Biketouringhobo

Arkel Orca Rear Panniers
45L 2,750 cu in
with removable internal cradle 5.5lbs
without removeable internal cradle 4.65lbs
$209.95 USD
Metal Hooks Cam-Lock Mounts
Lifetime Warranty


Ortlieb Back Rollers Rear Panners
40L 2,440 cu in
4.194 lbs
$180.00
Plastic Hooks Mounts
5 yr Warranty




Right now I am using Ortlieb back rollers on my Surly LHT and I don't like plastic Hook Mounts
and ASAP I am getting the Arkel Orca 45 Rear Panniers or Arkel Dolphin 48 Rear Panniers
48L2,930 cu in and I have the Arkel Orca 35 front panniers 35L 2,140cu in and I like the Arkel Metal cam-lock Mounts more then Plastic hook mounts and Arkel Orca panniers are very well made in Canada

fietsbob

Hundreds of coast reidesrs every year, many use Ortliebs, I take them grocerey shopping and the checker fills them

have TAILWIND aero panniers and robert beckman 'needleworks ' panniers the latter used on several multi month tours across europe

over more than 10 years ..

the plastics used by Ortlieb has proven reliable the powder coat on the steel racks is what wears.

every one has an opinion.

VT_Speed_TR

I have Arkel small front panniers with the cam lock mechanism. Way too complicated, too heavy, mechanism gets dirty & doesn't function smoothly. A simple hook, like Lone Peak uses, is much better for the purpose. Get a lightweight dry bag, weighs 5-10oz and strap it to the top of the rack.

Not everything you are carrying needs to be kept in a waterproof bag
KISS

Biketouringhobo

I was using the Jandd Expedition Rear Panniers and I did not them rack mounts too

and not waterproof like Arkel Orca 45 and 35 and Dolphin 48 and 32 and Ortlieb panniers

mantelclock

++++ Absolutely true!

Doug64

I have no experience with Arkel, but have used my Ortlieb Backrollers a lot. I have a total of about 14 months of actual touring on my Ortliebs. The only problem that I had was loosing one of the little spacer clips on my front pannier's hook. It was not a show stopper, and was easily replaced.

I have use three other brands of panniers prior to purchasing the Ortliebs, all with the metal hooks and bungee mounting systems. They worked OK, but when the last pair was "borrowed" by one of my daughters; I wanted to go waterproof.

My wife has a set of Ortlieb Front Packer panniers that she used for touring, commuting, and now for general around town use. Those panniers have almost been on her bike full time, except for cleaning and maintenance, since 2007. The red has faded, but again no problems with anything.

I believe that Ortlieb and Arkel are both good quality panniers, and either brand would serve well. But, I would not base my decision on the perceived weakness of Ortlieb's mounting clips.

Biketouringhobo

it is the clips on Ortlieb panniers I don't like too
and Rack Mounts

mtnroads

Those are the Jandd Mini Mountain panniers, not the Expedition.

That said, I agree with you that their mounting system leaves something to be desired with those straps and hooks.

mtnroads

I like Arkel the best, but they're a tad expensive, and on the heavy side, even the T42's. But super well made. I had a nice set before but I sold most of my touring gear when I moved to Asia.

Ortlieb seems very popular and are available everywhere it seems.. I just bought a set on sale to use this upcoming year for a couple of tours stateside. We'll see once again if I can adjust to the relative lack of pockets. I had problems with that before.

treebound 

Was there a question in the opening post? Or was this an opinion/review thread? I'm planning on sorting out my bike bags and panniers this year (2016), and getting rid of the older and lower quality stuff, and hopefully replacing it all with a good set of gear so threads like this one sometimes get my attention.

seeker333

There was obviously no question or point to the OP, rather it was sophomoric reaction to a post I made earlier, which I recommend you read if you are considering bag replacement, as it may lighten your load by pounds and save you hundreds of dollars.

treebound 

Ah, okay, thanks, and thanks for the link as well.

Biketouringhobo

I know it is the Jandd mini panniers
and the only pics I founded on google!

and look at there hook and rack mount

VT_Speed_TR

a simple hook and some type of lower tension have been in use on panniers for a long time and work very well. I have a set of Cannondale panniers I purchased in 1973! I'm still using them and they have never fallen off, even riding dirt roads. Just a simple solution that keeps on going and going.

VT_Speed_TR

This blog post by a local here in Vermont shows you don't need to constantly buy new panniers when something is not meeting your expectations. A couple of dollars and a little effort on your part results in a simple fix. anniebikes