Bike commuters of mefi, what panniers do you use?
May 23, 2023 7:39 AM Subscribe
It's time to replace my 20-year-old panniers. I have seen the previous questions about panniers but have some specific needs and would like personal experiences/recommendations.
I bike to work twice a week, with a hybrid Tuesday and Thursday in-office schedule that requires bringing my laptop with me for every trip. I have a rear rack and currently use one Ortlieb pannier to carry my laptop and toiletries and lunch, and one Detours pannier for my work clothes and shoes.
They both work okay, but the Detours one is small and not waterproof (though it does have a rain cover) and the Ortlieb has a growing hole in the bottom. More importantly and frustratingly, the bolts on the inside of the Ortlieb that attach the bag itself to the mechanisms that hook to the rack protrude into the bag interior and I'm burning through cushioned laptop sleeves to protect the laptop itself from damage. I can't position the laptop on the other side of the bag because 1. it would be more vulnerable to damage 2. the tapered design of the pannier might not even fit the laptop in that spot and 3. it would feel more unbalanced with a heavy load further out from my center of gravity.
The Detours one has the same issue with protruding bolts, so I can't switch which pannier I use to carry the laptop. And I'm not really looking for DIY "just attach some bubble wrap to the interior" suggestions - the panniers are two decades old and I'm ready for new ones.
So, I'm looking for personal recommendations (not google searches, I can do that myself and it's really hard to tell from a product page if it has the protruding bolts issue). I need a commuter pannier that protects the laptop either with a built-in laptop compartment or, at a minimum, one that doesn't have bolts that protrude into the cargo interior. Ease of attaching and removing is important too, and waterproof would be a bonus. Thank you!
I bike to work twice a week, with a hybrid Tuesday and Thursday in-office schedule that requires bringing my laptop with me for every trip. I have a rear rack and currently use one Ortlieb pannier to carry my laptop and toiletries and lunch, and one Detours pannier for my work clothes and shoes.
They both work okay, but the Detours one is small and not waterproof (though it does have a rain cover) and the Ortlieb has a growing hole in the bottom. More importantly and frustratingly, the bolts on the inside of the Ortlieb that attach the bag itself to the mechanisms that hook to the rack protrude into the bag interior and I'm burning through cushioned laptop sleeves to protect the laptop itself from damage. I can't position the laptop on the other side of the bag because 1. it would be more vulnerable to damage 2. the tapered design of the pannier might not even fit the laptop in that spot and 3. it would feel more unbalanced with a heavy load further out from my center of gravity.
The Detours one has the same issue with protruding bolts, so I can't switch which pannier I use to carry the laptop. And I'm not really looking for DIY "just attach some bubble wrap to the interior" suggestions - the panniers are two decades old and I'm ready for new ones.
So, I'm looking for personal recommendations (not google searches, I can do that myself and it's really hard to tell from a product page if it has the protruding bolts issue). I need a commuter pannier that protects the laptop either with a built-in laptop compartment or, at a minimum, one that doesn't have bolts that protrude into the cargo interior. Ease of attaching and removing is important too, and waterproof would be a bonus. Thank you!
Best answer: I asked my version of this question last year, I ended up with an Ortlieb Backroller for my clothes, and an Arkel Haul-It for my laptop bag (which also carries toiletries). That setup is a bit different than yours, since I leave the Haul-It on my bike and just carry the bag into the office. I'm a fair-weather bike commuter so the lack of waterproofing on my timbuk2-in-a-haul-it plan works. If I needed to be all-weather, I'd probably look at the Ortlieb Office Bag series.
In general, for quick attach/detach, I've been very satisfied with the current-generation Ortlieb mechanism. I have the gen 2 (where the hooks remain on the pannier) but I think if I ever try the Office Bag, I'd go for the gen 3, where the hooks remain attached to your rack and the bag clips onto the hooks. It looks less back-stabby while wearing in the messenger bag configuration that way.
