Deuter Rack Pack I
 

I've searched the archives, but I haven't found what I'm looking for.

I'm thinking about picking up a Rack Pack I from Sierra Trading Post. They're $77 and I found a 20% off coupon, too. Plus they have a very liberal return policy.

This model doesn't come with the rain cover. Any idea how it might hold up to commuting in the wet? My commute is about 30-35 minutes. I try to avoid downpours by waiting at work or home until it clears up a bit, but I'll bike in some moderate rain.

Thanks!

Where did you find the 20% off coupon? I've been eyeing these for a while too, but the 20% might be the incentive I need to finally order.

If theyre anything like my Deuter Rack Pack Uni´s, they hold up very badly in the wet. I NEED ortliebs for my current tour, as it has been pouring in Europe.

There's always coupons here: http://www.fatwallet.com/t/18/243140

So, by wet are we talking hours in heavy downpours? My primary consideration is that they can keep stuff mostly dry for about 30 minutes in a heavy drizzle. My commute is short enough so that if it's really pouring, I'll try to wait it out either at home or work. I've also got fenders on my bike so that should cut down some on the splash factor, too.

A lot of panniers have some sort of water-proofing or resistance. Just because Sierra's website doesn't say that doesn't mean they will sponge up moisture. Check out the product at Deuter's US site:
http://tinyurl.com/2n25qx

The description of the fabric, Super-Polytex, includes this: "Made from a robust 600 denier polyester thread with a PU coating...."

So it has some sort of protective coating. Regardless, buy them and waterproof them yourself:
http://tinyurl.com/2u5vvn

Those packs look nice!