Comments on: 15 Convertible Backpack Panniers That Can Be Strapped to Your Back or Bike

By: Adam Godet

Adam Godet — Fri, 01 Dec 2017 02:45:00 +0000

I’ve been using the pannier backpack from two wheel gear for about the past 18 months and it has been great–perfect amount of space for daily commuting, rugged, holds up to rain and weather, no problem. It has been the perfect bag for me–it’s so nice, my wife has started taking it on days I work from home. https://www.twowheelgear.com/collections/pannier-backpacks

By: inicholson

inicholson — Wed, 29 Nov 2017 20:59:00 +0000

In reply to Alee | CyclingAbout.com.

Update to my previous review.

The zips failed (both of them!) on the replacement bag a couple of weeks after the 2 year warranty expired. I think the fact that I’ve joined a gym means that I now carry too much for it with my towel, etc. in there.
It cost me £36 in a sale and lasted 2 years of commuting – if I’d paid RRP I might be annoyed about it for the price I paid I guess it was pretty decent. If I hadn’t tried to squeeze so much in it’d probably still be going.

The one I had is now discontinued but has been replaced by a new
model just called Altura Morph (without the
https://www.evanscycles.com/ortlieb-vario-ql2-1-single-pannier-EV229719erso).
They’ve changed the fabric but looks like they’re retained the very
slick conversion from pannier to backpack. No idea if they’re improved
the zips or straps.

So now I need a replacement – I’d like it to be a bit bigger and a bit tougher than the Altura Morph Verso proved to be.
I’m trying to decided whether the Ortlieb Vario will do the job or if I should just buy a pair of Ortlieb panniers and the Carrying System for when I want a backpack.
When I finally choose something I’ll update with a review of the next bag…

By: Alee | CyclingAbout.com

Alee | CyclingAbout.com — Mon, 24 Jul 2017 22:41:00 +0000

In reply to inicholson. Thanks for sharing your experience! I'll add this model to the list. :)

By: TheTechCurmudgeon

TheTechCurmudgeon — Mon, 24 Jul 2017 18:02:00 +0000

In reply to cordobatango. You could look at the Topeak Trolley Tote. It requires a Topeak MTX rack, but then it's extremely easy to use. It slides on an off the rack, folds up when empty, and can carry just about anything. You'll want a padded laptop sleeve and whatever else you want to carry.

By: Portia Collette

Portia Collette — Tue, 11 Jul 2017 15:45:00 +0000

In reply to cordobatango. I have the Burley Travoy bike trailer, which is really handy for that sort of thing. It tracks easily and attaches to the seat post and you can wheel it into stores for shopping. I've done several bike tours with it and have also done shorter town trips using it.

By: inicholson

inicholson — Tue, 20 Jun 2017 13:19:00 +0000

I have the Altura Versa Morph Backpack Pannier.
The system to switch from pannier to backpack is fantastic (really quick and easy), it clips easily onto my rear pannier is very comfortable as a rucksack, includes a pocket for my laptop and comes with a hi-vis yellow waterproof cover.
In the UK it sells for about £80 (though I got mine for half that in a sale).

2 downsides:
1. It’s a little on the small side for carrying my work clothes and laptop (I leave my shoes and jacket at work so I only have to squeeze a shirt and trousers in – they fit fine, but when the weather’s good I also have my waterproofs in there too and it starts to get a bit tight). Oh yeah, and I switched the laptop for a Microsoft Surface Pro to save a bit more space!
2. After about 6 months one of the rucksack straps started to separate from the bag at the top – but Altura quickly authorised my retailer to replace it under the 2yr warranty).

https://youtu.be/iviIv80UsZI

By: cordobatango

cordobatango — Thu, 04 May 2017 20:09:00 +0000

I wonder if anyone would come with the idea of wheeler panniers for commuters that carry heavy stuff like laptops or shopping. That would be better than backpacks

By: Sarah

Sarah — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 19:03:00 +0000

I have the Ortlieb Pannier carrying system and use it almost daily. I’ve been surprised by how comfortable it is. The big downside is storing the system during bike use – it’s kind of bulky and doesn’t fit inside the bag all that well. I still find it worthwhile to carry it around through because it’s so nice to have the backpack option rather than using the thin Ortlieb shoulder strap when the bag is heavy.

By: timcarouge

timcarouge — Mon, 28 Mar 2016 12:03:00 +0000

You might not even need backpack straps to carry your pannier for long distances if your load is light enough. I save almost a full kg by wearing a stripped down version (650g) of the Ortlieb Bikeshopper across my body like a messenger bag when I’m off the bike and off hiking.

By: Alee | CyclingAbout.com

Alee | CyclingAbout.com — Fri, 12 Feb 2016 08:01:00 +0000

In reply to olee22. Thanks for the mini-review on the Cycle 28! Great to hear some first hand experience.