Bikes are great, they are better for the environment, a good source of exercise as well as easier and cheaper to find a place to park than a car, the downside is they do not come with a boot to store all your shopping in. The Wayside Backpack and Pannier from Blackburn has been designed to be suitable for carrying your gear both on and off the bike, it isn’t the lightest of things at 929g when empty but chances are you aren’t going to be racing in the Tour de France with all your shopping in tow. It has a fashionable utilitarian style, measuring up at 280 X 140 X 415mm, it is constructed from a waxed canvas which is a canvas that has been impregnated with wax to add extra water protection and better durability. If you get caught in the rain you gear will be protected even if you end up soaked to the bone (another downside to cycling) it will also keep your belongings safe from dust, sand and other debris. The backpack has stow away straps that fold into a hidden zippered pouch, it can be attached to the bike rack via simple but strong robust hook and loop webbing, there is nothing more complicated than that, no hardware, no tools required and it will fit most bike racks. The Wayside has a 19L capacity and included a laptop sleeve and two external pockets that have organisers for your smaller items and pen/pencil sleeves amongst other compartments, the daisy chain loop webbing can also be used to attach lights or other accessories to the outside of the bag. The opening to the main compartment is a little narrow which could make getting larger items in more awkward as well as making it harder to see things in the bottom of the back, the back panel lacks ventilation so be prepared for some sweat patches when you take it off. All things considered the Wayside Backpack and Pannier is a versatile and good looking back that can hop on and off the bike an easily as you do.

4 out of 5

Pros

Attractive design

Versatile

Easy to attach to the bike

Comfortable stow away shoulder straps

Water resistance, durable material

Cons

Narrow main compartment entrance

Lack ventilation

-looks cool, some loose threads in pockets, narrow main entrance, only two pockets, laptop sleeve hits the bottom of the back, removable straps, no ventilation system on the back