Best Panniers? 5 Things to Consider When Buying New Bicycle Panniers for Touring or Commuting

In this video, I share my five considerations for buying new bicycle panniers. I use the Ibera PakRak and Arkel Orca panniers to help exemplify some points.
#bestbikepanniers #touringpanniers #commutingpanniers
🛍 Panniers Mentioned
Ibera PakRack panniers amzn.to/3O4xon6
Arkel Orca panniers alnk.to/9bqiUdx
Arkel Dry-Lites alnk.to/4MxmnRo
⏱ Timestamps
00:00 Introduction
00:53 Tip #1: Intended Use
01:15 Tip #2: Material and Durability
04:25 Tip #3: Capacity and Design
05:46 Tip #4: Attachment System
07: 41 Tip #5: Warranty and Repair
07:56 BONUS
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[@lecoyote3438]

Bonjour , merci pour cette belle présentation , pour ma part j'avais besoin de sacoches waterproof à 100% et surtout très résistantes , alors après avoir utiliser presque toutes les marques de sacoche je suis resté sur les solides Vaude Aqua back . J'aime aussi les Arkel et les Ortlieb , mais elles sont trop fragiles et pas suffisamment étanches pour un prix tout de même très élevé , mes Arkel n'ont pas résiste pendant mon dernier tour du monde , elles se sont toutes déchirées en bas , alors j'ai du les remplacer assez rapidement pour pouvoir continuer mon voyage , et mes Ortlieb ont leurs crochets de fixation qui se sont cassés l'un après l'autre . Depuis que j'utilise les sacoches Vaude sur 13000 km je n'ai eu aucun problème , pourtant elles sont moins cher , voila mon expérience concernent nos indispensables sacoches . Merci encore pour ta chaîne que je trouve super utile 👍 A bientôt 😉.

[@WheelsonaBike]

Thank you for watching and for adding your thoughts. I'm pinning your comment as it has some valuable information regarding your experience with the various brands. My experience is limited so it's always great to draw on lived experience of others. Thank you for continuing to watch my videos! I appreciate it.

[@lecoyote3438]

@@WheelsonaBike . Avec plaisir , merci à toi .

[@markmcintosh3202]

So whatI got out of this video is to buy right once! That is why I bought Ortlieb. No tools require to adjust, fits various tube sizes with the adaptors, waterproof, rugged and has a shoulder strap.

[@WheelsonaBike]

I think that if Ortliebs work for you, then you made the right choice.

[@j.lillie8532]

Great video! I’ve been looking for a pannier to take fishing by bike and you mentioned things I didn’t think of 👍🏽❤️

[@WheelsonaBike]

I'm glad to hear the video was helpful! I hope you find a pannier that's just right for your fishing adventures.

[@michaeloruaidh3605]

You could use drybags in the non -waterproof ones that are more durable. Then just take out the drybags when needed.

[@WheelsonaBike]

Yes, that'd be a good solution.

[@ah5092]

Thank you! Great and usefull tipps!

[@magiccardman8102]

I have never toured. I have commuted a lot. I live in Southern California. I had gone back to school to update my skills. 1 day in June I was caught in a downpour. A rainy June in So. Cal. is very rare. I was carrying 3 books with a value of about $1000.00. The route I was taking did not give me a place to easily pull over to put on the pannier covers that my other panniers have, if it started to rain while I was already on my way home. I did not have rain gear with me. The rain just would not stop. It had been raining for over an hour by the time I left for home. It was 9:00 pm and I had to get home. I was about 10 miles from home. I became soaked but my expensive books were bone dry. The bags are the Performance Bicycle Transit Torrent. Since it is always possible to get caught in bad weather I recommend rainproof panniers at all times.

[@WheelsonaBike]

Thanks for sharing your experience and the panniers that work for you. There are so many options available and it's good to know what else is on the market.

[@michaelkulman7095]

Aptly named apparently. I wonder if all the people with backpacks and bags for their laptops have considered serious rain storms enough. I suspect not as I've had several, seen plenty and water resistance is never mentioned on the ones I've seen or had. Which is kind of crazy if you think about it. I will certainly think about it going forward as to panniers, bags and packs generally.

[@glynnburchett5554]

Read over your post about this subject, you did very well,post was on experience and knowledge of subject, doing great ,

[@WheelsonaBike]

Thank you.

