The best panniers in the world (probably.)

[BlackPanther]

Every once in a while I buy something that exceeds my expectations (unfortunately I seem to make far more purchases of crap.) Last week I bought some Ortlieb backroller rear panniers. I was sick of having to put my work clothes/gear, and waterproofs etc into plastic bags (to keep them waterproof), and then squashing everything into my old panniers. These Ortliebs are amazing. They're very light, roll down so they don't look too big, but when not rolled down are so massive that I only fill one 3/4 full and the other a 1/4 full! And after last weeks torrential downpours I can confirm that they are indeed 100% waterproof! They have an inside loose pocket, a zip pocket, and a clever rear catch to hold the bottom of the panniers against the rack. They're quick release so I've tie wrapped them on for a bit of security, and I went for the high viz/bright yellow version. These are more expensive, but from the reviews I've read, should last me a lifetime. Talking of reading reviews, I struggled to find these for sale in this country, and this was due to the fact that, like a Muppet I was searching for 'Ortileb' panniers, instead of Ortlieb. Doh.


They're not cheap (£100 for the high viz-£65 for 'normal' colours, and £55 for the smaller 'front' panniers) but believe me, it takes a really good product for me to harp on about it! I'm a happy chappiie.

 

[Moodyman]

You see I'm the opposite. I bought some Ortliebs and returned them. Sure they are excellent quality and looked very watertight, but I didn't like the one cavernous element. I like small pockets for wallet, keys, etc and in the Ortliebs one would have to rummage around. So I bought some Carradice and whilst they're not 100% waterproof they're mighty close. Been in some wet rides in 2012 and no wet/damp contents

 

[slowmotion]

I bought some Ortlieb Back Roller Classics about four years ago. They are totally bomb-proof. Why piddle about with panniers that are "almost" waterproof?

 

[fatblokish]

I too have ortliebs. They are great, but have found that over time they become a haven for fluff balls, old cake crumbs, paperclips and more. I may have to cut a drainage hole in the bottom of each to allow this detritus to disperse

 

[summerdays]

I've had mine for 4 plus years now!!! Heavily abused and still going strong - though I'm starting to have problems with the attachment points - however you can buy spares (or it might just be a case of spending 5 mins tightening everything). The only time anything has ever become wet in there is when I put my drink bottle in there without closing it. Then you do have to empty everything out as the liquid will just stay in there.

Didn't know you could get a hi-vis version!!!

 

[fossyant]

Currently using a Topeak MTX bag which are popular, but have been thinking of the front roller classics or city's, as they are smaller than the back rollers, and still fit the rear. I would need to come up with another light solution as I have some lights secured to the Topeak, hence not wanting to change.

 

[BlackPanther]

but I didn't like the one cavernous element. I like small pockets for wallet, keys, etc

I stuff my work clothes/snap in one pannier, and the other has my waterproofs etc, so the 'cavernous element' works well for me. But you're right, most panniers have a small outside pocket and I think that's the only thing missing form the Ortliebs. That's where I used to keep my house/work keys on my old panniers, but I have a small triangle frame bag for those so it doesn't bother me much.

Didn't know you could get a hi-vis version!!!

I think the hi-vis is new this year. Unfortunately, that's why you can't get them cheaper yet.[/quote]

 

[MontyVeda]

After reading god knows how many reviews a year or so ago... I finally settled on ortlieb (front roller plus). Worth every penny and only about £7 more per pannier than 'the next best thing'... cant recall what the 'next best' was, but a couple reviews stating 'weak plastic catches' put me off. Every element of the ortliebs is quality, I reckon they'll outlive me.

 

[Crankarm]

I have a set of the Hi-Viz bright yellow Ortlieb Roller Classics to sell, almost as new, in fact they are pretty much new, with only a few marks on them. If any one wants them then I'll do you a good price. They are only taking up space in my stair cupboard. They come with nicely cut carpet inserts to protect the inner of the bag when carrying heavier items with edges such as tins, boxes of cereal, files or books but they haven't carried any of these. Reason I am selling is I bought some Vaude Aquas at pretty much the same time which although considerably heavier as they have a solid plastic back I get on with them a lot better. So make me an offer. I think I still have the box for the front roller classics and all the straps etc. I think I got them from Cyclesurgery in London.

 

[SatNavSaysStraightOn]

Love my Ortliebs as well. thought they are not indestrucable - my OH has proven that theory.
it is worth checking the tightness of screws from time to time - we have lost a few that way whilst on tour (think 12 month tour lots of dirt/gravel tracks so plenty of abuse including 1 attempt by my OH to cycle through a bridge rather than round it!).

...But you're right, most panniers have a small outside pocket and I think that's the only thing missing form the Ortliebs. That's where I used to keep my house/work keys on my old panniers, but I have a small triangle frame bag for those so it doesn't bother me much.

You can get pockets for them, both standard and mesh pockets as well as water bottle holders... we have the larger pockets set up for my husbands rear panniers (for on tour) as can be seen in the picture and whilst I did not like the idea of puncturing the waterproofness to add pockets, they have been like that for nearly a year now with no issues. (Apologies, not the most obvious picture, if someone wants a better one let me know and I'll fish everything out and photo it...)