grocery bag panniers

[madscot13]

7 Rider, I am actually in DC and there is a chance that some TEers will make fun of my carpet bag! It stinks that the Toucan bag has a weight limit. Seriously 12 pounds. A jug of milk is 8.5 pounds, sometimes I buy two... uh oh

So shooting star, so what panniers have you owned and which is your preference? Now that I think about it, I agree with you on the nylon fabric. It wears so quickly and I am not even sure how.

I've used the open top REI novara panniers for a year with open top grocery bags. I've only lost one thing. I was biking home from the grocery store and only 1 house away from mine. I hit a bump and a carton of eggs went flying out. Strangely, only 2 eggs were broken.

[7rider]

You know....
You may want to call REI about your current packs.
They have a 100% guarantee....
If a Novara item fell apart after only 1 year, they may be able to credit you something for the item. I don't know - maybe b/c of the nature of the usage they may not? It's worth a shot. All they can do is say "no", right??

[Zen]

I am actually in DC and there is a chance that some TEers will make fun of my carpet bag!

I'll only make fun of it once or twice.
I'm all for function over form.
actually, it reminds me of a diaper bag; just don't get in pastel pink or blue