[@masterjack8222]

I just discovered your channel, it is very informative, i love how talk about good stuffs but also potential bad stuffs. Very honest videos. On a side note we are so gifted to live in this era where we are so spoiled about touring accessories. Im sure if we could tell our ancestors (the ones who liked exploration/traveling) of each era about bike touring they would be mind boggled. There is something about self supported trips that is fullfilling.

[@WheelsonaBike]

Thank you for finding the channel. Yes, it's important to talk about the pros and cons, because every piece of kit has them. And yes, you're right, we are spoiled for choice these days.

[@SheelaghDaly]

Super informative video! I love the peace of mind of waterproof panniers 🙏 Thanks for sharing all this info!

[@WheelsonaBike]

I'm glsd you found it of value! Thanks for watching.

[@nielsyoh]

Thank you for this excellent advice!

[@WheelsonaBike]

I'm glad it helped.

[@bazzarr]

This was an excellent review and descriptor that really helped me. Thank you :)

[@WheelsonaBike]

Excellent! Glad you found the video helpful.

[@madiantin]

When I was looking at panniers, I nearly had a freaking heart attack at the cost, so I got the cheapest ones there were. They worked fine for commuting every now and then and held up fine. But then I took them bike touring. Yikes! They lasted ok on the 11 day trip, but that last day they were holding on by their last thread. I had to kind of jimmy them to get them to stay on the rack. I was so relieved to arrive at the last destination without them completely falling off the bike. For touring, solid, hefty, durable, bulletproof waterproof panniers are essential and are well worth the money.

[@WheelsonaBike]

You're right. The cost is high because the craftsmanship is high as well to withstand all the daily wear and tear.

[@wn8022]

Thank you. Excellent video. 👍

[@WheelsonaBike]

Thank you.

[@WanderingEyeOutdoorAdventures]

Great Info as always! :)

[@WheelsonaBike]

Thank you.

[@adventureswithjosie]

Great tips! I have a pair of Louis Garneau panniers right now, but hope to upgrade to maybe a pair of waterproof Arkels in the future. Arkel has some great bags!

[@WheelsonaBike]

Thank you for sharing the panniers you ride with. So many different brands out there. Yes, I LOVE Arkel bags. They are just so well made and practical.

[@90ProperXC]

Very helpful!!

[@WheelsonaBike]

Glad to hear it.

[@sebastianmosqueda5959]

Living in the pacific northwest, waterproof panniers is a definite must

[@WheelsonaBike]

I see your point.

[@tomsitzman3952]

My philosophy has always been that I use a two-layer system the outer bag is tough wear resistant material the inner bag is waterproof. My outer bag is a water resistant Corderia fabric and has held up for 40 years of almost daily use commuting to work (now retired) grocery store and touring. The inner bag is either 10 mil bags designed for asbestos removable which I have used for years. They never seem to self-destruct. My newest inner waterproof inner layer are dry bags recently discovered in Walmart camping section. They are a lightish weight roll top that I leave inside the outer bag with a roll top. The liners are stiff enough to stay upright when packing or unloading. Since when touring I carry all my gear in color coded stuff sacks, I leave my panniers on my bike and only bring the stuff bags I need for the night into the tent.

[@freddiestubblefield8526]

You would be a great sales Rep, very professional 😊👍👁❤☝️

[@EmenseCoffee]

love it! great video!

[@WheelsonaBike]

Thank you!

[@davidjonathangudlaugson4768]

I like Arkel and Ortlieb. The King - Daddy of Panniers, in my opinion, are Jandd Panniers, from California. Their Mountain Expedition Panniers hold 81 Liters per pannier.

[@WheelsonaBike]

81L per pannier?! That is something else!

[@paulschmidtke425]

Hadn't heard of them before, thanks , straight to Amazon 😂

[@paulschmidtke425]

Agreed totally with you views , and thank for the Arkell pannier review as it a pannier I had not heard of before, I like the aluminium hook and rail features of that , but not the bungee cord , Ive always found that to allow the panniers to flap around when heavy , thanks again for your no nonsense style

[@WheelsonaBike]

Glad you found the review helpful.

[@patrickstep]

Really good review

[@WheelsonaBike]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@leGrand-Nord]

I travelled many thousands of KM with my old Arkel THG paniers , however , they were not waterproof , but had waterproof covers for them. The THG ( Très Haut Gamme) I have changed to ORKA and Dauphin . I find them to be readily accessible as opposed to putting on the covers in a hurry in case of sudden rain . The flip side of the THG paniers from Arkel was their many different access points and full opening with HD YKK zippers

[@WheelsonaBike]

Thank you for sharing your experience with the different panniers. I bought the Dolphin panniers recently and as part of that process I looked at other touring panniers Arkel has, but in the end decided to go waterproof. Similar to you, I'm not a big fan of fiddling with covers when it starts raining, because it just becomes a big mess. But I also appreciate that the touring panniers had a lot more organization features.

