We have 2 sets of the drawstring non-PVC type Ortliebs, now 15 years old and many tours. Very faded, but still as waterproof as new. Our prior panniers were not waterproof, we love waterproof. We have never had any issues with the hooks. The plastic male Fastex-like buckles (not Fastex) eventually crack, but I found a cheap supply and easy to replace. If these fail to be waterproof eventually, we would replace with the same thing. My sister has Arkels and likes them very much, but too many zippers for my taste. When we arrive at camp, just prior to putting on the fly, everything from the rear panniers gets dumped in the tent, so pannier compartments not needed.