Originally Posted by
cyccommute
Frankly, I'd add the rail (and have). The rail spreads the load out across the top of the pannier. Individual clips like the Lone Peak could easily tear through many bags. I've even gone so far as adding the lower hardware from Ortlieb to some bags because the attachment is much more stable and stronger.
OK, I feel stupid now, no idea why that shop kept popping up in my search over the actual manufacturer
Although, if the rails add that much benefit, I could deal with the $7 they cost. I was originally just looking for something that looked like it would use the existing holes.