10 Best Bike Panniers Compared & Reviewed

 

Best Bike Pannier Review – Top Rated Models with Buying Guide

 

Are you looking for the best bike panniers, but you don’t have a lot of time on your hands? There’s no need to worry since, in the following short paragraph, we will provide you with all the information you need to make a good purchasing decision. After a thorough analysis of the critically acclaimed models in this line, we’ve concluded that the one to get is the BV Bike Bag Bicycle Panniers with Adjustable Hooks. This model comes with four simple shelf straps and adjustable bungee hooks that allow for easy fastening to your bike’s rack. It provides ample storage room to fit all your essentials, such as outfits, water bottles, snacks, mini tire air pumps, and more. You can take it off from the bike rack easily for off-road use since the product is fitted with a handy carrying strap. If our first model is unavailable, another great pair of bike panniers for commuting that you can get is the Ibera Bicycle Bag All Weather Bike Panniers.

 

 

Comparison table

 

 

 

10 Best Bike Panniers (Updated Reviews) in 2020

 

 

With such a diversity of products available on the market, finding the best bike pannier requires a lot of time and research. To make things easier for you, we’ve compiled a list of affordable bike panniers that have garnered positive feedback from customers and that offer great quality. The list of bike pannier reviews below is diverse and can satisfy most needs and budgets.

 

 

1. BV Bike Bag Bicycle Panniers with Adjustable Hooks 

 

The ample storage capacity and the user-friendly design make this option an ideal choice for buyers who are looking for a product to use for commuting, grocery shopping, or everyday off-bike use. The large compartments on the two panniers can fit all your essentials and gear, such as garments, water bottles and snacks, books, and other similarly-sized items.

Furthermore, each pannier is also fitted with a convenient front zippered pocket that’s great for storing smaller items, such as a mini tire air pump, wallet, phone, and more. The unit attaches to your bike’s rack using four shelf straps and two height-adjustable bungee hooks. This allows the carrying bags to fit most racks.

The bungee hooks are a welcomed addition since they can help further secure the lower portion of the pannier, and this will ensure improved stability, especially when riding over rugged terrain. You can also carry the panniers on and off the bike effortlessly since they come equipped with a hand-carrying handle.

 

Pros

The panniers can also be used during the night since they come with a 3M Scotch Lite reflective trim on the pockets, which ensures excellent nighttime visibility.

It can be used with most bicycle racks since the adjustable hook features three different attachment spots so that you can select the one that fits your rack the best.

The panniers come with a firm back panel that will keep them in an upright position, even when empty, and the panel will also help maintain the bag structure to make it easier to access the items inside.

It is available in two colors, black and gray, so that you can choose the one that will complement the look of your bike the best.

 

Cons

It lacks water resistance, which means that you should avoid using it in bad weather or on roads with large puddles.

The panniers don’t have a compression strap, and they’re supported by the zipper alone, which can become an issue with time.

Buy from Amazon.com for ($25.99)

 

 

 

2. Ibera Bicycle Bag All Weather Bike Panniers 

 

The key feature that makes this model stand out is the innovative quick release/clip-on system that lets the user attach and detach the bags within 3 seconds, without having to use complicated straps. This system is very stable since it comes with a 3-point connection so that there’s no risk of the bags falling off or swinging from side to side, even when riding on bumpy roads.

It is compatible with most racks, and each bag can carry up to 19.8 pounds, and it has a capacity of 15L or 4 gallons. Thus, the panniers are spacious enough to fit all your essential tools or items. The bags come as a pair, and they can be used either as a set or singularly, depending on what the user’s needs are.

Each bag comes with a top zippered pocket and two interior pockets that can hold smaller items. This should make it possible for cyclists to organize all their essential items for quick and easy access.

 

Pros

Each bag is secured to your bike’s rack using a 3-point connection system, namely two hooks on the top and a clamp on the bottom, and this system is stable and will reduce side swings.

The panniers come with two all-weather rain covers included in the package so that you can keep your items dry and the bags clean when riding in the rain.

The bags can serve multiple purposes since they’re perfect for bike touring, hiking, camping, road-tripping, everyday commute, or other outdoor occasions.

It has a stylish design, and it comes with elastic bands that will hold the flyaway buckle straps down so that the bag can have a more streamlined look.

 

Cons

The rain cover doesn’t protect the side of the bag that faces the rack, which means that the bags can get wet from the water the wheels kick up.

