Best bike panniers 2024: From commuting and touring to grocery getting

If you’re carrying gentle hundreds (or your bike would not have pannier rack mounts) then you’ll be able to simply get away with among the finest biking backpacks. For bigger hundreds, and even simply to keep away from a sweaty again, the standard bicycle pannier is an ideal and effectively advanced system. 

It can be my agency perception that the pannier is superior in all respects in addition to weight to the very best bikepacking luggage. Higher capability, simpler to pack, no wobble, no straps to rub your body. They are additionally far simpler for smaller riders to make use of, as there is no such thing as a concern of clearance between saddle and rear tyre. There’s a motive the pannier has been adopted so extensively by customers and commuters to round-the-world explorers.

Given that panniers have been round for donkey’s years there are a tonne of choices on the market. Some are higher for the day by day commute, some for heading off for a month on two wheels, and lots of are nice do-it-all choices.

If you are caught, head to the underside of the web page the place I’ve put collectively a useful information to assist.

Quick listing

The finest bike panniers you should buy right now

Best Overall

There’s each probability that whenever you consider a bicycle pannier you’re picturing certainly one of these. The Ortlieb Back curler is the archetypal pannier and can serve you effectively when you’re commuting or when you’re bike touring.

The exterior is a brightly colored, rubberised canvas on the entrance, with black on the edges that has a little bit extra flex to it. It is only a void with little in the way in which of organisation save for a laptop computer sleeve and a little bit zipped mesh pocket for valuables, and as will change into a theme my recommendation is to simply use a devoted laptop computer sleeve. 

Setup is an absolute breeze, with no instruments wanted in any respect. The two higher clips are on toothed sliding rails, so the bag might be unclipped, slid, and reclipped to adapt to totally different racks, and the decrease stabiliser bar is moved and tightened by hand.

It’s a little bit floppy when not full, however that is a criticism that may be levelled in opposition to many on this listing. Once plumped out it is a lot shapely, and the reflective particulars entrance and rear are decently sized too.

The strap which holds the rolltop closure (the one strategy to go for true waterproof-ness) down additionally doubles as a shoulder strap. It’s a little bit fiddly to arrange, however it’s generously lengthy and straightforward sufficient to hold to get you up the workplace stairs. 

Annoyingly if you would like a single pannier you’ll be able to solely have it in black – the colorful choices are solely offered as pairs, and 40 litres is just too a lot for commuting hundreds. 

Best Budget

The Elops is from Decathlon’s ever-increasing and ever-improving lineup of biking merchandise. It’s excellent when you’re on a funds, and on the time of writing it is lowered too so it is much more of a discount.

Like many of the rolltop choices, it is a easy void, and a little bit bigger than the Ortlieb. The materials of the primary physique is a little bit thinner feeling although, and as there is no such thing as a reinforcement on the underside there could also be longevity points if these get heavy use, both for touring or commuting.

The KLICKfix mount system is identical as discovered on many extra premium choices and works effectively, although does want a screwdriver to arrange. It’ll match all rack sizes with none adapters, however it’s essential to bear in mind to press the purple lock button beneath to carry it in place securely. 

As effectively as no decrease reinforcement there are not any shoulder straps, and the carry deal with is fairly skinny. You’ll most likely find yourself cradling it like a brown paper bag of groceries to get to your desk, however such is the value to pay for netting a discount.

Best For Commuting

When I say ‘finest for commuting’ I imply primarily that this has probably the most reflective detailing. My check unit got here in black, however if you would like probably the most visibility then I believe you must go for the high-vis yellow possibility. It nonetheless has the identical reflective particulars, however… is shiny yellow too.

It’s one other drybag-style possibility, however you do get a sleeve for a small laptop computer. the 20-litre capability is the candy spot for commuting too. Enough for a laptop computer, change of garments, toiletries, and lunch.

The closure on the high is barely sewn shut, in order to assist the rolltop fold down, however it makes stuffing it with issues a little bit extra tough, and if in case you have a big laptop computer you may wrestle. 

