I don't want to have tacky looking kitty litter buckets and I'm rather poor at building even simple things. For me it'd would be easier to buy a decent set of panniers

I've been eyeing up the lone peak Sundance panniers. Has anyone else used these? Can anyone vouch for their durability?

I resemble that remark!

I used Axiom Transit panniers for years.....They held up just fine.

I have several Lone Peak sets as I posted, and here's my experience. For my rear, I use the Mt. Rainier packs. I'm the type that likes lots of small compartments. For the front, I have both Parley's and Sundance. I've toured with both and never had an issue at all. Even used them through cold driving rain her in the PNW and nothing got wet. The material is waterproof enough for me. The way I see it, if its raining hard enough to soak through them, I'm gonna pull off and get under cover anyway. I've done three 300 mile tours with them, so haven't been around the world usage, but very stable, very light compared to others and again, no durability issues. Zippers good, stitching solid. No issues.

Also, as a better judge of durability, I have a different set of older Sundance Panniers pretty much permanently on my commuting bike. I bought them used and use them five days a week in all weather for a good long while now-- sometimes loaded pretty heaving with work back and computer and work out backpack and shoes stuffed in them. Again, no issues at all. I assume I will use all these bags for as long as I continue riding. So, yeah, I certainly recommend them. If you want an education on them-- and often a little discount-- call the The Touring Store (online). I think its Wayne (?). Anyway, I have no affiliation with him/them, but he'll give you as good of an expert education as you could possible get on Lone Peak packs and also better quality panniers in general so you can get exactly what you need. Hope that helps.

Forgot to mention, if you do buy them, pay attention to if you need 10 or 8mm hooks for your racks.

Is that 2 mm really gonna make a difference?

It does actually, because the hooks on Lone Peaks have a slide down lock that closes the hook solidly around the rack. I have both 8 and 10mm and the 10mm can go on an older 8mm tubed rack without issue and the clasp will close, but it will be a little loose and have a tiny wobble. The 8mm hooks won't close down around a 10mm tubed rack obviously (many of the newer types). You can ride with them on that way, they will hang on to the larger tubed rack just fine especially since the backs have a bottom pulled stability cord to hook the bottom of the packs to the frame, but you just lose some of the benefit of the pack/hook design for stability.

Alright. That makes sense. I think in gonna go with the lone peak thanks a ton for everyone's help

Sorry to bring this thread back now but does anyone have budget conscious rack recommendations that work well with lone peak panniers?

I think the Topeak Super Tourist DX is a great value at about $45 and works well with my Lone Peak panniers. On the front I use a Tubus Tara which is a great rack but not exactly budget.

I can't say specifically if it works well with Lone Peak panniers, but I have a Topeak Super Tourist DX for my back rack and it is pretty good - especially for the price.

My front rack is a Minoura MT-4000SF and it is great. I use it with Nashbar Waterproof front panniers and they are a good match.

ETA: The Minoura rack is a superb deal at ~$60 and made from steel tubing - very strong!!!

Again, you can find slightly cheaper but this Axiom rack is well built and they have several designs in case you need one to work with discs. I like the extra strut that increases rigidity and strength.

Axiom Journey Rack - Black - Modern Bike

Ortlieb Back Roller City panniers can be found as cheap as $80 in the UK and on eBay. You don't need 4 panniers to ride across the U.S. Two panniers, a dry bag, and a handlebar bag is enough space if you pack lightish.

Only 2 panniers? How little are you packing? I'd love to make it work on only two panniers but I don't see it happening.

That's a great idea...

Right Pannier- Sleeping pad in bottom. One camp shirt, wind shirt, UL-down jacket, rain jacket, long socks, nylon pants, base layer, beanie. All rolled up in freezer bags. Toiletries in freezer bag.

Left Pannier-All or most of kitchen fits in one small pot with cozy. Food bag, small tool/parts bag.

Tent and down quilt in dry bag on the rack, frequently accessed items in a small handlebar bag. (down quilt is in it's own bag to protect from tent moisture).

Note that skipping the front rack and panniers saves 4.5 lbs and reduces the tendency to overpack. Also easier to pack, manage, maintain, and repair gear with less stuff. Keeping clothes to a minimum helps to make 2 panniers possible. Note no underwear, bathing suit, minimal socks, and only one riding shorts/shirt.

I may carry a laptop in the future, which would requiring moving the sleeping pad to the rear rack.

Also, note that carrying the Plus model (cordura) panniers, and removing inner pockets saves almost a pound.

Waterproof 100L Canvas Cycling Bicycle Bag Bike Rear Seat Bag Double Pannier Bag - £55.09

Waterproof 100L Canvas Cycling Bicycle Bag Bike Rear Seat Bag Double Pannier Bag | eBay

While it's good economic sense to use budget panniers for limited usage, I don't suggest scrimping too much when it comes to the rack(s). I like Old Man Mountain racks, but have not tried any of the other previous suggestions. My back-up touring bike is a high mileage example I use primarily as a beater bike. It has a Blackburn rear rack, that while not very expensive, has withstood quite a bit of usage.

Using front and rear racks and four panniers will allow less stress on the cargo system and allow for balancing the load. Just because one can load everything in the more common rear rack with pannier doesn't make it the best option, in particular when approaching the 40 lb. mark.

Brad

I really like the kitty litter approach. Even without sponsorship

Can someone list parts needed? I guess 2 lengths of aluminium tubing through a 2x6 bolted to the rear rack, with hooks bolted to the boxes, front and back, for main support and a bungee to keep them snug against the rack.

Don't loaded boxes tend to crack under stress when loaded?

Shock cord 2 J hooks bent to go over the rack and another from wire bent to go around the shock cord .

Maybe some P clips and Zip ties to secure the ends of the shock cord..

I like finishing shock cord ends with Hot Melt Glue and heat shrink tubing .


how many tonnes do you intend to carry?

Yup those 200 us roughly for front and rear city ones is a good deal, and if you don't like bike touring , you can sell them easily if you keep em in good shape.

I am personally a weight weenie but I am also the designated rider who'll carry our family's luggage.

We are Ortlieb all the way. We will ride with 110L of cargo space (2 rear on an extra wheel + front and rear on the bike proper) but I expect/hope that 80-90 will be enough. (we are used to tiny tents, have ultralight sleeping systems and prosper indefinitely on clothes that fit in 2x3L stuff sacks each. Add cookware, toiletries, food, tools and spares and that'll do.)

Even though we have (more than) what we need, I'll probably try kitty boxes. It seems to make absolute perfect sense.

look at Jandd Expedition rear rack $94.95 and I am using Jandd Expedition rear rack and
Jandd extreme front rack
Bicycle panniers, bike bags, messenger bags, fanny packs, bike racks,dog packs, police gear and more.

Another Kitty Litter Bike Pannier