One pannier or two?

[TheDoctor]

I'm going against the trend here, because I'd just use one.
I'm doing Hadrian's Wall in a few weeks, and I'm planning on travelling as light as I possibly can.
Having two half-full panniers just means more temptation to take heavy 'just-in-case' stuff.
Admittedly, I do draw the line at doing a Reacher and only taking a folding toothbrush. Just about.

 

[KneesUp]

If you take one and the clips snap you’ll be annoyed you didn’t bring the other. Plus as others have said it makes it more balanced and means it’s easier to find stuff.

 

[Pale Rider]

Far more important than any practical consideration is that a single pannier is a significant breach of touring cycling etiquette.

But if you must, put it on the right - off -side because it will give you a little more road presence from behind.

 

[mudsticks]

Speaking of panniers.
I've just taken delivery of these two beauties from UPSO

Made from recycled lorry tarps.
Waterproof, hi - vis and funky to look at.

They even match the orange detailing on my bike.

Supersmart..

 

[Crankarm]

View attachment 475708

Speaking of panniers.
I've just taken delivery of these two beauties from UPSO

Made from recycled lorry tarps.
Waterproof, hi - vis and funky to look at.

They even match the orange detailing on my bike.

Supersmart..

Lorry tarps have PVC in them don't they?

 

[mudsticks]

Lorry tarps have PVC in them don't they?

Probably.

I'm not intending to eat them, or live in them though, so should probs be OK.

 

[Ming the Merciless]

Just to play devils advocate I'd say take three panniers and a bag for life.

 

[snorri]

I have toured with two, but only once, it was four for every tour after that.
I can't imagine how you can cram everything in to one pannier
Definitely take two, you never know what you might find along the way and would wish to take home.

 

[Floating Bombus]

View attachment 475708

Speaking of panniers.
I've just taken delivery of these two beauties from UPSO

Made from recycled lorry tarps.
Waterproof, hi - vis and funky to look at.

They even match the orange detailing on my bike.

Supersmart..

Those are brilliant! Well, at least they look good and, as they're a Carradice project, it's probably safe to assume the quality is tough too. And they'll be unique...

 

[Floating Bombus]

You can fit more cake in two.

Wise words.

 

[MontyVeda]

Far more important than any practical consideration is that a single pannier is a significant breach of touring cycling etiquette.

But if you must, put it on the right - off -side because it will give you a little more road presence from behind.

etiquette schmetiquette

 

[mudsticks]

Those are brilliant! Well, at least they look good and, as they're a Carradice project, it's probably safe to assume the quality is tough too. And they'll be unique...

I reckon they would survive a nuclear attack.

Plus, could come in handy as a floatation device if I ride into a canal..

 

[All uphill]

Now you have that advice, are you going to share your tour plans? Lots of help and advice on here if you need it

I live in Somerset and am in Winchester tonight, heading for Guildford tomorrow to stay with my sister.

Shaftesbury to Salisbury this morning was fabulous. Chandler's Ford to Winchester during the school run less so.

 

[All uphill]

You can fit more cake in two.

I'm convinced. Though I'd probably fill the space with tools. A wheel truing stand might be handy en route.

 

[All uphill]

Two panniers evenly loaded makes a bike easier to walk along with holding the saddle or stem when necessary. One heavy pannier means the bike always wants to fall away from or towards you and you have to actively hold it upright, which is tedious. Share the weight left/right and the bike is much more pleasant to use.

If you take one and the clips snap you’ll be annoyed you didn’t bring the other. Plus as others have said it makes it more balanced and means it’s easier to find stuff.

Now you've given me something new to worry about! Oh well only 50ish miles to go