Recommended Pannier Bags?

[Morrolan]

Hi all,

I've decided that this year is going to be the year of the bicycle. Rather than drive to a site (or land I have permission to use), I have decided to connect a little more with the world, and use a combination of trains and bicycle to get to my usual haunts.

As such, I'm looking at using a combination of panniers with a lighter-weight and smaller rucksack, rather than carrying 20kg's on my back as I'm cycling.

I was wondering if anyone can recommend pannier bags that are suitable for bushcraft use.

Some of the criteria are:

* Must carry 40 litres + between them
* Must be waterproof or include rain covers
* Must be fairly sturdy and not easily rippable
* Mustn't be bright or gaudy colours
* Mustn't be in DPM


Many thanks in advance all,

Morrolan

 

[Dark Horse Dave]

Well they're not cheap, but I think Ortlieb Classics will be your best bet (http://www.ortliebpanniers.co.uk/). I started off with cheaper panniers, and of course, ended up having to buy decent ones after a very short time.

Ours (Mrs DHD and I use one set between us) have lasted for at least 5 years now, and are as tough as old boots - certainly strong enough to be regularly (over) loaded. I believe they meet your criteria admirably!

Hope that helps

 

[Morrolan]

They look great - you are right in that they are expensive, but may be the better deal in the long run.

Cheers,
Morrolan

 

[steved1969]

Again, not cheap but something like Kreiga bags would do the trick, two US-20's would suit your needs. They are designed for motorcycle use to be strapped to the seat rather than as specific panniers, but it would be easy enough to mount them as panniers. They are waterproof and pretty much indestructible.

http://www.kriega.com/categories/Bike-packs/

 

[mrcharly]

Carradice

Buy British!

No, seriously, everything made by Carradice is made well.

 

[ex member coconino]

Ortleib or Carradice. I use Ortleib because of a personal preference for the roll-top closure. Something to consider is whether to get ones which can double as a day pack, both Ortleib and Carradice do these. If you can buy them singly, get one standard pannier and one backpack panner.

 

[marooned]

I've got a lovely vintage Carradice rack pack in green. Love the look of it. I use two side panniers for most of my touring which is more than enough. Gotta keep it lightweight otherwise you end up pulling wheelies with all the weight on the back. I'm not sure what make mine are. If you want something cheap, keep an eye out at Lidl...I haven't got any personal experience of them, but most of their cycling kit is excellent quality at low cost. Most seem to come with rain covers.

 

[pastymuncher]

Ortleib are very popular and have a very good reputation.
Carradice are very good also, plus they're British.

However if you want a really classy looking pannier then take a look at these, don't look at the price though:yikes:
http://www.brooksengland.com/en/Sho...bags+&+accoutrements&prod=DEVON+Rear+Panniers

 

[big_swede]

Carradice (I have a camper long flap which I really love) or Gilles Berthoud.

 

[lab72]

Or these http://www.frostriver.com/bike_bags/hwy1_panniers.html

 

[Paul_B]

Two mentioned (Carradice = Bolton made IIRC and Ortleib = large German company probably made in Asia but still one of the best pieces of kit) are both very good and hard to beat. I also think Altura (a bike clothing and equipment manufacturer) also do some pretty good panniers at a slightly cheaper price than Ortleib and Carradice I think. They are also available in a highly visible and reflective pannier that is excellent for commuting. If you are going to be cycling off early or late in the day when it could be low in light then being visible is a good thing. That is why you often get reflective bits and like one of the Altura panniers fully reflective and hi-viz all around the visible parts of the pannier. Afterall you can be missed when seen from the front, back or sides so better to get 190 degrees visibility on each pannier. I know that is against your gaudy colours but better safe and visible than discrete on a bike at times. You can always cover it if you need to stash the bike and panniers at the destination.

 

[TREETOP]

Carradice

Buy British!

No, seriously, everything made by Carradice is made well.

