The Best Panniers for Touring to Keep Your Stuff Safe Inside

Looking for the right gear for long-distance touring can be a bit daunting. You need something to pack all your much-needed essentials. It is important to find an ideal carrier that can hold your stuff and easily attach to your bike.

Panniers are perfect when it comes to remote traveling. You can haul and stash your essentials without running out of storage space. They normally mount over your wheels, either in the front or back. Then, bolted tight onto the bike frame.

However, with overwhelming selections of bike panniers, finding the perfect one can be confusing. You need to consider versatility, durability, and storage capacity before making your purchase.

Versatility offers you multiple functionalities so you can maximize your use of a bag. Most bag panniers in the market today can transform into a carrying bag or a shoulder bag. Aside from being a touring bag, you can convert it into an everyday bag.

You should also pay attention to how durable your pannier bag is. Durability ensures that the bag can last a long time. It corresponds to the overall quality of the gear, and the material used for manufacturing.

Storage capacity is equally important when looking for an ideal pannier. You must consider the overall storage volume of the pannier bag. It means that your essentials can be stored, organized, and secured while on the road.

To make things easier for you, and to better understand the things to consider when looking for the best panniers for touring, we provided a buyer’s guide at the end of this review. Read thoroughly to get the right bag that will also suit your lifestyle.

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Top 11 Pannier for Touring Reviews

1. BV Bicycle Bag Panniers

For an affordable bike pannier packed with functional features, this BV bag pannier is our top recommendation. With its reasonable price tag, you can enjoy a 26-liter large storage capacity, simple bag design, and highly versatile product. It comes in two colors: solid black and gray.

This bicycle pannier bag is made of 600D polyester material and 1000D Cordura fabric. The military-grade material used is durable and able to resist abrasion and tearing. You are guaranteed that the product can endure the test of time. You can surely maximize the bag’s usability with the heavy-duty material used.

More than that, this bag is very versatile as it comes with a hand-carrying strap. Even when you are out of the road, you can use this bag as a handbag. It is the perfect product that can convert into a commuter bag or an everyday work bag. The pannier can hold all your essentials including books, water bottles, and extra clothes. You have to organize your stuff well, as the bag cannot hold its shape well.

 Heads-up:  Attaching the pannier bag to your bag is hassle-free as well. It has detachable and adjustable bungee hooks that can secure the hold onto your bag. The bungee hook on the back ensures that the attachment is stable and solid while you are on the road. It will prevent the bag from swaying side to side, especially when passing through rough terrain.

 Bottom Line:  For people looking for a mid range bag, this product is a smart choice. Given its affordable price tag, you can still enjoy durability, versatility, and spacious storage capacity with this bag. It is a perfect bag for bikers who just travel occasionally.

2. Roswheel Bicycle Pannier

For bikers looking for a tour bag with plenty of storage spaces, this Roswheel bicycle pannier is a great choice. The bag comes in two variants including solid black and army green. It is made of 1000D reinforced polyester with PU coating material to ensure the bag’s durability. You are also guaranteed that this pannier bag is water-resistant for any type of cycling environment.

It has a simple and minimalistic design with a white printed logo of the brand. More than that, it has an angled bag design providing you with enough pedaling space. You are certain that the bag will not get in the way, especially when you are busy navigating the road. The design can avoid heel hitting as well.

The bag has three components giving enough room for your valuables. It is a 3-in-1 pannier bag with two cube bags for the sides and a large detachable top bag. The top bag is ideal for backup storage space, especially when you are traveling for a couple of days. Running out of the storage compartment will never be an issue with this pannier bag.

 Heads-up:  The installation system is another great feature of this product. It comes with three adjustable strap buckles, and two velcro straps for the side bags. Then, you can use four buckles to install the top bag as well. The attachment system provides a stable and sturdy fixing for all the bag components. You need to be extra patient because installing the bag can be a bit complicated.

 Bottom Line:  If you are looking for the perfect product that can keep both your basic and extra travel necessities, this pannier bag is the right pick. With its large storage space and segregated compartment, you will never leave any valuables behind.

3. Ibera IB-BA9-PAIR Bike Panniers

The first on our list is the Ibera Bike Pannier. It is made of 1680D nylon, so it is lightweight and flexible. The nylon also ensures that the bag can offer both durability and toughness in the overall structure of the bag. This product comes in pairs, so you can attach them to both sides of the frame.

