Touring Panniers

[mcshroom]

Hi everyone,

I've just got a front rack for Christmas, and I'm now considering bags for getting ready for cycle camping. My current (rear) panniers are the heavy Halfords Hardcase things so I may be looking at a complete set of 4.

I've had a look in the search but not found anything that really covers this, so I was wondering; What sort of bags do you use? and does anyone have any suggestions for features to look for?

I'm currently looking at a set of Carradice Carraduras but I'm not fixed on anything yet. Budget is reasonable rather than absolute top end as I will also be lugging shopping around in them, unless you lot persuade me they are worth it.

Thanks

 

[Gareth]

I have 2 pairs of these panniers; My link they are cheap, robust, and very versitile. Mine are now over 18 months old and have been used on a regular weekly basis. Using all four at once, I have carried in execess of 50 KG between them on shopping and utility trips, and I have used them on a couple of week long camping trips managing to get all the required gear into them with the exception of tent, which was strapped to the top of the rack. Do not be put off by their low cost as the material, stitching, mounting clips and retaining hooks are all up to the job in hand. The internal lining is also good and waterproof, again causing me no problems, infact all I have ever done to the pannier bags is to clean mud and road crud off them.

 

[HelenD123]

I took Altura Fusion rear panniers touring for six months and didn't have any problems with them. They were very waterproof. The new versions have an outside pocket which would be really useful for keeping tools, suncream etc on hand. It's a small detail, but I loved having the loop on the side to hang a rear light from. You don't get this on Ortlieb panniers.

 

[willem]

I like Ortlieb classic rolltop panniers. Their city line is cheaper and lighter.
Willem

 

[asterix]

Carradice. Brilliant.

 

[Gerry Attrick]

EBC are currently selling Vaude front panniers at half price, a shade under £30. The pair I bought look absolutely fine, and at that price you can't go far wrong.

 

[Telemark]

I have these from Edinburgh Bicycle Coop and have been very happy with them. Waterproof and durable (have had them for a couple of years now).
Currently in the sale £56 rather than £70 for a pair of rear panniers....
They are not the biggest rear panniers out there, but that just stops you from over-loading the bike

T

 

[Danny]

I have these from Edinburgh Bicycle Coop and have been very happy with them. Waterproof and durable (have had them for a couple of years now).
Currently in the sale £56 rather than £70 for a pair of rear panniers....
They are not the biggest rear panniers out there, but that just stops you from over-loading the bike

T

I bought a pair in the EBC sale last year, and have also been really happy with them.

However in my case I've had no difficulty cramming too much stuff into them

 

[mcshroom]

HI everyone and thanks for the replies. Those do look like good bags Telemark, and the size is good as I'm not worried about massive capacity as much as being able to distribute the weight better around the bike (I put enough weight on the back wheel myself without the luggage ).

I've also seen these as front panniers that look good.

Are the fully waterproof bags better than the normal ones? I'm used to wrapping everything in plastic bags before packing when I go hiking so I would normally not worry too much about the outer bag being waterproof.

 

[HelenD123]

Do you know what front and rear racks you'll be using? Just thought I'd mention it as not all racks and panniers are compatible. If you've already got the racks make sure the panniers will fit them.