How to secure backpack on rear rack?

accountdeleted
accountdeleted Posts: 31
in Commuting general
Hello fellow commuters.

I saved a rear rack from going to landfill. I have tons of old backpacks that I can re-use, I don't want to go out and buy a pannier bag, if backpacks can be fastened to the rack securely.

Surely there's a hack to secure ordinary 20-25L backpack on top of the rack?

Quick google search didn't really give anything convincing. There was a wrap-around-with-bungee-cord hack, but it's very wobbly. There was also a hack to prop the bag upright at the back of the saddle and hold it down with the spring clamp (the rack has the clamp), also unstable.

Any hack / tips to securely fasten a backpack on a rear rack?

Or just get a pannier?

Comments

  • alwaystimetotorque
    alwaystimetotorque Posts: 226
    Get a pannier bag.
  • joeyhalloran
    joeyhalloran Posts: 1,073
    Attach a basket to the rack?
  • daniel_b
    daniel_b Posts: 11,577
    edited November 2022
    Or you could bolt something like this to the rack, and put the rucksack within it.


    Seriously though, I would just buy a pannier - Lidl and Aldi sell them at various intervals, and Planet X certainly used to sell some very cheap ones.

    Just think about the ramifications should said rucksack slip and end up in your spokes.
    You might get away with it, but equally you and or your bike may end up with major damage.

    Is it worth the risk for perhaps £30?

    How about these - a pair for £47, although free postage is only on orders over £75.
    I've ordered from them several times, and there were no extra fees for me.

    https://alpinetrek.co.uk/stoic-granvikst-back-pannier-22-panniers/?aid=7938098ff4b968084c573d44e724e5ab&pid=10004&gclid=CjwKCAjw8JKbBhBYEiwAs3sxNwYsIIA5821QGCsabQWElj3EHpYmGLzX-x4FeW6wR9prSxa2TajBchoCJQ4QAvD_BwE&wt_mc=uk.pla.google_uk.18006637156..

    They look like a bit of an Ortlieb clone to me, and are classed as fully waterproof too.



    Edit: Single one is £25.98, and it's only £3.99 delivery:
    https://alpinetrek.co.uk/stoic-granvikst-back-pannier-22-panniers/?aid=7938098ff4b968084c573d44e724e5ab&pid=10004&gclid=CjwKCAjw8JKbBhBYEiwAs3sxN8ywrD6qNNkUQIT4fy51LnYS-rneqO84YIoRAGnc7VuvOVOQseXFXRoC5U8QAvD_BwE&wt_mc=uk.pla.google_uk.18006637156..
    Felt F70 05 (Turbo)
    Marin Palisades Trail 91 and 06
    Scott CR1 SL 12
    Cannondale Synapse Adventure 15 & 16 Di2
    Scott Foil 18
  • me-109
    me-109 Posts: 1,915
    On the side or top of the rack? You might want to cut the straps off if you're permanently fixing it; if you plan on carrying it at the journey's end then you need the straps or carry handle but need to avoid them going into the wheel. It will also change how you plan on fixing it on. If you want to carry it off the bike the just bungees or bungee net.
    A more permanent fixture could be made by inserting a thin plywood stiffener sized to fill the back of the pack. You can then drill this and use suitable nuts and bolts to mount to p-clips on the bike frame or some lengths of thin steel or alu strips to clamp the bag against the frame and rack.
  • accountdeleted
    accountdeleted Posts: 31
    edited November 2022
    oxoman said:

    joeyhalloran said:

    Attach a basket to the rack?


    This will do, thanks! Got handful of removable zip ties so I can make the basket semi-permanent. I'm on a look out for a supermarket basket that's out of place...

    I'll save a littered basket, prevent unnecessary purchase of new pannier, double ticks on saving the environment.
  • accountdeleted
    accountdeleted Posts: 31
    Thanks everyone for the comments.

    I get that pannier is the straightforward answer. I'm just so hung up on spending more money on something new that I potentially don't need by re-using things that I already have. I'm on a look out for a pannier on local freecycle, though.

    I also agree with the risk of having straps and bits flapping about above the rear wheel. If a bag is contained (like in a basket...) then the risk is greatly reduced.

    Being a commuter, I'm not fussed about the look or being aero. Function over appearance.
  • pblakeney
    pblakeney Posts: 25,735
    accountdeleted said:

    ...

    I also agree with the risk of having straps and bits flapping about above the rear wheel. If a bag is contained (like in a basket...) then the risk is greatly reduced.

    ....

    How hard can it be to make all the straps and flappy bits secure?
    The above may be fact, or fiction, I may be serious, I may be jesting.
    I am not sure. You have no chance.
    Veronese68 wrote:
    PB is the most sensible person on here.
  • accountdeleted
    accountdeleted Posts: 31
    ok; found a used double pannier for £10 on eBay so took the punt. Only had test ride but so far I like the fact that I don't get sweaty back and my shoulders feel free.
  • daniel_b
    daniel_b Posts: 11,577
    Bargain!
    Felt F70 05 (Turbo)
    Marin Palisades Trail 91 and 06
    Scott CR1 SL 12
    Cannondale Synapse Adventure 15 & 16 Di2
    Scott Foil 18

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