panniers, bar bags, rack bags

[Ben M]

It seems to be a veritable minefield, and I've read a few threads on it, but haven't really gotten anywhere.

I'm doing a 10-14 day tour (bristol to strasbourg) this summer.

Luggage wise, I'm gonna go for rear panniers, a handlebar bag and a rack bag.

Obviously I want as much space as possible, and not spend more than I need to.

What are your thoughts on Alutra? Specifically their dryline range. They seem to be the largest capacity (56litres rear pannier capacity)

panniers:
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/altura/dryline-56-pannier-ec008428

rack bag:
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/altura/dryline-rack-pack-ec008431
/ a cheaper arran one, but not waterproof:
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/altura/arran-rack-pack-ec008440

handlebar bag:
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/altura/dryline-bar-bag-ec008430

Is there any other luggage (preferably waterproof, but a rain cover would do) that has such large rear panniers? I'm not that bothered about it all being matching.

With rack bags, would it not be almost as easy (and cheaper) to just get a normal bag of some description and bungee/tape it to the top of the rack?

 

[BalkanExpress]

It seems to be a veritable minefield, and I've read a few threads on it, but haven't really gotten anywhere.

I'm doing a 10-14 day tour (bristol to strasbourg) this summer.

Luggage wise, I'm gonna go for rear panniers, a handlebar bag and a rack bag.

Obviously I want as much space as possible, and not spend more than I need to.

What are your thoughts on Alutra? Specifically their dryline range. They seem to be the largest capacity (56litres rear pannier capacity)

panniers:
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/altura/dryline-56-pannier-ec008428

rack bag:
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/altura/dryline-rack-pack-ec008431
/ a cheaper arran one, but not waterproof:
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/altura/arran-rack-pack-ec008440

handlebar bag:
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/altura/dryline-bar-bag-ec008430

Is there any other luggage (preferably waterproof, but a rain cover would do) that has such large rear panniers? I'm not that bothered about it all being matching.

With rack bags, would it not be almost as easy (and cheaper) to just get a normal bag of some description and bungee/tape it to the top of the rack?

Ben

I picked up the Altura Fusion barbag from Evans for £29.99 down from £49.99. Not used it in anger yet but it looks well enough made. On the descriptions alone I don't see any reason to spend the extra £20 on the Dryline.

 

[Joe]

For the bar bag you might want to take a look at the DHB Marsden (http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/dhb_Marsden_Bar_Bag/5360033202/).
Half the price of the Altura, fully waterproof and with a larger capacity.
I bought one for my LEJOG in the summer and whilst I've not used it yet it seems really well made, with a solid fitting mechanism etc.

 

[oscarplu]

I have the Altura Dryline, the are excellent. They stay completely dry in heavy rain unlike other panniers i have used!!

 

[summerdays]

I've used a dry sack on the rack between two panniers, just to keep a couple of things I wanted easy access to, which worked fine - this year I've bought a bar bag instead.

 

[Ben M]

I have the Altura Dryline, the are excellent. They stay completely dry in heavy rain unlike other panniers i have used!!

It would seem that they are the ones to go for then, thanks.

Ben

I picked up the Altura Fusion barbag from Evans for £29.99 down from £49.99. Not used it in anger yet but it looks well enough made. On the descriptions alone I don't see any reason to spend the extra £20 on the Dryline.

Sound, I kinda just put the dryline as it was matching, I won't be buying from Evans, so hopefully either that one or the DHB Marsden vvv will be in stock at the shop that I'm buying from.

For the bar bag you might want to take a look at the DHB Marsden (http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/dhb_Marsden_Bar_Bag/5360033202/).
Half the price of the Altura, fully waterproof and with a larger capacity.
I bought one for my LEJOG in the summer and whilst I've not used it yet it seems really well made, with a solid fitting mechanism etc.

The other thing was guys, what are thoughts about rack bags, would a normal bag (obviously of a suitable size) lashed to the rack be just as good?

 

[longers]

I've had a pair of Dryline panniers for several years now. They're not Waterproof anymore but that's solved by using rubble sacks as liners but they were good for a couple of years. If buying again I'd look at the DHB waterproof panniers from Wiggle instead.

I've not used a rack pack but the advantage I can see of one of them over a normal bag lashed to the rack is you will still have easy access into the rack pack whereas the lashing might restrict your entry into the normal bag.

When I've been loaded up I've kept the top of the rack free for carrying the tent and sleeping mat strapped direct, in a rubble sack again.