The design only comes in a solid black color with a mid-lining and logo at the front. You will see buckle straps on both sides of the bag. The straps serve as the main enclosure of the top-rated touring panniers to keep the main compartment secure. The construction is sturdy and gives a definite triangular shape. You are certain that you can keep your essentials well-organized inside the bag with its 15L carrying capacity.

The attachment system is impressive as it offers a smart-quick release clip-on system. You can mount the bag without hassle using the clip-on feature. It is a simple attach-detach activity requiring you a few minutes of your time. This feature is reliable for bikers who are always on the road. It also has a 3-point secure connection to prevent the bag from swaying side to side when moving.

 Heads-up:  Another thing to love about this bag is its compartment system. It has multiple compartments including a top-zippered pocket, two huge inside pockets, and a drawstring pouch to hold miscellaneous essentials. So, you have a specific designation for every item you store in the bag.

 Bottom Line:  For bikers looking for a lightweight but large storage capacity bag, this product is a great pick. You can bring all your essentials during your long-distance travel. Since the bag comes in pairs, you have the option to separate your items into several categories.

4. COFIT Bike Trunk Bag

Another great product that made our list is the COFIT bike trunk bag. It comes in three varieties: 25-liter capacity, 68-liter capacity, and 80-liter capacity. No matter how many items you bring and how long your journeys are, this bike pack has the right storage space for you.

The bag is made of heavy-duty material including the nylon oxford fabric. With this type, the bag can resist wear and tear and is ideal for extremely harsh weather conditions. You can always depend on this bag on your remote travels and challenging outdoor adventures.

More than that, this bike pack is highly versatile. It can transform into a handbag or a shoulder bag. You can easily use this bag in any type of activity with its adjustable shoulder straps. It can convert into a work bag, sports bag, or camping bag. With its multiple functions, you are certain that you can maximize the bag’s usability.

 Heads-up:  The installation system is basic. It comes with two Velcro straps to attach to your bike rear compartment. You need to ensure that the attachment is stable and secure to avoid the bag from sliding off. This pannier bag is safe to use at night. It has reflective tapes that can be found on each side of the bag. In this way, it can provide better visibility especially when you are traveling in low light conditions or in the dark.

 Bottom Line:  If you are looking for a bag with several uses, you can always pick this pannier pack. You can rely on this product in any type of activity. It can serve as an ideal commuter bag or a reliable travel bag.

5. ROCKBROS Bike Pannier

If you are in search of a great product made by a well-trusted brand, this ROCKBROS bike pannier is an excellent pick. The product comes in two solid colors: black and yellow. You can go loud or muted with the color choices provided by this bag.

This pannier bag is great for outdoor adventures, especially in places with frequent rainfall. It is fully waterproof due to its high-density 840D nylon material and high-rated TPU film. This product can completely protect your valuables from moist or heavy rain. It is easy to clean where you can wipe off the dirt away from the surface of the bag. The bag will not give you a hard time maintaining it.

The bag is perfect for long-distance travel. With its 27-liter large storage capacity, you can bring all your essentials on the road. It can accommodate your clothes, food packs, bike repair kit, and a few other extras. You just have to stash your items inside and close the bag using the durable buckle enclosure.

Installing this pannier bag on your bike is simple and easy. It comes with a three-point attachment system including two movable buckles. Just be careful with the buckles as they are made of plastic offering less durability. You can adjust the bag according to the bike’s rack.

 Heads-up:  In this way, you are certain that the bag can sit in its right position. You can also use its 360-degree rotatable bracket, so you can fasten the bag securely to the sidebars. The bag will not bounce out when you are biking on a rough road.

 Bottom Line:  For durability and large storage capacity, this bike pannier will not disappoint. It is designed for bikers who love taking outdoor adventures. With this product, you can store essentials good for a week, while keeping them safe from external factors.

6. ArcEnCiel B1019-01@#GM Bicycle Panniers

For bikers who always want to keep things casual, this ArcEnCiel bike pannier is a perfect choice. It is made of strong retro canvas material to keep the overall aesthetic of the bag cool and relaxed. This bag is the right fit for easy-going bikers like you.

Even though it is made of canvas fabric, the product is both solid and durable. It is waterproof and wear-resistant making the bag the best fit for outdoor travels. It comes with a 50-liter carrying capacity and a spacious main compartment. You can easily store your much-needed travel essentials without running out of storage space. This bag is proven to be dependable even in long-distance travel.