The carrying handle isn’t very comfortable, and it bounces against the rack, so you’ll need to secure it if you want to avoid unpleasant noise.

Buy from Amazon.com for ($74.99)

 

 

 

3. Roswheel 14892 3 in 1 Multifunction Bicycle Pannier 

 

If you’re preparing for a long trip, with the Roswheel 14892, you get three bags so that you can make sure that you have enough room for all the tools and items you’ll need. The total volume that these bags offer is of about 10 gallons, and this strikes a good balance between storage capacity and stability.

It uses a quick strap system that is compatible with bicycle racks from most brands. The bags fit on both road and mountain bikes, and they’re constructed from 1000D reinforced polyester with a PU coating for water resistance. The panniers are solid and durable, and they can handle both off-road and road use.

The two bags that are meant to be positioned on the side of the rack have an angled design that will allow cyclists to have ample pedaling space. This way, it is easy to avoid heel hitting when riding with the panniers attached.

 

Pros

Rider safety is very important, and to this end, the bags come with a reflective logo on the sides to make riding at night or in low light environments safer.

The top bag can be detached easily and converted into a shoulder bag thanks to the convenient shoulder straps that come included with it.

The side bags come with a 2.5mm built-in PE sheet that is easy to clean if it gets dirty by mud or dust, and its main purpose is to reduce shock and maintain the upright shape of the bags.

The panniers have enough storage to allow for multi-day trips, and the multi-compartment design will make it possible to organize all your items methodically.

 

Cons

The strap length of the top bag is limited, and this can cause the bag to flap around to one side when empty.

The top fabric is water-resistant, but the bottom can still get wet from water splashing up.

Buy from Amazon.com for ($39.99)

 

 

 

4. Bushwhacker Omaha Bicycle Grocery Pannier 

 

If you’re looking for a pair of panniers that are designed specifically for all your grocery needs, then this option is certainly worth considering. Each bag is sized to fit one full-sized grocery bag, and the panniers are built robustly so that they can hold a heavy load. Anything that your grocery bag can handle, these panniers can too.

Another advantage of this option is that each bag is individual, which means that it mounts separately to your bike so that if you only plan to carry a few items, you’ll be able to attach just one bag. The bags attach to the top of the rack with the help of two metal hooks and to the lower part of the bike frame or rack using a bungee and S hook.

They’re easy to attach and detach, and when they’re not in use, they won’t take a lot of storage space since they can fold flat.

 

Pros

The bags are very spacious, and they can fit even the largest full-sized grocery bag, and we expect that even heavy shoppers will be pleased with this aspect.

The 3-point mounting system is fast and reliable without compromising stability since even when holding a heavy load, the bags stay in place, and they won’t wobble excessively.

You can quickly detach the bags from your bike when not in use, and since they can fold flat, they won’t require a lot of storage space once you are done with them.

They’re designed to attach at the rear part of the bike, and even when mounted individually, they won’t affect the stability of the bike too much.

 

Cons

It doesn’t come with straps or a cover to keep items from bouncing out of the tops.

The bag is designed to fit racks that have a flat vertical plane, and fitting it on other types of racks may prove more difficult.

Buy from Amazon.com for ($64.95)

 

 

 

5. Rhinowalk Bike Bag Waterproof Bike Pannier 

 

The Rhinowalk rear bag features an innovative design that allows it to stay compact when you only need to store a few items, or you can expand it up to a capacity of 25L (6.6 gallons) when you need more storage. It is made from 1000D polyester material, and it features waterproof PVC layers on both sides to keep the contents protected from rain and wheel water splashes.

The quick-release system makes it easy to install the bag on the rear seat trunk rack, and once attached, it can be detached in just a few seconds. That’s a useful feature to have, considering that the pannier also comes with a carrying handle for easy off-bike transport.

This model is designed to handle multiple activities since cyclists can use it in harsh environments, and it will continue to keep the items inside protected. The construction is very durable, wear-resistant, anti-tear, and it can also handle excessive heat. It is a great purchase for users who demand superior durability.

 

Pros

Cleaning other bags after a long trip can be a hassle, but this option has a fast cleaning process, and all you need to do is wash it down with water, and then wipe it dry with a towel.

When you are not cycling, you can still carry the unit with you since it comes with a comfortable carry handle, as well as a removable and adjustable shoulder strap.

