The Best Bike Panniers for 2023
Regardless of the weather, using a bike pannier is a practical way to transport your gear on a bicycle.
Bike panniers are an excellent way to carry all of your gear without having to hurt your shoulders. Bike panniers are sold in sets or individually. They attach to the back or front bike rack with special mounts.
Whether you plan to use your bike panniers for commuting, weekend excursions, or quick trips to the grocery store, they make the best travel companions. They are durable, dependable, and ideal for any weather.
Consequently, picking the best pannier for your trip depends on how much gear you plan to bring along and the type of pannier that will be most practical for your travels. This buying guide will teach you how to select the best set that meets your specific requirements because panniers are a crucial component of any touring setup.
Our Top Picks
Our Picks For You
Best Pick - Ortlieb Back-Roller Classic Rear Panniers
Best Pick
Ortlieb Back-Roller Classic Rear Panniers
Designed with comfort in mind.
This is a long-lasting commute companion.
Who It’s For:
If you ride in nearly continuous rainy weather and have to carry big or unusually shaped loads, this is a must-have. Because all of the seams on these panniers are sealed, they can be used for a lot of different things.
Why It’s Great:
When it comes to touring panniers, the Ortlieb Back-Roller Classic panniers, sold in pairs, are in a league of their own. They have the popular and straightforward Ortlieb QL2.1 mounting system.
You would have no concerns about wobbling, shifting, or losing panniers.
Potential Flaws:
These are not the best shoulder bags since back-rollers aren't what you want for your daily commute, and the shoulder straps are extremely flimsy, making carrying them a chore.
If you frequently use public transportation or walk to and from work, a backpack pannier or a smaller shoulder-bag pannier, such as the Arkel Bug Pannier Backpack, may be preferable.
Other Features:
Even though this pannier is expensive, all Ortlieb products come with a five-year warranty against manufacturing flaws. This shows that it is worth the price, and its durability is unquestionable.
The Ortlieb Back Roller Classic is the best bike pannier for touring because it is made of high-quality materials, can hold a lot of stuff, and is weatherproof. The mounting system is easy to use and can be adjusted to fit a wide range of sizes and shapes of bike racks.
It stays tight and secure while riding, and it's easy to put the bag on and take it off the rack. The roll-top closure makes it easy to get your things out, and it also creates a watertight seal to keep your things safe from the weather.
The bottom of this pannier stands straight on the ground, making it easier to search through, making it ideal as a large bucket. There are no outside pockets, and the roll-top closure needs your entire focus to open and close.
On the inside, there is a thin zippered compartment that could fit a laptop or documents, but it is not padded. There is also a smaller, unpadded zippered mesh pocket.
With its large single storage compartment, thick-coated polyester fabric, and reliable weatherproof design, the Back-Roller Classic can carry all of your gear in any riding situation.
Product Specifications:
Dimensions: 16 x 12 x 6 inches
Capacity: 20 liters each (40 L total capacity)
Other sizes: Back-Roller City, Back-Roller Plus, Back-Roller Urban
Colors: black, asphalt/black, red/black, petrol/black, yellow/black
Other Styles: Back-Roller Free (PVC-free), Back-Roller Hi-Vis
Runner Up - Arkel Signature H Urban Pannier
Runner Up
Arkel Signature H Urban Pannier
A secure, waterproof laptop pannier.
Count on the Signature H to carry your daily essentials to and from work or class.
Who It’s For:
This pannier is perfect if you prefer to bring everything you might need for the day and then just throw it all on the floor next to your desk, as it can carry a lot of objects at a time.
Why It’s Great:
This pannier is more suited for transporting a lot of items on and off the bike because of its broader padded shoulder strap compared to the back-roller and its more robust mounting system compared to others we tested.
Potential Flaws:
This bag would be much easier to search through if its interior had a lighter hue. But the two handles on this bag are a good way to hold it open; they're on either side of the rolltop, on the inside.
Alternatively, you may want to check out the Burley Pannier Set.
Other Features:
The Signature H is a pannier that shows class, so it is quite expensive. The brand also gives discounts on products that cost more than a certain amount and, depending on where you live, can ship for free.
We like the Arkel Signature H Urban because it looks nice and has a lot of storage space, which makes it great for commuting and other urban riding needs.
The large main compartment features a padded laptop sleeve and is protected with a durable waterproof liner; it is large enough to hold two shopping bags' worth of food.
Made from 1000-denier Cordura nylon, this bag can be carried in a variety of ways; shoulder, hand, and over-the-head straps. The Signature H is a great choice for daily commutes and other urban uses because it performs well all around and has an easy-to-use aluminum mounting system.
