Best waterproof panniers for the money?

I've been looking around at waterproof panniers lately, and there are a lot of options and a pretty wide price range for seemingly similar stuff.  I really just need one to fit a laptop, some shoes and extra clothes in so I can ride to work on rainy days, but as the title says, it has to be absolutely 100% waterproof and not overly expensive.  I have a Banjo Brothers pannier right now but it's nowhere near as waterproof as I'd like it to be for carrying a company-provided laptop.  I've been looking at lots of different brands (Ortlieb, Blackburn, Timbuk2, Banjo Brothers, etc.)  but I'd like to get a better feeling of your actual subjective experiences with them.

So, what does everyone use and how do you like it?  Would you have spent more money for nicer gear or would a lower-priced pannier have worked just as well?

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Permalink Reply by Duppie on July 12, 2013 at 8:53am

Doesn't the QL-3 require some hardware to be mounted on the rack itself?

If so, that would severely limit the portability of the bag between bikes 

(Hey, we found something negative about Ortlieb! Should make Evan happy!) ;)



jtwhatever said:

I have commuted for over 7 years, all 4 seasons here in Chicago and have not found a bag that attaches easily and securely (even with a swift kick), has enough room for laptop, clothes and lunch and is all-weather-proof other than Ortlieb. Yes, they are slightly pricey and not made in the USA, but in my experience are still the best bang for your buck. I currently use the Ortlieb Downtown and it's great! I'm not sure why REI doesn't have the QL3 version available online as I bought it at their store in Lincoln Park. I am so happy with it that I thought to get another QL3 bag that I can wear as a backpack, the Vario. Unfortunately this bag didn't work for me... I'm petite and the bag is too long for my height and end up with a slight blind spot when looking back for traffic. When I did use it (only a week and half), it was incredibly versatile and comfortable when worn as a backpack and conversion from pannier to backpack is neat, easy and simple. Since I bought the Vario online, I cannot return it so if you want to take a look before I put it on Craigslist, I'll be more than happy to demo it since I have the and QL3 attachment on my rear rack, email me: jtwhatever(at)yahoo(dot)com

Permalink Reply by jtwhatever on July 12, 2013 at 9:13am

Indeed it does, but the additional hardware does come with their bags, so no extra cost there. Also, most if not all their QL3 bags are also available in their QL2 version. Having said that, I only have one commuter bike, so whatever floats your boat. Or should I say... whatever hauls your crap ;)

Duppie 13.5185km said:

Doesn't the QL-3 require some hardware to be mounted on the rack itself?

If so, that would severely limit the portability of the bag between bikes 

(Hey, we found something negative about Ortlieb! Should make Evan happy!) ;)



jtwhatever said:

I have commuted for over 7 years, all 4 seasons here in Chicago and have not found a bag that attaches easily and securely (even with a swift kick), has enough room for laptop, clothes and lunch and is all-weather-proof other than Ortlieb. Yes, they are slightly pricey and not made in the USA, but in my experience are still the best bang for your buck. I currently use the Ortlieb Downtown and it's great! I'm not sure why REI doesn't have the QL3 version available online as I bought it at their store in Lincoln Park. I am so happy with it that I thought to get another QL3 bag that I can wear as a backpack, the Vario. Unfortunately this bag didn't work for me... I'm petite and the bag is too long for my height and end up with a slight blind spot when looking back for traffic. When I did use it (only a week and half), it was incredibly versatile and comfortable when worn as a backpack and conversion from pannier to backpack is neat, easy and simple. Since I bought the Vario online, I cannot return it so if you want to take a look before I put it on Craigslist, I'll be more than happy to demo it since I have the and QL3 attachment on my rear rack, email me: jtwhatever(at)yahoo(dot)com

Permalink Reply by Duppie on July 12, 2013 at 10:27am

That is indeed why I stayed with QL-2 system. I have four bikes that I commute on over the course of a  year, so that would require buying additional sets of hardware.

jtwhatever said:

Indeed it does, but the additional hardware does come with their bags, so no extra cost there. Also, most if not all their QL3 bags are also available in their QL2 version. Having said that, I only have one commuter bike, so whatever floats your boat. Or should I say... whatever hauls your crap ;)

Duppie 13.5185km said:

Doesn't the QL-3 require some hardware to be mounted on the rack itself?

