My daypack is my constant companion. But I’m getting a little sick of it.
It’s been great for carrying all my stuff — from work-related items to bicycle tools to rain rain gear — as needed for the past five years. I am, however, ready for something different — something that I can carry on the back rack and them carry with me while I walk.
Call it a messenger pannier, i.e. a pannier that doubles as a messenger bag. Does such a thing exist?
I’ve begun poking around on the internet. I’ll let you know what I find. And if you have any suggestions, please leave a comment.
Thanks!
Comments 11
I’m fond of ortlieb and this is a great looking bag. Its nice enough to carry it into any meeting and no one would suspect you are a bike freak.
Its 100% waterproof and Ortlieb has a fast and very secure system of attaching to racks.
In fact, its the best I’ve ever used.
http://tinyurl.com/yhw5y4o
Posted 05 Nov 2009 at 3:15 pm ¶Robert… Thanks for the suggestion!
Posted 05 Nov 2009 at 4:09 pm ¶Yes, the Ortlieb bags are fantastic. I managed to buy a single bag (the store had lost its mate) and I use it every single time I take the bike out. It attaches very easily and very securely and is made of sturdy material. They are a little expensive, but they will last a lot longer than a daypack.
Posted 05 Nov 2009 at 5:50 pm ¶I have an older version of the bad that Robert recommended and it’s really great. I love the Ortlieb attachment system- it’s really well designed. My only complaint about mine was that I didn’t like the division of pockets. There were too many tiny pockets (for pens) and then a giant space,-no mid size pockets for cell phone, wallet, keys. This may have changed in the subsequent designs.
Not terribly waterproof, but I bought replacement hardware from ortlieb, and bolted it to a stiffener inside an old leather bag for a more stylish and more easily organized bag. http://bikinginheels-cycler.blogspot.com/2009/10/mamas-got-brand-new-bag.html.
I’ve been lurking on your blog for a while- I grew up in Springfield and my Dad still cycles there, so it’s nice to hear about transportation cycling there
Posted 05 Nov 2009 at 5:51 pm ¶I got some helpful suggestions here.
Posted 05 Nov 2009 at 9:33 pm ¶Try Alchemy bags, I have one. They’re made out of tire rubber and are 80% recycled material. It is actually the BEST bag I have ever owned. There are different sizes, and it’s totally water/elements proof.
When it does finally rain in Houston, it’s like insane monsoon rains and I’ve walked a half mile in the rain, been completely drenched, soaked to the core and all my papers were dry inside my stylish tire-bag
Posted 05 Nov 2009 at 10:01 pm ¶http://www.alchemygoods.com/
here is the link.
I have the pike and it’s plenty large, the messenger is quite big. They look kind of crap in the pictures, but they’re great in person. Seriously the best bag I’ve ever owned.
Posted 05 Nov 2009 at 10:03 pm ¶More excellent suggestions! Thanks!
Posted 06 Nov 2009 at 8:46 am ¶I have the big Ortlieb Office Bag – the 21litre one. It’s big enough for a laptop, waterproofs, lunch, lock & a couple of books. It also looks almost smart in the office AND is waterproof for the occasional soggy ride home.
Get’s my vote!
Posted 06 Nov 2009 at 5:10 pm ¶Ortlieb bags are a great bag. I have one that is white and black, waterproof and simple. I does its job well and doesn’t have a ton of unnecessary “bells and whistles.” I couldn’t be happier with it.
Posted 07 Nov 2009 at 8:07 pm ¶Just saw Karl’s post, That’s the same one I have. +1 to his review.
Posted 07 Nov 2009 at 8:08 pm ¶