Saddlepack that converts to daypack, do you existpack?

September 8, 2015 1:34 PM

I am trying to find a large bicycle saddle pack (6 liters) that converts to a daypack. No luck so far. Can you help me? Details below.

I am looking to solve that old bike commuting question, that of how to get my work clothes to town. I leave shoes and belt at office. My commute is 8ish miles; I usually stretch it to 10 I've been hauling clothes/essentials in a small backpack, but it is kinda cheap, and also a little too big. I just need to haul my normal kit - tube, multitool, patch, a lock sometimes - plus pants, shirt, maybe a small notebook (and phone, wallet, keys, etc). I rigged up an old Tom's shoe bag and it just about fit everything I needed, but not quite, and it's not exactly durable, and doesn't fill my other requirement (hauling it around). 6 liters should probably be enough; 10 is probably nearly too much.

I'd just get the saddlepack, but I'd like to be able to use it when I walk about/hike about.
I'd just get the daypack, but I'd like to have the saddlepack for longer touring rides.

posted by J0 to Travel & Transportation (9 answers total)

you may not be able to find a saddlebag, but you'll definitely be able to find a pannier that has shoulder straps.

http://www.commutebybike.com/2013/05/31/a-guide-to-backpack-panniers/
posted by entropone at 1:38 PM on September 8, 2015

To clarify, you want something that tucks in under your saddle. You don't want a pannier on a rack?
posted by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 1:39 PM on September 8, 2015

This one is 20L, but doesn't look that huge in the photo...
posted by beyond_pink at 1:43 PM on September 8, 2015 [2 favorites]

Response by poster: I do not want a pannier or rack. Thank you.
posted by J0 at 1:55 PM on September 8, 2015

Best answer: Viscacha Saddlebag says it's 6-10L. The reviews on Amazon might be helpful. One benefit is it rolls up, so you only use the amount of bag that you need.

They have a slightly smaller version called the Pika.
posted by barnone at 2:18 PM on September 8, 2015 [1 favorite]

Best answer: If you're avoiding a rack and panniers/basket/bungee net/etc, you might try some large seat and frame bags like the ones Revelate Designs makes. I haven't tried them myself but they do look like they've got a lot of potential attachment points for various kinds of straps (that you may have to find elsewhere, or contact them about.)

Ah, beaten to it.
posted by asperity at 2:19 PM on September 8, 2015 [1 favorite]

One awesome advantage to panniers is that you can have a tandem (two panniers attached together, which goes overtop of your rack.) Then you can fill up one with your work stuff, and have the other one open for picking up food or whatever on the way home. It's nice to have a bit of extra space when you need it. This Timbuk2 Tandem Pannier Bag is really nice and very well made. Converts to a shoulder bag for carrying into the office.
posted by barnone at 2:24 PM on September 8, 2015

Best answer: Hrm. The exact item you are looking for might be something of a unicorn, if I understand the ask correctly. If you have a touring saddle with seatbag loops on the back (such as brooks) I think there are a number of options such as the Cardiff Towbridge. These old style bags often have D-rings on the side that you could use to attach a shoulder strap, allowing you to carry it around more easily.
posted by voiceofreason at 2:27 PM on September 8, 2015

Best answer: Another large saddlebag option. The Dill Pickle Large Saddlebag looks really nice and had D rings that would easily accommodate a shoulder strap.
posted by rockindata at 2:40 PM on September 8, 2015 [1 favorite]