ElJamoquio

Sorry for a repeat of a topic that's covered often... but I think my requirements are different than most.

I do not want a large pannier. I'm thinking something like 10" x 14" x 4" or something. I don't need it to be waterproof, light rain resistance is OK.

I do NOT want a roll top that takes another five seconds to roll up or down, and makes me reach deep into the pouch for the relatively small amount of stuff that I need to carry.

I would like the quick release type so I can quickly take it off and on (like the Ortlieb, etc), not a requirement, but would definitely push that selection to the top of the list.

So... in order of preference:

Small
Easy to get stuff in and out
Easy to get pannier on and off
Cost

Thanks all!

no1mad 

If you aren't going to carry that much, then why not get a handlebar bag or use a rack trunk? Or something like this?

colleen c

When I went Pannier shopping, I did not want to spend too much money on one single bag and not liking it. I chose to buy several lower cost bag and tried them out to see which one fits me and the rest will be used on my less used bikes. So I went to Performance to try several different bags because their price is right.

One of the bag which I bought from performance and that may fit your need is a Transit bag which is bigger than your dimension you describe(10x14x4) but not by much (14x11x6) using the spec provided online. In reality, it seems bigger than what is listed but you can check that out at the store to see if it's too large. It is wide and holds it's form such that you don't need to dig around so much. Using Ziploc bag to organize thing inside will keep thing from getting all mix together. It also has a built in rain cover in the bottom pocket that can be pull out to help keep water out. The downside is that thhe strap that hooks on the bottom is not the best but I manage to make it work on all my bikes and rack. The other downside is also that it is not the lightest nor the best quality as compare to the upper end pannier, but heck at the sales price (I thing I paid cheaper than what is listed online), it is hard to beat.

Timber_8

I would look at the Topek quick track trunk bag setup with drop down panniers. The panniers are there if you need them or you can buy a trunk without the pannier option. I find Topek a quality affordable option & the quick track setup is just very convenient & available everywhere. Good luck in your search

ElJamoquio

The mounts rub my thighs for the seatpost-clameped trunks, and I don't like the bikes center of gravity being so high. I'm buying a handlebar bag to see if I like it, but I wanted to try some small panniers, and maybe buy some larger panniers for different uses.

vik 

Get one of the front Ortlieb panniers with a lid...opens and closes easily. Waterproof and very tough. Easy to put on and off bike. Sales are available if you care to hunt around a bit.

They are small and fit on a rear rack no problemo.

ElJamoquio

Never thought about using a front pannier... and never knew that they come with a 'lid'. I do like the ortlieb release mechanism.

Bekologist

the rollers are quite a bit easier to use than the packers.

i just run them like big floppy buckets. i can even dig in them and retrieve stuff from them while riding.

the tops just have to flop over and they are rainproof.

go with the rollers, roll closing them is way too much work for commuting.

ortlieb front rollers= pannier buckets par excellence

cooleric1234

Nashbar Daytrekker. Not quick release but seems to meet your other criteria. I have them and love them for commuting.

AdamDZ

"Waterproof" and "easy to get stuff in and out" are usually mutually exclusive as real waterproof panniers have rather involving closure mechanisms to prevent water from entering. I like Axiom Typhoon and Monsoon panniers: totally waterproof, secure but easy to use mounting mechanism, inexpensive but a little complicated to get stuff in an out.

nice_marmot

I have a pair of Typhoons that I really like. They're roll-top, but the underside of the top flap has a mesh pocket that I can quickly get to while, say, stopped at a red light (it helps to have long arms). I had borrowed a par of Ortliebs from a friend, and I really preferred the closing mechanism on those as it felt more secure. Axiom provides a much more affordable product that's just as waterproof, though -- and the pockets come in handy.

alr

ortleib shopper. it has a large ziplock closing top which is pretty easy to get in and out of. also waterproof and easy to mount and secure once mounted. I have one and I like it.

AdamDZ

I'll do my first tour next month with the Axiom panniers. I also wanted the matching handlebar bag but that one, strangely, is quite expensive ($80 - their panniers cost as much or less) and got some bad reviews for sloppy mounting mechanism

A.