Bicycle Touring Panniers

They are also known as Bike bags. You will be travelling loaded with your bicycle touring panniers to carry your gear, so you need to consider carefully the type you will purchase.

It is essential that you have two rear panniers and I find this is sufficient for all my gear when bicycle touring for up to 3-4 week. A handlebar bag for the camera, lunch and some tools can also be helpful. If you are camping front panniers will also be required because of the amount of gear you have.

What to look for when purchasing a bicycle touring pannier:
Protection against the elements – some bicycle panniers are waterproof, others are water resistant. An option with many is to purchase pannier covers.
 
Volume – how large are the panniers. Are they made for commuting or bicycle touring? You will want a large compartment with several small pockets for smaller items.
 
Durability – fabrics and materials used in the construction
 
Weight – how heavy are the panniers themselves, remember you will have to carry the panniers. Like much German made cycling gear the Ortlieb brand pannier is a little heavier, however it is sturdy and very waterproof.
 
Mounting – some bicycle panniers you just hook over the racks. Other panniers have a clip that actually snaps on to the rack. In either case you do not want your panniers falling off the bicycle
 
Style and colour – this is a personal choice. Some cyclists like bright colours for visibility and others a darker colour or black so the mud from the road does not show. Most bicycle panniers do have a reflective strip on them in either case.
 
Handles – when you need to carry the pannier into a hotel, on a plane or train or while sightseeing etc. Some panniers come with handles.
Major brands include Aixom, Delta, Delta, Jandd, Ortlieb and Sci’Con and others.

When cycling a long distance your choice of bicycle touring panniers is essential.

Related posts:

1. Bicycle Touring Packing List