As a recent convert to the world of bike commuting, I realized that while you can stick with just the bare bones, your bike commute can go from doable to nearly perfect with the addition of a few key accessories. Beyond a bike and a helmet, it’s helpful and safe to have lights, a bell and a pannier. All these add-ons make commuting fast and convenient.

While there are a variety of bells, headlights and taillights that have all worked for me, I’ve had the most difficulty finding a durable pannier. It needs to clip on and off quickly as I lock my bike up outside overnight, keep my laptop safe over bumps and terrible road conditions and have plenty of storage for all of my work clothes if I bike to the gym first. Convertible backpack straps are a bonus. While some people can swing a messenger bag or backpack over their shoulders and ride, I found that I could hold much more on the bike if I just attached my bag to it — and I didn’t show up to work with a big sweat stain on my back from said bag.

Here are four panniers that hit all our requisites in durability, storage and design.

Brooks England Suffolk Rear Travel Pannier

The roll-top closure ensures that you can stuff this bag with extra sneakers, your lunch and even your laundry if you’re a drop off and pick up kind of guy. The leather accents elevate the bag so it can go with you from home to the office — and even to important business meetings. The detachable shoulder strap is clutch, and the Ortlieb attachment system is the be all, end all of attachment options.

North St. Woodward Convertible

This pannier and backpack comes from the Pacific Northwest, so you can bet that it’s waterproof. There’s a lifetime warranty on the Woodward, which backs up its craftsmanship (each bag is made by hand). It comes in three colors — deep green, bold navy and black, each with reflective detailing so you don’t have to worry about riding at night. The internal laptop sleeve is a must-have, and the external pockets make it easy to stash your phone so you can check directions at stop lights.

Ortlieb Back-Roller Classic

If you’re looking for simply the best pannier on the market, look no further than Ortlieb. Since 1982, these bags have proved that they are durable, waterproof and easy to use. While not the sleekest-looking panniers on the market, it’s hard to find something as reliable. The back-roller classic comes in black, red, yellow and blue, with a shoulder strap to carry in and out of the office. The roll top guarantees water won’t sneak inside, and the QL2 closure is a breeze to attach the bag to your bike.

Arkel Signature V Urban Pannier

This bike bag built for a city commuter comes in three colors — copper, olive and black — and offers an impressive 28-liters of storage. The bag is made from 1000D Cordura and lined with a waterproof TPU laminate. Arkel makes all of its goods in Canada, and this pack is no different. You can run as many errands as you’d like post-work, as the bag will hold your laptop in a dedicated pocket, leaving room for groceries, tools and bike shoes.