Whether you’re commuting, bike packing or day tripping, our expert recommends smart storage solutions for every journey. The best bike locks, unpicked by experts. The Guardian’s journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. Learn more. How many ways have you tried to carry things on a bike? If hooking bags on the handlebars is your go-to, or you’ve attempted to fashion some sort of bungee-cord contraption, it may be time to rethink your strategy.

I once cycled five miles with a vacuum cleaner in a pannier during a house move – so I’m as guilty as anyone for improvising. But as someone who’s been writing about cycling for more than a decade, and pedalling around London and farther afield in all weathers for even longer, I really should – and now do – know better. Rucksacks work for light loads and short trips, but your body will thank you for investing in something that attaches to your bike if you’re carrying more for longer.

Ideally, bike bags should be waterproof, although external or internal dry bags are also an option. Reflective detailing is handy, and good looks needn’t be scoffed at. And it goes without saying that you want something hard-wearing and easy to use. Whatever you’re considering for your two-wheeled steed, remember that your local bike shop has a wealth of advice, mechanical services and spares, and often a community, too – use (or lose) it.

Here are a few of my favourite bike bags. You’ll never need to precariously dangle a shopping bag from the handlebars again. Ultimate handlebar bag. £82 at Ortlieb. £81.60 at Cyclestore. Not having a front rack opens up the options for a handlebar bag. My Ortlieb Ultimate bar bag is roomy, hard-wearing and waterproof, with a zippable pocket and optional map case. The separate handlebar mount is both quick-release and lockable, and there’s a shoulder strap for off-bike carrying. A downside: you can’t easily open the lid while cycling.

Borough waterproof bag. £190 at Brompton. £190 at John Lewis. One for Brompton bike owners, this Borough waterproof bag clips on to the front. My Brompton aficionado friend says: “It can fit so much in, and is totally waterproof.” Since 2021, Bromptons have come with the front bag attachment pre-fitted. Seido Stage pannier rack. £88 at Bikeinn. Basil crate basket, 29.5L. £16.99 at Bikeinn. Fastrider crate basket, 34L.

Dutch friends of mine swear by a plastic crate for something sturdier than a wicker basket. It also means you don’t need a bike-specific bag – just throw in whatever you’re carrying that day. Fit your crate atop the rear pannier rack, or do it the Dutch way and buy a front rack (for compatible flat handlebar bikes). If in doubt, ask your local bike shop about your options – some bikes and components are incompatible.

Jack the bike rack. £79.99 at WholeGrain Cycles. From £76 at Sigma Sports. For something a bit different, or if your bike doesn’t have the necessary bolts for a front rack, this is an innovative bit of hardware that attaches easily to (almost) any bike. Your stuff can then be strapped on as needed. Pannier bags just need a rack fitted to the rear (or sometimes front) of the frame. Avoid loose fittings that encourage passing thieves, and vicious speed bumps that could lift the bag off – a friend has one such bag and it regularly jumps off, including into my path as we’re riding along. Some rack clips can feel fiddly at first, and any fittings need to withstand heavy bags and repeated removal and refitting.

Back-Roller bike bag. £150 at Ortlieb. £130 at Tredz. Ortlieb’s all-time classic Back-Roller is a firm and longstanding favourite. It’s waterproof, hard-wearing and has replaceable parts to extend its life further. If my longsuffering bags are anything to go by, they’ll easily take more than a decade of hard abuse, probably two. Pannier rack. From £140 at Tailfin Cycling. Ultra durable pannier bag. £125 each at Tailfin Cycling.

Tailfin Cycling’s approach has been likened to that of Apple. Buying one of its great-quality panniers is a case of buy one, buy all, as they’re not compatible with other panniers. The upsides: there are no rattling parts, they attach to any bike, and the bags are top notch. Super C shopper. £50 at Mastercraft Cycles. £79.95 at Carradice. Beloved by generations of touring cyclists, Carradice sells traditional, waterproof cotton duck bags with sturdy leather or vegan fixings and plenty of pockets. The Super C Shopper is a capacious 32L, with a handle, shoulder strap and quick-clip pannier hooks for ease of use.

Bikezac 2.0 pannier bag for life. £13.99 at Bike Boom. From £20.26 at Amazon. For unplanned shopping, friends enjoy Cobags’ pannier bag for life. This is a foldable shopping bag, made from post-consumption rice sacks, which clips to your pannier rack. Not for heavy loads – think a pint of milk, bread and a few groceries, rather than your weekly shop. Pannier bags can be awkward off the bike. In backpack-pannier transformers, look for bags with fittings that don’t dig into your back. They should also be easy to switch on a rainy pavement and, ideally, waterproof.