Does anyone know a source for the most durable rear panniers made? I'm looking for something that's fairly large, waterproof or at least, highly water resistant, doesn't weigh too much, yet... something that will likely outlive me.

Ortlieb.

rain covers dont do squat in heavy rain. they make it worse and pool water in the bottom soaking your stuff. i learned the hard way during a tour. a heavy duty contractors garbage bag goes a long way in rain proofing a pannier. worked great for the rest of the trip. the axiom water proof one are decent. the outer pocket with the water resistant zipper doesnt work and collects water.

Ortlieb

Ortlieb Classics. I'd expect them to last longer than the lighter Ortlieb Plus series.

--J

Don't know about the panniers outliving you, but you won't do better than Ortlieb.

Ortleib Classics.

If you have rain covers I always put a grommet it two in the bottom of mine to allow the water to drain out, I would glue a small flap of material over them from the inside to keep spray from coming in, sort of a one way valve.

Aaron

Okay, Ortleib Classics. Where's the best place you guys have found to buy them?

If you want to buy them from an actual knowledgeable cyclist who will support you, try Wayne at The Touring Store. https://thetouringstore.com/

If you don't mind ordering from overseas, you can try www.wiggle.co.uk (though the prices aren't that much better than Wayne's).

The Touring Store. I did buy a pair from REI before I found out about Wayne. Got them on an end of year clearance sale.

Aaron

+1 on Ortlieb Classics..

Ortlieb Classics from The Touring Store. Hip, hip hooray!

Maybe Carradice Super C? - pretty large, rugged (in my opinion), and quite waterproof, although probably not like Ortliebs. See e.g.:

https://www.carradice.co.uk/products/range/supercrear

Best, Jesper

I like Ortliebs too - but just to lend a bit of a contrary viewpoint, see this review from a couple who used a set of Ortliebs on an extended tour:

https://www.crazyguyonabike.com/revie...ested=0#127860

Other panniers with a reputation for being durable include Lone Peak (see Erin's other review, linked from her Ortlieb review above), Arkel, and Carradice.

Neil

Plastic buckets make decent utility panniers, FWIW,

Coroplast and duct tape.. perhaps..

make your own

I noted the complaints about the inserts (put in backwards?) falling out, in Neal's link. [#14]

My solution, I asked Wayne to include a pair of the older 10mm only hooks, bagged spare parts
when I got my Roller Classic bags , as the Tubus racks are 10mm tubing, since I didnt need to change inserts..

Ortlieb. I purchased my set from the wonderful folks at www.bikebagshop.com

I have a pair of Asian (Chinese or Taiwan) panniers now, that aren't super-cheap but are obviously not all that large nor built to last for many years.

I have a custom rear rack made this summer of welded titanium tubing (Black Sheep Bicycles in Ft. Collins, Colorado) that's super-durable and light as a feather. In fact, I had a friend who weighs over 300 lbs. sitting on the titanium rear rack the other day and not a creek or squeak. So, I know I can hang some serious weight back there. Now just to find panniers that can carry the load without ripping out or tearing... And to build the legs capable of powering the load up some hills!

Have any of you had any problems with your panniers failing during a road trip?

ammo boxes. Heavy, but if durability is what you're after, no cloth will compare to steel.

+1 for the Carradice Super C I have both front and rear they work great

I'd reconsider the goal a pannier that will outlive you, I mean if it last 10 yrs you've got ten yrs to live?

+2 on the carradice bags,I'm another one that has both front and rear super c bags along with the handlebar bag and a couple of the saddle bags.I've had no problems with them yet.
While not quite as water proof as the Ortliebs they are very water restistant and very durable,for a cheaper price also.
One question,do's anyone really need super tight water proof panniers anyway?I mean I store everything in zip lock bags anyhow to make packing easier.

Civia also makes a version of the Ortlieb Classic. It's exactly the same bag, but with a prettier design. You can buy them from AEbike.com.



VS.



My girlfriend has the regular Ortlieb, I have the Civia. Literally the only difference is the shape of the reflective patch on the side.

Yeah, I guess it's relative like everything else. An el-cheapo would outlive me if I get nailed by a truck this afternoon on the highway. On the other hand, I'm now age 63 and hope to make it another 30 years. And though my bike should easily outlive me - even living and working in places like Guam and Panama - I'm not so sure about panniers!

I'm trying to economize by buying really good stuff once. It's usually cheaper buying the best. In my case, I manage large marinas for a living. That puts me down on the docks in and near salt water. I carry a laptop computer which doesn't like water, along with papers. But on my days off, I go inland to explore. That's when I take my personal items, even when staying in a bed & breakfast.

Maybe I would like panniers that can last half as long as my bike...