Based out of Milwaukee, cycling accessory maker BiKASE has turned to Kickstarter to fund their new 3-in-1 backpack – the Outlier. We’ve seen some clever on-bike storage solutions from BiKASE before, like their adaptable SuperBand, and their latest offering seems similarly inventive. The Outlier is designed to function equally well as a backpack, a pannier, or a trunk bag all without the need for a bunch of separate adapters. Click past the break to see all the tricks this bag has up its sleeve….
Measuring 15″ tall, 10″ wide, and 8″ deep (38cm x 25.4cm x 20.3cm), the Outlier bag features a plethora of useful pockets and compartments to efficiently carry everything you might need to haul. The padded laptop compartment will hold up to a 15″ laptop and has a double pull zipper. The main pocket similarly features dual zips for ease of access, while the front pocket has a key clip, elastic pen/CO2 straps, and a reflective outer strap for securing a U-lock. Shock cords with metal hooks make helmet toting a cinch, while the two mesh side pockets are sized with to-go mugs or bottles in mind.
Obviously the draw of the Outlier is its ability to quickly and easily convert from backpack mode to pannier mode to trunk bag mode. This can all be done with pieces that store on or in the bag at all times. The two backpack straps can detach from their lower anchor points (bottom left and right D-rings in the pic above) and stow in a dedicated pocket on the back of the bag. Doing so will expose two hooks to be used for mounting to a rack pannier-style, while a third elastic-hung hook drops out of an opening in the center of the bag (shown above) at the bottom of the backpack strap pocket for securing the bottom of the pannier. Tuck the three pannier hooks back into their slots and open two side storage pouches to access velcro straps designed for trunk-style rack top mounting.
In addition to storing all of your gear and the bag’s methods of attachment, the Outlier also boasts an included rain cover in its own dedicated storage pocket. With no mention of water resistance, the rain cover inclusion would indicate that the bag itself offers minimal protection from the wet. Reflective accents found all over the bag help with visibility, and a light-mounting loop at the bottom center of the bag ensures that a blinkie mounted-up can be seen well in both backpack and trunk modes.
BiKASE are seeking to raise $7,000 to fund the Outlier in a Kickstarter campaign that runs through December 18th. Astonishingly, they are anticipating delivery by Christmas for US customers for a few more of the Early Bird backers in each color, so clearly they have already got production sorted. The remaining bags will ship in February. The Outlier will retail for $125 with early pledges on Kickstarter earning one for just $90.
