I need to get my provisions from the Farmers' Market in Union Square (Manhattan) to my house in Western Queens, a distance of ~ten miles. I'm just too lazy to schlep it in my messenger bag and trailers in New York City are not an option. Any opinions on either the Arkel Utility Basket or the Carradice Shopping Pannier? I'd prefer something that is "grocery specific" ie has a flat bottom for easier packing and is shaped something like a paper bag but still nimble enough for Manhattan traffic.

I've gotten a great deal of use from Ortlieb's Bike Shopper panniers.
They are waterproof, come on and off the rack with ease and have good carry handles. They will even hook onto the sides of a shopping cart so you can load them up while shopping and not end up buying more than you can carry.

What AllenG said. I have those panniers, too, and they work really, really well, in all kinds of weather.

Oh and one thing I really like about them is being waterproof, I can load one down with frozen and perishable goods (dry goods in the other), and then pour a bag of ice on top to keep everything fresh.

All of the above are great suggestions. To answer your question, I have a Carradice shopper and I love it. It is also waterproof, and holds a tremendous amount.

i think the ortlieb bike shopper is made with PVC. which, if you have ever seen the documentary Blue Vinyl, you will know that vinyl production is quite toxic. i'd say go for the carradice's. they are made from waxed canvas.

+1! and they are made by real people in a first world country being paid a living wage. (Not to say that the Ortliebs aren't...I don't know) And as far as I know Arkel are made in Canada at their facility.

Aaron

Arkels are made in Sherbrooke PQ, in the Cantons Est. Being an ex-pat Canadian, I should probably go for the Arkel :-)

How does Waxed Cotton Duck Canvas compare to Cordura Nylon? Don't you need to refresh the wax on a periodic basis?

yes you do need to refresh the wax. I have a little tin of wax that came with my Carradice Nelson bag and based on previous experience it will only need to be done every 2-3 years, under normal use. I have cotton duck backpacks and other bags that are approaching the 35 year old mark and still in decent shape. The cordura is a very durable product too. Other than the fact that the cotton is a renewable resource and the nylon is an oil derivative IMHO there is little difference in the durability. I have some cordura bags that originally had a water proof coating (urethane?) that has since worn off, so they are no longer water proof. I have had some luck resealing them using NikWax products. But once the waterproof coating goes it is an uphill battle.

Aaron

If this gets out it could destroy the hipster culture! As the good word says: Hipsters doth not live by fixed gear cycling only, but by every torneth up piece of old kitchen flooring and by every funky fresh cut doth he breakdance.

That was a factor in choosing the Carradice. I was very taken with the idea of being able to renew the waterproofness of their panniers. As nice as the Ortleibs and Arkels are, sooner or later (later I'm sure), they won't be waterproof anymore and nothing can be done about it.

That said, all 3 are high quality products. Honestly, if you flipped a coin and chose one by chance, I am sure you'd be happy with it. Look at the details and pick which set you like best.

I just got the arekel UB, and so far i like it a lot. The hard back that extends to the bottom of the bag means that it won't sag when you load it down, and the top pocket is great for items you need to reach quickly, or items that need to be protected (it also has the hard bottom) like eggs.

Since i received the UB i took it for an overnight trip as well, and think that it could easily fit enough gear, clothes, and food for a few nights if traveling light. Strap a tent and sleeping bag to the top of the rack and you are ready for some bike camping...
As far as water proof goes, you can always just buy a water proof cover for whatever pannier you choose.

That's my contribution, but i think you will be happy with whatever you choose. I have to say that i am a convert and i sing the praises of panniers to everyone, it feels so good to get stuff off my back.

You can waterproof anything with a Hefty trash bag

Aaron

Do you have Arkel's cam lock attachment thing? What do you think of it?

Well, so far the cam locks have worked well. It is especially good for this pannier's use since you will be putting it on and taking it off a lot. I cannot give a full review because the rack i have is really poor quality which doesn't allow me to attached the bungee cord system taut enough.
If you want i can give you a better review once i can get a new rack and set the pannier up correctly.