Backpack to rear pannier bag in the blink of an eye

Bug

Front view of the Arkel's Bug backpack and pannier bike bag.

Converts to backpack rear panniers
Weight: 1,8 kg / 2,6 lbs (unit)
Volume: 25 l. / 1500 cu. in. (unit)
Detailed measurements

Regular Price: 135.00 $ US

Special Price: 108.00 $ US

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A ladybug looks cuddly with its rounded back, yet it hides a secret inner-self. So does our Bug! Built for books, binders, laptop and everyday commuter stuff, the Bug thrives in the urban jungle. The outside shape is rectangular but we’ve rounded the front corners, the bag is an excellent bike pannier and a superb backpack too! On or off the bike it’ll adapt to your needs. You can store your helmet in the front helmet holder and use the compression straps to stabilize the load. Inside and outside pockets allow you to organize your belongings and make everyday use of the Bug truly enjoyable.

		The Bug; sized for convenience A nearly rectangular shape makes the Bug convenient for books, clothes, laptop and day to day items. The design and features of the Bug make it equally at ease as a pannier or a backpack.
		Perfect fit on the bike The internal HMWPE backplate of the Bug is bent outward to clear the derailleur and quick release. This allows an increased volume for a better backpack and pannier size and eliminates wear of the fabric due to rubbing against metal parts of the bike. The bungee attachment hook is threaded through a loop at the back and ensures optimal lateral stabilization .
		Pannier and Backpack all in one The back of the Bug is inconspicuously normal – with hooks and all, a pannier in all respect. Yet it is also a backpack, easy to transform from one to the other. View the "full story" for a full blow-by-blow recap on how to do the transformation. * Click here for the full story *
		Hook system is out of the way The pannier attachement hardware is completely out of the way and is not bothersome at all.
		U-Lock mesh pocket This mesh pocket is the perfect place to store a U-Lock, you can grab the lock quickly and the quick access U-Lock pocket means no more emptying the contents of your bag on the curb to find it!!
		Integrated helmet holder What do you do with your helmet when off the bike? Safely stow it away in the Bug's helmet holder and forget about it. Just loosen up the compression straps, drop the helmet in place, cinch the straps and you're all set. It'll accept any size of helmet or you can probably think of other things to pack there, a football?
		Full access with helmet Access to the main compartment is not impeded even when a helmet is in the helmet holder. Also, one pull of the compression straps will stabilize both the helmet and the main compartment of the bag so that you're ready to go in a jiffy.
		Quick access front pocket Your cell phone is ringing, you're looking for spare change, you need to quickly grab your glasses? Use this super neat waterproof zippered top pocket. It's opened and closed in a blink of an eye, just what you need when time is short.
		Side mesh pockets Mesh pockets on both sides are practical for those small items like sunscreen lotion, water bottle or bike gloves when off the bike. The mesh material will not accumulate water under the rain, but will let it drip down. Longer objects can be stabilized with the top compression strap. Try a French bread on one side and a bottle of red on the other!
		Pocket for optional rain cover A small pocket is located inside the helmet holder flap, this is the perfect place to store the option rain cover.
		Secret stowaway pocket A small pocket is discretely located between the U-Lock pocket and the main compartment, perfectly placed to store things of value such as your wallet.
		Mushroom shaped opening The zipper path of the Bug has a very ingenious mushroom shape, making it easy to access from the top - which is really great when the bag is on the bike. It allows unparalleled access to the main compartment of the bag. We use nothing less than # 10 YKK zippers with nickle plated sliders that won’t rust.
		Padded laptop pouch (optional) Mounting holes are pre-drilled in the backplate ready to accept the optional laptop pouch. More details....
		Blinking light tabs Blinker lights can be attached to any of the Bug’s side compression straps plus, a tab is installed on the front so that all angles are covered. Safety has no price!
		Reflectors They're all over the Bug for your safety! Reflective bands on the sides, reflective piping on the front, even the zipper pull tabs have a reflective Scotchlite insert to make them easy to locate at night and enhance visibility on the road. The Bug is an ideal commuting pannier so it is truly equipped as such in terms of visibility.
		Compression Straps These will stabilize the content of the bag and prevent it from wobbling around when riding or hiking. Should you forget to buckle up the straps, the lash tabs on the sides ensure that the straps will not dangle dangerously close to the spokes. Safety is a prime consideration.
		Padded backing A thick padding of closed cell foam is inserted between the internal backplate and the outside fabric for increased comfort when using the Bug as a backpack. The Bug makes an excellent daypack, great both for short and longer hauls.
		D-rings for shoulder strap D-rings are made to accept any shoulder strap (shoulder strap is optional). So in addition to being carried as a pannier on the bike, the Bug can be carried by the handle, with a shoulder strap or as a backpack. Now talk about ergonomics and versatility!
		Keeping the rain out We are using nothing but the best zippers by YKK. We're proud of that. To keep the rain out, we’ve designed an elasticized flap that completely covers the zipper. It will also protect the chain and slider from dust, dirt and grime that will in turn prolong the life of your zipper!
		RockLockster buckles by National Molding They are the easiest to operate and will withstand just about any shock, use and abuse, in any kind of climate you may want to subject them to. Simply the best, go ahead and test them out!
		Dupont Cordura® If it's not Dupont Cordura , it's not Cordura ! We only use the real thing, and it is American made. It's more expensive but you get what you pay for, all in terms of resistance to abrasion and tear as well as durability. Again, nothing but the best, always!
		Beautiful lines and aesthetics The Bug is the perfect combination of a pannier and a backpack, all in one! Function and style, you don't get better than this! Now take some time to ride!