The Arkel attachment system is much more traditional, and I'd be annoyed if I had to attach/detach it every day, compared to the Ortlieb. That said, it's a very solid pannier, just fiddly (it has the spring+clip business, where you have to reach in behind the bag to clip/unclip).
posted by Alterscape at 8:06 AM on May 23, 2023
In general, for quick attach/detach, I've been very satisfied with the current-generation Ortlieb mechanism. I have the gen 2 (where the hooks remain on the pannier) but I think if I ever try the Office Bag, I'd go for the gen 3, where the hooks remain attached to your rack and the bag clips onto the hooks. It looks less back-stabby while wearing in the messenger bag configuration that way.
The Arkel attachment system is much more traditional, and I'd be annoyed if I had to attach/detach it every day, compared to the Ortlieb. That said, it's a very solid pannier, just fiddly (it has the spring+clip business, where you have to reach in behind the bag to clip/unclip).
posted by Alterscape at 8:06 AM on May 23, 2023
I've got a pair of the Ortlieb Back-Roller Free bags. Not cheap, but pretty solid bags.
https://ortliebusa.com/product/back-roller-free/
I've stuck laptops in there in the pocket against the back and haven't been worried about the internal protrusions on this bag, they are shallow and rounded over so they haven't been an issue.
Prior to these I had used the Topeak MYX Trunkbag with integrated panniers. It worked pretty well and had a rain cover for wet conditions. You weren't going to get a very big laptop in the side bags tho, and you really want to have a Topeak rack to take advantage of their mounting system.
posted by MrBobaFett at 8:42 AM on May 23, 2023
https://ortliebusa.com/product/back-roller-free/
I've stuck laptops in there in the pocket against the back and haven't been worried about the internal protrusions on this bag, they are shallow and rounded over so they haven't been an issue.
Prior to these I had used the Topeak MYX Trunkbag with integrated panniers. It worked pretty well and had a rain cover for wet conditions. You weren't going to get a very big laptop in the side bags tho, and you really want to have a Topeak rack to take advantage of their mounting system.
posted by MrBobaFett at 8:42 AM on May 23, 2023
When I was still bike commuting (with Ortlieb Backrollers) I cushioned my laptop by placing that day's newspaper between the rack and the laptop. It worked great for me, but I also didn't take the laptop every day (and, well, even I don't get the paper delivered every day anymore).
posted by thecaddy at 8:59 AM on May 23, 2023
posted by thecaddy at 8:59 AM on May 23, 2023
My partner and I each own one Banjo Bros waterproof pannier and have used them every day for years. The waterproof liner is super effective and water only gets in if I overstuff it and can’t fold it over. I’ve never noticed any protruding bolts in there - I think the liner does a good job of covering them. It has 2 hooks to attach to the top horizontal bar of the rack and an elastic with a metal ring to stretch onto the bottom part, and it’s very easy to hook the elastic on the bottom and then lift it up to hook the top hooks. I upgraded to a higher quality rack recently and the same system worked fine with just a slight elastic length adjustment.
On the other side of my rack I installed a Wald 582 folding basket that I keep unfolded. I use it to carry a tall waterproof bag with my work clothes and toiletries in it.
I don’t carry my laptop back and forth every day but waterproofing-wise I have had success with sticking my laptop case in the Banjo Bros bag with the top folded over as much as I can. I also sometimes just put the laptop case directly in on the basket side and squeeze in the waterproof bag next to it, or just stick the whole laptop bag in my waterproof bag. I’m a big fan of the bag-in-a-basket setup for extra vertical storage.
posted by crime online at 9:03 AM on May 23, 2023
On the other side of my rack I installed a Wald 582 folding basket that I keep unfolded. I use it to carry a tall waterproof bag with my work clothes and toiletries in it.