Installing the bag is fast and easy without requiring any kind of tool. It comes with a buckle strap for easy mount and release. Even when you are running a busy schedule, you need not allot much time attaching this bike bag. You can just place it on top of the rear bike, then secure the attachment using the buckle strap. Take note that the bag does not have clips to attach to the bike, so you need to ensure that your installation is stable and secure.

 Heads-up:  Like the other products on this list, this bike pack is also safe to use at night. It is designed with light-reflective leather at the back and even the side of the bag. As such, you are still confident using the bag even in the darkest setting. It improves your visibility, especially in low-light conditions.

 Bottom Line:  For those looking for a reliable large bag without compromising the design, this pannier pack is a smart choice. With its casual canvas material, you can still look fashionable and trendy while navigating the road.

7. Ibera Bike Pannier Bag

Looking for an excellent bike pannier bag will never be very hard if you consider this Ibera bike pannier bag in your selections. Since it is in a high price range, it is made of 500D tarpaulin and 600D polyester material, both of which guarantee durability and strength. With these components, the bag can resist bad weather conditions or any form of wear and tear.

As a pannier bag, it comes with an impressive clip-on system for easy attachment and detaches activity. You can use the bag on and off your bike without difficulty on installation. It does not come with attachment straps unlike other bags from this list. The smart quick-release system is enough for a stable mounting to your bike.

Aside from that, it has a 3-point connection, ensuring that the bag will always be stable upon installation. With this system, your bike bag will remain secure from side swing. It will not move from side to side, even when you are passing a bumpy and rocky road.

 Heads-up:  Even though it looks simple on the outside, this pannier pack comes with an excellent compartment system. It offers multiple compartments: a huge main compartment, an external zippered pocket, and another internal zippered pouch. Thus, you can organize your valuables in an orderly manner. You will have a designated space for your small or large items.

 Bottom Line:  For those people who always want to keep things organized, this pannier bag is our top recommendation. With its multiple compartment system, you can have separate spaces for every valuable item you store inside. Plus, you are certain that your stuff will always be safe and dry.

8. FANWU Bike Panniers

For a robust and spacious bike pannier bag, this FANWU bike bag can be an excellent option. It comes with a 50-liter storage capacity, making it the perfect companion for long-term travels. With its waterproofing material, you can keep your essentials dry and secured. You can also add its PU coating fabric material highlighting that the bag is fully waterproof.

This pannier bag is spacious enough to hold your gadgets like a laptop. More than that, it has enough storage space for extra clothes, biking gear, and food items. You can bring all your necessities for travel without worrying about running out of carrying space. However, you have to put a hard and stiff material inside to keep the shape of the bag.

You will appreciate that this bag has four easy-to-install hooks and additional four adjustable straps. With this installation system, you are guaranteed that the bag can sit perfectly well on your bike rack. There will be no incidents of your pannier pack sliding off while you are traversing challenging terrain. The straps provide stability when you mount the bag.

 Heads-up:  Another thing to love about this bag is the provision of extra area for a trunk bag. The bag comes with a top bundle belt where you can securely tuck an additional bag on the rack. You have the option to bring a sleeping bag or a tent and use the bundle belt for attachment. It is the ideal bag to use for camping or weekend biking trips.

 Bottom Line:  For bikers who are always out for adventures, this bike pannier is your perfect companion. With its large storage capacity, waterproof material, and impressive mounting system, you will enjoy using this touring pannier rack during your travels.

9. Two Wheel Gear Pannier Bag

Another touring bag you can consider is this Two-Wheel Gear pannier bag. It is made of polyester fabric making it ideal for everyday commuting. The bag comes in two different sizes ranging from 22-liter and 30-liter storage capacity. Depending on your lifestyle and travel needs, you can get the right amount of storage space with this bag.

Unlike the other bags from this list, this bag is convertible. It is a two-in-one bag that you can easily transform into a backpack. When you are not riding on your bike and just strolling around, it can be the top-tier gear to use when walking.

The design of the bag looks like a normal backpack, but it provides an extra feature to become a pannier pack. It comes with a Rixen & Kaul rail mounting system which you can use when installing the bag to the rack. You can use the hooks intended for sliding the bag to the bike rack. With the use of hooks, the bag can be securely installed as well.

 Heads-up:  Though this bag is not designed for long-distance touring, the pannier pack is engineered to accommodate your daily essentials. You can put your laptop with its functional laptop sleeve, there is also space for phones, books, and foods. It also provides an extra pocket to store your water bottles. This bag is ideal to use for school or work.