Rolltops are nice, particularly for preserving water out, and never having plastic buckles is one much less factor to interrupt, however an listed, non-adjustable hook and loop ladder closure means you might be between positions, leaving the rolltop a little bit free.

The higher hooks additionally haven’t any adjustment, although ought to match nearly all of racks with no drawback.

Best For Laptops

I take advantage of a giant MacBook for work, so typically talking many of the laptop computer sleeves in panniers are too small for me anyway. Regardless, the safety provided by panniers that do have laptop computer sleeves is comparatively minimal. 

My recommendation if you wish to defend your laptop computer is to simply use a devoted laptop computer sleeve. I take advantage of one from Mous, a model maybe higher recognized for making tremendous protecting cellphone instances. The inside is lined with a non-newtonian foam that hardens as better drive (i.e. an impression) is utilized. 

There are myriad choices available on the market, and the very best guess is to seek out one suited to your personal laptops dimensions. Your laptop computer will probably be liable to transferring about a little bit extra, however this may be overcome in case you are apprehensive by the considered utility of sticky-backed Velcro to the sleeve and the within of the pannier. 

In actuality, although I’ve discovered a pannier that has my workplace clothes in additional than retains it in place for my commutes.

Best For Shopping

The energy of the Specialized Coolcave is its simplicity; it is only a plastic bucket, with the one further characteristic being a clip-on elastic web to go excessive. If you are dwelling #CarFree and do your procuring by bike then that is definitely a superb possibility, and greater than most works as a fit-and-forget everlasting addition to a utility bike. 

Given its rigidity, and lack of padding, I would not actually recommend it really works as a strong commuter possibility, and because it has no lid then rain will naturally cowl your contents. There are not any drainage holes both, so do not depart it out within the rain for too lengthy otherwise you’ll find yourself with a small puddle sloshing about.

If you are shopping for baguettes, leeks, or something longer than would ordinarily go right into a pannier then that is the place you ought to be wanting. 

Best For E-Bikes

The Pedal-Mate (additionally typically listed because the E-Mate) is a devoted e-bike pannier. It’s probably the most boxy of the bunch on check, and holds its form even when empty (it is empty on this image), with extra of a lid than a flap.

Like the opposite Ortlieb choices on check, the set up is tool-free, so there’s zero threat of rounding off any small screw heads. 

As a basic use pannier I do not assume it is fairly sufficiently big. 16 litres is a little bit on the small facet for a commute typically, however when you’re driving with an e-bike and both need to retailer a spare battery for further vary, otherwise you take your battery with you whenever you park up for safety causes it is definitely a greater resolution than having it free in a normal pannier. 

The shoulder strap, in contrast to the remainder of the Ortlieb panniers right here, is removable and would not type a part of the closure mechanism, so when you have a tendency to go away the pannier connected to the bike on a regular basis you’ll be able to simply take it off for a cleaner look. 

Also Tested

The Back-Roller XL Plus is the larger model of the Back-Roller XL, which itself is the bigger model of the Back-Roller. It is very large, and as you’ll be able to solely purchase a pair of them you’re getting 70 litres of capability, which is kind of the identical as massive mountaineering backpacks or decent-sized suitcases.

This capability is bolstered by an increasing mesh pocket, into which you’ll stow belongings you need simple handy, or moist garments.

These are firmly a long-distance, high-capacity possibility. They are just too large for commuting, evidenced by the dearth of a laptop computer sleeve inside. 

The mounting is identical for the Back-Roller, although. No instruments are required, and the identical sturdy strap doubles as a shoulder provider. The materials is a little bit thinner than that of the Back-Roller, presumably as a way to maintain the burden down. 

With panniers this massive it’s essential to take note of the utmost weight allowances of your rear rack, in addition to the overall system weight allowances in your body and rear wheel. If you are not utilizing among the finest touring bikes with a full pair of those it could not be capable of address the torsion on the body, leading to some fairly horrible dealing with and security implications. 