I don’t carry my laptop back and forth every day but waterproofing-wise I have had success with sticking my laptop case in the Banjo Bros bag with the top folded over as much as I can. I also sometimes just put the laptop case directly in on the basket side and squeeze in the waterproof bag next to it, or just stick the whole laptop bag in my waterproof bag. I’m a big fan of the bag-in-a-basket setup for extra vertical storage.
posted by crime online at 9:03 AM on May 23, 2023
I'm really curious about the bolt attachments on your Ortleibs. I also have the Ortleib classic backroller (about 11 or 12 years old at this point), and I have stuck my laptop into the pocket many many times without concern for the protrusion, so I wonder if your Ortleib is older and an earlier design. Because I do think the Ortleibs are really some of the best panniers out there: they are waterproof with a solid, easy to use attachment system. I think of my Ortleibs as some of the best consumer products I have bought, as they still work just as well a decade later.
I wonder if you could get a new pair of Ortleib Back roller classics with one of these commuter inserts. The commuter insert has its own laptop padding, on the inside (bike side) of the bag, so it would hold the laptop on the interior, but not right against the attachment mechanism.
posted by bluedaisy at 9:46 AM on May 23, 2023
I wonder if you could get a new pair of Ortleib Back roller classics with one of these commuter inserts. The commuter insert has its own laptop padding, on the inside (bike side) of the bag, so it would hold the laptop on the interior, but not right against the attachment mechanism.
posted by bluedaisy at 9:46 AM on May 23, 2023
I use the Ortlieb Bike Shopper. Mine is an older version than the link; it has a stiff covered lining over the connection points, and those points have smooth covers on them too. No sharp spots inside!
posted by TDIpod at 9:52 AM on May 23, 2023
posted by TDIpod at 9:52 AM on May 23, 2023
Ortlieb.
posted by TurkishGolds at 9:59 AM on May 23, 2023
posted by TurkishGolds at 9:59 AM on May 23, 2023
Response by poster: I'm really curious about the bolt attachments on your Ortleibs. I also have the Ortleib classic backroller (about 11 or 12 years old at this point), and I have stuck my laptop into the pocket many many times without concern for the protrusion, so I wonder if your Ortleib is older and an earlier design.
Here are photos of the Ortlieb, plus bonus pics of the damage sustained by my very padded laptop sleeve. The pannier is probably 18+ years old so I guess it's just a really old design. I think it's an old version of the bike shopper.
posted by misskaz at 10:13 AM on May 23, 2023
Here are photos of the Ortlieb, plus bonus pics of the damage sustained by my very padded laptop sleeve. The pannier is probably 18+ years old so I guess it's just a really old design. I think it's an old version of the bike shopper.
posted by misskaz at 10:13 AM on May 23, 2023
I know you said you were interested in a laptop carrier and easy removal, but after years of trying (and failing) to find the perfect pannier that was also a decent office bag, I transitioned to grocery style panniers this year (like this) and use them like baskets. I pack a backpack with all of the things I need at work (including a laptop, clothes, etc.) and then just put the entire packed backpack into the grocery pannier, bag-in-bag style. I don't think the pannier is waterproof, but my backpack is.
posted by mjcon at 10:40 AM on May 23, 2023 [2 favorites]
posted by mjcon at 10:40 AM on May 23, 2023 [2 favorites]
I have these, and they are waterproof enough to haul water in. No internal bolts, but also no internal pockets. I love them.
posted by blnkfrnk at 11:22 AM on May 23, 2023
posted by blnkfrnk at 11:22 AM on May 23, 2023
+1 for Axiom. I have an older pair with a laptop sleeve, and these look like they have one, too. The waterproofing is enough for Seattle downpours, and I haven't have an issue with the release mechanism.
posted by Gorgik at 11:52 AM on May 23, 2023
posted by Gorgik at 11:52 AM on May 23, 2023
Best answer: Okay, seeing the photos of your old Ortleib: the current backroller (and likely other models) does not have the same exposed bolt design. I definitely see why your current bag is causing problems! In the backroller now, the bolts have some sort of plastic or other covering and don't protrude nearly as much, and what does protrude is smooth and covered.
