Are you in search of a high-quality set of bicycle panniers for operating errands close to your house, biking to the workplace, or to be used in your bicycle tour around the globe?
A pannier is a backpack-sized bag that attaches to your bicycle (through your bicycle’s entrance or rear rack) and is used to retailer and transport your private belongings with you in your bike as your experience.
Among the pannier manufacturers I like to recommend are:
Arkel (<– finest for off-road driving) Axiom (<– good high quality + low cost) Crosso Lone Peak Ortlieb (<– THE BEST: My private favourite) Vaude (<– fashionable in Europe)
Panniers are normally offered in units of two (one for the left aspect of your bike and one for the fitting) though these wishing to conduct a self-supported bicycle tour could buy two units of panniers for his or her bicycle (one pair for use on the bicycle’s rear rack, and the opposite for use on the entrance rack).
The principle profit to utilizing a set of panniers for bicycle touring (or native commuting) is that the burden of your gear (meals, clothes, bike instruments, and so on) is positioned onto the body of your bicycle and never onto your again, neck, shoulders or physique (which tends to trigger ache, redness, sweating and discomfort). Different main advantages embody a low middle of gravity (which makes controlling your bicycle simpler) and a compact technique of transporting your gear (compared to a trailer, for example, which might double the size of your bicycle). In essence, if in case you have one thing you need to carry with you in your bicycle as you experience, one or two units of panniers is an effective way to do it!
Whereas there are different strategies of carrying your private belongings in your bike (equivalent to with a trailer, backpack, or basket), panniers are the preferred technique of transporting your issues on a bicycle tour – whether or not that be a brief bicycle tour close to your house or a long-distance bicycle touring journey on the opposite aspect of the world.
On this web page you will see an inventory of all the businesses on this planet at the moment producing bicycle panniers of some variety. The pannier firms proven right here have been listed in alphabetical order.
Altura
Altura Dryline Panniers are lengthy established as an important all-rounder that are perfect for touring, commuting or leisure use. Key Options embody 56 – 32 liter capability (per pair), waterproof Dryline building, entrance pocket organizer on the bigger Dryline 56 pannier fashions, Rixen-Kaul KLICKfix fittings, extremely sturdy mini rip cloth and reflective trim.
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Arkel
Arkel’s bicycle panniers provide unmatched efficiency and sturdiness in two distinct design classes: roll high, sewn and taped seam waterproof know-how, and triple stitched, breathable cordura bike baggage with layered waterproof safety. The Arkel distinction contains an ironclad lifetime guarantee, a patented Cam-Lock® hook system – on and off in seconds, no rivets, all aluminum and serviceable with one software – multifunctional pockets, inside aluminum frames and the full-length heavy obligation zippers that offer you full entry to your gear. It’s laborious to wear down an Arkel pannier whether or not utilizing it for world expeditions, bike commuting or lighter weekend excursions.
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Avenir
Avenir panniers are designed to carry every part from groceries to books to bicycle gear. The panniers are product of powerful 600-denier nylon, with adjustable nylon strap mounting programs that retains them securely fixed to the rear of your bike. The panniers’ primary compartments are massive sufficient for water bottles, garments, meals, and a bunch of different objects. Different particulars embody 420-denier ripstop nylon outer pockets, built-in ripstop nylon rain covers with drawstring tops and absolutely taped seams, beneficiant reflective stripes for dimly lit days, and a rear mild attachment clip on every bag.
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Axiom Efficiency Gear
This 25+ year-old firm makes merchandise which can be designed and examined by avid cyclists, so each minute element is painstakingly thought of earlier than a remaining design is authorised. The tip result’s a lineup of superior biking equipment that meet the particular, on a regular basis wants of people that experience bikes. Axiom’s panniers are high quality baggage that work effectively as both touring or commuting baggage.
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Brompton
Due to the small measurement and odd form of Brompton folding bicycles, baggage designed to be used with Brompton bicycles are small and normally meant to be carried on the entrance and rear ends of the bike. Whereas the Brompton handlebar baggage and rear rack packs are the preferred baggage obtainable, there are a number of smaller panniers made to be used with Brompton folding bikes.
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Brooks England
Named after a well-known biking routes that traverses the size of Britain, Brooks’ Land’s Finish and John O’Groats Panniers are designed for Britain’s incremental climate. This implies a water-resistant, mild, and sturdy pannier that expands to suit your gear through the roll-top design. For climate resistance, Brooks constructs their pannier from a water-resistant artificial cloth that’s powerful and sturdy for lengthy miles on the street. Their baggage attache to straightforward rear rack designs and have gear loops for easy lighting attachment factors. The panniers are offered individually and are available in two colours: Desert and Slate.
