Best List: Convertible Pannier Backpack by Two Wheel Gear
When I commuted to my office via bicycle a few years back, I had two choices, a backpack or a pannier bag. The backpack usually won out, because who wants to carry around a massive set of bags when they get to the office?
But a backpack can get heavy and sweaty as it sits on my back while I pedal furiously across town to get to work, so I’d end up trying the pannier thing every once in a while, dealing with the awkward carry when I’d arrive.
Two Wheel Gear has a nice compromise, however, a convertible bag that’s made to connect to your rear bike rack, pannier-style, that also converts into a handsome, rugged backpack to easily carry around once you reach your destination.
It’s the best of both worlds, really.
Snap it on
This backpack has a clever hidden pocket on the rear that zips down to access a couple of sturdy plastic clips that snap right into place on my bike rack. Riding with one bag onboard can be a bit unbalancing, however, but it only took a few minutes to adjust to the extra weight on either side. It then ties to the bottom of your bike rack with the shoulder straps, making for a secure fit.
Arriving at my destinations with this bag securely attached, it’s a matter of seconds to unclip it from the bike rack and slide it on a shoulder (or two, in true nerd fashion). I’ve never had an easier bike-to-back experience than this.
Fit all your stuff
This convertible backpack holds a lot of stuff, which is surprising for such a compact size.
The inside main compartment has a padded sleeve that holds up to a 15-inch laptop with ease; my 13-inch MacBook Pro is a fantastic fit. There’s a nice little pocket for my sunglasses, a place to put my Kryptonite U-Lock, and even a big pocket on the front for the rain cover, thoughtfully stashed inside for trips through inclement weather. There’s pockets for two water bottles, one on each side, and a little reflective loop that doubles as a reflector but also lets you hang a flashing light from it.
The material it’s made out of is tough and UV protected, so it should last and last through all those cold and hot rides, season in and out.
Ultimately, if you’re looking for a way to get your stuff from point A to point B on your bike and you don’t want to hassle with a big, unwieldy set of panniers or a straight-up massive shoulder bag, this backpack built for bikes is a fantastic mashup of the two.
Price: $129
Buy from: Amazon
Two Wheel Gear provided Cult of Mac with a review unit for this article. Check out more Best List reviews. Read Cult of Mac’s reviews policy.
