Poor Cyclist's Porteur

I've wanted to get a porteur rack for my daily commuter for some time now.  Yikes are they expensive.  Some for good reason (e.g. Pass and Stow) and some for unknown reasons (e.g. Velo Orange).  Either way they are out of my price range unless I happen to make a good sale of some used bike parts I have hanging around that are hovering between vintage and old.  Yea, not likely.  So, enter Wald baskets.  I found a good deal on a Wald 139 and figured I'd give it a go.  For under $20 I have a porteured cross check.  I axed the rear rack for vanity reasons of which I'm remiss to even mention.  The end result has been a pleasingly functional commuter that isn't half as wobbly as I thought it might be.  I put my normal daily pack in it this morning and I think it's a pretty decent solution.  I carry a nylon shopping bag with me and now I can shoulder the pack and deposit groceries in the basket on the way home.  It's kind of like having panniers with you all the time without having panniers with you.

I've no love of panniers really.  Functionally speaking they are a simple way to carry a bunch of weight (more than this basket could) but I'm forever wishing I had my backpack when I have my panniers and the reverse when I have my pack and extra to carry.  Time will tell how functional this basket is but the price is right.  In the end I'd love to have a nice stable front rack.  I notice the wire nature of the basket mostly when starting and stopping.  Normal cornering and riding I almost don't know it's there.  Track stands and hard sprints aren't going to please you when fully laden though.