So many to choose from! I read REI's info about choosing bags/panniers and they suggested starting small and building which is probably a good idea for me -- since my specific needs right now are small and it's only later that I'm thinking I'll need a larger bag.

They say the smaller Arkel bag holds a six-pack, which is a solid visual and probably a good size for me. But I like some of the others I've seen, too, even though they don't come in cute colors.

Another thing I'm considering is being able to bike to the post office or supermarket. I live so close to the supermarket it's disgraceful not to bike up there for small loads (and most of mine are small at that store). However, my husband is very apprehensive about the bike getting stolen. There's no bike rack and even if I could figure out some way to secure it, it's still a little nervewracking. We don't live in an area where a lot of people bike that way, and bikes DO get stolen.

But if I were going to do that (and I'd really like to figure out a way to) I'm also considering something like this (unfortunately my yellow lab wouldn't fit in!):



or



because they seem handy to put shopping bags in.

Any experience with something like this?

Also, re: securing bikes w/o a bike rack?