Bryanmaloney

I commuted last summer from 66th St. in Broad Ripple up to my home on 126th St. in Carmel (for anyone in central Indiana), about 8 miles, all gradual incline. Monon trail makes it pretty easy vs. traffic (mostly), but one thing I didn't figure out is how to do my cargo properly. I usually have the following:
1 laptop with docking station and transformer.
1 canvas lunch pail/bag.

I have a cargo rack, but no non ad-hoc way to secure anything. Likewise, sometimes it rains. So, what's recommended to secure and protect this cargo on a commute that I can't skip, regardless of weather or conditions?

wsgts

While not the cheapest solution, I use a Sackville under-seat bag from Rivendale (https://www.rivbike.com/collections/bags). I'm not sure how big your docking station is, but I use the Baggabone Sack for laptop, notebook (x2) clothes, lunch, and sometimes other stuff. I'm tall, so I don't need a bag support (rear rack) for the bottom and it just hangs off the saddle loops on my saddle. The bag is rainproof as well. I'm not a big fan of putting things in a backpack or messenger bag, but both of those will work as well.

BobbyG

I commute with backpack on my back rack and put a plastic kitchen trash bag over my backpack in the rain.

flangehead

Not clear what you’re doing now and what you mean by ad hoc. But:

I carry bungee cords and motorcycle cargo nets with me so I can carry stuff of random size. These are about $10 and last about 2-3 years: https://www.amazon.com/motocicleta-p...NsaWNrPXRydWU=

Keeping dry is plastic bag.

All above is ad hoc.

The classic solution is an Ortlieb pannier but they are pricey. I have had Rhino bags for about 6 months and so far so good. https://www.amazon.com/Rhinowalk-Wat...NrPXRydWU&th=1



Rhino pannier.

One would be plenty big for your requirements.

You mention rain but not fenders. My experience (15 years 8 mile one-way) is you will get fenders.

Notso_fastLane

I just put the laptop in the back of my velomobile.

I don't think my laptop case will fit on the back of my bike with the current built in panniers. I will have to find my old specialized set and see if it will fit as the velo is going to be down for maintenance for at least a week.

Harhir

I also use Ortlieb panniers for my commute. I have one set which is over 25 years old and still holding up great. No tears, holes and still waterproof. And I just bought a second pair for my cargo bike. I paid $85 for a used but almost new pair of Ortlieb backrollers. I can highly recommend them. Check your local classifieds for used ones.

pdlamb

Ortlieb panniers. The only way water will get in is if you open the panniers out in the rain. You'll want to do some measuring to see what size will carry your load (Backpacker or Sportspacker). I'd guess you'll want the rear Backpacker, but since they come in pairs, you can probably fit shoes, clothes, and a four course lunch in the other side.

fietsbob

Ortlieb office bag https://www.ortlieb.com/office-bag+F71402