campylover

I am still looking at panniers and wad reading some on crazyguyonbike web site about the Arkels vs Ortlieb. I like the Ortlieb roller plus but I am wondering about the mounting system vs the Arkel one. Waterproof bags are not a big priority to me.I am using Tubus front and rear racks. I am planning a cross country trip in a few years and will be doing some weekend,week long touring next year. Would like to get pros and cons people have had with the 2 panniers.

Malachi292

I have Arkel's GT-18's. I use them for commuting and plan on making them my front panniers when touring. I love 'em. They're my work horse panniers and they do a good job.

I've ordered the T-42's to be my rear panniers but they have not yet arrived so I cannot comment on them.

I like Arkel's cam-lock system. It is very easy to use. But I do wonder if maybe it's a bit too complicated for touring. The more complex something is the more likely it is to break in some fashion. Guess I'll find out though since that's what I'm going with.

When the T-42's arrive I'll be sure to post my thoughts, if you haven't already made your mind up one way or the other.

Malachi292

The T-42's arrived today. My first impression of them is quite good. They are cavernous, which is what I was looking for. A good counterpart to my GT-18's. I think I made the right decision. Time'll tell.

Obviously, I have not actually used them yet though.

sam21fire

I've used my Arkel's for several years now, since before the camlock system came out. I upgraded the mounting hardware to camlocks and found them to be very secure. They're a little tricky to put onto the rack (or my fingers just aren't talented that way) but taking the bags off is very simple. I'm impressed by the sturdiness of the bags and the compartment layout...large mains with smaller outer pockets.

Doug64

I don't know much about the Arkel bags, except that they have a good reputation. I do have some experiece with Ortlieb Products. I have been really pleased with their performance. This is especially true when I pull my dry camera out of the bar bag after a day of heavy rain. Their mounting system is secure and convenient to use.

I've been using Ortlieb panniers for the last 4 years. These have close to 8,000 miles of hard touring on them. They are amazingly tough. I have crashed several times (nothing serious) with the panniers taking the brunt of the fall. I have also tried to clean off high curbs with my right front pannier several times. Prior to getting the Ortliebs, we used a couple of different brands of non-waterproof panniers, and while they worked OK in most situations; the contents still got wet.

Ortliebs are really waterproof. On our last trip this summer we had rain 35 out of 90 days. Being waterproof may not seem critical until it gets really wet. It is also nice to be able to hose them down to clean the mud off. Between my wife and I we have 2 full sets, plus rack packs and handle bar bags. Besides tours she also used her small panniers for commuting to work.

Having said all this, I think any good set of panniers will do the job. Also, buying panniers is not an irreversible commitment . If they don't work, sell them and try another brand.

P.S. I also use Tubus Racks.

campylover

I have the $$$ for the roller plus bags. I just sold something on ebay and could buy the Sport Packer Plus and Bike packer Plus now.I do lot of backpacking and like the lid system better then the roll top. My LHT is almost built now! Rack is in the mail. Just trying to decide on panniers now.

Doug64

campylover,

My wife is using the Ortlieb Packer Plus and really likes them for the same reasons you are considering them. She almost went on strike when I suggested thet I use her small bags and her using the front rollers (which are slightly smaller). I prefer the rollers, but that is why they make different models.

Enjoy your new bike. Hopefully, the weather will hold long enough for you to try it out.

staehpj1

Just me, but...
The main factors that I consider important are weight, volume, and whether they have multiple pockets or not.

Volume - the right size to carry all you need with a minimal reserve is better than too big. On my last trip I found 2350 cubic inches of pannier space about right, but I pack pretty light.

Weight - lighter is better. Check the weights before choosing. Arkels tend to be heavy.

Personally I tend to prefer either just one big compartment or a minimal number of pockets. I think this preference or a preference for multiple pockets is a primary factor in choosing.

There is much fuss over mounting systems, but I have a hard time getting excited over them. The old fashioned two hooks and a bungee on older or inexpensive panniers have always been adequate for me. I have no experience with fancier mounting systems, but also have never missed or felt the need for them.

FWIW, I have taken to using only two smallish panniers and mount them on the front. The tent goes on the rear rack and I do use a handlebar bag as well.

scrapser

I have the Arkel RT-60 panniers for my recumbent. They are well made...very spacious...have compartments...and come off the rack with carrying handles. You can get optional shoulder straps for carrying around hands free if needed. Ortliebs tend to be just a big bag with a lid from what I've seen. I'm not knocking them for that as many people prefer to do their own organization so either way you have options.

I also have the Arkel Tailrider which is a great trunk bag for the top of your rack and short trips.

campylover

I am torn between the Rollers and Packer Plus. I have alot of lightweight gear for backpacking I plan on using and now I am thinking the Packer plus might be too big. I don't want to end up with panniers that I will stuff full because I have the room. When I go on shorter trips would the Rollers be better? Can I "roll" the pack down more than the Packer Plus with its compression straps? Time to call Thetouringstore and talk to Wayne again!

fietsbob

The thing is you can leave empty space in either bag , if you try. its a moderation challenge
so you leave room for fresh food buys.

now the roller and the sport/bike-packer, both include a shoulder strap for off the bike hauling,
bot the roller bags are using the strap thru an outside hook, the other ones you would probably
have you remove them, ,but not a big deal ..

campylover

Just ordered my panniers from Thetouringstore.com . Wayne is a great guy to deal with. I ended up getting the Packer Plus rear and the Roller Plus front panniers. I figure the Roller Plus will be good for a rear set up when I ride to work and being smaller than the Pack Plus front I will not overload them!