motion5447

My parents got me a set of panniersfor the holidays. I was looking at arkels, and didnt expect anything from them like a $300 "bag". They ended up getting me a set of REI keystone panniers in black. Im actually mildy excited about trying these $79.00 (on sale) bags out. I think for summertime usage they will hold up well. But in all honesty i dont really know yet. The one thing i did notice was some single stiched seams in some spots, but REI has a good return policy, so i think i should be covered here.

So, any thoughts on these panniers? are they going to bust like a grocery bag halfway across a state??

I think I'll just treat them like good ones and they wont fail me.

sakarias

I've used numerous REI brand products over the years (from a down parka to tents, to panniers). (I have been a member since 1965.) The quality is decent. The guarantee is a good safety net. Nothing of theirs has been a disappointment, that I recall.

The pair of REI panniers we have were new in around 1985. They are still in use, though the waterproof coating is worn . They have a few patches; and, I had to replace the shock cord. We took them to France, in 2003. For rainy weather, we made sure everything was in plastic bags or good waterproof stuff sacks.

My daughter bought some REI bags for this tour in France. Unfortunately, she did not test ride them before we arrived in France. Turned out an attachment part was missing. We had to improvise (successfully). She got the missing part sent to her when she got home.

tulip

I like REI stuff generally, but I have not tried the panniers. I never leave on a tour without a roll of duct tape, however (even with Arkels).

brokenrobot

The only piece of equipment I was really hating on my recent tour was an REI map holder / handlebar bag, which lost its shape quickly and so severely that it would no longer hold a map... but I have no experience with their panniers.

motion5447

Funny that you should mention about the attachment part missing. This originally happened to me on the first run. The keystones have a little track at the bottom to sercure the base, and a sliding hook thing that can come right off during shipping. Probably the same ones, or at least a similar design.

roadfix

I was a bit surprised to find my new Carradice panniers with identical track and hook gizmo to secure the pannier bottom. Although they look a bit flimsy, they do the job of securing quite well. Those sliding hooks can be tightened once set at proper position on the tracks.
I use my REI Traverse panniers primarily for commuting.... no complaints.