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Carradice
Panniers are probably the most power environment friendly method to carry your baggage in your bike… and Carradice panniers provide a low centre of gravity tha aids stability. Accessible in a variety of shapes and sizes – select those which can be best for you. Constructed to final, Carradice select the material, fastenings and fixings for his or her sturdiness and performance. Plus, high-visibility reflectors and mounting factors for LED lights are included with every bag, which can assist to preserve you secure on the street.
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Crosso
Dry, easy, strong and waterproof. The route isn’t at all times easy and the solar doesn’t at all times shine. Crosso panniers had been created for the hardest routes and the heaviest rains. You’ll respect these bike baggage once you’re in your tent at evening, figuring out that your issues are secure andy dry inside your Cross panniers. Made in Poland, Crosso panniers can be found in each a water-resistant roll-top design and a lid-top design product of water resistant Cordura cloth.
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Detours
The panniers made by Detours will match securely on a rear rack utilizing the adjustable four-point attachment system. A entrance zippered pocket and out of doors mesh aspect pockets mixed with a spacious primary compartment present loads of space for storing. Contents in the primary compartment are protected with a drawstring closure and a detachable rain cowl retains gear dry. Every pannier options an adjustable, four-point attachment system appropriate for many rear racks. Giant entrance pocket and mesh aspect pockets (obtainable on some fashions) assist with group. Diamond ripstop nylon is water resistant and panniers embody waterproof rain cowl. Strong building with rubberized contact factors and Scotchlite reflective particulars for visibility.
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Deuter
A compact bike pannier with a inflexible, washable again plate and a common match system. With a excessive entrance pocket and slender form, the Deuter Rack Pack is the proper storage baggage for cycle excursions and native outings.
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Inertia Designs
Want to hold lunch for 12 and the kitchen sink? Then get the Inertia Designs Expedition Touring Panniers! The large brother of the corporate’s top-loading Touring Pannier, they function reversible fanny pack hoods, horizontal and vertical compression, and modular reflective strips. Used together with the Cam Tour or Cam Touring panniers you may have sufficient room to tackle a critical again nation journey or an around the globe tour. A 20° cutaway on the entrance of the luggage maintains most quantity and cargo placement whereas retaining ample heel clearance on any body geometry.
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Jandd
Jandd Mountain Panniers are designed for these on off-road biking adventures and is made with versatility and rugged sturdiness. The slim profile of Jandd panniers permits them to work equally effectively as entrance or rear panniers, and the convenience with which they convert to hand-held baggage contributes to their versatility. Options: Rear mount solely, horizontal and vertical compression straps. Giant primary compartment with hood pockets and gusseted aspect pockets. Can be utilized on both the entrance or rear rack of your bicycle.
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Lone Peak
Lone Peak has been making the best high quality packs since 1979. As we speak the corporate is nonetheless making packs within the USA which can be powerful, dependable and purposeful. Lone Peak designs and manufacture packs for bicycling, communications, in addition to medical and customized functions. The corporate makes use of the best supplies obtainable, superior design and building to fabricate the most effective packs obtainable. Each part of a Lone Peak Pack is chosen to contribute to the performance, sturdiness, and visible attraction of the packs.
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Madden
These heavy-duty Madden biking panniers offer you an effective way to hold your important gear on lengthy excursions. Claw Suspension system makes use of two rolled metal hooks on ABS plastic assist again. Bungee cords prolong from each hooks and fix to S-hooks at backside. S-hook with Delrin® buckle/nylon strap on the backside of the pack attaches to strap operating vertically from hook to high. Buckle-closing rain hood over togglecord closure protects primary compartment from street particles. Mesh outer pockets. Approx. 19 x 10 x 5“, 950 cu.in every. 4 lb. Manufactured from Polyester.
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Mainstream MSX
Mainstream MSX panniers are a modern product line constructed with trendy, light-weight know-how. Made in Germany, these rugged panniers are each waterproof and constructed to final. Non-compulsory outdoors pockets permit for simple entry to smaller objects you want to entry continuously whereas touring or commuting domestically along with your bike. Plus, the massive interior pocket on every pannier is ideal for safely storing your gear and maintaining it dry on any cycle outing.