On my bike travels around rainy Portland, I see the Ortleib backrollers most of all, and I again recommend that, perhaps with the commuter insert I linked to (it has a laptop sleeve, but it's not padded like that insert). It's popular for a reason.
posted by bluedaisy at 12:09 PM on May 23, 2023
On my bike travels around rainy Portland, I see the Ortleib backrollers most of all, and I again recommend that, perhaps with the commuter insert I linked to (it has a laptop sleeve, but it's not padded like that insert). It's popular for a reason.
posted by bluedaisy at 12:09 PM on May 23, 2023
Best answer: I had the same issues with my Ortliebs! Between that and the fact that the seam came apart (!!), I junked them. You're not alone.
I got a Timbuk2 tandem pannier to replace it. It has some quirks (it's awkward as a messenger bag, and the attachment mechanism is only Velcro straps which isn't great) but I think the new version corrects those issues. Nice and waterproof with lots of pockets.
posted by Paper rabies at 12:37 PM on May 23, 2023
I got a Timbuk2 tandem pannier to replace it. It has some quirks (it's awkward as a messenger bag, and the attachment mechanism is only Velcro straps which isn't great) but I think the new version corrects those issues. Nice and waterproof with lots of pockets.
posted by Paper rabies at 12:37 PM on May 23, 2023
I have the Ortlieb Commuter-Bag Two Urban: https://www.ortlieb.com/uk_en/commuter-bag-two-urban+F70664
It has a separate, padded laptop pocket and has no protruding bolts that I can find. It's capacious, and easy and comfortable to carry off the bike (I have the QL3 variant, so there's no protrusions on the back of the bag either). It's properly waterproof. I've used it every day for a couple of years without problem. Downside, it's Ortlieb, so it's expensive.
posted by parm at 12:49 PM on May 23, 2023
It has a separate, padded laptop pocket and has no protruding bolts that I can find. It's capacious, and easy and comfortable to carry off the bike (I have the QL3 variant, so there's no protrusions on the back of the bag either). It's properly waterproof. I've used it every day for a couple of years without problem. Downside, it's Ortlieb, so it's expensive.
posted by parm at 12:49 PM on May 23, 2023
I've never found decent panniers, so I just use a backpack to carry my laptop and clothes. Other than your back getting hot, I've had no issues - rain, crashes, bumps, etc are no problem.
posted by The_Vegetables at 1:43 PM on May 23, 2023
posted by The_Vegetables at 1:43 PM on May 23, 2023
I have also not found pannier bags to my liking, so I've gone with collapsible box panniers similar to these and then I can put whatever bags want inside.
If you are going to get Ortliebs, most styles are currently on sale (through memorial day weekend) at REI for their anniversary sale.
posted by mcgsa at 2:24 PM on May 23, 2023
If you are going to get Ortliebs, most styles are currently on sale (through memorial day weekend) at REI for their anniversary sale.
posted by mcgsa at 2:24 PM on May 23, 2023
Yeah, current Ortliebs don't have the exposed metal plate/protruding bolts. The side that faces the bike/attaches to the rack has a zippered pocket; if you go to the Back Roller Free product page, you can kinda see it. I don't commute any more (thanks, working from home!) but I used Back Rollers for years in Portland rain, and carried a laptop in them (in what appears to be your same laptop sleeve!) without any issue of damage or dampness whatsoever. I can't recommend them highly enough.
You know how good they are if your Ortlieb has lasted 18 years - they're not cheap, but amortized over that time frame, they're an absolute steal.
posted by pdb at 3:55 PM on May 23, 2023
You know how good they are if your Ortlieb has lasted 18 years - they're not cheap, but amortized over that time frame, they're an absolute steal.
posted by pdb at 3:55 PM on May 23, 2023
I have used the Jandd Commuter Briefcase Pannier for years. I do use it with the Jandd Expedition Rear Rack, so the fit is ideal. All of the attachments are quickly and easily hidden by a zippered flap.
posted by Ignorantsavage at 5:25 PM on May 23, 2023
posted by Ignorantsavage at 5:25 PM on May 23, 2023
I used to use an Arkel laptop briefcase pannier. It was OK, but I had some heel strike problems with it, and the pannier mounting hardware was uncomfortable when carrying the bag with a shoulder strap, despite the fabric flap that covered it.
