Panniers: Ortlieb Bike Packer Plus or Back Rollers?
 

As the topic states.

I've read around, and some people think the BPPs are more handy in day to day use, but that the fabric isn't as resistant to tearing as the BRs.

Your thoughts?

My wife uses the Bike Packers, and swears by them. She has used a pair of the front panniers for touring and commuting for 5 years. While the fabric has faded (red), they still are in relatively good shape. Her rear panniers, about 4 years old, are yellow and seem to be more fade resistant than the red.

I use the Classic Front and Back Rollers, which I believe are more durable. I really do not have any evidence to prove this assumption, just perception. All Ortlieb panniers are pretty tough, and it will be quite a few more years before I can validate my perception.

Not much help-- I think it is just about a wash, and depends on which closure system you prefer.
http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/y...1/DSCN7333.jpg

Have the BPPs front and rear. Look easier to get into on the road. And I was once concerned that my stove windscreen would puncture the fabric. What I don't like is that they are floppy unless fully loaded. You cannot really cinch them down well unless stuffed. And the "lid" of the outside pocket can be finicky.

I have front and rear back roller classics and I am very happy. My decision was primarily motivated by price as the classic rollers are considerabley cheaper. I recently picked up the back rollers for $119 at Campmor. I was not aware that the fabric is apparently more durable. One drawback, though not huge, is the lack of outside pockets which forces you to unroll and roll each time you want to get something out. For basic, tough, reasonably priced, waterproof panniers roller classics are the way to go in my opinion.

NB Back/Ft. roller (& bike/sport packer) is also offered in the Plus fabric,
as well as the "classic" truck tarp material.
Different material for the edges on those.

use an older sport-packer set on my commuter.. Ft rack only..
FWIW,
It's a Cordura nylon, Extra thick coating, inside, is heated to bond the edges.

I also am a fan of the rollers - I've got the Front and Rear Roller Pluses. As far as security goes, I just think having the rolled-type dry bag looks harder to get in to, and not as easy for somebody to quickly unclip. Maybe not actually harder, but less familiar. If you're leaving your bike for a few minutes while you run inside a shop, the roll-top just appears less inviting for a quick peep, in my opinion.

i have rollers, my wife has the packers, and i think if i had to do it again i would go for rollers in the back and packers in the front.