Are you looking for a good set of panniers for your commute to the office, your return trip from the supermarket, or your bicycle tour around the world?
The following is a list of all the companies currently making bicycle panniers. If I’ve missed a company, please leave a comment at the end of this article with the name of the company and a link to the company website… and I’ll be sure to add them to the list.
The companies below have been listed in alphabetical order.
Altura
Arkel
Avenir
Axiom Performance Gear
Brompton
Brooks England
www.brooksengland.com – Buy Here
Bruce Gordon
Carradice
Crosso
Delta
Detours
Deuter
Inertia Designs
Jandd
Lone Peak
www.lonepeakpacks.com – Buy Here
Madden
Mainstream MSX
Mountain Equipment Co-Op
Nashbar
Novara
Ortlieb
Pacific Outdoor Equipment Co-Op
Panpack
Radical Design
Rixen & Kaul
Robert Beckman Designs
Topeak
TransIt
www.performancebike.com – Buy Here
Trek
Two Wheel Gear
Vaude
Which designs do you like the mosts?
If you’ve used any of the panniers listed above, what do you think of them? How could they be improved?
Also, if you know of a company making panniers that should be added to this list, leave a comment below with the name of the company and a link to their website… and I’ll be sure to add them to the list.
Hi Darren, sounds like all is going well out there in the Balkans. We have just taken delivery of our Montbell Panniers. Good construction, not to heavy and roomy to boot. You might like to add them to your list.
http://en.montbell.jp/products/goods/list.php?category=541000&brand_id=&sk=&sp=&sw=&sg=&sn=&s_trgt=1&top_sk=&page=2
Cheers Gavin
How about Banjo Brothers? http://www.banjobrothers.com/
Their stuff is probably the most affordable, but not as good for touring as my Ortliebs.
Nice list, interesting to read.
There are two more you can add:
Banjo Brothers, I am using their waterproof panniers currently for a TransAm. Solid gear.
Schwinn, I am using these as front panniers. Not high-end, but I’m making them work, and they are working well.
Crazy awesome list. I had no idea there were so many different bags to choose from. It really is a bit overwhelming when you think about it. Few of them look very good, however.
I use Arkel gt-54 as rear panier and gt-30 (older model now the gt-18)in front as well as their big bag for the handlebar.I can’t say enough how much I love the bags!Extremely well made and durable.
This is a small company of about 15 employees and the bags are all made by hand.Paniers are the only thing that they make and it shows.
I’m from Quebec so i’m a little bias,(the company is in Sherbrooke Quebec)but if you want the best paniers this is definitely one of the brand to consider.A bit expensive but you pay for what you get.
Don’t forget Swift: http://swiftindustries.wordpress.com/
I second the Banjo Brothers stuff. Very affordable and more than adequate for commuting and “grocery getting”.
http://www.banjobrothers.com/
I’m a big fan of Detours B-49 panniers. Compared to a lot of bags in their price range they are well constructed, have great clips, and are very roomy. All you need is a rain guard, garbage bag, or some scotch guard and you’re set to ride in any conditions.
Hey-I’m riding to school (6 hilly miles) and back. Need a set of back rack panniers that will hold about 40 lbs of textbooks and binders. I bought a set that was nylon-ish and it was too loosey-goosey. The lower back corners would bend into the spokes. The thing was shredded in 3 weeks. Luckily they gave me my $ back.
I carry a lot of pointy-corner college-sized books, and a couple of 3-ring binders.
Also some lacrosse clothes and food.
Can you recommend anything to me? I live in California where everyone drives a car and there does not seem to be any stores nearby that carry any selection of panniers.
Thanks!
I have the Axiom panniers (pictured above; left). Only used them once, but found them to be good quality and a great value (compared to Arkel, which are big $$$) The mounting system is not a good, however. I’ve touring w/ a BOB trailer, but might try panniers again, just to see if they really are more convenient and work better for me.
Chris Kat: I would go w/ a sturdy waterproof pannier if you’re commuting everyday w/ books. Wouldn’t want to get all that paper wet! (Ortlieb if u can afford; but Topeaks are cheaper…I’d read the reviews first)
Chris Kat:
http://www.bikebagshop.com (They only carry Ortlieb, Arkel, Vaude…but all quality bags)
Since your going to be using panniers everyday, I get something sturdy, with a solid & convenient mounting system…check out the Ortlieb line or Arkel’s “dolphin” or “commuter” bag. All a little pricey, but probably about the same a few college textbooks these days
Ortlieb just came out w/ a new line of panniers and racks:
http://www.racktime.com/
(I think maybe they are only distributed by Ortlieb and made by Tubus)
Racktime is a German brand for bicycle carriers for urban use. The company behind Racktime – Tubus Carrier Systems
http://www.racktime.com/
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Your link to Robert Beckman Designs (panniers) does not work. I suspect he is no longer in business. I could not find a working link on the web.
hey everyone! thanks for all the good advice. I eventually got just ONE Arkel back rack pannier and it has worked out great. It was the Arkel “UB” Utility Basket. It has been on & off my bike since Fall and no problems at all. Kind of expensive, yes, but I’ve got 4 years of High School (probably with no car in sight!) ahead of me. it was $100, but my parents paid and they were happy to get something durable, especially since the first few styles we got shredded. the other ones we tried were lame.
i love the mounting hardware. makes it really easy for on/off.
