having realised after one commute that the cheap as chips seat post mounted option is not going to be a viable option for teh winter commute i need something more substantail. I like the look of these but they are a tad pricey. anything similar for less money. going on a hardtail no mounts at all anda 30mm seatpost clamp

I have researched this a lot and found no viable alternatives…

Get one of these:

Carradice SQR Bags.. 16ltr capacity, stable, waterproof – these types

Trax

Slim

of a proper saddle bag – 10- 24lites:

cheaper, neater and less drag than a pannier and rack..

I use a SQR Tour – works very well

if you need more capacity then combine the above with a decent bar bag…

though doubt you will need more capacity