Looking for a bike pannier can be tricky. You wouldn’t know how it will perform unless you try it for yourself.
The good news is, I had the same struggle over the years and have compiled a list of bike panniers that have performed well.
In this list, you’ll find a list of bicycle panniers and what you have to look for when making your purchase.
Table of Contents
TLDR – Top Pick
The best bike panniers for cross country traveling is the BV Bike bag bicycle panniers while for daily commute, the TOURBON canvas bicycle pannier comes as my top pick.
Last update on 2024-04-25 at 01:48 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Last update on 2024-04-25 at 01:48 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
What to Consider Before Buying a Pannier
As with any product, there are factors you need to consider before purchasing them. In this case panniers are no exception. These are offered in different sizes and shape but there are factors you can look into with every bag.
Single vs Dual Sided Panniers
With a dual-sided pannier, you are likely to obtain (obviously) two times as much storage space.
You’ll find, of course, downsides to double-sided panniers. Twice the gear requires two times the weight. If you have no intention of making use of the extra luggage, why get a second pannier?
Particularly it will widen your bike’s profile, requiring you to pay much more attention when passing objects and executing turns.
While single-sided panniers might be just the right for you it produces a balance issue. The extra weight on one side is going to throw your stability off but shouldn’t pose as a huge problem.
Pannier Capacity
When looking at capacity, you’ll find a relatively wide range of sizes out there. Bike pannier’s capacity varies from close to 20 liters and as much as 50 liters for sizes that are large.
Bigger sizes of above 30 liters are typically attained through dual panniers. Take into account what you need and how you’ll use the panniers.
Pockets
Panniers offer different amounts of organizational ability.
Some panniers provide outside spaces for smaller products you want to access. These’re all practical features but always keep in your mind that pockets likewise often compromise the bag’s capacity to withstand water.
Search for any pannier which fits your requirements while simultaneously providing the weatherproofing you need.
Bike Rack Compatibility
When thinking about what panniers to purchase, ensure you look at the compatibility and how they attach to your bike. Some bike racks are compatible with most panniers.
In case you are purchasing a rack as well as panniers, choose a matching set.
Pannier Materials
Generally, there used to be a period when waterproofing your panniers suggested putting the gear in bags that are plastic.
Things have changed since then. You can now find panniers that are waterproof.
Search for bags like BV bike bags that feature water-resistant material, welded seams, and covered zippers.
Some only offer water resistant materials which can protect your belongings from splashes and slight drizzles. Now brands are including rain covers for those who are in areas that encounters heavy rains and downpours.
Versatility
Some panniers provide a selection of versatility like doubling in place to be a shoulder bag or perhaps backpack. Oftentimes your bike will not pull right at your final stop. You will have to park your bike and walk a bit.
In these instances, it is beneficial to have panniers that transform into backpacks, enabling easy transfer from cycling to walking.
7 Best Bicycle Panniers Reviewed
Among the drawbacks to bike commuting is definitely the minimal space, that is exactly why biking gear has progressed to supply you for optimizing space. Among the most widely used biking add-ons, bicycle panniers, are now a common gear. Listed below are the best panniers I have tried and tested.
1. Gonex Upgrade Bicycle Panniers
Key Features
- Made of 900D PVC
- Up to 27L capacity
- Features triangular attach system
Tough, waterproof, and quickly repairable, Gonex bags are popular travelers and commuters.
Made of hard 900D waterproof material, the bags is strongly water resistant. It features a wider opening at the top allowing you to reach into the bag with ease. .
Supported by a triangular hooking system, The bag can be adjusted and fixed without bouncing during the ride. It comes with inner pockets along with shoulder straps and handles, the Gonex panniers are a great addition to your adventure.
Pros
- Can fit backpacks that carry 15 inch laptops
- Comes with reflective strap for visibility
- Fully waterproof
Cons
- The rivet can break when hitting a small bump
Last update on 2024-04-25 at 01:48 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
2. Roswheel Bicycle Expedition Touring Cam Pannier
Key Features
- Made of 1000D reinforced polyester
- Up to 37L capacity
- Features a detachable top bag
Roswheel creates an enormous variety of cycling gear. With an enormous 37 liter capacity split between several pockets this bag is ideal for organized trips.
Their pannier showcases an angled bag design making sure you still have ample pedaling space and avoids any heel from hitting the bags. The logo is designed with reflective materials-which I find genius as you’re adding visibility and marketing their product.
The top bag comes detachable which is useful for placing any essentials and I can go ahead and grab without hauling the whole bag.
