Touring - Deuter Rack Pack II Panniers Review

Hi

One more review. This time of my first set of a panniers, a pair of Deuter Rack Pack II (http://www.aushiker.com/deuter-rack-pack-ii/) panniers that I purchased in 2007.

http://www.aushiker.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/IMG_2991.jpg

Personally, whilst these haven’t been bad panniers by any means I wouldn’t buy these again or the later versions today for the simple reason I can get Ortlieb waterproof panniers with the QL 2 mounting system for similar dollars. These simply don’t compete in my view plus the lack of waterproofness is a major drawback for me.

That said, if you are looking for a commuter pannier set with external mesh pockets and don’t need waterproofness these are a reasonable option. Especially now the 2012 model has the Ortlieb QL 2 mounting system.

Does anyone else have experience with these panniers? Particularly the later versions? Interested to see how they have worked out.

Andrew

I have 2 sets of Rack Pack 1 panniers and a matching Rack Top Pack. They're very well made with same hardware as used on Ortlieb QL1 models (Ortlieb doesn't make these fasteners).

Deuter has been getting out of the pannier business for a few years now (they were never much in it here in the USA, actually). They currently do not offer any panniers, according to their site.

http://www.deuter.com/en_US/accessory.php?category=487

They're very well made with same hardware as used on Ortlieb QL1 models (Ortlieb doesn't make these fasteners).

Didn't know that Ortlieb didn't make the fasteners. I see at least one UK online retailer markets the 2012 model as having Ortlieb mounts.


Deuter has been getting out of the pannier business for a few years now (they were never much in it here in the USA, actually). They currently do not offer any panniers, according to their site.I did notice that lack of information on the company website but in contrast some UK retailers are promoting 2012 models. All a bit confusing.

Andrew

http://www.deuter.com/en_US/accessory.php?category=487[/quote]

I have a couple of sets of these I picked up cheap.

I prefer them to Ortliebs for commuting. They are very convenient what with all the pockets, the attached rain cover, and the quick release mounting.

The strap arrangement is very clever with a sort of reversed compression action from the bottom up as well as supporting the load. Deuter has a lot experience designing bags and it really shows with these panniers.

The re-design they did on these was not so good IMO. They went the Ortlieb route and simplified the design. In mimicking Ortlieb they lost what made these panniers special.

Nothing against Ortlieb: have 'em, use 'em. I just happen to really like these as well. Great pannier.

I really like these panniers. They have the very secure Ortleib mounting system. Many packing options with outside pockets and mesh pockets. I don't worry about water proofing as I pack anything I need to keep dry in dry bags for easy identification. Integrated rain covers are yellow and reflective. Materials and construction are solid. Volume is perfect for me so I don't overpack.

Here's what my Deuter RP1s look like - note the "ortlieb-like" QL1 hardware.

http://www.outdoorsports24.com/images/product_images/popup_images/1008_0.jpg

The fasteners are made by Klickfix aka Rixen&Kaul, a German company (I searched last night and couldn't find Clickfix). They once had a webpage showing every single individual part used by Ortlieb, but I can't find it now.

They used to make only the plastic fasteners used by many sporting goods companies (including Ortlieb and Deuter, also german). Now they compete with these companies, making entire finished products - including roll-top waterproof panniers.


http://www.klickfix.de/images/php/img.php4?i=../.././images/produkte/big/0233sgr_1.jpg&w=500&h=500&bg=ffffff



http://www.klickfix.de/images/php/img.php4?i=../.././images/produkte/big/0233sgr_2.jpg&w=500&h=500&bg=ffffff

http://www.klickfix.de/