The upgraded tail light design makes riding with the bag attached safer at night and in low-light conditions since the outer fabric features three reflective strips.

You can customize the look of the bag since the unit is available in two color options, namely black and green, and black and yellow.

 

Cons

The bag weighs 2.3 pounds empty, and once you start to add items inside, it can weigh you down a little.

The clips that attach to the bag are not very durable, but thankfully, the customer service is helpful in this regard.

Buy from Amazon.com for ($55.99)

 

 

 

6. Roswheel Water-Resistant Bicycle Double Pannier 

 

The Roswheel model is an excellent choice for users who are looking for a fashionable product that can still deliver the convenience that high-quality bike panniers are known for. It has an adjustable capacity that can go up to 50L (13.2 gallons), and it can hold a maximum load of 130 pounds.

Thus, for most cyclists, this double pannier offers a large enough capacity to fit all the tools and items that are needed for most long journeys. Moreover, you can also make room for other large carry-on items, such as a tent, by using the top bundle belt.

The outer shell is constructed from 12oz encryption organic canvas, which is a very sturdy material. Moreover, the fabric also features a PU coating that confers water resistance so that you can ride in the rain with the peace of mind that comes with knowing that all your precious belongings will stay dry.

 

Pros

This model features a fashionable army green design that makes it great for off-road use since it will blend in with the forests and shrubbery you’ll pass on your journey.

It features a removable top handle belt so that once you are done cycling, you can quickly remove the bags and then transport them with minimal effort.

The bag is capable of handling heavy use since it is constructed from an organic canvas that is tear and abrasion-resistant, while the PU coating makes it rainproof.

The high capacity of up to 13 gallons makes this rack bag ideal for long-distance riding.

 

Cons

The camo-green color is not for everyone, which means that customers who are looking for a less conspicuous design will need to look elsewhere.

The bags don’t offer a lot of pedaling space, which means that it is possible to hit them with your heels while cycling.

Buy from Amazon.com for ($58.5)

 

 

 

7. Sahoo Bike Rack Pannier Bag 3 in 1 Large Capacity 

 

This model comes with a new and improved modular 3-in-1 design, and it features two large side bags and a detachable top bag so that you can get more ways to store and transport all your tools and items.

The bags are compact and lightweight, and together they offer a large capacity of 37L or 9.8 gallons so that you can store enough supplies for many days on the road.

The three bags are constructed from the same robust 1000D reinforced polyester fabric that is wear, tear, and water-resistant. What’s more, the outer fabric is also very easy to keep clean since a quick scrub is all it takes to remove dirt, mud, and other stains that you may get after a long day of riding.

The side bags have a practical obtuse angle design that allows for plenty of pedaling space so that your heels won’t hit the bags when you’re cycling.

 

Pros

The top bag can be removed easily, and it comes with a shoulder-strap included so that you can carry it more comfortably, especially when it is full of heavy items.

Each bag comes fitted with additional side mesh pouches that are very convenient for storing water bottles or other similarly-sized items.

The design of this model includes reflective logos to keep riders safer on the road at night or in low-light environments.

The side bags are padded with support boards to keep them in good shape even when they’re empty.

It includes a one-year warranty that covers workmanship and material defects.

 

Cons

You’ll need to take the time to adjust the bags every time you add new items inside since, otherwise, the load can move around and hit the tire.

This model is designed mostly for cruising around town since off-road riding with a heavy load can damage the bags quickly.

Buy from Amazon.com for ($35.99)

 

 

 

8. ROCKBROS Bike Pannier Waterproof 27L Large Capacity 

 

This waterproof pannier is constructed from high-density 840D nylon, and it is covered with a TPU film that keeps water at bay and makes the bag’s surface easy to wipe clean. With a capacity of 27L or 7.13 gallons, each bag is spacious enough to hold your clothes, tools, and all the other essentials you’ll need for your cycling trip.

The three-point attachment system allows the two bags to fit all types of bicycle racks since the two movable buckles can be adjusted to meet the unique specifications of your bike rack. The additional 360-degree rotatable bracket is used to secure the bag to the sidebars of the bike so that the bag and its content don’t bounce around.

This model also has a humanized design that includes fixing plates on the back of each bag to prevent them from getting into the bike spokes. It also uses a roll-up closure that will improve waterproof performance.

 

Pros

Apart from the generous internal storage space, this model also comes with exterior bungee cords that can be used to store extra items, such as an umbrella, rain jacket, and more.