Yep i'll second that absolute bombproof stuff i've had some super c's for over 20 years and still going strong think they will out live me. Here's there web site http://www.carradice.co.uk/home

 

[TREETOP]

Two mentioned (Carradice = Bolton made IIRC and Ortleib = large German company probably made in Asia but still one of the best pieces of kit) are both very good and hard to beat. I also think Altura (a bike clothing and equipment manufacturer) also do some pretty good panniers at a slightly cheaper price than Ortleib and Carradice I think. They are also available in a highly visible and reflective pannier that is excellent for commuting. If you are going to be cycling off early or late in the day when it could be low in light then being visible is a good thing. That is why you often get reflective bits and like one of the Altura panniers fully reflective and hi-viz all around the visible parts of the pannier. Afterall you can be missed when seen from the front, back or sides so better to get 190 degrees visibility on each pannier. I know that is against your gaudy colours but better safe and visible than discrete on a bike at times. You can always cover it if you need to stash the bike and panniers at the destination.

Carradice are made in Nelson lancs

 

[Paul_B]

My mistake but its still just round the corner. Should have known that being from Blackburn. Could have cycled there to the factory. Used tyo cycle to thee old Karrimor factory that part of the world. used to sell all sorts there cheaply. Could get their top price sack for a third of the market price as factory seconds. One I saw still came with lifetime gold guarantee (mate still sends his back to be repaired under it all the time and its 25 plus years old) and what was wrong with it?? One strap had three rows of bar tacking instead of the two it should have had. Was actually stronger but they still took 2/3 rds off the price.

 

[ged]

I've had a pair of Karrimor panniers on my touring bike for well nigh thirty years and they're still fine. They had plastic clips to clip them to the rack, they broke off fairly early on and I lashed something up with cord. So they aren't exactly quick release any more but they still work. You can get them (or the later equivalents I guess) for under thirty quid on the auction sites.

The problem I've found with loading lots of stuff into panniers is that you can put a lot of stress on the back end of the bike if you're not careful, especially on high pressure tyres. I've broken a few rear axles and even buckled a wheel, but I suppose spread over about thirty thousand miles that's not too bad. My wife has both front and rear panniers on her touring bike (Dawes bike, can't remember the make of the panniers off hand and she's asleep in bed right now). Spreading the weight like that makes a lot of sense to me, but the price of them didn't so I've stuck with just the rear ones. I get a very sweaty back if I carry a rucksack on a bike so I try not to do it. I'd rather tow a trailer, years ago I made one for cross-channel camping trips and it can carry a huge load compared to the panniers. You don't really notice much drag on the flat but when you get to the hills it starts to make itself felt.

 

[deej517]

Hi
I use Altura 56 litre rear panniers for longer distance and extended trips but use a combination of 20 litre and 40 litre sets by Halfords, have been using them commuting most days to work for the last 10 years, not waterproof but you can get drysac liners. They only cost me £30 and I thought they would last a few years and then upgrade but they are still going strong. I use a Dawes Galaxy for touring using front and rear bags to spread load, on roads large panniers not a problem, off road on the mountain bike I use smaller panniers and a small rucksack and am very economical with loading. So if considering panniers start with Aldi's or Lidle their gear is cheap but hard wearing and will give you opportunity to test suitability. Everyone will have their favourite setup, beg borrow or s###l and find what suits you.
Good luck

 

[locum76]

Every bit as good as Ortlieb and half the price

 

[ex member coconino]

Ortleib are very popular and have a very good reputation.
Carradice are very good also, plus they're British.

However if you want a really classy looking pannier then take a look at these, don't look at the price though:yikes:
http://www.brooksengland.com/en/Sho...bags+&+accoutrements&prod=DEVON+Rear+Panniers

The great advantage of the Ortleib bags is that they're flexible enough to take bulky or odd-shaped loads, the Brooks panniers look smart but I reckon they're the cycling equivalent of a briefcase or cabin luggage.

 

[ex member coconino]

Every bit as good as Ortlieb and half the price

I think the roll top of the Ortlieb beats that flap for practicality, and a pair of Ortliebs will cost less than £80 new, you just have to shop around a bit. I've seen them for £65/pair recently.

 

[locum76]

The Edinburgh Bike Coop ones have a roll top inside the flap, and the flap has a pocket so nyerr nyerr.