Machka 

And with a ziploc bag, you can pull it out and see what's in it at a glance.

gear64

I started off with a backpack for the odd errand, but found it hot and akward. Then at a local swap meet i found a set of Bontrager bags on closeout. I think one was marketed as grocery bag and one marketed as messenger bag off bike. They are quick realease and have held up well over a few years. I'm done with backpacks.

Dahon.Steve

I use a back pack if I'm shopping, otherwise, I hate them.

Years ago, I used to use a single strap camera bag and that worked well. It didn't sit on my back so I sweated less with a smaller footprint. One of the carriers that I like alot was similar to a woman's bag with a long strap. (see picture) It was black, not too large and I slung it over my back like a messenger bag but it never touched my back!

The long strap enabled it to hang just below my belt but slightly above the rear wheel. Sometimes, the bag would touch the rear wheel but it was a good system and my back didn't get wet. I've been looking for a bag like that since I used it until it broke.

I-Like-To-Bike

This bag cost $1.00 at a garage sale and works just fine. The bag on the side of the basket contains several canvas shopping bags which are usweful for shopping. I hang them from the side of the basket with bungee cords.

corrado33

I have a pannier made from a 3 inch 3 ring binder, some fabric, and some plexiglass (all free to me.) I use it almost every day to move a book or similar back and forth between work and home. I used to use a backpack, but it started to hurt my butt (since it was often heavy.) Since then I've bought a rack top bag and I've made a pannier. Now I keep the bike locks in the rack top bag and use the pannier for anything else! Love it!

(Wish I could afford a nice Arkel or similar bag, not a huge fan of bags without pockets, hence my disdain for Ortlieb's.)

wipekitty

My large messenger bag is my favorite. For commuting, it fits my laptop, random books and papers, extra clothes, and anything I might need to quickly pick up on the way home.

I also use it for longer rides because I'm weird and like to carry a bunch of emergency crap with me (there's nobody to call for a ride if I get stranded, and my phone doesn't even have service in many places I go!)

For about 5 years, I got away with using the messenger bag for grocery shopping. Since I no longer have time to shop twice a week, and buying certain things in large quantities is significantly cheaper, most groceries have been relegated to the trailer. Still, the messenger bag works great if I'm just getting smaller items. I stuffed about 15 pounds of cheese in it last week, which was kind of awesome.

judes21

I've used and loved Ortleib rear panniers for more than 15 years. Regret having bought dar green bags as you cannot see inside the cavernous space as its is so dark. The panniers are best when fully loaded. I don't like them for frequent on and off the bike situations as the attachments on the rear hit your legs while being carried around. But bring on the rain and they are awesome. Not having compartments is their great advantage. Ziplock or mesh bags make organizing easy. For front i use MEC bags. Sturdy and functional. Also about 15 years old and still going!
Had a wonderful circa 1994 Cannondale handlebar bag but lost the mount. Cannondale are not forthcoming to discuss how i might replace, sadly.
Now looking at a trunk bag, Any suggestions re what's best from current users?

Bug Shield

Thanks for the tip.

chephy

There is truth to that (though the Ortliebs are actually pretty good).

That's partly why it took me so long to learn the lesson.

But after several incidents of getting caught in downpours and having pretty valuable stuff ruined by water damage, and after many more incidents of being inconvenienced by sogginess of contents, I decided that enough was enough and that I'll take "heavier" over "soaked through" any day.

jgadamski

for much of the daily stuff.. trips to the grocers,work,etc..a recycled arrangement similar to the link below.
it ain't pretty but it works.

Citybikes Pannier Buckets | Citybikes

gerv 

I think you posted in the right place. We are all about things working and not so much how pretty they are!!