I Need Some Kind of Bag

[TheSandwichMonster]

So, I'm after a bag. Quite a small one. But I don't know if such a thing exists...

I'm starting back on my full commute next week (I bike-train-bike in the darker months) of about 20 miles each way. I've got a locker at work and there are some days when I have to drive in, so getting most of my stuff to work is pretty easy. Ultimately the only things I need to take with me on a daily basis are my food, mobile, and occasionally a few small bits of paperwork or electronic gadgets.

With that in mind, I don't really want to bother with fitting an entire pannier; neither do I want a rucksack heating my back up and making me sweatier. Does anybody know of anything smaller that would do the job? I suppose a bar bag would do, but I'm not really feeling the love for that idea. A messenger-style bag would maybe work, but would probably still be too big. Does anybody have any ideas for stuff that's a bit too big for jersey pockets, but not big enough to justify a full-sized bag?

Thanks

 

[Crackle]

One of these

http://www.ortlieb.co.uk/saddle-bag.html

They do them in different sizes, look quite modern, easy to take on and off. Carradice, Altura and Topeak do a similar bag.

 

[carolonabike]

Hi, I commute most days and use a Carradice Maxi Saddlepack. http://www.carradice.co.uk/index.php?page_id=product&product_id=31

It has a 6 litre capacity and I can fit in a puncture repair kit, small inflator, multi tool, sandwiches, an apple and an orange as well as a jumper or blouse. It has a mesh bag on the side in which I keep a lightweight waterproof jacket in the summer.

I also carry one of those waterproof nylon bags things which I used the other day to carry my running shoes to work. I clip it around the seat post and it just sort of hangs over the side, no problem.

 

[NormanD]

Or one of THESE

 

[jim55]

this is what i use for work and gen running about on the bike

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MESSENGER...Men_s_Accessories_UK&var=&hash=item6420d1acbe
prob a bit bigger than what u were talking about ,but it cheap enough not to worry about and its got a carry handle as well ,,its always good to have a bit of extra space for unforseen stuff ,i carry all the usual commuting stuff (tools /spare tubes kinda thing)and lock ,,thermos flask and sandwiches sometimes ,its better than a rucksack

 

[theclaud]

Bagaboo do a small-sized messenger/courier. Comfy, waterproof, durable, and you can choose the colour of bag, lining and trim and get custom bits and bobs. I've got the medium- the price hurt a bit, but it's the most useful piece of kit I own.

 

[PpPete]

I like the R&K Contour "mudguard" bag - not unlike the Altura one NormanD linked above. About 4.5L and very easy to take on and off the bike - leaving only a unobtrusive fitting behind on the seatpost. Wouldn't be great for paperwork though.
Personally I find messenger bags have most of the disadvantages of rucksacs + they are slip round and swing wildly. I do use a small one occasionally, but only for very very short trips.

 

[TheSandwichMonster]

Thanks for all of the comments so far... Regards the paperwork - it's nothing that needs to arrived in an uncreased state, so don't worry about keeping it flat or anything like that!

 

[Lien Sdrawde]

Hi, I commute most days and use a Carradice Maxi Saddlepack. http://www.carradice.co.uk/index.php?page_id=product&product_id=31

It has a 6 litre capacity and I can fit in a puncture repair kit, small inflator, multi tool, sandwiches, an apple and an orange as well as a jumper or blouse. It has a mesh bag on the side in which I keep a lightweight waterproof jacket in the summer.

I also carry one of those waterproof nylon bags things which I used the other day to carry my running shoes to work. I clip it around the seat post and it just sort of hangs over the side, no problem.

+1 Got mine a week or so ago after reading a few very polarised reports on it. Seems it is either loved (like mine), or hated as it falls to pieces during your ride. As I know a fair bit about sewing (I build kites) I took a look and decided it looked really strong, maybe they had a bad batch at some time or other?

Anyway, just about enough room in it for a average sized cat to snuggle in.