 Bottom Line:  If you want to level up your work bag or school bag, you can always pick this convertible bag. Since it also transforms into a backpack, it is a smart gear to use for your day-to-day activity. It can hold your stuff for a whole day.

10. Ortlieb Classic Bike Panniers

Another bag that comes in pairs is the Ortlieb classic bicycle touring panniers. It is a great storage solution especially for bikers looking for a complete waterproofed bag. The fabric of this bag is strong, thick and can hold 40 liters of items inside. This bike pannier is two-toned with black and yellow color. A company logo is printed at the front, making the design basic and simple.

This bag is versatile where you can convert it into a stylish daypack. It has a classic Ortlieb harness system which you can use in transforming the bag. Since the bag is ultra-lightweight, you have the option to put everything you need on your trip. The bag can hold the smallest items like food, and the largest ones such as bike repair kits. The material used is durable enough to keep your stuff safe inside.

It has an excellent Ortlieb Quick-Lock System that can be very dependable for easy installation. You will not be stressed out attaching this bag to the side of your bike frame. You can just lift the bag right off the rack and put it back without experiencing any hassle.

 Heads-up:  Its storage system is just as impressive. It has a designated notebook sleeve, a bottle cage, and a small pocket in the main compartment to store small items. You will find this bag as the perfect gear for your off-road bike adventures. Even in the most challenging environment, this bag will prove to be a great bike companion.

 Bottom Line:  If you are in search of the most reliable gear to bring on your adventures, the Ortlieb panniers are the perfect choice. With its waterproof material and large storage capacity, you are confident that you can bring all your valuables while keeping them safe and secure.

11. VAUDE 12411 Aqua Back Pannier Bike Bag

If you prefer a mid-sized pannier bag to use everywhere you go, we recommend this VAUDE pannier bike bag. Even though the product is a bit pricey, it comes in pairs and is a rear pannier bag that you can attach on both sides of your bike. It ALSO has a sturdy and solid structure ensuring better balance when you are on the road.

This bike bag is made of durable PVC-free tarpaulin material and has proven to be waterproof. The material used is a combination of Polyester, Polyamide, and Thermoplastic Polyurethane. You are certain that the bag offers strength and robustness based on the fabric and material used.

More than that, it is proven to be welded waterproof. Meaning, all the sides or corners of the bag can prevent water or moisture from coming in. It will keep your valuables dry and free from any kind of water damage.

As a pannier bag, it provides a secure attachment with its impressive QMR 2.0 system. The Quick Mount Release hook allows hassle-free adjustment and easy attach-detach activity. You can install the bag to both the right and left sides of your bike rack without difficulty. The attachment system can directly lock into the rear without the use of straps or buckles.

 Heads-up:  You will also appreciate that the bag comes in a hard-shell back so that it can hold its shape pretty well. It ensures that the bag is always stable and sturdy, especially when installed on the bike. You will be impressed by how the bag can optimally retain its shape, given its roll-top enclosure system. Based on how much you store inside the bike pack, you have the option to customize its size.

 Bottom Line:  For a high-quality mid-sized bag, this pannier pack is a reasonable choice. You can bring your daily items using this bag. With its waterproofing material, this bag will always come in handy even on a heavy downpour.

What to Look for When Buying a Pannier for Touring

Material

When buying a bike pannier touring bag, your top consideration must be the material used. The fabric used for the product ensures its longevity. It displays the bag’s durability and ability to withstand wear and tear.

The material also corresponds to the overall weight of the bag. Some manufacturers including the Arkel panniers or Rei panniers use polyester fabric to keep the bag lightweight and easy to carry. On the other hand, there are some materials like leather that can significantly add to the weight of your bike. Depending on your budget, the material also varies.

Storage capacity

The storage capacity greatly depends on what type of traveler you are. If you are the kind who wants to bring everything all at once, you need to get bicycle touring bags with a huge carrying capacity. You can choose 50-liter and up for your storage space.

However, if you want things to be lightweight, there are also bags with 22-liter or less storage capacity. You should also consider the activity you would want to use the bag for. For long-distance travel, 80-liter storage space is the most ideal.

Mounting system

The mounting system is also important when looking for bike bags for touring. Since you intend to install the bag on your bike’s rack, you should search for a product with an excellent mounting system. Meaning, it can keep your bag from sliding off when you are on the road.

Also, consider buying products that offer easy to attach and detach installation systems. In this way, you will never have a hard time trying to put the bag on and off the bike rack.