Pros
- Lots of storage
- Easy to mount and dismount
- Handy pockets
Cons
- Not great with water splashes from the bottom
- Water resistant but not waterproof
Last update on 2024-04-25 at 01:48 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
3. Ibera Bicycle Bag All Weather Bike Panniers
Key Features
- Made of 1680D nylon
- Up to 30L capacity
- Features a quick clip and release function
Ibera comes with a smaller capacity compared to the other models. Hanging off of a strong aluminum rail, the Quick Clip fitting allows secure and also fast fixing towards the bike.
Their waxed nylon construction may not be as water-resistant, though it is quickly fixed with the rain cover included with the panniers.
Pros
- Perfect for a quick grocery run
- Can hold a full sized laptop
Cons
- Doesn’t have shoulder straps
- The reflective trim is too small and would need to add tail lights
Last update on 2024-04-25 at 01:48 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
4. BV Bike Bag Bicycle Panniers
Key Features
- Made of 600D polyester and 1000D Cordura
- Up to 26L capacity
- Features rigid back panel and bungee hooks for mounting
These panniers represent fantastic value for money. Their dry bag style construction utilizes a hard 600D polyester with an angled pocket design. Despite not being waterproof, the rigid back panel makes up for it as I don’t have to struggle mounting the bags.
Looking at the cost it is wonderful to see BV offering large pockets. The reflective strip makes it easy for cycling during the night. The zippers are reasonably made and not those flimsy types that break off.
Pros
- Can easily attach and remove from your bike
- Generous space and can fit a week load of grocery
- Bungee cords are a bonus to hold 2 liter bottles
Cons
- Not entirely waterproof but can be remedied by waterproofing spray
Last update on 2024-04-25 at 01:48 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
5. ROCKBROS Bike Rack Bag Trunk Pannier
Key Features
- Made of carbon composite leather
- Up to 35L capacity
- Features foldable capacity
The Rockbros pannier changes to a sling bag in seconds. The bag offers top and side pockets for maximum storage. Despite the foldable pockets, I’m surprised with how much you can put in there.
The rear side bags are easy to take in and out-you don’t have to worry about spending extra minutes of folding them up. Showerproof and even good looking, the bag comes with a rain cover to protect your belongings.
Pros
- You can stow away the rear bags when not needed
- Great for short commutes
Cons
- Velcro attachment is not compatible with every bike
- Zippers get easily worn out
Last update on 2024-04-25 at 01:48 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
6. Roswheel Essential Series Convertible Bike Pannier
Key Features
- Made with 300D polyester and PU leather
- Up to 7L capacity
- Features multi-function bag
If you’re looking for a small bag that can take the load of your back and easily attach it to your bike then the essential series from Roswheel is the perfect fit. It has a multi-function feature allowing you to change from a trunk bag to a shoulder bag within seconds.
Using velcro strips, you can easily attach the bag to your bike without the use of tools. The bag itself is not too big so don’t expect to fit your helmet but it does hold up pretty well.
Pros
- Perfect for those short commutes
- Holds its shape even when empty
Cons
- Zippers can easily break
Last update on 2024-04-25 at 01:48 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
7. TOURBON Waterproof Canvas Bicycle Pannier
Key Features
- Made of waxed waterproof canvas
- Features snap close straps
- Include shoulder straps
Available in three classic colors and covered in waxed waterproof canvas, these panniers are fashioned to help keep both you and your stuff secure when out on the highways.Making use of snap close straps, they are both quick to attach as well as secure your belongings.
The panniers themselves are waterproof and each weighs just 1.2 kilograms. I was genuinely surprised with how sturdy these are considering I purchased them because of their aesthetic appeal.
Pros
- Perfect for running errands or storage
- After years of use, it still gets the job done
Cons
- Doesn’t hold its shape well
Last update on 2024-04-25 at 01:48 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Which Is Best?
When it comes to panniers, two bags are on top of my list. For travelling cross country I would highly recommend BV Bike Bag Bicycle Panniers. I have absolutely no qualms and have found the bag has completed my cycling experience. The side zippers have made it easy to access any stuff I need without the need to unbuckle the bag. Even if I go over the weight capacity for groceries, I can manage everything inside without a problem.
For daily commute I highly suggest the TOURBON Waterproof Canvas Bicycle Pannier. At first I was very attracted to its classic aesthetic and impulsively bought it. I was genuinely surprised with how it performed and very happy that I have used it for daily commutes. The compliments I’ve received and where I got it from was also surprising. Overall the bag works great for daily use.
Last update on 2024-04-25 at 01:48 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Last update on 2024-04-25 at 01:48 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