[@polbecca]

I have been using Arkel panniers for 15 years now. My RT40s are extremely well made and have toured many miles. I bought the Dolphin 48s recently as I wanted top loading bags that were waterproof with extra pockets, to use with my own Kona Sutra. The Arkel hook system is the best available I think. I have a pair of Carradice Super C front panniers which are probably even tougher than the Arkels, but they are a little old fashioned looking.

[@mikebauer9948]

I mentioned the other day on your "Trailrider" video comments that I got Axiom (another Canadian company) "Oceanweave" panniers for Christmas. These are water-resistant (Axiom does also have a line of waterproof Oceanweave panniers). For waterproof carriage, I prefer to use something like the Sea-to-Summit waterproof bags as liners and packers to fulfill that need. Personal preference. Even if using "waterproof" panniers, maybe using these types of bags as liners/packers is still a good thought for redundancy. Good presentation. As well as seeing bits of Ontario, I find following your learning curve and explorations entertaining and instructive.

[@WheelsonaBike]

I think you're not alone in using waterproof bags inside panniers, water resistant and waterproof ones. Nothing is ever 100%, so your setup makes things a lot more protected. Thank you for watching! I appreciate you sharing your experience as well. Thank you for taking the time to comment.

[@petesig93]

You never know. It can become addictive!

[@extraHERO]

So I'm a little emotional today. I saw this video come up in my subscriptions and remembered a few weeks back I told you about how I was scared to cross a certain bridge. Well now as fate would have it I'm moving across that same bridge for good, leaving my home town to live elsewhere. I've only ever known one city. On to the next chapter I suppose. By the way, if you ever start designing bike products I'll be first in line.

[@WheelsonaBike]

Yes, I do remember you sharing that. I wish you all the best with the move. Change can be difficult but it's almost inevitable. :) I'm not sure I'd make a good designer, but you never know what life will bring. :) Thanks for the vote of confidence.

[@glynnburchett5554]

I use a mix 2 water proof,2 cargo panniers, and 2 top cargo , organization is a very important item in tours long distance, trash bags help with water proof of cargo panniers

[@guyvervoort6293]

I've just discovered your channel. Another consideration is how to carry all your panniers/gear off the bike. For example, if you decide to stay in a hotel, your room may be quite a distance from where you're allowed to park your bike. Also, if you take a train it's unlikely you can leave your panniers on the bike, and the bike will probably go in a different car from you.

[@WheelsonaBike]

Glad you found the channel and thank you for sharing the additional considerations.

[@johnr5545]

Thanks god bless

[@CoachDean101]

Good job ! Excellent presentation. Also love your accent. Where are you from ?

[@WheelsonaBike]

Thank you. I'm Polish Canadian.

[@weiwei1808]

Good

[@cdnLilwolf]

Mine are water "resistent". They have magnetic flaps which work fine as long as you don't overfill them. Electra panniers that I got for my Trek Allant +8. Using for commuting a year now. So far so good.

[@WheelsonaBike]

Thank you for sharing. I'm not familiar with the brand, but it's excellent to be aware of what else is out there. I think that as long as the panniers work for what you need them, then that's perfect. I've yet to find a perfect pannier, there are pros and cons to all of them.

[@cdnLilwolf]

@@WheelsonaBike Electra was acquired by Trek some time ago. They're known for their cruiser style bikes.🙂

[@celestewilkins2886]

Oui Oui!

[@bklyncyclist]

After watching this and a few others I ended up with the Ibera panniers. The main thing was the price. I didn't need the durability that the Arkels offer, and didn't feel being waterproof was necessary. I am using these for a single tour and I'd be surprised if I ever did another.

[@WheelsonaBike]

I'm glad you found the video helpful. If the Ibera panniers work, that's perfect!

[@govnodimaful]

best panniers i used for more than decade - rubbermade trash bins just strap them with rope loop

[@jamieryall8341]

Thanks for the video. I would go for the higher quality/price panniers. How much splash from tires is there? Would you seek shelter in a real downpour? I like that the hardware is plastic coated aluminum & adjustable.

