I've been commuting to school for the past semester, and I've been enjoying it greatly. However, the panniers I've been using are fairly old, one is developing a small hole, and neither are waterproof.

This semester, most of my textbooks are quite a bit larger, and one doesn't even fit in the panniers, so I'm thinking it's time for an upgrade.

Generally I'm having to carry 2 textbooks plus a netbook, a notebook, and some other misc. supplies like a graphing calculator. I also would prefer to have one that could function as a messanger bag once off the bike.

Shopping around awhile ago, I stumbled accross this one, I liked the size and shape, but it just wasn't large enough to carry everything I needed.



I was wondering if anyone here had a good reccommendation, or at least knows of a good place to look around.

Are you looking for just panniers, or would you get something if it could carry more?

I have this one - https://topeak.com/products/Bags/MTXTrunkBagEXP

I think it will easily hold all you are carrying. The only thing I don't like about it is the strap it came with. That strap is/was pathetic. It is to short. Topeak sells a rain cover for their bags, I think you have to purchase it separately.

Sewn bags are not waterproof, you have to put stuff in plastic bags inside, at least.

there are welded seam bags from several makers . one that would be useful ..

this is a single bag with a watertight zipper opening
https://www.ortlieb.de/_prod.php?lang...eshopper&pf=1a
https://www.ortlieb.de/_prod.php?lang...nt=bikeshopper Accessory back pack pad clips on,
https://www.ortlieb.de/_prod.php?lang...nt=bikeshopper

Its the same format as their excellent touring rear panniers, which are sold in pairs ,
with a different top closure system.

sewn backpack with a hidden covered pannier hook set , at Nashbar.
may be more affordable .
I have a set of Ortlieb panniers .. amongst the best.
(argument will alway be raised).

Of course you can fit a big front basket , like from Wald, on the bike and put the messenger bag in it.

Forum search panniers you will get hundreds of results and all the info you could ever need

How about the Nashbar Special Waterproof Action Pack n' Pannier. It looks like it would satisfy what you are looking for minus the messenger bag part.

Personally, I think the best option for you would be to a) find whatever backpack/mess bag/tote/ that fits your own personal sense of fashion and then b) throw it into a basket.

Panniers are meant to be carried by a bike. Those that can be carried comfortably off the bike for extended periods of time tend to be too small, too pricey, or just suck for what you are looking for.

Ortlieb makes some very good panniers; they have the best mounting systems by far, something you really appreciate when you use the panniers daily. The Ortlieb QL2 system is good because it is extremely easy, fast and intuitive to use, while guaranteeing that the pannier doesn't fall off when hitting a pot hole or similar. Their panniers are also known for being very waterproof.

The Ortlieb Office bag L(arge) is an excellent commuter pannier for notebooks and books because of its reinforced square size, and because it is totally waterproof. It has several internal compartments for pens, calculator and papers etc. Ortlieb sells spare parts to everything, including materials for patching holes. It also has a padded shoulder strap so you can either carry it like a shoulder bag or as an messenger bag.

The problem with carrying panniers is that the mounting system on the backside tend to hook into your clothes and body. The easy solution is of course just to carry the pannier with the "ugly" pannier backside outwards, but it doesn't look so good. Ortleib have therefore made a new mounting system, QL3, that removes all hooks on the pannier so its backside is totally smooth and therefore doesn't snag your clothes.

There is a youtube video on how it works:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?hl=da&v=GCY__XlX-zk

I have no personal experience with this new quick release system, but I own both a pair of Ortlieb Back-Rollers and an Ortlieb Office bag L with the QL2 system, and I really like them. So if appearance isn't so important you can probably save a bit by choosing the Office bag with the QL2 system and carry it with the backside outwards, instead of the new QL3 Office bag.

Ortlieb products seems expensive at first, but panniers with similar features tend to be just as expensive. Besides that, they are very sturdy. I have used (abused) my Orlieb Back-Rollers daily for six years, and I see no reason why they shouldn't last six more years.

IMHO, avoid panniers that uses external raincovers or has hook and bungie mounting systems. Better solutions exist.

--
Regards

I've been very pleased with my Ortlieb Sport Packer Plus panniers. Easy on/off, waterproof, and no unwanted ejections (I've ridden dirt trails while they were attached). Hard to go wrong with any of the Ortliebs, really.

I bought a pair of orange waterproof Ortlieb classics and I'm very, very happy with them. It couldn't be easier. You simply pick the bag up directly off the rack via a handle and throw the shoulder strap over and off you go. There equally easy to put on and they are kept secure. They also come with internal zippered pouch -- but the more I ride with stuff -- the more I just skip the intricacies and toss it in there and go. Beautiful. Because of the simplicity and durability I know they will get used even if their initial buy in was a bit on the pricey side. Then again, if you buy a new bike -- strike while the iron is hot and bargain for a deal. I got 40% of mine which brought the overall cost in line with what I was hoping to get.

Ortiebs are the best money can buy!

I use the Arkel Commuter. They have many similar bags in their Urban/Commuting lineup, one of which will almost surely fill your needs. Most are available with an optional rain cover; I have one, but the bag's inherent water resistance means the cover only comes out during downpours, or when riding in the slop.

Arkel's products aren't cheap, but after a few years of regular use mine still looks and works like new. It's easy to see where my money went.

I think the main lesson I've learned with bike equipment is buck up and make the initial investment. Ortiebs or other quality bags don't come cheap but you won't be replacing them either.

Check this out for a pictoral list of brands: https://bicycletouringpro.com/blog/bicycle-panniers/


I'll just put in a word for Knog. I have Frank's Dog and it's a great pannier with the small alteration of a bottom hook (cut up a spare bungee cord and stole the hook). It was surprisingly hard to find a pannier with hooks and a shoulder strap when I was hunting last year. That said the options above look good.
https://www.knog.com.au/gear-bags/frank-dog.phps

It's certainly the trendiest thing I own. I am single-handedly taking down the hip-factor of Knog by owning one.

The recommendations on the Ortliebs are spot-on. For what you're packing around for school or office work, I've had really good results with the Ortlieb "Downtowner", which is pretty much a waterproof/mostly dustproof briefcase with the Ortlieb QL2 attachment system on the back. There's room for a netbook or full sized laptop in there, as couple books, notebooks, and writing accessories. For commuting, I'll stick my laptop and notebook in there, and then put one of the Rollers or a BikePacker on the other side to hold a change of work clothes.

https://www.banjobrothers.com/product...proof-pannier/

Waterproof, durable and doesn't break the bank.

Thanks for the responses all.

After reading your recommendations and doing a bit more background research, I'm leaning towards the ortlieb office bag


Not sure about the mounting system though, My panniers are of the old hook and spring variety, and I was wondering if you would need a specific type of rack to attach the QL3 rack things.


I've got an old blackburn cross rack