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GO BEYOND

You can go deep with a Mountain Bike, but often you can not go all the way to the better destination.  Certain areas are off limits, others are much better hiked.   International touring cyclists know all too well that they’ll be on foot at some point, negotiating airports and/or other public transportation where a good backpack makes for a happier day.   Until the Convertible Backpack by Richard Jones, dual-mode bags were panniers first, and cobbled into a structure that could be carried on the back.  With the Convertible, its hard to tell which came first.  It is entirely at home in both configurations, with the features you’d expect in the ‘best in class’ of either single product.  But you only have to buy one of these, and never worry about how you’re going to take it with you!

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“Since I last wrote, I’ve trekked through Nepal, India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and now Malaysia and on South to Indonesia.  The bags are holding up super.  I wish I could say the same for my bike.”  – David Clair, Planet Earth

Conversion video (Sped up):

(Mobile Resolution) Backpack Conversion to Both Panniers MR

See Realtime video with commentary on the conversion steps under “Product Description”

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What sort of gentleman prefers the Convertible Backpack?

“I’m convinced that the winner is one who dies in his tent, next to his bicycle, hugging his backpack.”  - Dr. George

 

While browsing the site, please keep in mind that the photographs are compiled over our 30+ year history, including some submitted from customers.  The basic design has remained constant over 30 years;  2012 has brought a major redesign of the harness and many incremental improvements to the overall design.  While we’re sure you’ll love the improvement, please refer to the photos on the Product Pages for current details.

Blog

Since you’re here, visit our blog, where you’ll meet others who have combined trips, or used the same equipment for either bike touring or backpacking.  In particular, Ron Enders, a long-time customer, has graciously provided us with the log of his many international travels, which include key details about negotiating the borders and finding good food and lodging on a vagabond’s budget.

Bicycle trekies know that the shortest distance between points A and B is best left to geometry class – in our world, the path is the destination; the circuitous route makes for a more interesting life.

Please share your stories!  When I’ve been on long tours, the people I encountered along the way seemed to look a bit wistful as they contemplated how their day would be different if they were on my bike instead of on the treadmill of busy-ness they would be pursuing again today.  It is good to dream.  We all benefit from the vicarious thrill of an adventure.  Thank you for visiting — please join the conversation.