Lateral Stabilization
The bungee cord with the lower attachment hook is threaded through a web loop so that the pannier will not sway laterally on the bike rack. It is simple and incredibly efficient.

Removing the bungee
To transform the pannier to a backpack you want the bungee out of the way. It takes nothing more than simply pulling it out of the web loop!

Stashing the bungee away
Finally, just to be sure that the bungee will not be between your back and the pannier, it should be wrapped around the attachment system. There're many ways to do it in a jiffy and the one shown here is but one of them. Let go your imagination and your way will work too!

Accessing the shoulder straps
Two panels closed with Velcro are protecting the shoulder straps while the Bug is used on the bike. The shoulder straps are thus safely and securely stowed away. Also, they are kept free of road grime and dirt. Just lift a corner of one panel to uncover the strap.

Open up the panel
This will fully uncover the shoulder strap. Do the same for the second shoulder strap and close the panels behind. There are no buckles to snap, no webbing to thread or attach, It’s simple and easy.

The backpack is complete
The shoulder straps as ergonomically cut with an ever-lasting Plastazote padding . The back is also fully padded. And don't worry, the hooks are completely out of the way. (a question we are often asked!) This is one comfortable backpack!

A fold pre-creased
The shoulder straps are full length, meaning that they are longer than the height of the bug itself. As such we pre-crease a fold at the lower third so that it's easy to fold in two when storing the straps under the panels. A neat example of KIS (Keep It Simple) engineering! Back to features

4 Review(s)

Will This Pannier Fit My Bike?
Installing Your Pannier
View the adjustable Arkel hook system - 1.25 MB

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Customer Reviews

Excellent accessory The Review by Texas Pete

I purchased my Arkel Bug in the summer of 2003. The model at that time had no helmet fixture like the current model. I enjoy my daily commute of 4.5 miles, and often do more on the weekend. I am 40, heavyset, and love biking though I’m not exactly a gearhead. A conservative estimate puts my Arkel Bug mileage at a little under 10,000 miles of travel (we’ve had kids since 2003, so my cycling dropped off for a while). Those are biking miles and don’t take into account the miles I’ve put in simply carrying it on my back. There are, and this is no exaggeration, no signs of fraying. I don’t think it’s even faded. The elastic is still tight, and the snaps and clips all work like new. When it’s strapped to my rear rack using the Bug’s bungee cords, it stays firmly in place. So firmly, in fact, that I frequently forget it’s there. I’ve never had a problem with the zippers. Weather conditions: while it’s not water tight, it is pretty resistant. I’ve ridden through more than one downpour and, while I got soaked, the pack’s contents were just fine. It’s important to note that I live in Texas, which means the pack has seen repeated exposure to God-awful heat and sunshine. Again: no fading, no slack in the bungees/stretchy components. I can’t speak to how it would hold up in a real winter. I’ve never seen a real winter. Size: for a daily commute requiring a packed lunch, clothes to change into (pants, underwear, socks), wallet, keys, phone, USB drive(s), and a book or two, it works great. The compression straps keep everything snug. Snug enough, in fact, for you to reconsider putting your ripe banana in there. Cleaning: I’ve never cleaned it other than to brush dirt off with my hands. Really. Installation: My first time putting it on, I remember wondering if I’d done it right. Took a second or two. Maybe three. Since then, I just whip it on and whip it off. Drawback: The only drawback is that carrying the Bug on your back isn’t as comfortable as a high-quality, non-biking pack would be. That said, it’s still pretty comfortable for walking around campus, around the neighborhood, etc. I’ve carried it just fine for the 5-mile walk home from work. The only reason I mention it is because I’m trying not sound like a fan boy. Honestly, it’s the best money I ever—EVER—spent on a backpack, and that goes double for a pannier. I have broad shoulders, so carrying it on my back requires that I loosen the shoulder straps quite a bit, and I have to find a home for the steel hook that grabs onto the bike’s rack (otherwise, that little steel hook finds a home in my back). After those minor adjustments are made, it’s plenty comfortable. If you were camping out and expecting to carry 40-50 pounds of gear for more than 5 miles, you’d want a different pack. But if you were camping with your BIKE, you’d be fine.

(Posted on 3/7/11)

Superb. Best bag ever! Review by BB

I've used my Bug pannier (old version) for the last 4 years now. It's been used every single workday, on and off the bike and the bag still shows no signs of any fraying or loose seams. While is may seem to be somewhat pricey up front, you won't have to buy another pannier for a long, long time. The helmet loop is a brilliant idea that I'm surprised no one has copied thus far. If you want a single bag for use as a rear pannier and to use for school/work commuting off the bike get an Arkel Bug.

(Posted on 10/15/10)

Very nice - has all the bells and whistles... Review by Vik

Read my full review here: http://www.bowcycle.com/bikes/blogs/viks-picks/2010/08/08/arkel-bug-review/

(Posted on 8/9/10)

Perfect for mixed commute Review by walt5280

I got this bag last year and highly reccommend it to anyone that has a mixed commute like bike to bus or bike to train. highly durable and works like a charm. Pockets are good and the attachment system is awesome! 5 of 5 stars.

(Posted on 6/7/10)

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