Product Specifications:
Dimensions: 15 x 12 x 8 inches
Capacity: 28 liters
Other sizes: none
Colors: black, olive, copper
Extra features: Cam-Lock mounting system
Most Cost-Effective - Burley Pannier Set
Most Cost-Effective
Burley Pannier Set
Enjoy durable construction with this one.
It keeps the items inside clean and dry and is the perfect size for camping.
Who It’s For:
These panniers are best for people who do various cycling activities. They work well in any weather and can be used for a variety of cycling-related activities.
Why It’s Great:
There are two fashionable bags included in the package, and they are both sturdy on and off the road and waterproof in all weather. The entire capacity of the panniers, 22 liters, exceeded our expectations.
Even though this pannier set might not fit all racks and might not be the best bag for getting to and from work every day, it is a one-stop shop for riders who want to try a lot of different things.
Potential Flaws:
Storage capacity is lower overall, and you can only use it with 10mm racks. If you prefer a larger pannier, you should try out our top pick.
Product Features:
With its affordable pricing and reliable overall performance, the Burley Pannier Set is a great buy. The Burley Pannier Set is attractive because of the value it provides at a price that won't break the bank.
It passed our tough waterproofing test with flying colors, stood up to the stress of our durability tests, and, despite its small size, we were glad to have the external access pocket.
The bags can only be used with bar racks that are 10 millimeters in diameter, which is one potential drawback of the straightforward mounting method. We were often impressed by how easy it was to use and set up this pannier set.
In addition, the Burley bags' fun, modern design, great performance, and waterproofness across all roads and weather situations won us over. We found the Burley set to be an excellent choice for a pair of durable, roomy panniers at a fair price.
Product Specifications:
Dimensions: 15.9 x 12.3 x 5.3 inches
Capacity: Combined 22-liter capacity
Other sizes: none
Colors: Yellow
Almost Made The Cut - Arkel Bug Pannier Backpack
Almost Made The Cut
Arkel Bug Pannier Backpack
It converts from a pannier to a backpack in a jiffy.
If you can't decide between a backpack and a pannier, the Arkel Bug is what you need.
Who It’s For:
If your day at work entails a lot of stair climbing or walking around a large campus, this is the pack for you.
Why It’s Great:
It's hard to believe that this bag can store as much as 15 liters, even though it's just about a third of the size. Also, this is the first pannier we've seen with a dedicated space for a helmet.
This may seem obvious, but no one else seems to have noticed this issue. No one loves to lug around a helmet or have it dangle awkwardly from a strap over their shoulder.
Potential Flaws:
While the pannier's capacity exceeds 20 liters, it will start to impair the bike's handling when it's full. It also takes some practice to hitch it onto and dismount it from the bike. However, this is not a flaw in the design, but rather a feature of all large panniers.
There are also fabric attachments on the Arkel mounting system that allow it to swivel shut, although these can get caught on items. Even while it lacks the sophistication of Ortlieb's approach, it's simple enough for anyone to use with no problems.
Other Features:
The Bug Pannier Backpack is one of our more expensive options because it has a padded compartment for a laptop and an extra rain cover, neither of which comes with the standard price.
The Arkel Bug Pannier Backpack is the best solution for carrying and organizing all of your things on your daily commute to work or school. It is one of our most spacious single-bag options and comes with a variety of compartments, pouches, and sleeves for keeping your belongings neat and accessible.
The strong aluminum attachment method is easy to understand right away, and the backpack straps are both comfortable and easy to take off.
The Bug uses the same Cam-Lock system as the rest of Arkel's designs. The all-metal hooks and firm backing of the bag help keep the bag in place while riding, which is a problem only with bags that can hold more than 20 liters. It has a clamshell design, so you can get at the contents by unzipping it from both ends.
The Bug is made of 1,000-denier Cordura nylon and has weatherproof zippers, so it should be able to handle rain and snow. However, this is not as reliable as that of our top pick, so if you live somewhere with aggressive water, you might want to consider getting a rain cover.
Who This Is For
If you commute on two wheels rather than lugging around a backpack, the ideal choice for most individuals is a pannier. This is a bag that can be fastened to the rear rack of a bicycle without affecting the handling of the bike and makes carrying items on the bike easier and more convenient.
Basket vs. pannier
Because panniers have to be a certain size and have a secure closure, they often have less storage space than baskets. When it comes to baskets, bungee cords make it possible to overload a basket and take advantage of the open space above the hoop’s rim.
In addition, a bicycle’s aerodynamics are little affected by a back basket because it is located behind the rider. With a pannier, the load is distributed more evenly over your racks than with a basket on top.
It also helps keep the bike stable when it’s on a kickstand and provides more stability during cycling than if it were a basket, as it will not tilt to either side.
Is it worth splurging on?
