a new commuter, I have been using a backpack to carry my laptop. I have a ton of specific gear and tools that I need to keep in my backpack for my job. I want to know if anyone can recommend a pannier that I can place my backpack inside and go. I've looked into bags that convert into backpacks but I really like my backpack and I travel often so I don't want to switch all my gear if I have to go to the airport the next day. I was looking at possibly the axiom lasalle. Any thoughts are appreciated. Thanks!!!!!!:thumb:

What are the dimensions of your backpack? Do you plan on leaving your pannier attached to the bike? Does the pannier need to be waterproof? If you're planning on leaving the pannier attached to the bike, does the pannier need to be secured to the bike somehow to keep it from being stolen? What kind of bike are you riding?

If you're a DIY type of person, you might consider some type of bucket pannier that is bolted to the bike bike to prevent someone from walking away with it. Since you're going to be slipping your backpack into the pannier anyway, maybe something like this or this would work?

Don't know how anyone can answer your question without knowing the shape and dimensions of your backpack.

Another option might be to modify your backpack to let it work as a pannier. I added pannier hooks to the outer edges of my backpack. The hooks lock on the rails of my rear rack so it's very secure and doesn't need any lower attachment to the rack and the hooks are far enough out to the sides of the pack that they never touch my back when the pack is being worn. When I use the pack as a pannier I flip the shoulder and waist straps over the outside of the pack and secure them out of the way.

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You dont even have to modify your backpack, get some good straps with a cam buckle, 2 will do. And just lay your backpack on the top of the rack. no modifications and same amount of space you had before plus you get to just carry a normal back and not a pannier. Otherwise Topeak makes a laptop specific trunk back, which might work for you. If you really want panniers go for ortlieb, the most waterproof, best on off system and they hold everything youll ever need with room to spare.

Zip tie a basket to your rack. Put the backpack in the basket. Optional: Use a cargo net to keep everything in place.

That's what I do - it's quick and easy. Putting a backpack in a pannier doesn't make a lot of sense to me - plus, depending on where you park, you have both a backpack and a pannier to carry.

Donkey Boxx or this, depending on the weight of your pack.

I guess I should have included the following too. Bike is a trek 7.3. Commute is short about 4 miles. Security not an issue. I would like to remove the bags if not in use for afternoon/evening rides. Backpack is 17 x 11 x approx. 5 inches. Not hardcore enough to ride in the rain (yet) but the backpack itself has been through some pretty big downpours so waterproof isn't a requirement. Prathman- I'm very intrigued by what you have done there. My backpack is similar to yours. Do you use anything as a bottom attachment on your bag or just the top hooks? My trip is over some pretty rough bikepaths and roads so there are quite a few big bumps along the way. Also sometime mine can get a little heavy, how about much weight do you carry in yours? Thanks for the feedback guys!

I like the basket on top of the rack. I use the bike for a lot of recreational riding and just the basket I never notice it’s there. I normally have something to bring along even on a pleasure ride and it’s great to just toss it in the basket. I keep a few aluminum quick links and a few small bungees attached to the basket and can snap a backpack or a laptop case on as shown. In the photo I have a soft side cooler that’s a perfect fit in the basket on the bike as well. It’s a great setup for commuting or a day trip, getting groceries and I have been known to bungee a pizza on top and a 6 pack in the basket to go.

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Just the two hooks. The ones I used are from Lone Peak and are used on their line of panniers. They have a little latch that pivots down and locks the hook onto the pannier rail so it can't bounce off (as long as you remember to push the latch down). I usually keep the weight below 20 lbs. I'd suggest first doing a trial run with the pack strapped to the rack so you can check that you don't hit it with your heels before making the modification. Mine mounts far enough back on the rack to avoid this, but it's pretty close.

I was going to suggest the big Ortliebs (Bikepacker) or Arkel. Those are big enough for a sleeping bag, so they're big enough for a reasonable sized backpack. But then I thought about the "ton of tools" requirement...

I'd suggest cutting down on the amount of stuff you carry, instead.

I own the axiom panniers you mention and they're very good for the purpose of their design. Not big enough for a backpack, but my laptop in its sleeve fits in there fine.

But that's no matter. Start with a rear rack, which I bet you have and either zip tie or bracket a sturdy wire basket to the top of the rack, buy a few short shock cords and roll away.