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Mountain Gear Co-Op
These powerful, top-of-the-line panniers make nomadic life simpler and extra environment friendly. On the street, common hooks connect the luggage securely to common or outsized racks. Spindrift collars and floating lids allow you to overload them with the scrumptious baked goodies or farm-fresh produce you’ve purchased alongside the best way. On the town, you may seize your U-lock from the customized pocket, after which pair the pannier handles collectively for carrying. Or clip the elective MEC Shoulder Strap into the built-in attachment factors and sling them over your shoulder.
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Nashbar
Displaying up on the finish of your commute or touring day solely to seek out soggy sandwiches, cellphones, garments, and footwear is the bummer of all bummers. Keep away from this biking fiasco with Nashbar’s waterproof bicycle panniers. They’re made with rugged 400 denier nylon, which is scuff, puncture and tear resistant. Plus, the panniers are handled with an EPU coating on the within which seals the deal -literally. A roll-top closure on some fashions makes it unimaginable for water to work its approach in – you just about must throw the panniers in a river to get your stuff moist. With liters of capability, you may hit the street for days or months with these cheap bike panniers.
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Novara
In case your bike’s gonna change your automobile, it’s going to wish a trunk to haul your goodies – groceries, schoolwork, a change of garments for once you get to work, and so on. The Novara Gotham Panniers (previously from REI) have gotten loads going for them. Water-proof zippers preserve moisture from leaking into the primary compartment and high pocket. There’s a aspect pocket that holds a rain cowl for when the climate heads south. It’s straightforward to slide over the pannier, and has a reflective Novara emblem for added visibility.
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Ortlieb
German-made Ortlieb panniers are a few of the highest-quality and hottest bicycle panniers in your complete world. Constructed with welded seams for power and designed with quick access closures, these panniers are good for native commuting or bicycle touring around the globe. Replaceable, adjustable, quick-release mounts the panniers shortly and simply in your bicycle’s racks. Lifting the pannier’s carrying strap routinely releases the QL1 system safety catches, whereas releasing the strap causes latches to lock in place in your rack. Ortlieb panniers are normally offered as a pair containing each a left and a proper pannier.
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Pacific Outside Gear Co-Op
Pacific Outside Gear is a Montana-based firm producing high-quality, environmentally aware bicycle and out of doors merchandise. Their waterproof bicycle panniers are of high-quality, that includes safe rack fasteners, a rugged design materials, elective organizational pockets (on some pannier fashions), and quite a lot of distinctive colours. Whereas offered principally in america, this model is rising in recognition outdoors of North America and might be present in Europe, in addition to different bicycle-friendly locales.
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Rixen & Kaul
Sensible, waterproof all-around panniers that can be utilized as entrance or rear panniers due to their smaller design. Moist garments are simply saved in an outer compartment with internet materials for air entry (on some fashions solely). The panniers’ primary compartment is designed with a confirmed roll closure, central stress belt, aspect reflectors and strong edge guard. Consists of the patented KLICKfix Modul Rail for traditional bicycle racks/carriers.
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Topeak
Cheap panniers obtainable in each massive and small sizes – made for outsized or overflowing gear. Drawstring enclosure and mesh aspect pockets (on some fashions). 3M Scotch lite reflective banding and light-weight hangers on every pannier for added security. Inflexible again panels reinforce panniers for simple mounting. Connect to bicycle with two high hooks and a quick-release clamp, a Velcro strap and an adjustable backside hook.
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Trek
These further massive rack mounted bicycle panniers by Trek function a primary attachment system with Tightrope security twine that simply secures the pack to the rack. Matches most entrance, rear and low-rider sort bicycle racks. 2,520 cu. in. capability per set, with a in-built rain cowl.
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Vaude
German-made Vaude panniers are good for riders who like organisation. These bike baggage have an enormous primary compartment with a high lid closure that retains all of your journey necessities neat and tidy. There’s additionally a zippered outdoors pocket for extra space for storing. It has a tough again professional again plate for a steady and safe bag that may be simply connected to your bike. The reflective particulars make being seen at the hours of darkness simpler for different street customers.
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Velo Transit
You’ll be able to relaxation assured your gear will stay dry in a Storm-Proof Metro 20 Pannier. The modular design allows you to add further entrance and aspect pockets for extra quantity and group. Aspect compression straps preserve your load safe and a Entrance stash pocket is an ideal place to retailer your lock. Aspect blinker mounts allow you to mild up your baggage for excellent visibility. The KlickFix self-adjusting mounting {hardware} will mount to varied racks with 8-16mm tubing. The Velo Transit Metro pannier is offered as a single piece and might be mounted on both the fitting or left aspect of your bike rack.
