Dual Function Backpack / Pannier (hexbear.net)

submitted 1 week ago by 7bicycles@hexbear.net to c/urbanism@hexbear.net

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Just realized I never talked about these. I think these are a gods-end for the urban cyclist. They're panniers that can be converted into a backpack. Pictured here is an Ortlieb Vario PS, but other brands make them - some better than others.

I think they're king for urban cyclists with lots of stops as you can convert them in give or take 3 seconds from one to the other (if you've not bought garbage) and have so much more comfortable carrying capacity compared to classic pannier with a single strap and you can take your valuables with you.

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[-] Nakoichi@hexbear.net 8 points 1 week ago

I used to have a pair of regular Ortlieb panniers and they are great. Damn near indestructible.

[-] ikilledtheradiostar@hexbear.net 5 points 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago)

I use a rhinowalk. Its great but a bit small. Temu is awesome for cheap good bike stuff

Rockbro makes decent stuff too

[-] BGDelirium@hexbear.net 3 points 1 week ago

I was thinking of making a final Temu order in the next day or two before the tariffs kick in. Any particular Temu bike stuff you can recommend?

[-] ikilledtheradiostar@hexbear.net 2 points 1 week ago

I've had good luck with handlebars pedals bar tape bags lights and racks

[-] gramxi@hexbear.net 5 points 1 week ago

an alternative is open-top cargo panniers like the Green Guru FreeRider or the Air Pannier that let you just throw any bag into them. They're expensive for what they are but seem like an easy concept to DIY. The downside is that they're designed to leave on the bike which isn't safe for a lot of places.

[-] 7bicycles@hexbear.net 5 points 1 week ago

Honestly if I were just going "throw anything into it" I'd just go standard issue bicycle milk crate or cage or similar, seems much less a hassle.

[-] gramxi@hexbear.net 2 points 1 week ago

uhh why not both? It's nice to have the extra capacity.

[-] 7bicycles@hexbear.net 1 points 1 week ago

running both a rear rack crate and panniers of any kind that are easily removable is a huge ergonomical hassle at best

[-] gramxi@hexbear.net 2 points 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago)

I agree, but the ones I mention stay on your bike and only the contents get removed so the capacity is just available when needed...well, until they get snatched which has happened to a few of my crates sadness

[-] merthyr1831@lemmy.ml 2 points 1 week ago

i got one that's more like an tote/hand bag for the front. theyre pretty useful since you can just detach the bag and take it round shops with you.

[-] Beaver@hexbear.net 2 points 1 week ago

I should try out one with backpack straps. The one I use just has a shoulder strap, which is fine, but can get tiring after a couple of hours. It's too bad that these things are priced like luxury items, it makes it hard to try several out.