I like Arkel panniers, too.

I own both Ortlieb ( Bike-Packer Plus) and Arkel and both are an excellent quality product with much to commend them. The Ortlieb bags are lighter and have larger capacity, and are definitely better in the rain than the model of Arkel bags I’ve got.

But, I think the Arkel attachment system is much better than the Ortliebs. In fact I’ve had an Ortlieb come flying off the rack more than once after hitting some rough patches. That’s virtually impossible with the Arkel cam-lock system.

Both are simple to attach and remove one-handed and both should last an astonishing long time. I’d say you can’t go wrong with either product, but as you point out, you pay for that quality.

It probably depends on the specific models, but I have noticed the same difference between my Arkel (Shopper and Metropolitan) and the Ortliebs I have looked at and considered: the Ortliebs seem lighter for a given capacity, and are more waterproof.

Right. And I have found that I don't even need the bungee hook on the Arkels. I think the only reason they still include it is that it was freaking people out not having one. They used to sell a few models without them, but now I notice they all have them. I removed them from mine with zero impact on the functionality, other than making them easier to install and take off.

As much as I love the Arkels I have for day to day commuting/errand use, I would definitely be looking to something like Ortliebs for actual touring. I think that the needs of touring and day-to-day utility are a little different.

Used a set of Robert Beckman bags made for Bruce Gordon Racks , for 10 years on several long tours ..

bought in the 80's .. compartmentalization helped..
but being sewn together rain covers were needed ..

complicating, how they were mounted, straps buckles many hooks,
meant no one was going to snatch-grab them.



pretty much breaks down to welded seam , no needle holes to allow leaks...

but sewing can be done by anyone with a sewing machine...
so you can even sew your own..



...

Old rice bags can work well under certain conditions.