Originally Posted by
Kapusta
For commuting, shopping and errands, I have several bags from Arkel. I find the quality on par with Ortlieb, and the attachment sysytem second to none (one handed on and off and 100% secure)
They are very expensive, but worth it, IMO.
I like Arkel panniers, too.
I own both Ortlieb ( Bike-Packer Plus) and Arkel and both are an excellent quality product with much to commend them. The Ortlieb bags are lighter and have larger capacity, and are definitely better in the rain than the model of Arkel bags I’ve got.
But, I think the Arkel attachment system is much better than the Ortliebs. In fact I’ve had an Ortlieb come flying off the rack more than once after hitting some rough patches. That’s virtually impossible with the Arkel cam-lock system.
Both are simple to attach and remove one-handed and both should last an astonishing long time. I’d say you can’t go wrong with either product, but as you point out, you pay for that quality.