[@WheelsonaBike]

There's considerable splash from the tires and from passing cars. I don't typically seek shelter in a downpour, unless I think it's unsafe to ride. On my recent cross Canada tour, I just rode in the heavy rain.

[@petesig93]

Both of those panniers have quite primitive mounting systems. The Arkel is at least 20 years behind the game; insecure and fiddly. The Ibera mount is actually more up-to-date but still similar to the 20-year old Ortlieb QL1 mounts. Ortlieb's QL2 is even more superior, quick & easy to use and more secure on the rack. When it comes to lifespan, my Ortlieb Bikepacker (rear) and Sportpacker (front) panniers are still going strong after 18 years of use. My wife's the same and they are almost 20 years old. Ortlieb.... always Ortlieb!

[@WheelsonaBike]

That's such an interesting comment regarding your experience with Ortlieb. I met multiple people who rode across Canada last year, whose Ortlieb attachment systems broke. Maybe the new ones aren't as reliable. I've had no issues with Arkel pannier attachments. Arkel, always Arkel. 😉

[@petesig93]

I have had my Ortlieb front panniers come off in a fall (the lock-on gates will give and release when stressed) and even have one hook remain connected and get completely twisted about. But I have never had any of the mounting system fail on me. They are extremely tough.

[@WheelsonaBike]

@petesig93 The new ones are not so tough. My friend borrowed her panniers from her brother, the bottom hook broke. Two people who rode in a 4 person group had their brand new Ortlieb hooks fail. They returned them to MEC. And that's just three I know about first hand from last year. That's too many fails for my comfort. But in the end, if you found bags that work for you, that's all that matters. I'm not here to make you into an Arkel convert, the bags work for me. So we use what we want and that's the beauty of bike touring.

[@albertdesalvo7273]

I chose waterproof Ortlieb panniers, though the non-waterproof panniers allow stored wet clothing to dry.

[@WheelsonaBike]

That's a good point. You're right, wet/damp clothes never dry in waterproof panniers.

[@5217tuber]

Do you protect your leather Brooks saddle somehow when you ride in the rain?

[@WheelsonaBike]

No, I just sit on it, that seems to be fine. I use the saddle paste every six months and the saddle seems to be fine when I ride in the rain. I cover it when I'm off the saddle.

[@rainbowhiker]

The materials are less important to me, as long as they are tough enough, as items are rolled in white trash bags for water-proofness. And smaller than most tourists using panniers. Going light is important.

[@drivestorage1779]

ok don't laugh but I really hate packing. We bike commute and I can't even stand putting things into panniers for the commute and then taking them out several times a day. So, we've since switched to a bike trailer. That thing holds the HOUSE even. We aren't touring (yet) and in our daily commute, I toss everything in there. Literally, TOSS. Hats, camp chairs, jackets, snacks ... toss them in. Stoker thinks we might want an additional snack? Why not? Toss it in! When it comes time to unload, grab them out, good to go the next day. I applaud you (and everyone else) who use panniers, u are organized! I just pull a trailer so I can avoid packing. Heavy, heavy. But our bike is a Bike Friday with gearings up to the clouds. I have an e bike but we haven't ever needed it (yet) thanks to the buttery smooth bike with 2" tires. If we ever consider panniers, we'll check out your 2 options. Very informative. Thank you!

[@WheelsonaBike]

I laughed a little, I have to admit. 😂 But hey, if that works for you, then that is perfect! Whenever I ride with my trailer I often use the upper bag to toss things in, so I can see the appeal of just putting things in without the need to organize.

[@drivestorage1779]

@@WheelsonaBike I watched u pulled ur tent, sleeping bag, mats, etc. out of ur panniers and I was like "whoa! that thing bottomless?" lol ... it's only made possible bcos u r organized. Very cool panniers tho thx for sharing. :) Glad u got my joke on the trailer. lol.

[@tconnolly9820]

Hi. If you don't mind my asking, what trailer do you use especially if you are going touring? I use a large sized dog trailer for primarily family shopping but there's always so much more excuses I keep finding to use it for as well. Fully enclosed. Throw everything in, zip it up and forget about it. I've pulled 70kg short distance but 30kg plus for long distance could be very feasible. Especially for bulky items!

