Sackville Backabike rear Bag, each
New for 2021 - check out the photos of the blue bag; we've updated the attachment hardware to have a bungee'd hook.
Simple, extremely well-made, and a little more expensive than Ortlieb panniers. SOLD SINGLY, but please get two. It mounts via two small leather buckle straps (or Voiles, if you like), and a bungee'd hook via two d rings on the back. It's not the one hand/ one second mount and release of a lot of modern bags, but if you can spare 30 seconds, you'll see the beauty in its simplicity and security, and may have some bonus peace of mind knowing there's nothing to break. They attache to any rack via leather buckles. Not plastic auto-open/close German wizardry buckles. They're simple, strong.
Loading and unloading couldn't be easier. The toggle arrangement is wonderful and fast and feels like you're doing a real thing.
Symmetrical shape works equally well on the left or right side and also on the Nitto Big rear, Nitto Big front or Clem racks.
The material is waterproof and these will do fine in rain during commutes, but if you're going on a super wet expedition-type tour, line the bags with plastic bags. The seams aren't sealed and there are openings on the back where water could seep in when it's a torrential stream.
Sold individually.
Approx. Dims - 14" x 11.5" x 5" (36cm x 29cm x 13cm)
About ? cubic inches per pair. Let's see: 14 x 11.5 = 161, x 5 = 805, but if it's a pair we're talking about, it's 2 x 805 = 1610 cubic inches. That's a good size for rear panniers. Carry more on top of the rack, and some in front of the bike, and heavens to mergatroid, you should be able to take a good trip with 3,600 cubic inches or so...right? People always bring too many clothes and too much food. Shop along the way, and wear a lot of wool so you don't smell so bad so soon.
NOTE: The price seems high (even to us!) for ONE bag, but it's right in there with Ortlieb and other "high end" rear bags. The design is simple—there are no pockets inside, no compartments, no zipper access to anything unseen. You don't need that. In a rear bag, you want it open and stuffable, to maximize the capacity. In rear bags, you carry things you don't have to look for on a ride. Shopping--it's groceries. You don't need to check up on them during the ride home. Touring--it's spare clothing, food, cooking gear, stuff for the campsite. To compartmentalize, use color-coded or mesh stuffsacks for things you want separated. It's convenient and unfussy.