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How Do Panniers Connect To Your Bicycle?
Panniers connected to the racks on the entrance or rear of your bicycle with two small hooks on the high of the panniers and (generally, however not at all times) an attachment of some variety on the backside of the bag. The hooks on the high of the pannier permits the bag to relaxation its weight on the rack, whereas the attachment on the backside of the pannier retains the bag from wiggling round when you experience your bike.
Increased high quality panniers won’t solely have a locking mechanism of some variety on the hooks on the tops of the panniers, which helps to make sure that your panniers won’t bounce off your bicycle racks once you experience in tough terrain or cycle over a big bump within the street, however additionally they permit the hooks on the highest of the panniers to be moved ahead or again, in order that they are often adjusted to suit no matter sort of rack you may be utilizing in your bicycle. Having the ability to transfer your panniers ahead or backward is essential if you wish to have your panniers match correctly in your bicycle. Correct match ensures that your panniers won’t fly off the bike whereas in movement, but additionally permit the panniers to be adjusted ahead or backward should you discover that they’re hitting your toes or heels when you experience (a typical downside with bigger panniers and/or folks with huge ft).
On the underside of most bicycle touring panniers there are two frequent attachments. The attachment discovered on the underside of every pannier is both a bungee twine with a small hook on the underside of it, which attaches to the metallic rack by merely hooking onto the underside portion of the rack… or it’s a plastic or metallic slide that slips across the bottom of the rack in an effort to maintain the pannier in place when you experience.
Cheap bicycle panniers may have no attachment of any variety on the backside of the bag. Medium grade panniers will normally have a bungee attachment of some variety, however this bungee is normally unmoveable and might shortly put on out or break after only a brief time period. Because of this the upper high quality panniers have both a thick bungee twine attachment at their base or a thick plastic or metallic slide, which might be adjusted into a number of positions for the very best match.
To connect a pannier with a bungee attachment at its base:
Have interaction the underside wire-hook of the pannier to any a part of the rear rack close to the wheel axle.
Raise the pannier’s carry deal with upward above the highest of your rack and hook the pannier in your rack’s outer railing. Then launch the pannier’s carrying deal with. At this level, some panniers will lock to the rack routinely, whereas others will have to be locked and secured in place manually.
Then ensure the hooks are effectively seated and that the underside attachment is firmly in place.
Attaching a pannier with a plastic slide at its base could be very related:
Slide the plastic attachment on the backside of the pannier behind the rack close to the wheel axle.
Raise the pannier’s carry deal with upward above the highest of your rack and hook the pannier in your rack’s outer railing. Then launch the pannier’s carrying deal with. At this level, some panniers will lock to the rack routinely, whereas others will have to be locked and secured in place manually.
Then ensure the plastic attachment on the backside of the pannier remains to be in place behind the metallic bike rack and that the hooks on the high of the pannier are firmly in place.
Notice: Panniers which have a bungee attachment on the backside are higher for driving in off-road situations, whereas these panniers with plastic or metallic slides are higher for on-road driving.
How Many Bike Panniers Do You Want?
Conventional touring bicycles are constructed to hold 4 panniers – two within the entrance and two within the rear. However simply because a motorbike is constructed to hold a full set of panniers doesn’t essentially imply it’s important to use that many baggage. In lots of circumstances, utilizing a full set of panniers is overkill and that’s the place deciding between the usage of two or 4 panniers might be tough.
Like many issues on this planet of bicycle journey, there is no such thing as a appropriate reply right here. Deciding between the usage of two or 4 panniers will rely on the scale of your panniers, the size of your tour, the sum of money you’re keen to spend, and any variety of different components.
That stated, listed here are some pointers that will help you resolve between the usage of two or 4 panniers in your subsequent bicycle tour.
If you’re planning to be on the street for one week or much less, you may most likely determine a method to carry every part you want in simply two panniers.
If you’ll be touring for greater than a month, you’ll most likely need to go for 4 panniers.
If you’ll be carrying a range, gasoline, and all of the meals and water wanted to prepare dinner you personal meals, then 4 panniers is probably going your finest guess.
If you’re bringing your laptop with you, you would possibly want the additional room offered by a full set of panniers.
If you wish to carry your tent, sleeping bag and/or sleeping mat inside one among your panniers (one thing I like to recommend), then having 4 panniers is right.