The Tailfin AeroPack system is great. I’ve used it for bikepacking journeys up to now, and that is the place it excels. The modularity is sensible, permitting you to make use of simply the highest aero pack bag, or add further capability with clip-on luggage on the facet, and even bottles when you want further hydration.

The system is gentle, and given the load sits principally behind your physique it is probably the most aero possibility on the market. It additionally would not require that your bike has pannier mounts, although it does work with them if it does. This makes it excellent for including to race bikes, or mountain bikes and has been used to nice impact on the most important extremely races on the planet.

A phrase of warning although: Do attempt to pack gentle, and steadiness the load. On bikes not designed to deal with hundreds the system can induce pace wobbles as a result of added inertia on the rear. This is massively improved by balancing the rear load with some over the entrance, with both a big bar bag, fork packs, or each. 

I’m an unashamed Carradice fan. I take advantage of its saddlebags repeatedly, and on condition that my pannier-enabled bike is of a sure aesthetic – canti brakes, Brooks saddle, downtube shifters, metal and so forth – driving with a pannier manufactured from waxed canvas over plastic feels proper.

The Super C vary is the model’s touring stuff and solely is available in black. The outer is cotton duck, a hardy canvas that has been waxed to maintain the water out. It is not formally waterproof, however when it will get moist the material swells barely and the pores shut up and it turns into fairly near waterproof, simply sufficient to shrug off a bathe, however not a sustained drenching. 

Inside is only a void, with a drawstring high. The lid straps are generously lengthy so you’ll be able to stuff it tremendous full if wants be, and the extra pocket on the rear is sweet for spares.

The neatest thing for me, in addition to the aesthetics, is the truth that it is reparable. Any holes might be sewn up, they are often rewaxed simply with a hairdryer and a few Fjallraven Greenland Wax, and you’ll add patches to them to make them your personal. They may also look higher with age because the creases of many miles mattress in, the alternative to the remaining on this listing. 

If you are into packing gentle, and the tailfin system is just a bit too cumbersome for you, then Revelate Designs’ Nano Panniers may very well be those to have a look at. At between 7 and 11 litres, relying on how stuffed they’re, they’re simply the smallest on check, and undoubtedly for gentle packers. Revelate additionally makes some superlight packing pouches that can assist you organise too. 

The outer cloth is a light-weight polyester, and whereas they don’t seem to be waterproof there are only a few seams and the decrease seams are double taped to withstand spray from the wheels and add sturdiness.

In order to avoid wasting weight there are not any heavy strong plastic mounts, only a pair of velcro straps on the high and a Voile strap to stress the system on the base. Velcro is not my favorite as it is going to ultimately put on out and may gum up with crud, however this hook and loop is allegedly good for 10,000+ cycles, which ought to be greater than sufficient.

Not a commuting possibility actually, however for including further light-weight capability to a bikepacking setup they are often glorious, particularly paired with a superlight titanium pannier rack.

Air resistance would not simply swap off since you’re commuting, so why not get an aero pannier? The Specialized Tailwind is left/proper particular because of a easy, rounded forefront devoid of any seams. 

As effectively as enhancing your pace on a traditional bike, being a bit extra aero may also enhance the vary of your e-bike too, if that is a consideration.

The entire factor is boxy, and holds its form effectively even when empty (it is empty within the image), in order to remain aero on a regular basis. The closure is a water-resistant zip, and you’ll match a laptop computer as much as 17″ within the inside sleeve.

Aero comes at a worth although, and 17L is a little bit on the small dimension, so both pack gentle or spec a pair. The closure is just on the highest and rear edge, too, so packing is a little more tough in comparison with panniers which have large rolltop closures. 

The massive Restrap Pannier is one other nice possibility that’s finest suited to tourers slightly than commuters. The bag is a void, devoid of any organisation, in a lot the identical manner because the Carradice Super C, and with the same type of aesthetic however with fashionable supplies. 

The bag is actually floppy when unladen, and the fabric is much more versatile than it seems in images. 