 

[Ben M]

I've had a pair of Dryline panniers for several years now. They're not Waterproof anymore but that's solved by using rubble sacks as liners but they were good for a couple of years. If buying again I'd look at the DHB waterproof panniers from Wiggle instead.

I've not used a rack pack but the advantage I can see of one of them over a normal bag lashed to the rack is you will still have easy access into the rack pack whereas the lashing might restrict your entry into the normal bag.

When I've been loaded up I've kept the top of the rack free for carrying the tent and sleeping mat strapped direct, in a rubble sack again.

Important stuff that I may need in a hurry will be in my handlebar bag, so the access thing won't be a real issue. As for camping stuff, i shotgunned not so I'm not the one taking the tent

It's annoying that wiggle is down atm, but I will look at the DHB range when it's up again.

 

[Crankarm]

First loads has been written on panniers as you can imagine. I just did a search using panniers and loads came up, sorry about the pun.

One thing you don't mention is your budget. If price is of no consideration then my preference is for the ultra durable 100% waterproof Vaude Aqua Plus for the rear which can carry a huge amount if you so wish. Better to travel light though.

http://www.vaude.com/epages/Vaude-d...ps/Vaude/Products/15134/SubProducts/151340310

List of shops to inspect and buy:

http://vaude.co.uk/stockists.php

or on-line (never used them):

http://www.actionoutdoors.co.uk/sho....html?osCsid=48b4fba7f9819d9aedbc8f7ab9bfa5d1

They aren't cheap but they are the best, even better IMHO than Ortlieb Roller Classic panniers which are also made in Germany and which I have a set of.

If you buy these you won't need to buy another pannier. Mine are a year old and have been used every day in all weathers and they still scrub up as new . Buying cheaper is a false economy IMHO. You only have to buy more when they fall apart or start leaking. The Vaude have several years warranty as well 3 or 4 I think maybe even 5 years. Will dig out the booklet which came with them.

I had Altura Orkneys a few years ago. Good panniers but they weren't 100% waterproof which was frustrating. When it pours you have to put yellow covers on which aren't 100% waterproof themselves. As I say I also have Ortlieb Roller Classics as well which are good but the Vaude Aqua Plusses are better as they have a waterproof side pocket and anti theft device hooks to stop the panniers being taken off the rack if you leave it for a moment. It happens. Also they are more robust. For serious touring and will last a long time.

 

[JohnRedcoRn]

I got a pair of ortlieb classic rollers ; to be fair they were a xmas present and if i had to buy a lot of gear at once for a long trip like you say, i'd worry about the cost implications. Good value in the long run but unfortunately we live in the now and for many folks, false economy may be the only one they can afford.
I wouldnt mind improvising if i had to ; i have a rack pack i could add to the two panniers, its not waterproof(after an hour or two anyway), but i wouldnt mind wrapping a bin liner around it with bungee cords if i had to. in fact i used to simply put my waterproof jacket in a plastic carrier bag and bungee it to the rack before i got my panniers

 

[Ben M]

Price isn't a massive issue, but capacity is. The alutra dryline panniers are the same price as those vaude or ortileb ones ones, but the alutra are bigger. So I am definitely leaning towards the alutra ones at the moment.

 

[Lazy-Commuter]

I have the bar bag, and use it for my commute. The Klik-Fix mounting thing seems very sturdy and it's dead easy to get on and off the bike. It's also easy to reach into when on the bike (well, if you're stopped! ) and the carry strap is useful for, er, carrying it off the bike.

It's stood up to a few real downpours on the commute but then I suppose that's only for 30 minutes or so at a time .. dunno how good it would be in prolonged rain.

 

[JohnRedcoRn]

Price isn't a massive issue, but capacity is. The
alutra dryline panniers are the same price as those vaude or ortileb ones ones, but the alutra are bigger. So I am definitely leaning towards the alutra ones at the moment.

for me it was a very close thing between the altura drylines and the ortliebs - ortliebs on reputation of being 100% waterproof and durable, altura because i like the lighter weight and convenience of the handy external pockets. Then when i got the ortliebs it turns out theyve started putting a sort of internal pocket set up inside them anyway

 

[Cockney Scot]

Just got a set of Ortlieb front roller clasics. very pleased with them and the y have internal pockets. Added bonus I can use them on the rear when I dont need the large Ortlieb Packer plus rears.

 

[pinkkaz]

Just to let you know I ordered the Altura Drylines from Ribble yesterday and they are only £66 on there with free postage.