Lightweight luggage

[MarkF]

Anybody with a link to lightweight but strong panniers etc?

My Avenir panniers are lovely, but they are heavy, I've realised I don't need extra pockets, on the cover or pannier, I don't even need an aesthetically pleasing design. I only use them to pack up in a morning and stick some food in for lunch.

I'd love to lose, or at least some of, this unnecessary weight, keep thinking panniers made out of building/rubble sack material would be great..........

 

[BigonaBianchi]

they wouldnt last to long methinks...my carradices have inner rubble sacks and they split to easy.

 

[andrew_s]

Rear panniers at 370g the pair

 

[steveindenmark]

I like my Ortileb panniers. I have had them 2 years and they have been kicked and dumped everywhere and they are still like new. They are really tough and waterproof.

Quite expensive but well worth it. In my opinion.

Steve

 

[vernon]

Rear panniers at 370g the pair

Like wooden panniers, they wooden work properly....

There's nearly always a trade off when chasing down weight. I suspect that cuben panniers' durability will not match that of their heavier competitors. My Carradice luggage set is not lightweight but I am confident that it will work out better value than the lightweight stuff over a decade's use.

 

[MarkF]

You are right Vernon, but, I'd be happy to lose the weight for panniers that were not as durable. I don't think I'll ever be able to wear out the ones I've got, so it's not really "value" that I am after. I'd like some with a durable but light material, no zipped extra pockets and with a rear "wall" pocket to insert plastic to retain shape with touring load.

Really, I'd like panniers just like the ones I use but weighing 50% less.

 

[deanE]

I am planning an E2E next spring. Can anyone comment on these OUTEREDGE panniers
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130660231615&ssPageName=ADME:B:WNAFP:GB:1123

 

[bigjim]

No mention of their weight. Only 16L each so pretty small. I use a Carradice rackbag that will take 32L and weighs 300g. I also sometimes use these http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/sjsc-black-hook-on-rear-pannier-bags-prod11550/. They are pretty robust but I'm always looking for a lighter option.

 

[MarkF]

I think I have a set of them Bigjim, bought from Ebay. I don't need the rear pockets and the zips bust quickly anyway, they weigh a lot less than my Avenir's but are not great, if I use them on a sports rack, they have little rear rigidity and tend to curl into the spokes.

 

[middleagecyclist]

Anybody with a link to lightweight but strong panniers etc?

My Avenir panniers are lovely, but they are heavy, I've realised I don't need extra pockets, on the cover or pannier, I don't even need an aesthetically pleasing design. I only use them to pack up in a morning and stick some food in for lunch.

I'd love to lose, or at least some of, this unnecessary weight, keep thinking panniers made out of building/rubble sack material would be great..........

How much do they weigh?

 

[bigjim]

I think I have a set of them Bigjim, bought from Ebay. I don't need the rear pockets and the zips bust quickly anyway, they weigh a lot less than my Avenir's but are not great

Thats a shame. I'm really pleased with mine. I've had no problems with them and they have took a fair bit of bashing about on campsites, bad weather, planes etc. I always put fairy liquid across zips though and of course I've not used them with a sports rack. I got mine from their e-bay site. I think I paid £10 incl P&P.

 

[willem]

http://hyaliteequipment.com/bike-gear/view/ltw-small-pannier- The LTW small pannier. These were previously known as Pacific Outdoor panniers.
They are 1020 grams a pair, for 36 litres capacity. That is a bit less than the 40 litres of a pair of Ortlieb Backrollers, but those are 1900 grams. These are officially front panniers (there are also bigger rear panniers), but I think 36 litres in all should be enough for anyone who is into this kind of weight saving. I have no idea how durable they are, but the fixing stuff is Klickfix, so high quality.
Alternatively, there is the cheaper (about 1500 grams for a set of rear panniers) Ortlieb City Line (but you loose some convenient straps) or the even a bit lighter experimental no frills special edition of the Plus series: http://www.outdoorworks.de/index.php?site=index.html&prod=7337&vid=86748&function=set_lang&lang=en But the LTW small is the lightest one I know. I am tempted to get a pair (mind you, they are usually sold as singles), because almost 900 grams makes rather a big difference. I agree most panniers are ridiculously heavy compared to light sleeping bags, modern mattresses and light tents.
Willem

 

[Crankarm]

Just get fitter and pedal harder.

 

[P.H]

I'm tempted to get the sewing machine out and have a go at making my own, just need a set of old/damaged panniers for the fittings. Weight could be saved by making them to match my rack without the need for adjustment. I reckon the weight would be around 700g plus the weight of the fittings, maybe another 400g, 1.1kg total. The durability probably wouldn't be great, but the cost wouldn't be much and I doubt it would take more than a couple of hours once the pattern was sorted. I think I've found my winter project...

 

[bigjim]

But you can buy a durable pair for a tenner that weigh 1.2kg! I suppose there is a satisfaction in making your own although I would not have the skill or patience. Or the sewing machine. I'm looking forward to seeing the finished product.