...can anybody give me a good recommendation on a tank bag. I'd like one that converts to a backpack if possible. Also, do they make one that would attach somehow to the passenger seat. Sorry noob!

edit : OK after some digging through a forum search, I found a few things. Just curious, do people generally prefer tail or tank bags? Also, can tail bags double as backpacks? Thanks.

I prefer tank bags because 1 - they're magnetic and easier to put on and take off, and 2 - everything is easier to get to.  I only use my tail bag if I'm really packing a lot, more than fits in just saddlebags, because it's inconvenient (IMO) to attach and to get to.

If you ever carry passengers, they're incompatible with tail bags.

icon and frank thomas make cools ones.  check www.cyclegear.com  

I have this one...


The top part unzips and turns into a backpack...

It's a little on the HUUUUUUUUGE side though. :dunno:

I prefer a tank bag to a tail bag. But if i need to carry something out back I have a good bungie net that carries stuff quite easily. Infact before the tank bag that's the only thing i used to transport stuff. I could carry food for my brother every evening from my parents place (i didnt have a car at that time).

The little map pouch is really handy too...  As long as you write BIG.

Check out my tail bag solution here http://www.gstwins.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=20122

It is simple and inexpensive

I've got a Cortech Tourmaster tankbag, not magnetic.  It comes with a strap to make it a backpack, but the strap is just 3/4" nylon, so it wouldn't be too comfortable.  It is plenty big, but not HUGE, and if you need more room it is expandable.  If I had to do it over I would've bought the same bag, but magnetic, so I guess that means I'm happy with it.  My favorite thing is that it has two fair sized external side pockets and one small external pocket in the front.  I use the side pockets for rain covers for my tankbag and saddlebags, and the front pocket is perfect for my wallet, keys, cell-phone, and other misc. crap I keep in my pockets.  I think I paid $50 for it new.

Side note:  If all you want is something to carry crap in that turns into a backpack, just use a backpack.

Side note:  The best recent purchase I've made concerning gear was a Camel-bak, w/ smallish backpack integrated.  I can carry drinking water, that I can drink while riding, and it has enough storage room for a sack lunch, or I can pick up milk and some small things from the store.

I have the same Joe Rocket as Vertigo. I like it very much, it unzipps so you have the option of only a small little bag, and that huge top of course holds plenty. It also keeps some air off of my chest. I ride two up enough that it makes it easy for the both of us to store our things.

 -Anti