Touring - Nashbar Panniers?

I'm going to be taking some short overnight rides and possibly a 3-4 day tour from Atlanta to Birmingham during the summer. Do you guys and gals think the Nashbar waterproof panniers will hold up and perform reasonably or should I go ahead and buy something like the Ortlieb Bike Packer Plus panniers? I'm only going to be starting out with a rear rack and rear panniers and it's doubtful I'll be doing any long tours until next year. Advice appreciated...

Thanks,
Chapman

Bought a pair 7-8 years ago - too long ago to be referenced regarding current quality. That being said,

- They continue to serve my purpose well (10-14 day tours) - don't think I'd use them on a world tour, but the relatively light-duty trip you describe for this year I expect wouldn't be a problem
- Especially if you may not really get into touring, you might save the money until you decide to ride The Big One
- Nashbar-brand products, in general, I think are decent quality - not Ortlieb level, but certainly servicable

J.W.

I have several pair I use for commuting 3 to 4 days a week and have been using them for couple years now. All fine so far.

I bought a pair of the front Nashbar waterproof panniers a few weeks ago. I am getting ready for a 5 or 6 day tour mid May. I have used these panniers for commuting since I got them. They seem to be good quality, and I have had no problems with them so far. Hope this helps.

Frank

I have a set of Nashbar Euro - not waterproof, but I live in the land of no dew. Have done 1 overnight. Everything dry. Comparing the construction to the Nashbar to a set of Lone Pine front - no contest. I will take the Lone Pine over the Nashbar in a moment. Tighter weave on the nylon fabric.

Short trip, on road, 1st world - they'll be fine.

Don't get hung up on the "best" piece of equipment unless you know you will be punishing it for months and months.

I got a set of their MTB panniers. Price was the sole factor. Fount they didn't stay on my rack very well on anything but the smoothest roads and needed a bunjee cord as back up. Also after a couple of days the rubber cord tensioner on one of the bags came loose. I didn't complain to them, I did get the least expensive bags I could find. I will rig my own system in a while. If price no object I'd get a set of the Bruce Gordon bags that are specifically designed to go with my rack.

I've had the waterproof front panniers for several years. I have taken them to Italy, Ireland and New Zealand on extended tours and they do just fine.
Cheryl

Thanks for all the replies. I'll probably just pick up the Nashbar panniers. Do you guys and gals know of any other inexpensive panniers that are better choices for the type of touring I mentioned above?

Thanks,
Chapman

I picked up the Lone Pine Sundance panniers from Campmor for about the same price as the Nashbars

I picked up the Lone Pine Sundance panniers from Campmor for about the same price as the Nashbars

I'm guessing you mean Lone Peak? Thetouringstore.com also carries Lone Peak. Pretty good deals on the "matched sets", but still more expensive than the Nashbar/Performance panniers. If you want rain covers with the Lone Peaks you also need to drop an extra $45 for a front/rear set. The Performance panniers come with covers, and the Nashbar waterproofs, are well, waterproof. I guess you have to pay if you want quality though. :(

Does anyone have any experience with the Performance Epic and Pro panniers? The mounting involves a strap, and buckle system. It looks very secure, but I've read they are quite difficult to take off of the bike because of that. Although that could be an advantage if you are worried about theft.

Epic: http://www.performancebike.com/shop/Profile.cfm?SKU=16436&item=20-1487&slitrk=search&slisearch=true

Pro:http://www.performancebike.com/shop/Profile.cfm?SKU=16435&item=20-1486&slitrk=search&slisearch=true

They were on sale for around $65 and $55 not long ago.

Ooops, Lone Peak - but Lone Pine would be a cool name for something!