If you’ve been checking costs, you might be surprised by how much panniers cost. This is because they are made of high-quality materials that make them waterproof and less likely to tear if they fall. Since they attach to your bike’s back rack, they are not only much harder to lose than a regular roll bag but also much safer.
However, they can also be used without worrying about carrying delicate items. People even use them around pricey laptop computers. As a result, they are very costly yet well worth the investment.
Why You Should Trust Us
To come up with this review, we combed through ratings, specifications, and user feedback for several panniers before compiling our list. After settling on those at the top of our list, we looked at how simple they were to mount, how much space they offered, how long they would last, and how resistant they were to the elements.
After that, we made our choices based on the price range that offered the best value and then selected a cost-affordable option for those who want quality without going in too deep.
How We Picked
Material
We took note of the quality of the bags’ construction, as this will reveal the bags’ strength and dependability when riding. Vinyl, Cordura, and tarps are great options because they are lightweight and completely waterproof.
Since the ideal bike panniers balance strength and lightness, we considered how this combination would be helpful in the rain, snow, and other weather.
Size and Capacity
The pannier’s storage capacity should be your top priority. But being able to estimate how big a pannier you’ll need for your bicycle is an entirely different case. You may find touring panniers with a wide range of capacities and compartment sizes. Some provide 70 liters, others provide 60 liters, still, others provide 50 liters, and so on.
The choice of panniers might also affect how much gear you can carry. One brand may only offer one side pannier, while another may have two. Some manufacturers provide triple panniers—two on each side and a top one for extra gear.
Durability
The pannier’s quality can be traced back to the components it’s made from. We examined the many components that were used to make the panniers and verified the toughness, sturdiness, and longevity-granting components before making our picks.
Secure – will it stay on the bike?
Panniers come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so before purchasing one, you should measure your bike rack to ensure it can accommodate the panniers you want to use.
Most of the panniers we recommend have a universal design that lets you use them with any bike rack or bike. Be sure the pannier will fit by checking the mounting method on your bike.
Each pannier also has its unique attachment method. The majority of people go for the panniers with the fast release and clip-on mechanism since they allow for quick and easy attachment and removal. Other attachment methods, including velcro straps or buckles, are also available.
Easy to use
We also considered how easy they are to connect, because you won’t always have time to fiddle with the straps and buckles if you’re in a hurry. The best panniers have a sturdy mounting method that will last a long time.
Easy to Clean
Whatever the material, features, and style you choose from our list, we made sure that our picks were those that could easily be cleaned and did not pose difficulties in keeping them neat.
Style/Design
There are a wide variety of panniers available, each with its set of features. Even though all of these features are common and unique in their particular ways, we chose panniers with styles that everyone would find appealing.
Price vs. Quality
Panniers are expensive because of the materials used to make them and because the materials and features are getting better and more expensive. However, there is a sweet spot where value meets cost. We were able to narrow down our picks to brands that offered the best quality at affordable prices.
How We Picked
Material
When looking for a pannier to carry your things, make sure it is made of solid materials and is well put together. The contents will remain dry and pristine if the bag is watertight, and it won't rock from side to side if it's not too heavy.
Size & Capacity
Panniers for bicycles come in a variety of sizes, measured in liters, and you'll need to determine how much storage capacity you need before making a purchase. Most are sold in pairs, so you may have one on either side of your bike if you choose to do so.
Secure
Make sure the pannier you choose is simple to mount and remove from your bike. When the panniers are properly attached to the bike, you'll have a more secure riding experience.
Cost-Effective
We do not think that in this situation, a low price always signifies the best value. Avoid using low-quality models because if it rains, your belongings might get wet. We made sure that value wasn't sacrificed in favor of price.
Care and Maintenance
How to clean
You may just hose down your panniers to remove the normal road grime. Make sure to use enough water for the dirt to completely wash away.
A soft-bristled floor brush and some water can be used to remove grime that has hardened and caked onto the fabric.
How to wash and dry
To clean, simply disassemble all the screws and take out the inner plates. Use cold or lukewarm water to wash in, using a small amount of detergent on a gentle cycle.
Keep in mind that the pannier will stay clean, but the waterproofing may get a little worse every time you wash it. You might also use dish soap or hand soap and a soft bristle brush to clean it in the sink or bathtub. Wash it first with soap or disinfectant in a bucket, and then rinse it with water.
Dry it in the sun or hasten the process with a fan.
Where and how to store when not in use
Even while a pannier does not require the same maintenance as a bicycle, it is still important to inspect its components, such as its screws, regularly. Silicon oil on the zippers once a year is about the only preventative step that can be taken if you want to keep the panniers for a long period. It won’t break the bank, and the first time you do it, you’ll see a greater increase in oil absorption.
To store them after use, keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, pets, or children.
Further Reading and Similar Topics
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