Originally Posted by BigBlueToe
I've had an REI Novara pannier set (front and rear with matching handlebar bag) that's still working fine after 15 years and lots of tours. I like them. Those panniers you mentioned don't look like touring panniers to me though. I guess just about anything could work, but if it was me I'd save those for trips to the market, and get some real touring panniers for touring. REI would be good. Arkel is probably better. Ortlieb looks really good but also heavy. But I've never actually examined Ortlieb panniers in person, so what do I know? I'm just saying they LOOK heavy. (But in a rainstorm, if they don't leak, heavy isn't all bad.)
You know, these will primarily be used for groceries, but it did occur to me that I might use them for some long dist. touring, maybe the Pittsburgh-to-DC trail this summer. I'm generally a bit of a weight weenie, but I figured, when it comes to touring bikes, these considerations go out the window. You think I'd regret the purchase? The REIs don't appear to be covered on top, but were it to rain, I might just throw a plastic bag over 'em. Bad idea?