Each bag features two round pads at the bottom that will reduce friction to protect the panniers and will also help the bags maintain their shape.

Both sides of each bag come with a reflective logo that will light up when driving at night or in low-light conditions so that you can enjoy increased riding safety.

There’s Velcro on both sides of the bags so that you can store the long straps and prevent them from getting caught in the rear wheel.

 

Cons

The roll-up closure is not as convenient as a zipper, and it makes it take longer to get top access.

It doesn’t come with internal pockets for smaller stuff, and this feature would have helped users to organize their items better.

Buy from Amazon.com for ($112.99)

 

 

 

9. Lixada Bike Bag Bicycle Waterproof Panniers 

 

As a cyclist, you need secure and reliable pannier bags to store your items and make your journey that much smoother, and this multi-purpose model is a good choice as it delivers great value for the money. It has a total capacity of 25L or 6.6 gallons, which should prove ideal for your daily commute, shopping loads, camping, and daily outings.

It is constructed from strong PVC and polyester fabrics that are not only tear and wear-resistant but also waterproof. The waterproof construction also makes the bags easier to clean since if they get dirty, you can simply get a damp cloth and wipe the grime away.

The bags come with six Velcro strap fasteners that will ensure compatibility with most rack carriers. Attaching the panniers to the rear rack is simple, and once secured, the bags won’t interfere with the wheels. The quick-release buckle allows for effortless on and off.

 

Pros

With a total capacity of 6.6 gallons, the two bags deliver plenty of storage capacity to satisfy the needs of the average commuter, shopper, hiker, or camper.

The bags also come with two pockets on the sides, and they are zipper closed to keep smaller items inside, such as your phone, wallet, keys, pens, and more.

The product is sized to be convenient for both short trips and long-distance journeys since, despite its large capacity, it remains compact enough not to slow you down.

It comes fitted with large reflective strips on the back of each bag, and they help ensure better nighttime visibility.

 

Cons

While the panniers are great for transporting your groceries, they lack a carry handle to make it more comfortable to use them as shopping bags.

The product doesn’t keep its shape very well, and this can become an issue if you only use it to carry a few items.

Buy from Amazon.com for ($24.98)

 

 

 

10. ArcEnCiel Water-Resistant 3 in 1 Bike Bag 

 

This multifunctional model is a great choice for users who require more storage space since it comes with a unique 3-in-1 design that has two side bags and an extra sack on the upper. With a large capacity of 37L or 9.7 gallons, there is plenty of room to store all the items you need for long-distance journeys.

The zippered design allows you to access the interior pockets faster so that you can get to your items without having to remove the bags from the rack. However, since the top bag attaches to the side bags, it can detach easily, and this makes it the most versatile out of the three.

Once detached, you can use the top bag as a backpack since it includes a shoulder strap. If you plan to transport items from one point to another, the top bag can turn into an excellent messenger bag to make your job that much easier.

 

Pros

The installation process is simple since this model uses both Velcro and adjustable buckles so that you can strap it to your mountain or road bike with minimal effort.

The innovative 3-in-1 design makes this the right product for anyone who’s looking for a convenient storage solution since this model has enough space to carry cycling accessories, tools, and gear.

The top bag comes fitted with a big mesh pocket that can hold a 17” laptop comfortably, and the included shoulder strap allows it to be converted into a backpack.

It is constructed from durable 1000D polyester, and it comes with a rain cover that will prevent water drops from infiltrating the bags.

 

Cons

When the side bags are full of cargo, the front won’t allow for enough pedaling space, which means that the bags can get in the way of the pedal strokes.

The top bag tends to flop around since the straps are quite long and don’t keep it as secure as they should.

Buy from Amazon.com for ($49.98)

 

 

 

Our Comprehensive Buying Guide

 

Bicycle panniers can remove the weight from the back and shoulders to keep the cyclist more comfortable, and they also offer more storage than a backpack could. They’re a very useful product, so there’s no surprise that the market is filled with plenty of cheap bike panniers for you to choose from.

In order to find the best bicycle panniers, you’ll need to take the time to consider some essential factors that we will showcase to you in the section below.

Capacity

When you’re prospecting the market for bicycle rear panniers, the capacity that they offer is one of the key factors to consider. There’s no capacity for a bike pannier that’s ideal in all circumstances, it all depends on the volume of items that you wish to carry.

