Get A Hold On The Best Bicycle Panniers – Reviews and Buyers Guide

Bikes aren’t only for exercise, millions of people around the world use them as their every day transportation. The nice thing about cars are their ability to carry so much from one place to another but, in our ever changing world, getting somewhere the green way seems to be the goal of more and more cultures. 

Panniers are a much needed accessory for your bicycle if you are the type of person who likes to ride long distances or if you are an urban rider looking to have more storage for groceries. No matter what  you need the added carry space for there is a product out there for you. Your needs are unique so we are going to lay down some facts about panniers, give you some things to look out for, and then list a few of our favorite models on the market.

Top 5 Panniers For Bicycle Riding Comparisons

Brand

Details

bike bag, bike pannier, pannier

Femor Waterproof Bike Bag

  • Material: Specifics unavailable
  • Waterproof: Yes
  • Compartments: 2
  • Capacity: 40L large each compartment
  • Size: 15x13x6.3 inches/380x330x1 60mm (each pair)
  • Weight: unavailable
  • Carry Limit: unavailable
  • Color: Black and white plastic
  • Warranty: None
bike bag, bike pannier, pannier

Two Wheel Gear - Pannier Backpack Convertible

  • Material: Made of 600D TPE coated polyester
  • Waterproof: Yes
  • Compartments: Several
  • Capacity: 24L / 1470 cubic inches
  • Size:  H 17.5” W 12” D 7”
  • Weight: unavailable
  • Carry Limit: unavailable
  • Color: Black
  • Warranty: 2 years
bike bag, bike pannier, pannier

TOURBON Canvas Cycling Bicycle Bike Pannier Rear Seat Bag Rack Trunk

  • Material: Quality, waxed, waterproof canvas
  • Waterproof: Yes 
  • Compartments: Two large 
  • Capacity: info not available
  • Size:  13” x 13” x 5.9”
  • Weight: unavailable
  • Carry limit: unavailable
  • Color: Green kaki
  • Warranty: None listed
bike bag, bike pannier, pannier

Ibera Bike Pannier Bag - PakRak Clip-On Quick-Release Waterproof Bicycle Panniers

  • Material: Waterproof 500D Tarpaulin, 600D Polyester with ultrasonic welded seams
  • Waterproof: Yes
  • Compartments: Two large with a few small
  • Capacity: 30L per pair
  • Size: 12.6” x 7” x 13.8”
  • Weight: 2.08 kg for the pair
  • Carry Limit: No info given
  • Color: Orange and black
  • Warranty: None listed
bike bag, bike pannier, pannier

Ibera 2 in 1 PakRak Commuter Bicycle Trunk Bag with Expandable Panniers

  • Material: Carbon fibre-style ABS base, water resistant 1680D nylon
  • Waterproof: Yes
  • Compartments: Multiple
  • Capacity: 17L folded, 23L unfolded
  • Size: 15” x 8.7” x 11.4” folded, 15” x 8.7” x 15.7” unfolded
  • Weight: 1.35 kg
  • Carry limit: 25 kg
  • Color: Orange and black
  • Warranty: None listed

What Is A Pannier?

Basically, panniers are saddlebags for your bicycle. You may have seen them draped over the rack of someone’s bike. Typically they are made of canvas and can consist of two or more compartments meant for storage when you are riding.

Who Uses Panniers?

There are quite a few reasons why a cyclist may decide to add a rack and panniers to their bike. As we mentioned earlier, they work well for people shopping for groceries and panniers are a great addition to the bike of any tourist or long distance rider.

What To Look For In A Pannier

When it comes to transporting food and/or storing needed supplies for your tour you want to be sure to look out for a few features. Some of them are necessities while others are all a matter of opinion. Just read our suggestions and see how they pertain to your specific needs.

How Is It Made?

Construction is of the utmost importance when it comes to choosing saddlebags for your bike. You will be exposing it to all types rugged terrain whether it’s urban or rural. It would be horrible if your bags came apart as you were riding leaving your stuff behind you as you pedal away.

But the seams and sewing aren’t the only construction aspects you need to look out for. Are the straps strong and the fasteners durable? Are the fasteners made from bungee material to expand your space for storage? These are just a few features you might find in your search.

