Commuting - Waterproof Panniers

On my post about my new commuter (Jamis Nova) someone suggested some Ortlieb Mini Classics for the back of my bike. Would anyone else like to recommend something else to look at? The Ortlieb ones look great from what I can see online, should i go for the front ones and put them on the back, or buy the rear ones for the back?

Thank you all for your great advice.

There is currently a similar sort of discussion going on in the touring forum. Before this drought, I used to regularly ride in tropical downpours and the truth is that nothing is truly waterproof. You'll also need to get some sturdy plastic bags to put your stuff in inside your panniers (something you'll need to do anyway if you get rain on the way in and your morning clothes get wet - unless you're like me and see that as a bonus).

To my understanding, properly closed Ortliebs will hold some pressure. In other words, they'll float. If you immerse them 3 meters deep for long enough, I'm sure they'll leak eventually. But for all practical commuting / touring purposes, the Rollers are waterproof.

Halti makes a similar product, in one size for the back, but those may be less available in the US.

Size matters, Styk. For commuting, front rollers, carried in the back, will be enough. If you want to go touring, you'll probably need more space (I do, but then I'm not very good at packing light :D ). You could always start with a pair of front rollers, then get a pair of back rollers if needed.

Disclaimer: I've got no connection with Ortlieb whatsoever. I'm not even a satisfied customer - I've got a couple of Haltis. But I've been touring with guys who are satisfied customers, and I can understand why the bags are so highly praised.

--J

I've got a set of Vaude's waterproof panniers and after riding through an Oregon winter and being run over by a truck I've still never had anything get damp inside, except the time my tupperware came open and my lunch got all over my work clothes. :D

I'm not thrilled w/ the attachment clips and have heard from folks who have tried both that the Ortleibs are a better product, but I have few complaints w/ mine. If I were replacing mine, I would buy Ortliebs, but I doubt I will have to replace them for ages.

Oso

For good waterproof panniers, try these:

http://www.vaude.com/cycling/cycling_main.cfm?subcatagory=Waterproof%20Panniers

http://www.ortliebusa.com/bikes/roller.html

You can use either as a bucket to carry water when not on the bike.

Oso

Good advice, thank you all for your help. I have been watching the other thread too, but this information is also great.

Have a fantastic day.

ortliebs, no question. i have the waterproof cordura which are lighter than the heavy duty roll down plastic stuff and they have been totally waterproof over the last 4000+ miles. i disagree with chris L and would say these are completely waterproof. i'm sure the heavier stuff is even more so. of course its hard to avoid moisture but as far as leaking, there has been none so far and i am very happy with ortliebs. but you definately pay for the quality.

dave

I just placed an order for the front roller panniers. They will arrive next week, so I still have lots of time before the first rain (I love California).

check out arkel overdesigns panniers. http://www.arkel-od.com/index.asp they make some stylish panniers for commuting and otherwise. the samurai commuters are supposedly waterproof (i don't own a pair so i can't vouch for it) and the other commuter designs offer a waterproof cover.

For those who don't need panniers, but could use 16Liters of storage in an easily removable package. Check out the Carradice SQR Tour. I am very happy with it. It is waterprooof and is perfect for my commute.

Carradice SQR (http://www.wallbike.com/carradice/sqrbags.html)

i have had the Ortlieb Backrollers for about 3 years and they are great and still like new. i usually use only the left one for commuting -- then use both for shopping or touring or when i need more space

the roller closure is much like a drybag -- IF you roll them correctly 3 times tightly they will be waterproof for anything you do on your bike -- even float if you took them off and threw them in water. i usually only loosely close mine unless it looks really rainy out...

as someone else said, the only time my stuff has gotten wet is when food or drink has spilled IN the bag.

the rack attachment is adjustable and works great. plus the cool logo "Freie Atmen -- keine Autos in der Stadt" (breath free - no cars in the city) with the bicycle crushing a car...

Ortlieb makes a bunch of different panniers and the Vaudes look good too but never used them.