DIY Pannier/Hiking Backpack?
 

Hi -

I'm looking to getting into bike touring and would like to get a good set of panniers, which don't appear to be cheap. I'm also involved with a local Boy Scout troop and might be accompanying them on some backpacking trips. A good backpack for such activity, not unlike the panniers, is also not cheap.

I'm thinking of making a set of panniers that could each double as a day pack/school backpack, but could also attach to an external frame and form a hiking pack. That way I could have one set of bags that could perform both functions. I know that panpack does something similar to this, but they still seem to be pricey - much more than I can afford.

Has anyone tried anything like this? Any suggestions/advice?

Some ideas:

http://www.bicyclinglife.com/HowTo/HeavyDutyRacks.htm

http://www.instructables.com/id/Back...ill-backpacks/

http://veloapocalypse.wordpress.com/...pannier-links/

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=61374

These are nice:

http://groups.google.com/group/bicyclelifestyle/web See images on this page, for example:

http://bicyclelifestyle.googlegroups...XbC_EQPnjERXpe

I know Nashbar makes one that is pretty reasonably priced:

http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?c...%3A%20Panniers

I've never tried them, though, so I can't vouch for the quality.

Other than that, I would recommend checking garage sales / thrift stores / craigslist for a used pack, then just see what you can come up with.

You might also try army surplus stores - the ALICE pack can be used with or without the frame, so you might be able to mount the frame on the bike and just remove the pack... you should be able to pick one up for $20 or so.