Touring - waterproof panniers?

Hi everybody. Currently I'm looking for a new pair of rear panniers. I like Vaude Discovery Pro (http://store.securehosting.com/stores/sh205601/itemdetl.php?itemcode=79) and Ortlieb Back Packer Plus (http://www.ortlieb.com/_prod.php?lang=en&produkt=bikepackerplus#). I wonder how does this Cordura stuff compares to shiny polyester products (such as Vaude Trans Alp or non-Plus Ortliebs) in pouring rain? Can it survive lets say a whole day of non-stop rain?

And how do they cope with ventilation? Are they as sealed as the 'rubber' versions?

look on the inside of the cordura ortleib, its rubber coated interior.. 100% waterproof i guess.. says so on the tin

Hi everybody. Currently I'm looking for a new pair of rear panniers. I like Vaude Discovery Pro (http://store.securehosting.com/stores/sh205601/itemdetl.php?itemcode=79) and Ortlieb Back Packer Plus (http://www.ortlieb.com/_prod.php?lang=en&produkt=bikepackerplus#). I wonder how does this Cordura stuff compares to shiny polyester products (such as Vaude Trans Alp or non-Plus Ortliebs) in pouring rain? Can it survive lets say a whole day of non-stop rain?

And how do they cope with ventilation? Are they as sealed as the 'rubber' versions?

Both the Ortlieb Classic and Plus pannier materials are 100% waterproof and 100% non-breathable. If you want to air out your bags you'll have to open them up.

I like the classic material - it is heavier, but more durable. I do have a couple Ortlieb items with the plus material works fine, it just won't last as long as is a little harder to keep clean if that matters to you.

Both the Ortlieb Classic and Plus pannier materials are 100% waterproof and 100% non-breathable. If you want to air out your bags you'll have to open them up.

I like the classic material - it is heavier, but more durable. I do have a couple Ortlieb items with the plus material works fine, it just won't last as long as is a little harder to keep clean if that matters to you.

OK, so it is a matter of taste :) What about the loading type? Rolling (like Back Rollers) or traditional lid type (like Bike packers)? I'm thinking about leaving them a bit open for breathing when the weather is good, so which method would be better?

For a fraction of the price, you can go with Banjo Brothers.

For a fraction of the price, you can go with Banjo Brothers.

Actually, I'm quite limited on brand selection in this forgotten country of mine :D So I have to stick to Ortlieb, Vaude, MSX and lots of noname 3-piece 2,5% waterproof bags.

Cordura is waterproofed by a polyurathane layer on the inside. This can wear out and will degrade with time. Ortleib style welded polyester lasts for ages.

OK, so it is a matter of taste :) What about the loading type? Rolling (like Back Rollers) or traditional lid type (like Bike packers)? I'm thinking about leaving them a bit open for breathing when the weather is good, so which method would be better?

I have never attempted to air panniers out while riding so I can't comment on that. What I do is strap anything wet or damp on top of my panniers or rear rack during the day and pack it away when it is dry. I don't put wet things in my panniers normally and if I have to I put them in plastic bags. If the contents of an Ortlieb pannier is damp the only way to really dry it out is to empty everything out and let them dry outside the bag.

I have both styles of bags and I prefer the non-rolling tops slightly, but it really doesn't make a big difference.

Actually, I'm quite limited on brand selection in this forgotten country of mine :D So I have to stick to Ortlieb, Vaude, MSX and lots of noname 3-piece 2,5% waterproof bags.
You can always order hard to find products online, as I often do.

I have a set of Axiom Stormfront fully waterproof panniers, and the work great. They were about half what the ortlieb panniers of a similar volume go for. Check if your LBS orders from Norco - if they do, they should be able to order you in Axiom products.

http://www.axiomgear.com/images/product/bags/regular/401662-01.jpg

Personally I prefer the Classic PVC over the Cordura. I have both and the cordura is less durable and mud seems to cling to it while the PVC are wash and go.

That said, I had a Dutch friend explain that there was a big boycott of Ortlieb a while back because they were using PVC in their products. Apparently making PVC is not an environmentally friendly process. According to my friend, the boycott prompted Ortlieb to produce the Cordura version.

And the Greenpeace Version....

http://www.terrific.de/out/oxbaseshop/html/0/dyn_images/1/118081l.jpg

I have a set of Axiom Stormfront fully waterproof panniers, and the work great. They were about half what the ortlieb panniers of a similar volume go for. Check if your LBS orders from Norco - if they do, they should be able to order you in Axiom products.

http://www.axiomgear.com/images/product/bags/regular/401662-01.jpg
That looks very similar to the Abus Atlantic, which is available all over Europe.

Unless the OP reveals his location no one is going to be able to make any practical suggestions.

http://www.abus.de/images/prod/zweirad/taschen/2600dt.jpg

[QUOTE=Ziemas]That looks very similar to the Abus Atlantic, which is available all over Europe.

Unless the OP reveals his location no one is going to be able to make any practical suggestions.

QUOTE]

And the winner is...... Lithuania :D

I'm also concerned about closing of the different style of bags when they are for example 2/3 full. Is it easier with roll or lid type?

I'm also concerned about closing of the different style of bags when they are for example 2/3 full. Is it easier with roll or lid type?

Both types of lids are easy to close regardless of how much you have in them.

[QUOTE=Ziemas]That looks very similar to the Abus Atlantic, which is available all over Europe.

Unless the OP reveals his location no one is going to be able to make any practical suggestions.

QUOTE]

And the winner is...... Lithuania :D

I'm also concerned about closing of the different style of bags when they are for example 2/3 full. Is it easier with roll or lid type?
It's easier with a roll top. Also, I can fit a lot in my Ortleib bags due to the roll top.

There is a store in Riga which sells Ortleib, and one which sells Abus, but honestly both are overpriced with horrible service. Check out this German web shop for good prices on Ortleib stuff. Shipping is a bit high at 20 euro, but I usually get together and place a big order with a few friends and split the cost.

http://bike-components.de/catalog/default.php?manufacturers_id=111&osCsid=492d56d77cc793a22fda481ee0948c8e

For touring either style of closure is good but for everyday commuting and utility riding I prefer flap tops: I can retrieve or stuff a waterproof without undoing the lid and with an extension collar, it is easy to overload a flaptop with bulky-but-lightweight items.

For touring either style of closure is good but for everyday commuting and utility riding I prefer flap tops: I can retrieve or stuff a waterproof without undoing the lid and with an extension collar, it is easy to overload a flaptop with bulky-but-lightweight items.

+1

Well with the roll tops, people who seem to do long tours seem to think they are grand, and i wreckon, having only used mine for a few weeks now, the more you use them, the easier they are, and quicker they are..

But without a doubt the ´sport packer´i think its called in Europe would be easier, but smaller no ??