I looked and looked at cheaper off-brands of panniers to save money but concluded they just aren't worth it. This is one product where a top name brand like Ortlieb is so worth it. Very solid attachment with a lower adjustable hook and the solid clips around the top bar. But still easy to release. Water proof treated cordura nylon is more flexible than their main ones made of drybag material and allows a useful outside pocket. They are some of the larger regular panniers you can buy too. 42 liters for the pair if I remember right. The only downside is it takes a minute to go from fully snugged down empty to opened up wide (unclipping, loosing straps and top draw string closure etc). For everyday I have a simple zipper pannier on one side for my lock and stuff (but those are never fully waterproof) and one of these on the other side for groceries, etc, but for touring I go with both of these on the rack.
I used these panniers on a three-month cross-country tour, and I've used them for a couple shorter tours since, plus the occasional grocery run, etc. They're great! The lid system is (IMHO) easier to deal with than the usual roll-top, and unless you're dropping your bike into a lake, will keep your stuff just as dry. The fabric is 100% waterproof. I found the outside pockets convenient for smaller items that I wanted to access quickly without digging around in the pannier's main compartment - I kept my flat repair tools in one of them. I did get a small abrasion hole on the outside of one of the pockets when I rode my bike down a very narrow sidewalk on a bridge with a concrete barrier that the pannier rubbed against. Totally my fault, and I repaired it easily with gear repair tape that I'd bought to fix a hole in my tent. I treated these panniers very roughly - tossed them around, leaned my bike against anything and everything, and so on - and they're in great shape except for that hole.
I love Ortlieb's attachment system; once you get everything dialed in, getting the panniers on and off is easy-peasy, and they never move on the rack. I did lose one of the lower attachment thingies on one of my front panniers - so, not this pannier exactly, but they have the same attachment system. Now I check to make sure everything's tight and secure every once in a while. No biggie.
I cannot begin to tell you how awesome all Ortlieb products are (I also have the Trunk Bag). I do not have any experience with other panniers because I read all the reviews of all of them that I could, and determined these to be the best fit for me (they may not be for you, which is OK). First of all the QL2 mounting parts are great, and I have bumped and thumped the whole bike many times and it all stays attached and does not rattle or dismantle. Others might mention that they do, but I decided to read the manual and follow instructions rather than pick up parts off the trail and my efforts have been rewarded. The handle latches that really hold them onto a rack are great. The only issue I have ever had (which confused me for a bit because it was hard to see) was that a tiny rock had somehow gotten into the TOP of one of the latches, just look out for it, but it is not really a problem. I also wanted the compression straps, and they are great. I made my own security cable kit thing, but I recommend you get that at the same time as you get these, you will want it once you see how easy they are to take off and replace securely (Ortlieb Pannier Security Cables-Short).
I have bought Ortlieb's back roller bagd in the past. I bought these bags this time due to the external pocket. The top cover clips are a little awkward to operate as the mount to the bag over the external pocket. The mounting clips are easy to operate.
I got a pair of these over 13 years ago. And now I need new ones. I normally carry only one when I'm riding. I carry spare sewup tires, rain gear, orange seal, and many other things I many need.
I just got back from bike touring the Florida Keys in the extreme heat and rain of a South Florida July and these panniers performed flawlessly!!! They are extremely easy to attach to the bike rack - on and off in a couple of seconds. I have a less costly and less waterproof set of panniers for the front that perform adequately, and will probably upgrade these for the front also. They are not inexpensive, but they seem to be as close to bulletproof as I have seen. They hold a ton of stuff - probably more than I need. The only slight negative is that the front pocket is fairly unusable when the main bag is full.
I am just getting started into bikepackingtouring and was reluctant to invest so much in a set of panniers, but I am very happy that I did. These panniers are very roomy and very well made. I have a cheap set of saddle bags panniers that I always struggled putting on and taking off the bike, with these bags putting on and taking off is a breeze (less than 10 seconds). Once on the bike, they are solid and never flop around. If you are serious about touring andor carrying a large amount of items for shoppingcommuting, these bags are well worth the investment.
We upgraded our pannier set to this one because this one is much easier to put on and take off. It literally takes 10 seconds to install and less than that to take off. We use them on our tandem. They have a huge capacity, are waterproof, and can hold tall items with the flap up and draw string cinched. They are well made. They are well worth the cost.
Great panniers and the front pockets are helpful. Easy to put on and pull off and they stay in place once fastened. Mine are blue and I feel they show up just fine--nice loop on the side to hang a reflector. Ortlieb really knows their stuff and here in Oregon you rarely see another brand. The only negative, is that the cloth type material can get marked up so you have to wipe off immediately or go with the used look.
Great quality product that fits multiple size rack rails. High quality material. Love the reflective bits on the pannier and love that they are not side specific. Will buy again when needed.
Spacious, well-designed, and waterproof - these are everything we need.
I use them on my touring Trek 520 bike. I like them - but the outside bottom pockets are too weird, they really need improvement.
Easily and securely attaches to rear rack for bikepacking. Extra clips provided will allow secure fit to just about any rack tube diameter. Ample space. From my backpacking days I still use compression sacks to keep gear orderly.
I'm taking a short trip on my bike and I'll use these panniers to carry my things on the trip as well as to the starting point as I'll be taking the train there. They were easy to install on my bike rack. The outside pockets would be better if they had some kind of closure such as Velcro.
I've been using these for touring about a year now, and just last month put them through their most strenuous test snow camping at the Crater Lake rim. They are most definitely 100% waterproof, and although at first I wasn't sold, I've come to love the closure system on these more than on the classics. And the outside pocket is amazingly convenient, its flap-top closure is brilliant and secure. These are truly the best of the best when it comes to panniers for extended touring.
The design is very good. The materials seem ok. I expected a more sustatial feel.
These bag compress easily so they can carry a small or big load. The options for fit to a rack makes them secure. I'm stoked on these for my daily food shopping.
I can get 2 fully stacked grocery bags worth of groceries in bags. What I don't like is that when not needed for full capacity, the bag can't be reduced in size for convenience.
These bags are big, the pockets are nice for thing you need to get quickly. Very happy camper...
Much nicer and more convenient to get in and out of than my Back Roller Classics that I sold immediately after getting my Bike Packers Plus . I waited to see them on sale and got such a good deal I bought the matching Sport Packers for the front as well .