These undoubtedly match the same market section to the Ortlieb Back-Roller, however the further capability, particularly for a pair, will probably be of profit to some and is an efficient bridge earlier than going to one thing just like the Back-Rller XL Plus. 

It’s a very well-made bag, made within the UK if that’s of any curiosity, with a giant, strong bumper on the rear to guard the bag from the place it rubs on the pannier rack.

The restrap mounts the bottom of all the luggage on check, a lot in order that on my rack it was at risk of fouling on my rear derailleur, so be sure that when you go for these that you’ve a tall sufficient rear rack.

I’m an unashamed pannier evangelist, however they’re a little bit of a ache to lug round off the bike. If your commute includes some extra prolonged intervals of day off the bike then the Thule Paramount Pannier may effectively be a terrific resolution. You can use it as a pannier to get to a practice station for instance, after which with a fast flip of the rear panel, you’ll be able to put on it as a backpack for the remainder of the day. 

There is a tonne of organisational pockets, and house for a big laptop computer and a pill too, although all this organisation does barely cut back the scale of the primary compartment so the 26-litre capability is a little bit deceptive. If you are a poorly organised stuffer then this could be kill or treatment for you. 

The transformation is fairly simple from one to the opposite – a easy zip means it may be completed in a matter of seconds. Again, the mechanism does eat into the interior capability a bit, so the entire bag is bigger than many choices with related capability, however not one of the others might be worn in your again.

It’s comparatively climate sealed, however not completely waterproof. In a little bit pocket beneath although resides a totally reflective waterproof cowl for when the heavens open, or for whenever you simply need to be extra seen. 

If you are always in a rush, otherwise you merely can’t be bothered with the reasonable faff of organising pannier clips from the field then the Topeak Drybag pannier is the way in which to go. It has no adjustment on the highest clips. Simply raise it out of its packaging, drop it onto your rack, and away you go. The supporting decrease bar adjusts with the press of a button too.

As the clips do not slide it could stumble upon some bits on some racks, however they’re narrowly spaced so it is unlikely to be a problem for many setups. 

The pannier itself is boxy and feels extraordinarily strong. The materials is thicker than most, with externally welded seams, and a good bumper to guard it from rubbing on a derailleur/bolt heads. 

The buckles on the facet are additionally a few of the finest I’ve come throughout. Bulky and strong, however simple to make use of, with a locking mechanism for the straps to make sure they do not slip when it is stuffed full. 

The 16-litre capability is on the smaller finish of the scale spectrum, however when you’re an environment friendly packer then it is definitely an possibility.

Brooks is a reputation you probably affiliate with its leather-based saddles – for good motive, it have to be mentioned – however it additionally does a line in classically styled luggage. Aesthetics has clearly been on the forefront, as even the KlickFix locking buttons which might be often purple have been swapped for gray right here to protect a sure look.

It’s not all in regards to the appears although. The Scape is a strong 20-litre pannier that matches the identical type of area of interest because the Back-Roller. It’s only a void, with no inside organisation, although an exterior pocket for small objects is useful and far simpler to entry than an inside one.

The materials feels fairly skinny nonetheless, the same thickness to the Elops bag, so I’d be cautious of utilizing these when you’re notably tough on gear. There is a strong decrease bumper although, to guard it from tough floor.

The straps are a hook-and-loop association, although they are often cinched down, and the surplus strap might be rolled up and wrapped in a neat Velcro clip. I wasn’t an enormous fan of the carry deal with although, which is kind of skinny; one other one to cradle if it is closely laden.

How to Choose

Choosing a set of, or a single pannier, is an funding. They are typically made fairly sturdy so that they’ll probably be with you for a few years until you are notably abusive. With that in thoughts it is key to get one thing that matches your wants, so be sincere about your use case. 

There’s no level shopping for a 27-litre touring pannier when you’re commuting as soon as per week to the workplace, and conversely, there is not any level shopping for a 16-litre commuter pannier when you’re planning on driving off into the sundown for 3 months.