Originally Posted by
Tourist in MSN
I have used my Ortlieb roller type panniers since 2009, both front and rear. Not a hassle at all.The roller type ones work well with a pannier that is less than full, as you can roll the top over a few more times to take up the excess volume. You get used to squeezing out most of the air for a few seconds before you start to roll them.
I have not used Ortleb brand ones with a flap on top but I have used other brands that had a flap on top. I had less luck at closing up a pannier that was less than full when it had a flap on top, the flap often would not fit quite right.
Ortlieb makes two types of roller ones, the City version and the regular version, mine are the regular that have a strap that goes over the top. A friend of mine uses the City version. Both of us are happy with our choices. The City version are a bit lighter but lack a few things that you find on the regular version.
But for the past two decades I have been using a backpack for canoe trips that had a roller top made by SealLine and I use a lot of dry bags for kayaking that have a roller closure, so I am used to that type of closure. I also have a couple day packs that have a roller closure. So maybe it is personal preference.
The flip top type can be compressed pretty well too when not filled. But I would say the roll top have advantages the other way around when the bag is full. I have done tours with just one flip top type and if you need to stuff something extra in an already near filled bag it can be a challenge to close.
I bought the flip type because I was told they have easier access but I don't see much of a difference. As far as being waterproof the flip top does just fine. But if you want to do more advanced touring like crossing waist deep streams you might want to consider the roll type.