And if you wish to be sure that the burden of your gear is distributed equally throughout your bike (one thing that is essential), then 4 panniers is the best way to go!
However should you can match every part you want into simply two panniers, then by all means, use two panniers.
If you’re planning your tour effectively prematurely, I like to recommend buying two rear panniers after which trying to pack every part you have to on your journey in your bike. If every part matches (and isn’t overflowing onto the highest of your rear rack), then you definately don‘t want to fret about buying a set of entrance panniers. However should you can‘t make every part match on the again of your bike with simply these two rear panniers, then you have to to exit and buy a set of entrance panniers (and a entrance rack).
The important thing right here is to do that with loads of time earlier than you allow in your journey. Resulting from the truth that bicycle touring remains to be a comparatively small and unknown exercise, getting your arms on a selected set of panniers on the final minute can show to be tough in lots of elements of the world.
Pannier Varieties: Roll-High vs. Bucket
There are two main kinds of panniers – every with its advantages and downsides.
Roll-High Panniers
Many waterproof panniers are available in a method often known as “roll-top,” which permits the panniers to be rolled collectively and secured in place on the high of the bag. This design function makes the pannier 100% waterproof. So long as the pannier doesn’t have any defects, you may drop a bag of this sort in a river and the objects inside wouldn’t get moist. This can be a main benefit when touring by means of elements of the world the place rain and snow are frequent, or the place there’s a probability your bicycle would possibly fall right into a lake, river, pond or ocean.
The drawback to this type pannier, nevertheless, is that they require extra materials to make, as a result of the material has to roll over itself a number of occasions on the high of the bag in an effort to develop into waterproof, so most of these panniers are normally heavier than their bucket-style counterparts. Roll-top panniers are additionally somewhat more durable to get out and in of as a result of the highest of the pannier needs to be unlocked, unrolled, rolled again up after which locked as soon as once more every time it’s essential to get into the pannier.
Bucket Fashion Panniers
Bucket type panniers, then again, might be waterproof or water resistant, however they aren’t 100% waterproof in the best way that roll-top panniers are. If a bucket type pannier had been dropped in a physique of water, every part contained in the panniers would finally be moist, as water would shortly seep in by means of the opening on the high. Nevertheless, waterproof panniers of this sort are technically waterproof when you think about that the majority panniers are usually not dropped into strong our bodies of water, however are as a substitute dropped on from above by rain and snow.
The benefit to bucket type panniers is that they’re comparatively straightforward to get out and in of. You simply unzip or unbuckle the highest flat of the pannier, roll again the material, after which attain inside to get no matter it’s that you just want. If you conduct a long-distance bicycle tour you will see your self getting out and in of your panniers dozens of occasions every day, so the bucket type pannier permits this to be achieved with minimal effort.
What Dimension Panniers Do You Want?
Bicycle panniers are available in a lot of completely different sizes and styles. Bigger panniers are usually carried on the rear rack of your bicycle, whereas smaller panniers are carried on the entrance.
Sizes for panniers are normally listed in each liters and cubic inches.
Rear touring panniers usually are available in sizes starting from 40 liters (2441 cubic inches) to 60 liters (3660 cubic inches), though sizes within the vary of 40-45 liters are extra frequent and are really helpful in most situations. 60 liter panniers are huge and are meant just for the longest and largest of bicycle touring adventures.
Entrance panniers, on the otherhand, are a lot smaller and are normally between 25 and 30 liters (1526 and 1830 cubic inches).
When you decide to experience with just one set of panniers, then you definately’ll seemingly need to buy a bigger set of rear panniers (perhaps 45 liters?). But when you’ll be touring fully-loaded with each a set of entrance and rear panniers, then you could go for barely smaller rear panniers (40 liters) along with the panniers you’ll be carrying up entrance (25 or 30 liters).
However once more, the scale of the panniers you buy is determined by what your targets are on your journey. If you’ll be carrying a bunch of digital camera gear, sports activities gear or private objects, you would possibly select to buy a lot bigger 60+ liter panniers, and there’s nothing unsuitable with doing that.
For most individuals, nevertheless, sticking between 40 and 45 liters for rear panniers and 25-30 liters for entrance panniers shall be splendid.
When you’ve used any of the panniers listed above, what do you consider them? How might they be improved?
Additionally, if you understand of an organization making panniers that needs to be added to this listing, go away a remark beneath with the identify of the corporate and a hyperlink to their web site… and I’ll you should definitely add them to the listing.
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