One pannier or two?

[All uphill]

I'm new to touring and have a dilemma.

I can get everything (just) in one pannier, but would it be better to have two, each half full?

Advice gratefully received.

 

[Slick]

Everyone will have their own take but for me 1 is okay for commuting but 2 half full would be better for touring.

 

[uphillstruggler]

I'm new to touring and have a dilemma.

I can get everything (just) in one pannier, but would it be better to have two, each half full?

Advice gratefully received.

Two, I like balance

There’s also space for food,water, bad weather kit etc

I suppose it depends on how long you go for and how little kit you carry.

Are you camping/b & b?

 

[mudsticks]

Two for sure..

Makes for better balance evens out effect of sidewinds etc.

I usually use four smallish ones, and tent on the back rack.

Load is better balanced.

I rarely take more than 14 kg total

(including food and water and camping kit)
But I like to have it all. evenly distributed.. Plus it makes it easier to find things..

I guess if you've not got camping kit you can take a lot less again.

 

[the snail]

Doesn't make much difference, but having the load evenly puts less strain on the frame. A saddlebag might be a good option if you're traveling light.

 

[Lozz360]

Two definitely. I'd worry I would cycle round in circles.

 

[SkipdiverJohn]

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.

 

[steveindenmark]

You can fit more cake in two.

 

[raleighnut]

I'd always go for a pair.

 

[All uphill]

Thanks all for the advice.

 

[uphillstruggler]

Thanks all for the advice.

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

 

[Drago]

I'd always go for a pair.

We've heard this about you.

 

[ianrauk]

1 for commuting.
2 for touring

 

[MichaelW2]

It is always useful to have a bit of extra room in touring panniers for food etc.

 

[MontyVeda]

Always makes me laugh when people worry about balancing with one pannier... unless you can't ride a bicycle without stabilisers, you'll be fine with one heavy pannier.

However, if touring, I'd take two, then there's room for the 4pack of tinnies, some wine and all those irresistible souvenirs.