What panniers do you love?

[Lise]

I have panniers that my mom gave me some years ago. They were hers, and she never used them any more. They're OK, but not great. They're too narrow, not flexible in shape, no interior pockets.

So, what panniers do you love? I want some thing big enough to do grocery shopping, flexible enough to put shoes, clothes, lunch, etc in for commuting, with a shoulder strap so I can carry them with me when I go. Waterproof. Easy closing, with a closure that isn't prone to breaking.

I'm going to do a search of Nashbar, REI, Sierra Trading Post. Any other suggestions? Thanks, TE'ers!

Lise

[jobob]

You might want to check out the sites for Arkel (http://www.arkel-od.com/) and Ortlieb (http://www.ortliebusa.com/) - those are major manufacturers of panniers, and while they're well known for their touring panniers, they've also come out with some nice-looking commuter style panniers.

ed to add: JandD has a grocery bag pannier (http://www.jandd.com/detail.asp?PRODUCT_ID=FGBP) that seems like what you're looking for.


Nashbar, REI, Sierra Trading Post
Check eBay as well, I had bought some nice Arkel touring panniers for about half price on eBay.

[KnottedYet]

Ortlieb is making a grocery bag pannier now with carrying straps, too.

http://www.rei.com/product/737830?vcat=REI_SEARCH

Waterproof.

[Eden]

When I read what you wanted to use the panniers for I thought immediately of the Ortliebs too - I see lots of people around here using the roller style ones their regular commutes - some using pannier racks, some using the backpack converter. They are super tough and super waterproof, if kind of pricey.

I really like my panniers, but the kind I have are a little small for grocery shopping, unless you're only picking up a few things - one thing I have learned you want to look for when selecting panniers is the attachment at the rack - some of the panniers we have just have rubberized hooks at the rack top - they don't stay put very well. My favorite set has a big clip that very positively engages with the rack and locks it on - stays on much better, even if the little hook at the bottom of the bag that is supposed to control sway pops off.

[Blueberry]

I'm lusting after the Arkel Utility Basket (www.panniers.com).

I have other Arkels and love them - they have a swivel lock that attaches them securely to the rack. No bouncing off! All have attachments for shoulder straps.

CA

[KnottedYet]

I've got a hankerin' for a pair of these:
http://www.ortlieb.com/_prod.php?lang=en&produkt=backrollerclass#

and even though they have a shoulderstrap so you can carry 'em like a bookbag, I still want one of these, too:
http://www.ortlieb.com/_prod.php?lang=en&produkt=tragesyst-rad

[Lise]

Oh, maaaannnn....some great panniers!

I think I've seen and admired those Ortlieb roller classics on the street. I really like the bright yellow. I also really like the Arkel utility basket. I'm going to ask for them for my birthday--however much my family wants to chip in is great. Thanks for the help, ladies. I'll let you know what I get.

[KnottedYet]

I like the bright yellow, too. And it really shows up well on cloudy gray Seattle days.
(part of my bus commute involves walking on some busy streets. So, I can *almost* rationalize buying the yellow panniers with reflectors and backpack adapter with reflective straps by saying it will make me safer when bus commuting in the dark. :D ;) )

Love those roller tops, too. Waterproof and no zipper to break!

[divingbiker]

I didn't see this thread until today, but I wanted to add my vote for the Ortlieb back roller classic panniers. I asked about panniers last fall in this thread (http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?p=143836&highlight=pannier#post143836) and the Ortliebs came highly recommended.

I've been using them for six months and they're completely waterproof, look as good as the day I bought them, and go on and off the bike in--no joke--one second. No complaints whatsoever.

I prefer the grocery bag panniers (http://www.rei.com/product/733820) from REI for grocery shopping, but the Ortliebs would work, too. The Ortliebs are tapered a bit, so the groceries on the bottom might get crunched.

[Dianyla]

I didn't see this thread until today, but I wanted to add my vote for the Ortlieb back roller classic panniers. I asked about panniers last fall in this thread (http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?p=143836&highlight=pannier#post143836) and the Ortliebs came highly recommended.

I've been using them for six months and they're completely waterproof, look as good as the day I bought them, and go on and off the bike in--no joke--one second. No complaints whatsoever.

Seconding all of this! :D

[Lise]

Thanks for the recommendations, everyone! I'm asking for an Ortlieb gift certificate for my b-day! :D