cdalefan

Does anyone have expierience with this bag for commuting. One Pannier to carry all, or, too big?

https://www.arkel-od.com/panniers/gt1...asp?fl=1&site=

Aeneas

Just got a set... beautiful workmanship, heavy duty construction... but a a single one is bit small for the load with which I travel. Depending on what you carry with you, one may work for a commute. I have to carry some papers/ files and occasionally my laptop which really doesn't fit. Since they seem a bit small for my purposes, I've considered augmenting my collection with an Arkel Utility Basket or two... seems to be a much better size for the average commuter.

napoleoninrags

I have a GT18-BP on order. I hope to replace my Arkel TailRider with it for commuting. Will let you know how it works.

cdalefan

Thanks to both of you

The bag that I use now is about the same volume but not a square so I am thinking that the GT18 is more useable.

flipped4bikes

Do you need the bag to be waterproof? If you like Arkel, have you looked at the GT-28? I have a pair for touring, and using just one is perfect for commuting.

cdalefan

Did you mean the T-28? That was another choice. It's not waterproof right? I dont think that I need waterPROOF, water resistant would be fine. Arkel says that an hour in the rain will be OK. Thoughts?

Aeneas

Upon your instigation, I loaded up my GT18-BP with my commuting gear again this AM. Surprisingly it just kept taking more and more and more! Was able to fit not only my papers, lunch change of clothes, office essentials and riding essentials etc, but I was able to pack my rain gear, just in case and still had more room. Seems that I need much less pannier space when I am not playing softball after work.
As for the backpack function... nice try but not good. I would recommend getting the optional shoulder strap (or finding a suitable one elsewhere) for off-bike transport.

toThinkistoBe

According to arkel's website, the GT-18 comes with an internal water proof bag/liner. Regardless, I have two arkel bags (the bug and utility basket) and both stay perfectly dry inside under most conditions; however, if it is REALLY pouring, they will get a little bit of water inside. I have some waterproofing spray, but haven't really found it necessary to use on these bags.

For me, 1100 cubic inches seems a bit small (versus 1500 for the bug and 1650 for the utility basket), but would probably be plenty for most applications. I mostly use the extra space if I need to bring a bunch of textbooks to school as well as my notebook. Since the bag you have now is about the same size, I don't see how you would have any issues.

modernjess

I swear by, not at, my arkel commuter. They make top quality stuff

Lamplight

I've been using a pair of GT-18s for a few weeks now and love them. They do have the waterproof liner, though I haven't had to test that yet. I also use them for getting groceries and it's surprising how much they can hold. Each one will easily swallow up a gallon of milk with plenty of room left over, and I suspect one may be able to fit two gallons inside if they were turned sideways, but I haven't tried that yet. Construction is the best I've seen, except maybe for my Berthoud handlebar bag, and they seem to be ingeniously designed. Well worth the money, IMO.