These days I use a Wald collapsible basket mounted on one side of my rear rack. I put a backpack with my laptop etc. in it. On the other side of the rack, I have a removable shopping pannier for overflow, including my jacket on days when I need to start out with one and then remove it after 15 minutes because I'm overheating.
posted by brianogilvie at 6:48 PM on May 23, 2023
These days I use a Wald collapsible basket mounted on one side of my rear rack. I put a backpack with my laptop etc. in it. On the other side of the rack, I have a removable shopping pannier for overflow, including my jacket on days when I need to start out with one and then remove it after 15 minutes because I'm overheating.
posted by brianogilvie at 6:48 PM on May 23, 2023
I've owned a lot of different bike bags, off the top of my head at least:
- ILE porteur rackbag (this is one of my favorite bike bags i've ever owned but not relevant to your question)
- fairweather frame bags
- carradice 'rando' style bag
- frame-specific revelate framebag
- many baskets: wald giant, wald 'racer' giant, wald rear, wald folding rear...
- swift zeitgest
- brooks saddlebag, a million other saddlebags
- hill & ellis briefcase pannier (Great attachment, no weather protection, small, shoulder strap tucking is annoying, mount design means heal strike risk is increased)
- fairweather panniers (cool, but the attachment system is compatible with fewer racks, is less secure, noisier, prone to falling out, is fiddlier, and the shape of the bag makes it more prone to heel strike problems).
- linus 'boat bag' pannier (horrible attachment system, very low quality)
- linus 'grocery' pannier (also horrible attachment system, bad dimensions for commuting, low quality)
- ortlieb backroller panniers
And many many others.
For commuting, the Ortlieb pannier is easily the best. It's just really, really practical. It's waterproof. The attachment mechanism is super easy to operate, even one-handed (although I'd say anything with the Rixen & Kaul attachment system is at least as good). If it's too full for the roll-top to close, there's another way to do it. If you need to carry it around, convert the roll-top clips to strap attachment points with the included strap. They're extremely durable. The clip system adjusts to any type of rack tube I've been able to find, and then doesn't rattle, and the adjustable hook thing means it doesn't bounce around so much, and it works with a huge variety of racks. Even the shape and the mounting system make it easier to avoid heel-strike on shorter bikes or with annoying racks.
I don't even use mine as a bag that I carry, I use it like a trunk. I leave one on the left side of my bike all the time. I put my laptop in whatever bag I want to carry around the office and throw the whole thing in there, and there's usually like gloves and jackets and other stuff rattling around in the bottom of it.
I have the wald collapsible basket brianogilvie mentions on a different bike, it's great (I have it on a junky bike i only use for the beach, and I like being able to fold it up and sand/water drains out of it). But compared to the Ortlieb back roller, it holds way less stuff, and less securely (once you put a backpack in it you can't really pile in as much stuff) it has no weather protection, it can't be pressed into service as a grocery bag or market bag if you add a stop on the way home, it's noisier especially when it's empty.
Several people have mentioned that the newer Ortliebs don't have the issue with the bolts, but on these concerns:
2. the tapered design of the pannier might not even fit the laptop in that spot and 3. it would feel more unbalanced with a heavy load further out from my center of gravity.
I have a 16" laptop. I put it in the padded sleeve in my backpack, and I often have a coffee thermos in the side pocket of my backpack as well, and I just chuck the whole mess in there. It fits fine. I'm not 100% sure it's sliding all the way down to the bottom but it fits and the top rolls closed.
posted by jeb at 7:30 PM on May 23, 2023
- ILE porteur rackbag (this is one of my favorite bike bags i've ever owned but not relevant to your question)
- fairweather frame bags
- carradice 'rando' style bag
- frame-specific revelate framebag
- many baskets: wald giant, wald 'racer' giant, wald rear, wald folding rear...
