Originally Posted by
daihard
I'm not the OP, but I've been trying to decide which panniers to buy. My candidates are:
Ortlieb Front-Runner Panniers
Arkel GT-18
If I go with either, I will use them on my rear rack. I need compact panniers that are waterproof.
Are there any reasons you'd choose one or the other? If so, I'd appreciate your sharing them.
I am the OP, so no expert, but I have been considering the Ortlieb Front-Runners as one option and I generally prefer front panniers as they are a bit smaller. Hadn't seen the Arkel's before, but look interesting. The BP version that can convert to a backpack looks particularly interesting for carrying off the bike. They are very different panniers - the Ortlieb is a full waterproof bag and the Arkel is a normal bag with a waterproof liner in the main compartment. This allows external compartments for organizing smaller items, but these are not waterproof. I guess part of the questions is what do you value more, waterproof or some external pockets.
Would be very curious to know if anyone has experience with Arkel products.