r/bikecommuting • u/Appropriate_Lab6282 • 1d ago

Looking for a pannier that will fit large backpack

I have started commuting to school, but I have a 25 lb 33 L backpack that absolutely sucks to carry. I was looking at just rigging it to the rack because I'm on a budget, but from other posts on here, it doesn't sound like a great idea because of straps, weather, dirt, etc. Are there any budget panniers that would fit a backpack that big? Or should I just rig it to the rack and deal with it? Not a fan of a basket bc of the weight being so high up and the looks. Thanks

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9

u/owlpellet 1d ago

look for 'grocery pannier'. Often cheaper than the more complicated ones.

Make sure you have a way to keep all the straps tucked away. Straps and spokes must never meet.

1

u/Wrong_Buyer_1079 1d ago

I have something similar to that and my 25 liter backpack fits in there with room to spare. I haven’t tried a 33 liter but they aren’t that much bigger.

1

u/Appropriate_Lab6282 17h ago

Thanks! That looks perfect. I'll look for one of those

5

u/mistresselevenstars 1d ago

Can you save your money and invest in a pannier that is also a backpack? A company like North St makes some nice ones

1

u/HeBGb01 1d ago

North St bags are great, I have a Woodward that works great.

1

u/Appropriate_Lab6282 17h ago

The ones I've seen are all expensive and don't work as well on the backpack front. I use my backpack on the motorcycle and all over even when I drive too

3

u/johnmflores 1d ago

Arkel Haul-It, Bakkie

3

u/esh-pmc 1d ago

I got a Bakkie on FB Marketplace. It’s amazing! I’ve used it to carry my backpack. I’ve used it to tow a bike (holds front tire). I’ve used it to haul a 5gal bucket. I’ve never seen an Arkel in person but the design of the Bakkie appears to it more versatile.

2

u/Me_lazy_cathermit 1d ago

Look at open panniers/side baskets, some are made of fabric or plastic, so more lightweight

2

u/anewfriend4u 1d ago

Save your money. A wire basket allows you to carry any backpack. And extra groceries clip on the sides as shown. And even with tons of groceries the backpack still attaches.

1

u/JayBigGuy10 1d ago

I have a specialised coolcave pannier for my backpack but it's only 25L.

How much of your stuff do you need to have on you at all times and how secure is your parking?

I went from a bigger bag to 25L in the coolcave plus a second dry bag style pannier that holds some stuff that I leave on my bike

1

u/chaoselementals 1d ago

I did actually carabineer my backpack directly to my rear rack for several years and besides getting absolutely filthy it was otherwise fine. I sewed the excess strap nylon so that it didn't get stuck in any gears, and on rainy days I used a cheap rain cover.

I do recognize that this made me look homeless. But, I was really committed to spending every last cent of my money on climbing trips back then so I just wanted to let you know it's doable.

1

u/Appropriate_Lab6282 17h ago

Cool, may be the move for now to save some money

1

u/Bergliot 1d ago

Sounds to me like a problem of a poorly adjusted backpack.

When I carry that much weight, I find the by far most pleasant way to carry it to be behind my back. Anywhere on the bike just distributes the load weird.

If you adjust the backpack right, and if it has an exoskeleton or whatever you call it, and hip straps, then you can adjust the hip strap tight around your hips, and the arm straps loose, such that the weight goes mostly straight down your hips, where its hardly noticeable.

If you put that much weight into a backpack without an exoskeleton(?) and hip straps, then get one that does have it. It feels much better.

1

u/Appropriate_Lab6282 17h ago

I'm sure it could be better, but I don't have hip straps or a chest strap and one of my mine gripes is the sweat. Trying to just get it off of me for now to be nice for sitting in class all day

1

u/Bergliot 8h ago

The frame oughta help with the sweat. I can't stand frameless backpacks for sweat, but with a frame backpacks are quite alright, to me. If you adjust it right then the weight and touch of it is off your back, and onto your hips instead. I guess it may touch slightly on the lower back.

I'm a big fan of Haglöfs LIM 25. Its pretty light for a framed backpack.

https://www.haglofs.com/be/equipment/backpacks-bags/backpacks-bags-hiking-backpacks/lim-25_134149-6076912AT

1

u/thereisnobikelane 12h ago

I've seen these mentioned a few times on this sub.

https://pannierhooks.com/product/bird-of-prey-v2/