Pannier/luggae bag

[MarkF]

June, my cousin and I are taking a C2C Spanish trip, we'll be carrying 2 bikes (in boxes) from Shipley to Leeds via the train and then onto Manchester airport. I am looking for something simple and light to carry and hold 2 x 20L panniers and check in as one piece of airline luggage. I've been to camping stores and the Gelert stuffsacks look just the job, they are basically a cheap top drawstring cyclindrical bag, but even the XL is too small. Any ideas?

[mattsccm]

If a stuff sack does the job why not make one. An appropriate sized bit of fabric, at either ned stich a hem with open ends for a cord. Fold in half so hems are together and stich up sides. Draw cords in each hem. About 5 minutes work.

[MarkF]

Thanks Matt but the Gelert XL bags are only about £3 and with my (non) sewing skills it sounds like 5 hours work, not 5 mins. DIY is something to ponder though, the MIL is a dab hand, she can sew like a pro, but it'd involve me having to talk to her.

[Barrenfluffit]

Would something like a rubble sack work or does it have to be specific dimensions. The rubble sack could double as a groundsheet. Those orange emergency bivvy sacks are quite tough too.

I've used laundry bags like these which have more suitcase dimensions:

http://www.bagzone.co.uk/acatalog/copy_ ... Z2517.html

but in a much bigger size. Was quite hard to find them though, markets and cheap shops seemed to have them more often than obvious suppliers.

[simonhill]

If a rubble sack (ie a builder's rubbish sack, available at builder's merchants, DiY stores, etc) doesn't work.....what about a large sheet of polythene (also at builder's merchants) and some parcel tape. Wrap up panniers, then tape the package. All done by your fair hand with no sewing necessary.

[MarkF]

Those laundry bags look just the thing, I'll have a look in Leeds market at the weekend.

I've used heavy duty rubble sacks before but they won't do this time, we've got to carry 2 bikes (in boxes) around a bit and through 3 stations. One person at the rear, one at the front. So we really need the luggage (panniers) in something that we can sling on our backs or shoulders.

[horizon]

I used a laundry bag on my trip to Spain this year. I had actually found out quite late about the single piece rule and the bag was a life saver. Two rear panniers, a front pannier, a roll mat and a tent went in as well as the bottles, pump etc from the bike. I put luggage straps on it but didn't bother with these on the way back. I tied the panniers together in case the bag suffered handling damage but it was fine on both legs of the trip. The bags differ in size at different shops so it is worth looking around to get the size you want. The bag became a useful tent-tidy while camping.

[boris]

a rubble bag or other appropriately sized plastic bag does work and comes in rolls for about a pound from a hardware shop or pound shop etc. plus parcel tape to compress and hold together and stick on labels ..
I have used the same bags to line panniers on the trip . take bags to return with and dispose of the outward bags at the first destination if you like.
take some rope to make handles so you can wear the luggage.

[molly]

I bought a holdall off ebay for £9.99, it held both panniers with plenty of space and then folded down and zipped up into the size of a purse. It worked really well.

[nirakaro]

I just tied mine together (thoroughly) with string.

[MarkF]

I have other bits and bobs, tying everything together with string is not feasible.

Molly, a link to your purchase would be good if you still have it.

[rualexander]

We've used these for the past ten years, lightweight, pack down very small, hardwearing and cheap, and can hold two rear panniers easily with room to spare.
We usually pack them with one rear pannier plus two front panniers (one rear pannier goes as hand luggage) and there's still space left to stuff odds and ends in.

[MarkF]

We've used these for the past ten years, lightweight, pack down very small, hardwearing and cheap, and can hold two rear panniers easily with room to spare.
We usually pack them with one rear pannier plus two front panniers (one rear pannier goes as hand luggage) and there's still space left to stuff odds and ends in.

Looks good, thank you, Go Outdoors Leeds is only 15 minutes away from me.

In the meantime I've been Ebaying, I've ordered a polypropolene Xmas tree bag for £3.99 and 2 Ikea blue bags for £2.65 inc postage. I need an Xmas tree bag anyway.............

[hufty]

+1 for Ikea bags. Not the ones you use in the shop, but ones with zips along the top made out of the same blue material, that you buy for a couple of quid. The trick is to get somebody else to go in and get them for you, rather than face the horror yourself.