Awesome gear!! I got myselft a Vaude. It is great!
Cheers
ORTLIEBS ! for travelling I used them for 5 years almost, and never had problems °! Love them ! I think thta they are reallu the best , they never fell from your bike, they are absolutly waterproof ! expensive but the best !
Used Brian Phillip’s waterproof panniers for my cycle tours through SE Asia. Seriously these were brilliant! Kept everything completely dry during the many monsoon rain downpours we cycled through. I also use them for commuting.
The mounting mechanism is unique, but very sturdy and very secure. Also easy to attach/detach panniers.
http://brianphillips.co.nz/panniersnc.htm Great little NZ company!
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Velo Orange – classic style bags that are reminiscent of Brooks bags but not made of leather.
I have used CROSSO panniers (rear and front) from Expert series for already 3 seasons.
TOP QUALITY, REAL WATERPROOF.
Good job CROSSO!
I’ve put close to 9,000km on these Summit Gear panniers on various trips. I’ve used them in conjunction with some Ortlieb panniers, and found them to be great, lots of space so I could even put a full loaf of bread in the top when I needed:
http://www.summitgear.com.au/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=20_87&products_id=27
cheers!
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I pick up beautiful nicely made, rugged and durable panniers Voyager from cycles Lambert . Just wish if all panniers today on the market match this quality .
I’ve used Lone Peak panniers for touring and for daily bike commuting. I have one set that are over 20 years old. I’ve had some hardware replaced/upgraded for attaching to the rack and I replaced a broken buckle at either no-cost or very low cost. Books and binders to go to school, no problem. My only problem with the panniers was due to a raccoon that put a slice into my wife’s pannier quickly repaired by Lone Peak. They are made in Salt Lake City.
Does anyone know what ever happened to Robert Beckman Design (Panniers)? Did Rob retire? I still have two sets of Beckman panniers that we use on our touring tandem. I have yet to see panniers that were better made!
Hi all friends,
I have just got one Arkel back rack pannier and it has worked very well. It is the Arkel “UB” Utility Basket. It has been very useful regarding keeping my stuff and taking them somewhere. Alos, these got quiet enough space to fill thestuffs. When you look for price then they are bit expensive, but trust me, its worth spending that much money.
You might want to add Bushwhacker to your list. Their website is:
http://www.bushwhackerbags.com
It’s rather hard to find anything on these guys on the web. I spoke to a guy at the main office in Utah, and you can call them and order direct. I’ve noticed these bags are somewhat small to average-sized, like the mid-80′s stuff, but seem to be good quality.
I had the same experience with Inertia Designs. The guys at that place had no idea who their retail dealers were, as they deal with distribution points, so there again you can order direct. Their bags are much larger than most, while being made with a medium-weight, tighter weave denier.
I used my black Axioms (pictured on above/left) for another weekend tour. They did the job, but the mounting system kinda sucks. Probably why affordable price. The bags are good quality, but the mounting hooks cannot be adjusted, and are too close together, which makes for an unstable ride. They wobble on rougher roads, and even droop toward the rear tire when loaded. My rack has legs that run right down the drop-outs. This could be a real problem.
On the positive, I found a good a deal on a Large Arkel handlebar bag, and it’s awesome! Rock solid, huge, built like a tank, but a bit heavy…
This is a great list!
I just bought a cruiser at http://www.villycustoms.com and the Brooks England one would match it perfectly!
Thanks for the list!
I live in the Pacific Northwest (United States) and there are so many great small companies making handcrafted, custom bags out here! So much more character, durability and thoughtfulness in their bags than something off the shelf!
Here are just a few examples:
Swift Industries: http://www.builtbyswift.com/
Black Star Bags: http://blackstarbags.wordpress.com/
North St Bags: http://northstbags.com/
I’m sure there are other crafty people making these all over the place. Support your local bike-bag artists!
i liked 2 i had years ago, big Cannondale, and Kirkland,( i dont see either anymore since ming got stolen with bikes) my Trek didnt lock onto rack and 1 fell off, i got othr replacemant but for groceries bag, now i latch together and use bungie cords to hold onto rack better, but the oftne come loose and get wound up in wheel, i wish i can aford the better/best, large, sturdy, no woble or going into spokes, tall, long ,deep but rack back so i dont kick with my heels. in Phnx a fire fighter mad special ones for bike cops and rescue, red almost rubber, for 1st aid etc.here i though bike pro msut have gone out of business
Here are 3 more manufactures to check out. I’ve only seen them online and not used any of them personally, so I offer them in the spirit of making a complete list, not as personal endorsement. (Personally, I endorse Arkel, altho Ortlieb is growing on me.)