Does It Have A Rigid Back?

There are several designs when it comes to panniers. Some are made completely of canvas or fabric material while others come equipped with a strong back so that fastening them to the rack on your bike is easier. There are all kinds of reasons to pick one style or another but it needs to be said that the framed panniers hold more and won’t slump as easily.

How Many Compartments Does It Have?

Some panniers come with one big pocket per side while others are sectioned off for separate storage. Of course, your own preferences will make all the difference when it comes to this but you need to consider that, when you have one large compartment, things get lost easier. 

While that style would work just fine when it comes to groceries, traveling via bike would be easier if our supplies were sectioned off. It gives the rider easier access, which can shave off a good deal of time or the ride. Some believe the more compartments the better.

Advantages Of A Pannier


Besides the obvious benefit of being able to travel with more things or go to the grocery store on your bike there are other advantages you may not have even considered. One would be the strength you will gain when you are carrying all that extra weight while riding. This will add to your endurance. 

Another benefit is the one you will be giving to the world. The less we use fossil fuels we make a little less of an impact on our environment. Sure, while there are skeptics when it comes to global warming, it wouldn’t hurt to put a little less carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

Things To Consider

bike saddle bag, bicycle saddle bag, saddle bag

Adding this type of accessory to your bike isn’t something you should jump into. If you have never ridden with one, particularly a saddlebag that is full, Learning to balance will take some time so make sure you practice a bit first before heading out on any big road trips. 

You may also find riding with a full pannier difficult if your pedals keep hitting it, so be aware of that. Also, you can put the pannier on the front opposed to the back if you like. Some say the weight is easier to carry on the front. There are touring cyclists that put one in front and another in the back so they have optimal storage.

If you have never owned panniers and are just starting out on longer rides don’t overdo it, but get a quality storage unit because you want your saddlebags to last a long time.

Top 5 Panniers For Bicycle Riding Reviews

Okay, we know what a pannier is, why we need one, and what we need to keep in mind while shopping for the product that fits our needs. Now let’s take a look at our five top panniers for bicycle riding.

Femor Waterproof Bike Bag

  • Material: Specifics unavailable  
  • Waterproof: Yes
  • Compartments: 2
  • Capacity: 40L large each compartment  
  • Size: 15x13x6.3 inches/380x330x1 60mm (each pair)
  • Weight: unavailable
  • Carry Limit: unavailable  
  • Color: Black and white plastic
  • Warranty: None
bike bag, bike pannier, pannier

The first panniers on our list is a pair of bags that have a corporate look to them. Made from 3M Scotchlite Reflective Material, which is a durable and covered with a waterproof coating, this product kind of resembles two briefcases made of transparent plastic with black top flaps. 

Both compartments come with a built-in rigid back for easy assembly. The storage capacity is large and this model would work well for touring cyclists who anticipate they will be riding though some rain. The square compartments would make packing simpler than a loose backpack shaped saddlebag.

Pros

  • Waterproof
  • Large compartments
  • Designed for easy packing  
  • Easy to install

Cons

  • Can get caught in spokes
  • Flimsy
  • May hit while pedaling

Two Wheel Gear - Pannier Backpack Convertible

  • Material: Made of 600D TPE coated polyester  
  • Waterproof: Yes
  • Compartments: Several
  • Capacity: 24L / 1470 cubic inches  
  • Size:  H 17.5” W 12” D 7”
  • Weight: unavailable
  • Carry Limit: unavailable  
  • Color: Black
  • Warranty: 2 years
bike bag, bike pannier, pannier

Here we have a product that resembles a backpack most likely because it can work as one of those too. It is designed to move from the bike rack to your back with ease. It is constructed of 600D TPE coated polyester, which is a waterproof material. 

There are protected zips, a padded laptop pocket, and another pocket for your smartphone or sunglasses. This design comes with reflective details for night riding, two water bottle pockets, a U-lock pocket, key leash, and multiple internal pockets.

Urban riders would fare well with this saddleback since it has so many pockets. That said, the long distance touring cyclist should also consider these panniers so they don’t have to go through a large compartment every time they need something.