- swift zeitgest
- brooks saddlebag, a million other saddlebags
- hill & ellis briefcase pannier (Great attachment, no weather protection, small, shoulder strap tucking is annoying, mount design means heal strike risk is increased)
- fairweather panniers (cool, but the attachment system is compatible with fewer racks, is less secure, noisier, prone to falling out, is fiddlier, and the shape of the bag makes it more prone to heel strike problems).
- linus 'boat bag' pannier (horrible attachment system, very low quality)
- linus 'grocery' pannier (also horrible attachment system, bad dimensions for commuting, low quality)
- ortlieb backroller panniers
And many many others.
For commuting, the Ortlieb pannier is easily the best. It's just really, really practical. It's waterproof. The attachment mechanism is super easy to operate, even one-handed (although I'd say anything with the Rixen & Kaul attachment system is at least as good). If it's too full for the roll-top to close, there's another way to do it. If you need to carry it around, convert the roll-top clips to strap attachment points with the included strap. They're extremely durable. The clip system adjusts to any type of rack tube I've been able to find, and then doesn't rattle, and the adjustable hook thing means it doesn't bounce around so much, and it works with a huge variety of racks. Even the shape and the mounting system make it easier to avoid heel-strike on shorter bikes or with annoying racks.
I don't even use mine as a bag that I carry, I use it like a trunk. I leave one on the left side of my bike all the time. I put my laptop in whatever bag I want to carry around the office and throw the whole thing in there, and there's usually like gloves and jackets and other stuff rattling around in the bottom of it.
I have the wald collapsible basket brianogilvie mentions on a different bike, it's great (I have it on a junky bike i only use for the beach, and I like being able to fold it up and sand/water drains out of it). But compared to the Ortlieb back roller, it holds way less stuff, and less securely (once you put a backpack in it you can't really pile in as much stuff) it has no weather protection, it can't be pressed into service as a grocery bag or market bag if you add a stop on the way home, it's noisier especially when it's empty.
Several people have mentioned that the newer Ortliebs don't have the issue with the bolts, but on these concerns:
2. the tapered design of the pannier might not even fit the laptop in that spot and 3. it would feel more unbalanced with a heavy load further out from my center of gravity.
I have a 16" laptop. I put it in the padded sleeve in my backpack, and I often have a coffee thermos in the side pocket of my backpack as well, and I just chuck the whole mess in there. It fits fine. I'm not 100% sure it's sliding all the way down to the bottom but it fits and the top rolls closed.
posted by jeb at 7:30 PM on May 23, 2023
Response by poster: Thanks everyone so much for the suggestions! Despite the overwhelming cry of ORTLIEB I ended up going for a pair of the Arkel Signature H and they arrived today. Added some pics to the linked photo album upthread for those curious.
Haven't carried anything in them yet but they are gorgeous, waterproof, have a single-hand release system and padded laptop pocket. And - one thing I forgot to mention I was looking for in my post - they have a wide, flat bottom so they sit on the floor nicely. The rounded bottoms of my old panniers always drove me nuts; they were always falling over and getting in the way when I set them down. (I have tiny feet and they're not very tall bags so for me heel strike isn't an issue.)
posted by misskaz at 1:33 PM on May 26, 2023
Haven't carried anything in them yet but they are gorgeous, waterproof, have a single-hand release system and padded laptop pocket. And - one thing I forgot to mention I was looking for in my post - they have a wide, flat bottom so they sit on the floor nicely. The rounded bottoms of my old panniers always drove me nuts; they were always falling over and getting in the way when I set them down. (I have tiny feet and they're not very tall bags so for me heel strike isn't an issue.)
posted by misskaz at 1:33 PM on May 26, 2023
Those bags look great! Also, super cute purple pedals!
posted by bluedaisy at 3:14 PM on May 26, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by bluedaisy at 3:14 PM on May 26, 2023 [1 favorite]
These outwurx grocery bag panniers have been great for me, so far (which is not that long—but I read lots of other positive accounts before buying them).
posted by snuffleupagus at 1:22 PM on October 18, 2023
posted by snuffleupagus at 1:22 PM on October 18, 2023
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posted by backseatpilot at 8:03 AM on May 23, 2023