Basil:
http://www.basil.nl/
Bontrager:
http://bontrager.com/products/accessories/bags
FastRider:
http://www.fastrider.nl/downloads/Fastrider%20brochure_EN_Lowres.pdf
Enjoy your ride!
Gilles Berthoud makes awesome, classic panniers.
http://www.peterwhitecycles.com/berthoud.asp
What an outstanding list you have put together, wish we had it when we started. We used dog food containers but quickly switched to Blackburn bags around 1978, these were the first bags we had ever come across that were separate which work well but finally fell apart around 1992. Second set were waterproof axioms which also did their job better then the first set. They also gave use a number of years of service but finally died last year. We replaced them with waterproof Ortlieb bags with a kayak bag on top of the rear, we also did away with the larger handlebar bag and replaced it with a frame triangle bag which doesn’t bounce around as much. These bags should last until we can no longer tour. Each time we replace the bags they are better quality and better designed. BTW – We generally only tour off-road.
this is an awesome list. wish i had stumbled on this before spending hours googling panniers!
Amazing list.
just came back with my Ortlieb front and back rollers from a 3 week vacation (bicyle tour) in Germany & Austria – which was in total 1015 km along the Danube river from the source in Donaueschingen to Wien/Vienna (Austria) – partially with a german-irish-french group. I have Orlieb since my first bicycle tour to Ireland more than 20 yrs ago. They are absolute Irland & waterproof. Was also in southern Spain (Andalusia) in spring time and on Kreate Island (Greece) in autumn. Last year also on a bicycle trip on the Danube to Budapest (Hungary). My Orlieb bags are now more than 20 years old as well as the Brooks saddle. I would not exchange them for other products.
CANNONDALE (pre 1994, check old catalogs at http://www.vintagecannondale.com)
KARRIMOR panniers (UK made pre 1996 then company sold)
PAKIT panniers (UK made pre 1990 then brand disappeared)
TIKA panniers (New Zealand made pre 1995 then company shutdown)
MACPAC panniers (New Zealand made pre 1995 then discontinued)
AVANCE panniers (Australia made pre 2000, check Abbotsford in Melbourne)
SPORT ARSENAL (Czech Republic made) http://www.sportarsenal.cz/
SERRATUS panniers (Canada made pre 2004, brand owned by MEC then discontinued)
SCI CON (Italy brand, panniers product line discontinued)
FERRINO (Italy, short-lived panniers product line made in china)
INVICTA (Italy, short-lived panniers product line made in china)
CINELLI (Italy, short-lived panniers product line made in china)
AGU (Netherlands) http://www.agu.com
Used to use beckman’s , now im totally Arkel . the problem with beckman is time , took me a year to get the rear rack and 6 more months to get the panniers and bar bag . The construction and attachment of the Arkels is far superior . The beckmans are now used for day jaunts .
Here’s another brand manufactured in the Pacific Northwest, USA
“Velo Transit”
http://www.velotransit.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=VLPNMT20
Timbuk2
http://www.timbuk2.com/tb2/shop?q=panniers
Green Guru Gear:
http://www.greengurugear.com/
-They use recycled/upcycled bike tubes’n’ such to make gear
Yup, panniers win…their center of gravity is higher so less of a drag, and I have used both. I much prefer panniers over trailers. Trailers hold more, but when weight is equal, I go for panniers. Love em. I use trailers for grocery shopping, panniers for traveling. And get good panniers, Doite for example makes a great pannier, better than Ortlieb. Lots of space, outer pockets, durable, waterproof, visible, expandable. Gems!
Thanks,Allison
http://www.ostrich-az.com/
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don’t forget swift industries
Try;- ARGOS they have a set containing two side panniers+ a top box type,
(triple panniers) by raleigh at £19.99
hi there all
i’m new in cycling and i just gotten myself a folding bike (Ori Bike). I’m looking for suitable pannier to be fitted on my bike. I had the rear rack installed but unsure if all brands have the universal fit.
i also notice most brands listed are not available in my country, Malaysia.
would appreciate if you could provide some tips on obtaining a handlebar bag n panniers.
many thanks!!
More USA made panniers:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/hansbagworks
http://duluthpack.com/outdoor-gear/biking/pannier-bag-bike-bag.html
http://www.frostriver.com/bike_bags/bikebags_menu.html
And yet more USA-made panniers:
http://www.ironweedbp.com/index.html
http://www.laplanderbags.com/
http://www.philosophybags.com/
[Sourced from http://joecruz.wordpress.com/usa-made-cycling-gear/
I had Ortlieb bags for many years and thousands of km, they did the job, it is a good manufacturer but since I bought Arkel bags, I would not go for another company, there are the best! More expensive? Yes but considering the quality, they are not.
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I bought all kind of paniers in my life, 40 years of touring (sevreal weeks / year + commuting). Ortlieb paniers are perfectly waterproof and Axiom’s products are also very good but for the last 10 eayrs, my first choice, by far, are the Arkels. So well made, the design is perfect, Arkel’s people are taking in considaration all the needs we have. Also, Arkel’s quality is TOP. They are worth the price, really.
Bob