Pros

  • Easy organization
  • Includes rain cover
  • Converts to backpack  
  • Internal mesh zip pockets

Cons

  • Small capacity
  • Doesn’t fit larger laptops

TOURBON Canvas Cycling Bicycle Bike Pannier Rear Seat Bag Rack Trunk

  • Material: Quality, waxed, waterproof canvas  
  • Waterproof: Yes
  • Compartments: Two large
  • Capacity: info not available  
  • Size:  13” x 13” x 5.9”
  • Weight: unavailable
  • Carry limit: unavailable  
  • Color: Green kaki
  • Warranty: None listed
bike bag, bike pannier, pannier

Made of quality waxed waterproof canvas this next bag is different than the rest due to its aesthetic appeal. While a great many saddlebags tend to be black, this version has a nice khaki color with brown handles. It would work well when you are headed to the farmers market or if you were looking for a safari look on your bike. 

There are two large compartments to this pannier set and a shoulder strap so you can carry it around when you take it off your bike. As for storing the storage bag, this one rolls up nicely so when you ride without it this pannier won’t take up a lot of room in your garage.

Pros

  • 2 large compartments
  • Can be stored easily
  • Rolls up and released with little effort  
  • Comes in a unique color

Cons

  • Does Not have multiple compartments
  • Doesn't fit all bike racks

Ibera Bike Pannier Bag - PakRak Clip-On Quick-Release Waterproof Bicycle Panniers

  • Material: Waterproof 500D Tarpaulin, 600D Polyester with ultrasonic welded seams  
  • Waterproof: Yes
  • Compartments: Two large with a few small
  • Capacity: 30L per pair  
  • Size: 12.6” x 7” x 13.8”
  • Weight: 2.08 kg for the pair
  • Carry Limit: No info given  
  • Color: Orange and black
  • Warranty: None listed
bike bag, bike pannier, pannier

Next we have some bright orange panniers, which are a brighter color than we are used to seeing for this type of product. Waterproof like the others these bags come with a quick release function and clip-on system that makes attaching and detaching a breeze. It should fit most racks and gives your bike a stylish look. 

There are extra large reinforced compartments, one waterproof external zippered pocket and 1 internal zippered pocket. The 3-point connection this pair of panniers comes with is one more security measure to avoid any flapping or side swing with these panniers. It is made from waterproof 500D Tarpaulin, 600D Polyester with ultrasonic welded seams.

Pros

  • Orange  
  • Several compartments
  • Secure 3-point connection other
  • Easily attached and detached

Cons

  • Clips have fallen
  • Doesn’t have carrying straps

Ibera 2 in 1 PakRak Commuter Bicycle Trunk Bag with Expandable Panniers

  • Material: Carbon fibre-style ABS base, water resistant 1680D nylon  
  • Waterproof: Yes
  • Compartments: Multiple
  • Capacity: 17L folded, 23L unfolded  
  • Size: 15” x 8.7” x 11.4” folded, 15” x 8.7” x 15.7” unfolded
  • Weight: 1.35 kg
  • Carry limit: 25 kg  
  • Color: Orange and black
  • Warranty: None listed
bike bag, bike pannier, pannier

Our final bag is a repeat as far as companies go, but that is no surprise since they seem to make quality products. This particular set of panniers offers a unique set of storage unlike any other we’ve seen on our list today. 

Not only does it come with side bags, there is one on top, in the middle, and on the back. In fact, when you first set eyes on this product all you can think of is that it’s the mother of all panniers. It comes with the quick clip-on system and built-in foldaway mini panniers, an extendable top pouch, multi-compartments, and a hard base for a reinforced body and strong hold.

Pros

  • Offers a lot of room
  • Has many compartments
  • Has a sturdy base  
  • Has inner mesh pocket for more storage options

Cons

  • Some seams have come undone
  • Zippes have broken

Conclusion

Moving our riding to the next level is marked by purchasing storage like panniers. There are so many designs and options available we are sure you should be able to find the perfect pair to meet your specific needs. If you found this article helpful please share it with your cycling friends.