scrapser

My Arkel RT-60 panniers do not have lots of pockets. They have two large main sections with an optional divider inside and two additional zip sections stacked on the outside similar to how many day packs have a main section then progressively smaller zip pockets built off the main bag like a birthday cake. On the outside of each there is elastic webbing for stuffing things you don't mind getting wet (or may want to dry out) and a long waterproof pocket on the top of each pannier for small quick access items. Lastly there are two individual tubular bags that velcro/strap vertically to the back end of each pannier. One is big enough to hold a rolled up sleeping mat and the other for your tent or sleeping bag.

I understand your logic and don't argue it. I just want to stand up for Arkel as I think they are very good panniers that are a departure from the "one big bag" approach yet do not go overboard with pigeon-holing everything you carry. My panniers weigh 6.5 pounds empty.

Ciufalon

I previously had Deuter but now use Pacific Outdoor Equipment panniers. I like the POE panniers a lot and did not like the Deuter's all that much. The POE panniers attachment system isn't quite as nice as Ortleibs, but it is very good and works perfectly well. Not quite as quick to attach and detach. The POE panniers are big. I have the small panniers, which are universal (front or rear) panniers that are as big or bigger than regular Ortleibs and rear specific panniers that to me are huge, and they aren't even the largest ones POE made. The panniers I have are from their expedition line and can be seen here. They are very waterproof, quite durable, and I would recommend them. The POE's offer plenty of room and an internal compression strap to help hold the load towards the bike and keep it from shifting. More than enough room in them for any tour I can conceive. I will say that the reason I went with them is that I got them for a great price since POE has been bought by Hyalite.

Burton

Its already been pointed out that relative to Ortliebs, this is only true for the GT series. And that might be worth an explanation.

The Arkel GT series was designed for extended loaded touring, where weight is a secondary priority and durability and functionality are prime concerns. Almost all bicycle panniers are frameless. The Arkel GT series, on the other hand, uses an internal aluminum frame and a rigid bottom shelf to provide more support and better weight distribution than a simple, frameless, strapped pannier. So the pannier can be expected to last longer AND carry a heaver payload.

If the extra weight is an issue for some cyclists, they probably simply aren't tackling anything that would benefit from that kind of engineering.

brentirvine

Between my wife and I we have Arkel T42, Arkel X45, Arkel EXR38, Sunset Camping (cheapo no-name from the 80's) with Arkel clips retro-fitted, and the Arkel big handlebar bag.

I'd recommend Arkel.

I'm sure most or all of the top-end bags are great. I like the durability of these bags, their looks and that they have compartments where I want them.

I also like to support a Canadian company.

B

Tourist in MSN

Decide if you want the waterproof panniers or not. And decide if lots of external small pockets are important to you. Once you make these decisions, that makes your decision a lot easier as the list of options gets much shorter.

I have Ortlieb classic rollers, front and rear. I also have some nylon ones with external pockets. If I was going somewhere that would be dry most of the time, I would leave the waterproof Ortliebs at home. But this summer where I go it may rain more days than not, I plan to use the Ortliebs. I also have the waterproof duffle that goes on top of the rear rack but I will also carry a mesh duffle to use instead for dry days if I have things that I want to dry out instead of steam in the heat in an airtight container.

Cyclesafe

Jumping on a little late here, but here goes...

Collect your kit (including food and water), then decide how much capacity you need. If you think you need four panniers, then reconsider several times whether you need all of the stuff you are taking. The reason I say this is that once you've convinced yourself that you must have four panniers you preclude a real game changer: the ability to get by with a saddle bag, frame bag, and handlebar bag - a la https://carouseldesignworks.com/.

If you plan on doing a great deal of single track on your Fargo, you might find that panniers - regardless of design - get in the way. If it's only occasional single track, then a "high rider" front rack mounted pannier is eminently doable. The problem, of course, is both brush and the "walls" formed on both sides of the trail due to traffic.

I am primarily comfort rather than weight driven, so I have reluctantly concluded (multiple times) that I need more carrying capacity than afforded with the "bike packing" set up epitomized by Carosel Designs (et al). But as others have posted, I also eschew the multi pocketed and hence heavy Alkel GT series in favor of the less featured Arkel T series, which has finally been acknowledged here as not much heavier than their Ortleib and Jand "equivalents".

I use a pair of T-42's in the rear and a modified pair of T42's also in the front. I do the latter because I find "front" panniers to be too small to be useful. When mounted high, there is no problem of scuffing on the turns with a Tara on a 700c wheel and certainly no problems with a Swing on a 29er.

The Arkel product is indeed robust. I have toured over 25k miles and they are only slightly faded (black). The internal frame and plastic stabilizer indeed add weight, but if you carry a couple of days worth of food and a couple of gallons of water they're nice features to have. Yes, I would agree that if you don't plan intercontinental touring over many years, you can function perfectly well with a cheaper brand. OTOH, there is a market for used premium equipment and I have little doubt that I could resell my panniers now for half of what I paid for them.

As far as waterproofness goes, I'm firmly in the breatheable-is-better camp. Firstly, because I use pannier covers anyway to shield my panniers from the cow poo that is ubiquitous on BLM land and to light myself up while on asphalt. (Anybody with access to a sewing machine can make pannier covers: appropriate and cheap materials in head-turning colors are readily available.) Secondly, when it's sunny the panniers often heat up enough to drive off the moisture of most anything packed in the panniers.

positron

Carradice Super C

lightweight, durable.

boogman

Today I did 10 miles of dirt road that was mix of rocks, roots, and ruts from horse traffic... I had Ortlieb Front Rollers attached to my rear rack.. The panniers rattled and bounced like crazy.. I had to ride slow to like 9mph because the rattling was so bad.

Found some guy's video from the same trail if you want an idea of what would cause the rattling..

https://vimeo.com/32282788

Cheyou

Try bikepacking.net lots of good ideas

Thom