Backpack that 'converts' into a briefcase?

[mariposa]

Hey everyone,

I am finding myself bike-commuting to business meetings. Which is all well and good...I know how to do the Superman style change of clothes once I arrive, switch out the bike shoes for some heels, etc.

The problem is with my backpacks.

My bike doesn't have panniers, so there is no comfortable way to carry my professional looking briefcase.

So, what I'm really lusting after is...A laptop-friendly backpack, that I can carry on my back like a NORMAL backpack (not a messenger bag)...and then somehow it would have straps to convert it into something that looks more like a briefcase once I arrive?

Am I dreaming? I went looking for this a couple of years ago, and found NOTHING!

Thanks for any leads.

[maillotpois]

You might check out this site:

http://www.chromebags.com/

They have a lot of messenger bag/briefcase options. I don't know if they have anything that goes from backpack to briefcase, but there may be something that will work. My understanding from the motorcycle forums is these are very good quality and hold up a lot better than Timbuk2 bags.

[Pedal Wench]

REI has a few. The straps from the backpack slip into a zippered section. I think Eagle Creek makes it.

Edit: of course, I can't find them now. I bought one years ago.

[Xrayted]

Look up leather messenger bags. Many of them double as briefcases and are setup to carry a laptop as well. Most have room to store your superwoman garb for your quick change too. Good luck.:)

Edit: just re-read your post and you said "no messenger bags". Well, then I would still look at a good quality leather (back pack) that will compliment your business attire. No massive amounts of pockets on the outside, rather understated overall. Just big enough to handle your briefcase and laptop, with a little extra for clothes. Definitely match it to your existing briefcase style and color.

[maillotpois]

I poked around on the Chrome site and they do have backpacks http://www.chromebags.com/products/bags/packs/

EDIT: This is nice, too: http://www.chromebags.com/products/bags/show/42/

Must stop shopping... :D

[VeloVT]

Do you have a locker at work, or another place to stash a briefcase? Then you can just transfer your laptop/papers from your backpack to the briefcase at work?

[parity]

Maybe something like this that has a zipper for the backpack straps:

http://www.luggagepros.com/mpb/IID16068.shtml?zmam=6548955&zmas=1&zmac=4&zmap=IID16068#

You may also want to browse through this, where I found the above link:

http://www.nextag.com/leather-computer-backpack/search-html

[madscot13]

Mariposa, I don't know if you ever got your problem solved, but here is what I do; I have a grocery pannier that I put my backpack in. It is an easy way to use the briefcase you already have and like and a nice way to get some more pileage out of grocery panniers.

[Zen]

This is by Arkel...http://www.arkel-od.com/panniers/briefcase/overview.asp?fl=1&site=