Army Surplus Backpack Pannier

I bought an old army backpack at a flea market for $5 and attached it to my bike rack.
I wanted it set up so that the bag could easily be removed and carried around as a backpack when I parked my bike.

I was inspired by this website:
http://web.archive.org/web/20041020064156/http://www.twowheelfetish.com/Ezine4/diypanniers.html
I was originally going to use the same method of making an internal dowel frame to keep the backpack rigid. But my backpack luckily had 8 metal rings on the sides that allowed me to attach it to an external frame and keep the backpack intact. No holes or sewing required, which is good, because I'm sure I would have screwed up the bag in some way.

My pack has "Bag Ammunition M2A1 034951" printed on it. Unless you've got the same type of backpack, you will probably have to attach it to your bike in some other way. Plenty of good advice here:
http://www.instructables.com/id/How_to_make_DIY_Bike_Panniers/?ALLSTEPS

Step 1 The Backpack

The Backpack has 4 little metal rings on each side, 2 near the front and 2 near the back. I am going to use these to hold the backpack up against a frame attached to the bike.

Comments

[frisbeechamp1983]

hey cool project!
does a frame really need to be built?
what rack do you use?
thanks.

[jddockery2]

I have used Medium rucks as panniers for touring and your ideas will make the next run even more enjoyable.

[rseymour]

Where did you find those flat clips?

[lxc6]

The clips came off of another army backpack I had (my first attempt at the pannier). It had these removable shoulder straps with those clips holding things together. I just sawed them off.

[shooby]

Looks like very solid construction.  Seems a bit heavier/sturdier than necessary, but that beats crying over spilled milk on the road.

[rudycoaltrain]

Hello. 
I love the pannier.  I think I'll do something similar.

Question:  How do you like the Geax tires?  I was thinking of buying some Geax Roadsters for my bike.

[TeresaDHill]

Well done! Terrific instructable- thanks for sharing

[Calorie]

Exceptional job. I can't say enough good things. I have a store bought set from the Netherlands. They have a similar design, except they are not meant to be removable. You did an excellent job. How are they holding up?

[lxc6]

Thanks for the compliments everyone! The pannier is holding up pretty well so far. The clips that are riveted onto the frame have loosened up a little but they are in no danger of breaking off. The design works well but sometimes I wish I just used the hook and bungee cord method that you see on most other pannier sets because it is so much quicker to get on and off. When I'm locking my bike up frequently in the city it's a hassle to attach and undo all the clips, but I'm afraid to leave the pack on when I'm away from the bike. I'm thinking about using a very small cable and lock to prevent people from getting into or removing the backpack; that way I could just leave it on more often. One more complaint is with the backpack itself. You have to tie and untie small ropes to open and close the flap which can get a bit tedious. I want to make some kind of strap with a clip instead, like a car seat belt buckle.

[Calorie]

I wouldn't worry about someone stealing them. Most people are looking for something that looks expensive. Old Army bags are not among those items.

If you are worried about someone yanking one, get a large O ring (like you'd find on a key chain, the part that actually holds the keys.) and squeeze it on. Another thing would to put old gym locks to work (padlocks with combinations) and lock a loop to the rack. Just one loop will do.

Don't worry about making them removable. It's not worth the hassle. I've used permanent and removable systems, and have been far more happy with permanent (hard to remove) systems. You really don't worry about someone stealing them.

Accept that you'll have to have a smaller bag to place inside of the main carry bag that can pop in and out. You really don't need to carry tons of stuff.

Remember, convenience is the key to a bike. The more time you have to fiddle with getting a bike out the door, loaded and to your destination and unloaded the less likely you will use it. Make it super easy to use and accept a couple of limitations and you'll be very happy.

This is what I have, and it's been a God send.
Giant City Bikes
It cost a bit of money, but I didn't have to put on fenders or a rack (and the rack they supply is ALL business.) It also came with all lights, including a dynamo light upfront.

The brakes are enclosed in the hubs themselves (no brake squeal in wet weather, and no brake gunk in wet weather too.) The chain is completely surrounded in a case, so there is very little need for maintenance (doesn't get dirty.) It's been a great bike, and I have easily gotten my money back by time saved, no car needed, and a great deal of smile time while riding around town.

Keep it easy, hassle free and you'll be happy.

[velojym]

Cool. I have an old Alice pack, which would be a helluva pannier for my Montague Paratrooper.

[scottredd]

Nice use of cheap and already available materials. Good panniers are expensive, unless you make your own.

[Mojarrison]

Nice idea, and great job. Most of the army bags could clip on your frame, doesn't it? I take mental note... Happy ride!

[EnigmaMax]

huh, that's pretty cool actually. ...okay, 'nuff said.

[toekneebullard]

The great think about military bags is there's a billion different kinds, allowing all sorts of setups. I've done something similar to this, only I left all the support on the bag (never planned on carrying it on my back) Came out nice, but I realized that I'm not actually much of a fan of panniers. Oh well.

[codester]

Dang! I wish I kept my army bag, I bought a while ago. I gave it away to a friend. :P Oh well. Nice job!

[PKM]

And, of course, if someone doesn't have a backpack with rings at the corners you could presumably sew short webbing loops with rings on them onto your bag of choice without too much difficulty.