My current pannier - a cheap MEC number that converts to a backpack, is just a notch too small for my commute especially on the way home when I need to add the warm clothes I used on the ride in. So I'm seeking suggestions for what to buy for a replacement. I loved the Arkel Bug, because it seemed well thought out, but it's a bit too big.

My needs:
Big enough to fit clothes and lunch, plus the occasional find from the lunchtime farmers markets. But not so big that everything gets lost
Space for a U-lock
Side pockets, or a separate front pocket for me keys and the pass I need to get into the bike room
A shoulder strap, or comfortable handle for taking it up to the office
Somewhere to clip a light

Oh yes, and I'm in Canada, so that rules out REI and Nashbar and all those guys because it's too much hassle to pay the shipping and fret about the duties.

Civia makes the single pannier by Ortlieb. They have dealers in Alberta and BC. I have one of their panniers and like it. Waterproof with two 'pockets' in the interior. 20L.

Or, you could just get the Ortlieb back-roller pair. Have you looked at these before? From what I understand, they're the gold standard in panniers.

I looked st the Ortlieb, Burt I want external pockets to put things I need to access. But 20 liters is about right. Maybe I should look again.

Arkel is a CDN company , sew top notch bags,
[but being sewn are not as watertight as Welded seam construction]

I have a short commute, so wateproof isn't a complete priority.

You can attach an external pocket to all Ortlieb panniers. Works extremely well. The pocket also has a roll top, so no broken zippers or stuff that gets stuck in the zipper. Totally waterproof of course. Size is generous enough to hold a large bunch of keys, a fat wallet and a telephone, while still allowing a large hand to get into it and find what you want.

Pure genius design like the the Ortlieb Back-Roller, but of course, this add-on makes the Ortlieb pannier even more expensive.

OTOH, I have used this combo daily for around 6-7 years and I just enjoy something that works so well and is so well made and so well designed.

Ortlieb have a good warranty, is repairable; either factory repair or cheap DIY spare parts with a 10 years guarantee of available spare parts.

I thought it was outrageous expensive when I bought my Ortlieb Back-Roller many years ago, now I think it is a real bargain considering the daily use and abuse they have survived.

Well, Axiom is a Canadian company and they sell great panniers. I'm not sure that they have a pannier that converts to a backpack, but I bought a set of LaSalles that have shoulder straps. I typically use just one of them for commuting... includes clothing, lunch, some bike gear, a rain poncho and sundries. I think it carries a tad more than the MEC pannier.

I recently bought an Ortleib Bike Shopper single pannier, and I like it. The mounting system is amazing - no amount of bumps will even move it - but then just one tug on the handle and it comes right off. The closure is like a zip-loc bag, rather than a roll top, but it's totally waterproof and air tight. It has enough space for clothes and some groceries for on the way home. And don't worry about balance with the single pannier, once you get rolling you'd never notice. It cost about $100 from REI.

Edit: just saw you're from Canada, so no REI, but I'm sure you can find a dealer/order direct from Ortleib.

I have a couple of the small Axiom panniers and use either one or two depending on what I need to haul. The model I have does not have an extra pocket for keys or whatever, nor a place to clip a light, it has reflector strips. I usually find that rigid place to put a light -- the rack, seatpost, or seat stays works better than on a bag.

I bought a set of Rack Time panniers (I think the model is called Travel-It) from Sierra Trading Post for under $50.00. They are made by Ortlieb, and have the Ortlieb attachment system. They seem to be sturdy and well made and have built in rain covers which I haven't used yet. When you join Sierra Trading Post they give you an additional discount for joining. Considering the costs, the price plus shipping to Canada may still end up cheaper than most things you'll find elsewhere.

My Ortleib panniers have extra zippered pockets inside, so while they're not as quick-access as external pockets (which you're going to have a heck of a time finding on the market anyway), they keep your small items from getting buried at the bottom of the bag.

So I spent more than I wanted to spend, and I got something that's bigger than I was looking for initially. But all is good so far.

This single pannier converts to a shoulder bag, has bottle pockets (perfect for a u lock and for the pack of baby wipes) and two other external pockets, it looks pretty waterproof and will even work for a laptop, for the days when I need to take a laptop to work. And it has room for locks, clothes and Other Stuff.

https://www.arkel-od.com/us/all-categ...-bike-bag.html

Of course, I bought it on Sunday, and it rained/snowed for the first two days, so it's only had one outing so far.

But I'm pretty excited.

Good choice. I love my Arkel panniers.

Lone Peak makes some nice panniers for a decent price. Arkels have always struck me as heavy and expensive although they are apparently very high quality. If you can order from Detours (which is based in Seattle I think), they have some very reasonably priced panniers that seem high quality.

Personally, after shopping around for panniers for a long time, I settled on Ortlieb Back Roller Classics. The reviews are consistently outstanding for them and they are fully waterproof and easy to mount and remove. I plan to use mine for loaded touring and occasional commutes, so my needs are different than yours. For commuting, I mainly use a Carradice bag and plan to use the panniers only on days when I need to carry a lot of gear.

I just ordered these Racktime rear panniers as well from Sierra Trading Post. I got them for under $50 as well, and total came to $53+ with shipping for the pair. I like the fact that they have the built in rain covers also, and it looks like just enough additional pockets for misc items. I'm really looking forward to trying them out.

PSA - check out the website for retailmenot.com and enter in Sierra Trading Post. There was a 20% and 30% off item coupon there last time I checked. Not sure if they are still valid, but worth a shot.