If so, that would severely limit the portability of the bag between bikes 

(Hey, we found something negative about Ortlieb! Should make Evan happy!) ;)



jtwhatever said:

I have commuted for over 7 years, all 4 seasons here in Chicago and have not found a bag that attaches easily and securely (even with a swift kick), has enough room for laptop, clothes and lunch and is all-weather-proof other than Ortlieb. Yes, they are slightly pricey and not made in the USA, but in my experience are still the best bang for your buck. I currently use the Ortlieb Downtown and it's great! I'm not sure why REI doesn't have the QL3 version available online as I bought it at their store in Lincoln Park. I am so happy with it that I thought to get another QL3 bag that I can wear as a backpack, the Vario. Unfortunately this bag didn't work for me... I'm petite and the bag is too long for my height and end up with a slight blind spot when looking back for traffic. When I did use it (only a week and half), it was incredibly versatile and comfortable when worn as a backpack and conversion from pannier to backpack is neat, easy and simple. Since I bought the Vario online, I cannot return it so if you want to take a look before I put it on Craigslist, I'll be more than happy to demo it since I have the and QL3 attachment on my rear rack, email me: jtwhatever(at)yahoo(dot)com

Permalink Reply by jtwhatever on July 12, 2013 at 8:17pm

Let's not assume that some of us haven't considered other branded bags/options. I can assure you when it comes to messenger bags, all mine are made in the USA and are completely waterproof from Rickshaw and Mission Workshop both out of SF. Unfortunately, they do not make panniers... yet.

Another pannier brand is Arkel of Canada--also made in Canada--that makes pretty awesome bags, though pricey, and you'll have to slap a "shower cap" (not included) on their commuter options it to make it waterproof. However, it is their cam-lock system that is hard to beat. Even Brooks uses the Arkel kit for their sweet pannier bags. I have an Arkel Shopper and it rocks my grocery getting world. I may even buy the cam-lock kit to put on my (discontinued) Rickshaw backpack to make it a pannier. Also, I've been considering Green Guru's Dutchy--of Boulder, CO--but do not have any personal experience nor have I seen this item in person so I cannot vouch for fit/finish and quality of materials/workmanship and would prefer the cam-lock kit on it as well... However, this company is unique as they upcycle materials and have created not only a sustainable product, but business and make their bags right here in the good ole US of A.

Even after giving these other options, this discussion focuses on value and "subjective experiences" of a waterproof pannier. So this brings me back to ORTLIEB. They are not only well designed but are well engineered, reliable and durable. They are accessible and also come in a wide range to suit different needs including different rack-attaching mechanisms. Afterall, are we not ALL enthusiastic commuters...? It has nothing to do with conformity or the majority but community.

but in the end...

we are not our choice of panniers...

we are not special...

lol ;)

(anyone interested in my Ortlieb Vario? I'll give you a good deal, message me with your email and I will send details. I'd rather not put on Craigslist.)

Permalink Reply by Adam Herstein on July 12, 2013 at 8:26pm
+1 for Mission Workshop.
Permalink Reply by Martin Hazard on July 13, 2013 at 1:18am
There are several perfectly waterproof options out there. Something else to consider is the mounting arangement. Outlieb has the best in my experience, and have tried a few. Be wary of any that don't lock on to the top rail, or you may jettison your pack the first time you hop a curb.
Permalink Reply by 2whls3spds on July 13, 2013 at 3:43am

Orliebs have been my first choice for  years for absolute waterproof. There may be others out there now. I have also used dry bags like you would use in a kayak or canoe. I used one of those for quite a few years. I would load my stuff into it and drop the bag in the front basket with a cargo net over it. Simple, effective and relatively cheap.

Aaron

Permalink Reply by Tricolor on July 13, 2013 at 11:44am

Well, Ortleibs seem to come out on top when you consider price, utility, durability, water-proofness and price.  The hate seems on par with my dislike of Intelligentsia Coffee, Surly bikes and the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution based on pretentious, rude and faster connotations.  I avoid the coffee and drive a Subaru, but have to admit I just ordered anther Long Haul Trucker frame...

Permalink Reply by Rich S on November 19, 2013 at 4:08am

REI has Ortlieb's at 25% off until Nov 25 in case anyone's in the market right now. A bunch of smartwool is on sale too.  

Permalink Reply by Tricolor on November 19, 2013 at 4:32am

I'll recommend Ortleibs again after dealing with three days of rain and mud on my last trip.  Hose them off when you get to your stop at night and everything inside's still dry.

Permalink Reply by Julia 3.5/7.5 mi on November 19, 2013 at 4:52am

I wanted to love Detour's bags, because their tote/pannier (the Ballard bag) is so freaking cute, but function just didn't match up to what I needed. Mine's going back to REI soon because the important zippers have broken after a few months of commuting and it's not even CLOSE to being water-resistant. I found myself using a kayak dry bag inside my pannier to just get my clothes to work... nope.

I'll echo what everyone else mentioned; when it comes to function and utility, Ortlieb wins again and again. You can literally drag these behind your bike and they'll make it. I bought my pair off a friend who can't ride for a while from recurring back surgeries, but the REI sale brings them down to a similar price. They're not the cutest bags and not the most comfortable to carry around off-bike, but they'll get the job done every time.

Tricolor - what brand of coffee mug is that in your cage? I'm having trouble finding something that'll fit my coffee snugly in my lezyne cages.

Permalink Reply by Adam Herstein on November 19, 2013 at 5:16am

I've got the Ortlieb office bag and it works great. Totally waterproof, easy to get on and off the bike, and it's got plenty of internal pockets for clothes, my laptop, lunch, lights, and other things I need to bring with me to work.

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