Pannier or Backpack for Business Attire

[ChampionTier]

Currently I wear utility kit that I can jam into my backpack on my way to work without so much as a worry about wrinkles. In August, though, I’ll be starting an academic program that requires slacks, a tie, and a button up shirt (I’ll be able to stash a couple sport coats in a storage area at school).

I’m wondering if anyone can give me some pointers about bike commuting with stuff I have to iron (ironing tips also welcome). Is there a pannier or a backpack that keeps clothes from clumping together at the bottom that works best for you guys?

Creased and starched,
CT

Topic

[ChampionTier]

@secstate 162009 wrote:

MBA? Divinity school? I thought half the point of academia was to qualify for Professor or Hobo.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]15025[/ATTACH]

That link is awesome! It’s NDU over at Ft McNair which curbs my beard-growing ambitions. Btw: scored 6/10 on the quiz!

[dbb]

Check with NDU. When I was at McNair they seemed pretty accommodating of the students. Either the NDU campus or the base fitness center may have rental lockers you could store your slacks and shoes which would permit a weekly resupply.

[zsionakides]

@ChampionTier 161970 wrote:

Currently I wear utility kit that I can jam into my backpack on my way to work without so much as a worry about wrinkles. In August, though, I’ll be starting an academic program that requires slacks, a tie, and a button up shirt (I’ll be able to stash a couple sport coats in a storage area at school).

I’m wondering if anyone can give me some pointers about bike commuting with stuff I have to iron (ironing tips also welcome). Is there a pannier or a backpack that keeps clothes from clumping together at the bottom that works best for you guys?

Creased and starched,
CT

If you can store sports coats, why not just store a few button down shirts with them. If you use traditional solids, such as white and light blue, you can match different ties for a different look. Also, you can take your shirts to a nearby cleaners to get them cleaned and pressed as needed.

Slacks and ties are pretty easy to roll and put in a pannier without getting them wrinkled. If you’re worried about your ties, roll them up and put them in a tie box so they don’t get wrinkled or damaged with other items in your bag.

[ChampionTier]

@zsionakides 162013 wrote:

If you can store sports coats, why not just store a few button down shirts with them. If you use traditional solids, such as white and light blue, you can match different ties for a different look. Also, you can take your shirts to a nearby cleaners to get them cleaned and pressed as needed.

Slacks and ties are pretty easy to roll and put in a pannier without getting them wrinkled. If you’re worried about your ties, roll them up and put them in a tie box so they don’t get wrinkled or damaged with other items in your bag.

Yeah, I’m hoping that’s the case — word I’m getting is that we have enough room for a coat or two plus our service dress. It may just work out better to travel straight to the gym with shirt/pants/shoes and slap on a jacket once I get into class. Like anything, I’m sure there’ll be a couple moments of flailing toward what works before things gel…

[dasgeh]

@TwoWheelsDC 161972 wrote:

I’ve been using one of these for about 4 years, at various points stuffed into a backpack and pannier (mostly backpack though). Every day, I fold up pants and shirt, then throw in undershirt/socks/underwear. I keep my shoes at the office, but the Pack-It is small enough that I have enough room for shoes or other items like lunch.

If you don’t want to spend a lot on these, I often see them at the Goodwill on Glebe and 50 in Arlington.

[ChampionTier]

@TwoWheelsDC 161972 wrote:

I’ve been using one of these for about 4 years, at various points stuffed into a backpack and pannier (mostly backpack though). Every day, I fold up pants and shirt, then throw in undershirt/socks/underwear. I keep my shoes at the office, but the Pack-It is small enough that I have enough room for shoes or other items like lunch.

Just a quick follow up. I got this for my birthday and started using it for my pants and shirt. Also took Judd’s advice on the non-iron shirts, but even with the er, “iron” shirts, it does the job quite well! I needed to start using a bigger backpack to fit the pack it, but it’s done a great job of keeping my clothes more or less winkle-free.

Thanks for the advice TwoWheelsDC!

Cheers,
CT

[Author]

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