The most common size available is around 40L or 10 gallons per pair of panniers, and this is a good all-round capacity that should allow you to carry all your tools and items. Smaller models tend to be better suited for small commutes, or they can be used as bike grocery panniers.

Unless you plan to get a compact and lightweight model, it is recommended to go with larger capacity bike commuter panniers since thanks to their great capacity, these products can serve versatile purposes. You’ll be able to use them for work commutes, camping trips, hiking, and more.

 

Purpose

Panniers are generally aimed at two different types of riders, namely the commuter and the tourer. The best bike panniers for commuting are those that come with extra pockets on the outside where the user can store commonly accessed items, such as phone, wallet, or keys.

Commuters also don’t need panniers in pairs since, more often than not, a single bag will suffice for their needs. However, when looking for a cheap bike pannier, you can usually find better deals when buying in pairs, so keep this in mind. A commuter can buy a pair as a bargain and only use the second one when he or she needs to carry more stuff.

As far as bike touring panniers are concerned, reliability and portability are the two aspects that matter the most. Some tourers may also sacrifice a bit of ruggedness in exchange for lighter fabrics, but this varies from rider to rider.

Bicycle touring panniers also require a more robust attachment system so that the luggage can stay balanced and safe during long-distance bike tours.

Durability

When purchasing panniers for bicycle, it is very important to take a look at the quality of the construction and check if the materials used are sturdy enough to hold up the weight of the items you plan to carry.

Furthermore, if you intend to use the bike panniers bags every day for commuting, groceries, or other purposes, then you’ll also need to make sure that the unit can handle a wide range of weather conditions. Waterproof bike panniers are very common nowadays, but they don’t all offer the same performance.

Some products are advertised as waterproof bicycle panniers, but they only offer water resistance, which means that your contents can still get wet during long exposure to the elements.

The durability of a product is not something that you can judge easily just by looking at it. Before you invest in a product, especially when purchasing online, you should take the time to read an in-depth bike pannier review of the model in question.

If that’s not possible, you should at least take a quick look at the customer review section to see what other buyers had to say about it.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions:

 

Q: How do you attach panniers to your bike?

While there are a few bicycle grocery panniers that can be mounted onto the frame of the bike directly, most models available will require a bike rack. The racks don’t vary a lot in appearance, which means that for the most part, you shouldn’t encounter any compatibility issues between the panniers you plan to buy and your bike rack.

To allow you to attach the bags to your rack, most panniers come fitted with 2 to 3 hooks on the top that will slide right over the edge of the rack. The panniers should also come with an elastic cord and hook that is used to secure the bag directly to your bike frame and prevent the bags from moving and swinging when you’re riding.

Once you’ve adjusted and tightened the elastic cord, you can then secure the hook to the bottom of the bike rack. If your affordable bike pannier comes with a different design, you should check the user’s manual for additional instructions.

Q: Can you fit panniers to a mountain bike?

As long as your mountain bike comes equipped with eyelets where you can attach a rack, you should be able to install any of the popular canvas or leather bicycle panniers available on the market. If your mountain bike doesn’t have eyelets, there are still other methods that you can use.

You can purchase a rack that is designed specifically for mountain bikes, and there are plenty of universal models available that can fit into nearly any mountain bike. However, most mountain bike racks tend to work only with hook attachment panniers, so make sure to check some bicycle panniers reviews to see what type of attachment system the product uses.

Moreover, while some mountain bikes don’t have eyelets on the seatstays, they have them on the mudguard. In this scenario, you can use a seat clamp that has threads for racks. You can also install racks that go over the seatpost using the mudguard eyelets, but these are intended only for light loads since they don’t offer great stability.

 

Q: What can you carry in bike panniers?

The first thing you’ll need to pack in your bike panniers is a change of clothes since you don’t want to wear the same clothes you rode in for the entire day, especially during the hot summer weather. Packing clothes in the pannier is straightforward, and the only thing to keep in mind is to try to fold them in a “sandwich” to minimize wrinkles.

The panniers should also have a basic kit that includes a spare tube, a mini air pump or CO2 cartridges, a tire leveler, and other essential tools that can keep you cycling for longer. If you plan to go camping or hiking, panniers can also accommodate all the items needed for these activities.

You can also pack your lunch or snacks. When packing food, it is best to use separate bags to prevent spills from getting to your clothes or other items inside. When packing the items in the panniers, you should place the heaviest items at the bottom to maintain bag stability.