[@MeneerHerculePoirot]

Best bike panniers are Ortlieb Bikepacker. It isn't even close. The best handlebar bag is an Ortlieb. Don't wste your time or money. Just get a full set of Ortlied Bikepacker with a matching hb bag. Schwalbe Marathon Plus tires in 28 or 32mm. A Garmin GPS, Voltaic solar panel and a couple 10,000 Mah power sources as backups. I could go on, but I'll stop. EDIT: Forgot to mention Delta mega rack for the rear and Blackburn for high boys and a Jandd rig for lowboys. Use dry bags for tent, sleeping bag, food and clothes.

[@WheelsonaBike]

I can't speak about Ortlieb panniers as I've never tried them. While on my cross-Canada tour, I met two people whose Ortlieb bags broke (the attachment), so that's my only "in-person" experience with them.

[@petesig93]

One point about 'waterproof' pannier covers - often they are not so waterproof, especially after a long life in use when the waterproofing wears out, and in heavy rain or over a long time in rain they can just become water buckets, catching the rain and runoff from the wheel side of the pannier to form a pond in the bottom of the cover. Avoid if possible!

[@WheelsonaBike]

Great point. I've never had the waterproof covers on for longer than half an hour, but I can see how they could collect water if you were riding in the rain all day long, which happens while on tour. Great callout!

[@jamiereid40]

I would go with water proof easy way to go, they are stronger and long live bags, items in bags stay cleaner and in most cases all smells will stay in the bag

[@WheelsonaBike]

That's the route I've taken since.

[@Khris618]

Do you ever use panniers for grocery shopping?

[@WheelsonaBike]

I used to. Now I bring my trailer. I used to use both of these for grocery shopping before I had the trailer.

[@roberthunter5398]

Would you like to come to Scotland for a tour?

[@WheelsonaBike]

Oh... I've not thought of riding in Scotland. The closest I've come to thinking about traveling outside of North America is riding along the Green Velo route in Poland. Have you toured in Scotland yourself?

[@roberthunter5398]

@@WheelsonaBike Yes i live here and i love cycle touring also. Since covid I have seen more of it than ever. Sometimes people take for granted the beauty of their home country. If you ever fancy the challenge of the rugged beauty of Scotland give me a shout. Oh on you subject of panniers.... I use carradice super c. Verry robust bags. You should check them out. Keep posting i try to watch all the cycle touring content. And nobody is right or wrong .

[@WheelsonaBike]

Will do. From what I've seen Scotland is very beautiful, I'm glad people are discovering it through cycle touring. I don't know if you follow Adam Hugill on YT, but him and his girlfriend toured the Hebridean Way in Scotland and that seems to be a popular route. Here's his video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fHTXaKxur5mGfs0. You're a second person to mention the Carradice bags. I've not seen them on bikes here (which doesn't mean they're not used here), but they seem to have a very nice selection of various types of bags available.

[@roberthunter5398]

@@WheelsonaBike thanks. Yes i followed his journeys. But oh my, Iohan was wondrous. Yes i have also cycled the Hebrides. I live next door basically. Thank you for taking the time to converse and i look forward to your next exiting video.

[@WheelsonaBike]

Thank you as well.

[@lienbijs1205]

Here in the Netherlands we have huge news paper delivery paniers (90 liter) made from bisonyl. They are so strong, I guess you'll have panniers for a lifetime. I use them for shopping but also for a biking weekend, picknick and take foldable chairs and table with me, and a crockpot. The Dutch name is : krantenfietstas.

[@WheelsonaBike]

90 liter panniers? Wow! That sounds very big and it's good that they're strong. That's all you really need, something that works in a variety of situations and you don't have to keep replacing. I'll look them up. Update: just looked them up - it's more of a saddlebag design - I like it.

[@glynnburchett5554]

Know what you need to haul before getting bags, sloppy lose fitting bags rip from moving while riding

[@glynnburchett5554]

Water proof vs none,water proof helps but dose not have better organization and dose not let gear breath can mold over on long tours,each one has it's plus ,breath or not , organization vs one bag storage ,vs rain proof or semi water proof, price look at mounting area, don't go to cheep cheep bags bust at stress seam's and bad mounts, need a happy medium

[@WheelsonaBike]

Yes, it's all about identifying the pros and cons for each use case. Thanks for watching and for your thoughts.

[@pjr5913]

i guess bit a of both commuting and touring suffices for homeless

[@WheelsonaBike]

What do you mean?

[@NerdTouchingGrass]

Bike gear is crazy... "this is the budget option" *shows $100 bag*

[@WheelsonaBike]

I know. 🙄 Well, we could always make our own, but that, in my case, would be a total disaster.