Hi guys. Im ready to upgrade from garbage bag wraping my laptop and books in my grocery pannier and there are just so many choice of bags out there!

Heres a list of qualifications in order of importance:

1) Waterproof! I ride in ALLL weather so this is super important.

2) Comfort. Im debating the backpack, messenger, pannier deliema. Backpacks are the most comfortable to walk around in all day with heavy weight(and I do a lot of walking), panniers are the most comfortable to ride with, and messenger bags seem to fit inbetween. Im not too worried about back sweat but I do worry about a bulky bookbag being the highest part of my body when im tucked, unless its capable of being strapped down super well like my hiking backpack.

3) Size. Some times I ride 45 miles to spend a weekend at a friends, I need to carry clothes, shoes, books, laptop, snacks, beer, and other odds and ends; yet having more than one bag is annoying to keep track of unless I absolutely need it.

4) Price. If its free its for me and I'll take three! But seriously, this is secondary. Ill pay for quality if it blows points 1-3 out of the water.

5) Form. Again, secondary but I don't see why so many are made in hideous colors. Off shades of black, not quite army greens, ect. The aesthetics just might earn the brownie point a bag needs to be the one I get.


Let me hear your suggestions. And also let me know where you bought it and how long you've had it. That way I know where to look and how durable it must be! Pictures while wearing it are also nice so I can tell how big it is and how comfortable it looks!

Thanks in advance guys.

Anyone who has tried out the rickshaw bagworks bags and can tell me what you think of those vs chrome would be extra appriciated. Those are the two brands Im looking at most often.

how about a dry bag like these used for watersports.

drybag | eBay

They dont look as comfortable or functional as im looking for. But once I figure out how to tote a kayak on my roadbike ill definitely be looking into these lol

Thanks though.

New Geckobrand Waterproof Dry Bag Backpack | eBay

I have had great luck with my Mission workshop shed.

I commute year round in seattle and it has been perfect and I have had no issue with water intrusion at all.

Messenger Bags / The Shed Weatherproof 35L Roll Top Bag || Mission Workshop

It is big enough to fit an entire shopping basket in when needed but also becomes fairly small. Note I am 6'2" so that may not be small to you.

It has a separate section for a laptop and a few other items. It fits my 15" mbp perfectly. It also has an area that is good for basic tools.

There are also two external pockets which fit small U-Locks or wet gear.

Most of the chrome bags work well too but I like the wide strap on the mission workshop more and my friends are too "funny" to have a bag with a seat belt buckle...it would be dropping to the ground way too often.

I should note that both Chrome and Mission Workshop use the same material that semi-truck tarps are made out of for their liners, it is very durable and 100% waterproof. Also the messenger bags with the side strap they tend to be more stable than backpacks. Then you also have the advantage of being able to get into them without taking them off.

View the OFFICE BAG at https://www.ortliebusa.com

Ortlieb Office Bag

Thats pretty much exactly what im looking for but the price is a little high. Its a definite maybe though! Im 6'1 so it should fit perfect.

I was actually kind of looking forward to the buckle, but now you give me reason to doubt it! Haha. I could always get creative and put one on the bag I decide on.

Nashbar waterproof bags from Amazon

I have a single strap backpack that is fairly large, however i don't remember where i got it from. It would definitely be what you're looking for. It has thick durable nylon fabric with a waterproof lining. Larger front pocket has a full double zipper (up over, and back down), and the zipper pulls on main compartment AND the front pocket have holes you can use to secure them with a key ring or lock. It has loops on the very front you can hook things to, and clips on either side to keep the strain off the zipper when full, as well as some mesh pockets for small items (pack of gum etc). I use it to go grocery shopping and pretty much anything else that won't fit in a large pocket. The part against the back is padded too. I will dig around and see if i can't find same/similar online for you......

- Andy

Photos of mine, sorry I couldn't find anything like it online.









I've been using it for 6 years. I hope you find something that serves you as well!!!

- Andy

I just bought one of these this week.

I figured for US$45, I can't go wrong. It has a rolltop inside of the flap like the bags I use while kayaking.

I know that's a horrible tease, since it's not available in the USA, but I'm sure Nashbar or Performance or the like will have a similar bag.

I've gotten all my bike bags from Banjo Brothers for the last three years or so. They make big, tough, inexpensive, waterproof bags. I've been very happy.
Tough. Practical. Affordable. Bike Bags. | Banjo Brothers

Sunlite , an Asian import is making some of it's own welded seam bags .. seen on local shop's display ..

When I start back to school in the fall, I plan on getting an Ortlieb Vario QL3. It's a backpack which mounts to a rack like a pannier.

https://www.ortlieb.com/_pdf_en/varioql3.pdf

My choice. Banjo Brothers, large enough that I actually use it for out of town trips as carry on luggage. I carry a full change of clothes, including shoes, U-lock and laptop etc. Comfortable fit and waterproof in the rain.

I actually have this on my maybe list. Its great for the low price point. Hits all my needs except maybe size And it doesnt loom half bad!

Glad to hear its comfortable! Thanks!

I actually heard about the button things the pad attaches to getting caught on spokes.

If you ride in all weather, then waterproof bag doesn't exist. Bags wear and rip, and eventually something will penetrate. A dry-bag with a hole = a bladder. I don't say this to discourage you, more just to suggest that you use 2 levels of waterproofness. Waterproof outer bag then an inner bag. Alternatively, water resistant outerbag with a drybag internally.

In terms of quality, I recommend Arkel and Ortlieb. I've used both brands in all kinds of weather and both protected my stuff admirably (using the rain cover for Arkel.) Neither brand is inexpensive.

Good luck.

I recently got a Chrome Ivan off of ebay for a great price. Fully waterproof, lots of separate pockets, and it is huge! This weekend I filled up one of the compartments with ice and beer and the compartment behind with a change of clothes and the clothes stayed completely dry. I'm going to start using it for grocery runs. I highly suggest looking into that or the smaller sized Pawn... or anything by Mission Workshop. I'd suggest checking ebay/craigslist before paying full price.

My rack has additional tubes extending back from the main supports which prevent panniers from twisting into the tire.

I like the Ivan! Looks militaryish.. thanks for the ebay advise. Ill definitely do that!