Extra features

Depending on how much you want to spend on a bag, you can enjoy some extra features. There are bike touring bags on this list offering safety and waterproofing features. You can consider getting a bag with several features without breaking too much of your budget. Consider the waterproof pannier reviews we mentioned above as well.

How Big a Pannier Do I Need for Touring

The size of bicycle panniers for touring greatly depends on the type of activity you want to engage in. If you are spending a week or a month on the road, you should consider what size panniers for touring you must pick. It is ideal to choose a bag with 80-liter capacity or more.

In this way, you can bring all your much-needed essentials with you. You should also choose a product that has a provision for extra space. Meaning, it is expandable and flexible at the same time.

Do You Need a Rack for Panniers

The best panniers for touring are normally designed to be installed on a bike rack. The bag can sit well on your bike if it is attached to the rack. Panniers require a bike rack to secure to your bike frame. You can avoid the bag from falling off if it is perfectly installed on the rack.

Can My Bike Take Panniers

Pannier compatibility will vary from bike to bike. However, most bicycles can make it work when a mounting system is attached to them. Some models will have eyelets on the seatstay, which are suitable for pannier installation.

So if necessary, I’m willing to bet most bikers won’t have issues attaching a pannier. It’s a simple matter of using the eyelets or mounting system to get it done correctly. From there, it should be a breeze to use panniers for bicycles.

Are Bicycle Pannier Bags Waterproof

Bikers should never assume pannier bags or backpacks are waterproof. Of course, most options will have this capability, but not all of them. So, reading each product description carefully before making a purchase is crucial.

Otherwise, it could result in buying options that aren’t waterproof panniers. The next rainstorm when transporting books or any other items will be an absolute mess. Trust me; I made this mistake before when purchasing panniers for bikepacking.

Luckily, I purchased the VAUDE 12411 Aqua Back Pannier Bike Bag for my last trip. It functioned perfectly as waterproof rear panniers for all my belongings. I couldn’t have been more thrilled.

What Size Panniers for Touring

As I noted earlier, I’d suggest going with an 80-liter capacity pannier when touring. It’ll provide more room for all belongings and equipment. Honestly, I’ve never had an issue when bringing this bag size on my trips.

But I’m aware some bicycles won’t be able to handle 80-liter bike panniers waterproof models. So I suggest choosing the highest possible capacity your ride can support, especially for long-distance travel.

Is It Better to Have Panniers on the Front or Back

It depends on what the rider is looking for in panniers. If they want massive storage capacity, rear panniers are better as they offer higher weight limits. Bikers simply can’t have an 80-liter pannier on their front wheel without affecting turning.

However, someone who intends on talking panniers through trails would be much better suited with front panniers. These options are more compatible for commuting, carrying smaller capacities, and won’t hamper steering or handling.

So bikers will need to consider the terrain and distance they intend to travel. For example, a front pannier will be a better choice if it’s a rough and shorter distance. I’d imagine a quick trip to town for supplies would fit this description, as would commuting panniers or grocery panniers.

Meanwhile, rear panniers are more adaptable for long-distance trips that require massive storage capabilities. It’s why these items are often seen on backpacker’s bikes. However, they aren’t something that I suggest for folding bikes.

How Long Do Panniers for Touring Last

Most quality panniers will last up to 5 years with regular touring. But some top-tier options like the ones on our list can extend past this range without much difficulty. For instance, I’d imagine VAUDE 12411 Aqua Back Pannier Bike Bag would have no issues lasting well-past five years with proper upkeep.

After all, these hard shell bicycle panniers are known for their durability. I’ve never seen a biker who wasn’t pleased with how well they held up when touring.

What Is the Difference Between Bike-packing and Bike Touring

Bike packing and bike touring seem to be similar concepts. But there is a difference that you should identify.

Bike packing is a more minimalist way of traveling by bike. The load you carry during bike packing is lighter compared to bike touring. Cyclists who engage in bike packing prefer to travel light, so it will not be stressful when going to a challenging and mountainous environment.

Bike touring, on the other hand, has a more complicated setup. Bikers usually bring pannier gear when on tour. The touring panniers are the perfect bag to use because they provide large compartments and a bigger carrying capacity. Those who engage in bike touring do not put limits on the stuff they carry while biking.

Conclusion

Going on a bike tour is an enjoyable experience especially when you have the perfect gear to travel with you. The best panniers for touring is the ideal companion if you want to bring all your travel essentials.

With the great selection of bike touring panniers we recommended above, we are confident that you will be able to find the right fit for you. The products we picked are the best available in the market today. They offer you quality, functional features, and enough storage capacity.