Reviews of Banjo Brothers Waterproof Backpack Pannier: Black

Pros

- Design - the top flap has a pocket with openings on both sides which means that you can access that stuff (phone, keys etc) in either mode (backpack or pannier)
- Easy to take on/off rack on the bike and secure fit on the rack
- Aesthetics - i really like the appearance
- Value - all other convertible bags that were waterproof were significantly more money
- flap keeps backpack strap area clean when biking in rainy conditions which is nice
- its actually really comfy in backpack mode (even has a sternum strap). I'd use it as my everyday backpack even when not biking except that i keep my spare tire and pump in there and dont want to be removing it all the time or carrying them when not needed
- waterproof! (and it actually is. have ridden in the rain)

Cons

- the bungee cord thing (used to keep the bag attached to the rack) wasn't tied tight enough when delivered so it came undone. Bag could have fallen but luckily this didnt happen in transit. just tighten that knot before your first ride and you'll be fine
- there is one pocket large enough for a water bottle or u lock on one side of the bag and then a zipper pocket on the opposite side. I wish that zipper pocket was a bit bigger.
- it would be nice to have an easy place to attach a helmet like that thing you see on some other bags.

Other Thoughts

Overall, its a great bag. I researched a lot prior to buying and am super happy with the result. It just looks way nicer than some of the other ones out there and the price is right.

I use it for commuting and just going to places around brooklyn, manhattan, and queens. Having the backpack functionality means i can take all of those little things people snatch off your bike (lights, bike pump, etc) with me easily when I park.

Pros

It really is both a pannier and a nice backpack! My back is not sweaty when I arrive to my destination. I am well balanced on my bike even when pannier is fully loaded. Then I smoothly remove the pannier, flip the flap over and voila, I have a snazzy backpack with sternum strap. It has a waterproof liner, an open pocket big enough for a large water bottle, another large zipped pocket and the flap pocket is accessible from both sides. If I solely need a backpack, like for a hike or laptop/school supplies, I use a standard pack. But for any day I bike, I use this amazing pannier/backpack!

Cons

After some fiddling with adjusting the length of the lower pannier attachment (read: ducktape), I love this bag.