There are many ways to carry things on your bicycle. I mostly use rear panniers. If you don’t have a rear bike rack, you will need to get one in order to use panniers.
My panniers are made by Ortlieb. They are waterproof, come in bright colors and attach easily to the rack. They also come in different sizes. They are long-lasting except for the plastic buckles which can break. Luckily, Ortlieb is good about replacing the buckles. All you have to do is contact them and they will send you a new pair. Every month or so I put a pair of panniers on my fat bike and ride from my house in Winooski up to Costco. I can get to Costco through the Gilbrook Natural Area so I don’t have to ride in traffic. Costco even has a bike rack and I am almost always the only person using the rack. I can carry 30 pounds of groceries. Last year a friend built a wooden ramp up to my front door. This really helps when I am bringing my heavily laden bike into the house! There are many other brands of panniers but whatever brand you get I suggest you get some that are waterproof. Ortlieb also makes panniers that can be switched to backpacks. All of their panniers come with a strap so you can convert your pannier into a shoulder bag. I have had bike lights stolen from my bike but never had anything stolen from inside a pannier. When I leave things in my pannier I always buckle it up.
There are a number of other ways of carrying things on your bike. In November of 2024 I went to visit my daughter in Boston. I visit her twice a year. In the past I rode my bike to Burlington wearing a backpack, locked my bike in a shed at work and then took the backpack and walked to the bus. This year I had a new rolling suitcase, so I attached it to my bike rack with bungee cords. These are stretchy cords with a hook at both ends. They come in many different sizes. I also use them to attach the cat carrier to my bike when we go to the vet. I go to a vet who is about ten minutes ride from my house. My cat doesn’t enjoy the ride, but that is because he doesn’t like being in a cat carrier. If you have a bike with a rear or front rack bring along a couple of bungee cords in case you unexpectedly have to attach something to your bike. You have to be careful to keep the bungees tight. Last year, on a ride through Colchester, I lost a wool bike jacket because it was not securely bungeed to my rack. I still miss that jacket!
I don’t have a rack on my road bike, so I use a handlebar bag. It is smaller than a pannier but can easily handle a lock, snacks and an extra layer of clothing. There are different bags that attach to almost every part of your bike: the top tube, seat tube or down tube, under your bike seat or on the front fork. Most bike shops will have many options.
Some bike bags and panniers come with a reflective element but you can enhance the effect with reflective tape. Every time I get a new bag I have a friend decorate it for me. She has a good sense of design.
In addition to bags and panniers for your bike, you can also use hip packs, backpacks and bike bags. Over the years I have accumulated many different hip packs and backpacks. I have a little pouch that attaches to the strap of a backpack. It is large enough for my wallet and phone and makes them both accessible without taking off the backpack.
If you want to carry even more with you bike you can get a trailer or use a cargo bike. Some cargo bikes are electric, which makes hauling things easier. Conventional cargo bikes have very low gears. They don’t go very fast but it is surprising what you can haul with them!
Last year I bought a used Ortlieb pannier that converts to a backpack. It is perfect for carrying what I need to swim at the YMCA. There is a pocket for my water bottle, and two side pockets for my fins. It has room for my towel, bathing suit, goggles and toiletries as well as a change of clothes. It is always satisfying to find equipment that works well for a specific purpose.
Because I don’t have a car, I have to carefully plan what I need for each day. If I am going to Burlington from my house in Winooski I start getting ready an hour before I need to be there. I carefully pack my pannier and hip pack or backpack. I double check to make sure I have my bike lock. I also keep in mind the space I need for any items I get at City Market or at the library. Once in a while I run out of space but most of the time I can carry what I need. It also takes some extra time to unpack when I get home. I always start recharging my lights and mittens as soon as I get home. Riding and doing errands takes some extra time and planning but it is well worth the effort!
About the Author: Peter Burns is a long-time bike enthusiast, and one of the original year-round bike riders in the greater Burlington area. In addition to writing about walking and biking, Peter teaches a variety of bike workshops. He also works at a group home for people with psychiatric disabilities, teaches classes for the Vermont Humanities Council, teaches swimming at the Burlington YMCA, and is a regular host of Storytelling VT. You can contact Peter at heatofhistory @ gmail.com.