Trunk Bag Recommendations

Having tried a messenger bag and a backpack, I still haven't found an ideal way to haul my daily amount of junk around on my bike. The next thing I want to try is a trunk bag. I really like looks of the Sherpina Vela but it doesn't appear to have a shoulder strap, which is something I would consider a necessity.

I have a rear rack on my bike already, so one of those integrated trunk bag/rack systems is not something I'm looking for.

Got any suggestions?

ETA: Just did another search and found this one: Toba Terry Bag. Hmmm...looks like a contender.

How about one of the lovely bags from Po Campo?
www.pocampo.com

They've got big ones, little ones, purse-y ones, luggage-sized ones, bike prints and flower prints and gold lame' and waxed canvas...

Made in USA.

Whoa, lots of cool stuff on that site. Thanks, Knot. Time to do some browsing...

Don't know if it's what you're looking for - but I have and love the Arkel Tail Rider....I can't remember of the shoulder strap comes with it or is purchased separately, but I do have it.

That one's nice, too, Blueberry. Decisions, decisions...

I have this one by Detours. http://detours.us/store/rack-bags/

It has a shoulder strap, and also seems to be kind of insulated. I rode with ice cream recently, and it stayed frozen. I use this bag the most for commuting. It's a great size, yet unnoticeable when riding; attaches quickly and securely with velcro. I've fit a whole cake in it. :) I did find the strap too long, so I cut and shortened it.

If you are an adventurer you might like these frame bags made by Revelate designs. It's tailored made for your bike, has waterproof zippers, it's lightweight, durable, and best of all, made in the USA. I have both the Tangle and Gas Tank on my bike.

I also have an Axiom Laurentian trunk bag that is really neat. The main compartment will keep your food hot or cold, there several external pockets, bungee on top, velcro straps to secure it well, reflective tape, it's waterproof and it comes with a shoulder strap.

Really wanted the Arkel, adored the Po Campo, but both seemed a bit pricey. Went with the Toba Terry (nice price, and fairly stylish -- the blue matches my bike :cool: ). I'll post back to let y'all know how well it handles the daily use and abuse I'll be dishing out.

I've only had it a couple of days, but I'm really liking this little bag. Plenty of room inside (it has a divider that you can position wherever you want; I have it folded out of the way because my u-lock takes up too much space). The side pockets can hold one or two small items, or you can unfold the inner liner and -- voila! -- you've got two small panniers. Has a clip for a rear flasher. Easy on/off with the sturdy velcro straps. And it matches my bike! :cool:

Neat bag! Nice looking too!

A little update now that I've had this bag for a while: Shoulda saved my money and gotten the Arkel.

It's the zippers. They suck. I love everything else about this little bag -- the style of it, the way it's designed -- but the outside zippers are CRAP. They are made with flimsy nylon teeth which, when combined with the stiff fabric the bag is made of, makes for zippers that are stubborn and keep wanting to stick, and are nearly impossible to realign once they've skipped a tooth (which happens far too easily).

C'est la vie. :rolleyes:

Have you looked at the Lone Peak? They are made in the USA, this one is expandable. A slightly different shape than the Arkel but I rode with it and it didn't interfere with my position.

While I use trunk bags and like them, one downside is that most are not made for quick on-and-off, as they require 2-4 velcro straps to be threaded around your rack. Panniers are much quicker to take on and off the bike, and generally easier to carry. One front pannier carried on the rear rack is what I use for commuting to carry lunch and some extra clothes. They are pricier, but if you might eventually need panniers for touring, you might consider using them for commuting also. Just another option to consider.

Dredging up an old thread here, but just wanted to say that this helped me find a good handlebar bag. I bought a Po Campo (discounted on their website) that was really handy last week when I was traveling and didn't have my own bike. Just two straps to connect it with the handlebars, and a little clutch-style strap so that I could use it as a purse during the week. I'm a fan!

Those are so cute and sounds like it is perfect for what you need. We carry the Pilsen in our store and I am so tempted to make one my own.