Bushwhacker bags and panniers

[MNRider]

Has anyone here used Bushwhacker trunk bags or panniers? I'm an avid day cyclist but am interested in getting into some weekend tours. Unfortunately the budget is very tight so I'm looking for a basic but durable set of bags for the rear rack to get started. I don't mind utilitarian but I don't want "cheap" bags that don't do the job or don't hold up.

Here is an example of what I am looking at:

 

http://www.amazon.com/Bushwhacker-Mesa-Trunk-Bicycle-Black/dp/B003Z9XHAS/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_3?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1343995828&sr=1-3-fkmr0&keywords=Bushwhacker+Moab+Black+-+Bike+Pannier

I'm open to other suggestions for a set in the under $150 range if possible.

[John Nelson]

I had not heard of this brand before now, but they look serviceable enough. I would point out that they are not advertised as waterproof, but that may not be of concern to you if you are only planning to take weekend tours, as it's easy enough to go on a weekend where no rain is forecast. I also note that the trunk bag is insulated and padded, which may not be of much practical use when touring. If you plan to camp on those tours, you'll probably want this space for your tent, so the trunk bag may not make much sense. Finally, I note that the package price for the rack, panniers and trunk bag doesn't save any money over purchasing them individually.

[bogiesan]

Strongly urge you to give your local bike shop a chance to get your business instead of ordering from Amazon. Take a day off from work and ride aorund town to visit shops you've never been in before and see if any of them know anything about touring.
Panniers come in a wide range of styles of serviceability but there is much more to consider such as the arrangement of pockets, quality of  materials, the mounting system and, of course, size. A good rack is worth whatever you pay for it because it will not break.
There are several pannier shopping guides online but they cannot include every model from every mfr. Rear panniers can range from under $100US for a pair to well over $500.

FRom my minimalist ultralight backpacking days, I know that the heavily marketed bombproof construction and pockets and zippers and tabs and doodads add mass, price, complexity and seams that leak.

Since you are only thinking about touring, try to find someone who will lend you a set of panniers for a couple of weekends or buy some used gear.

[MNRider]

Thanks for the replies.

There are no bike shops within 100 miles that I haven't been in before (several know me by name) and one of the two LBSs I frequent carries some Bushwhacker and can order any of their products. They also price match so my business stays local whenever possible. I just used Amazon for a link because it was a convenient way to find pictures and product descriptions. I have a Bontrager rack from an LBS and have been using it with a waterproof stuff sack and bungees to carry rain gear or an extra jacket when needed.

I'm still hoping to hear from someonewho has used Bushwhacker as they seem to be on the lower end of the price spectrum for LBS quality bags. I've had good luck with some less expensive, utilitarian but decent quality, cycling products and am wondering if these hold up well. The next price point up at my LBS is almost double the price. I'm not looking for cheap, just the best bang for the buck.

[adventurepdx]

I don't know anything about the Bushwhacker brand, but here's my two cents:

The Bushwhacker panniers depicted look like they could be ok. There are no dissatisfied Amazon reviews. And they have a retro pannier look about them, if that's your thing. But the photos don't show the mounting system, and zippers can be a problematic closing system. You have to have the things packed "just so", otherwise it won't close. A strap-down fastening system that most modern panniers have is easier to close, as the straps compress the load and also offer better opportunities for overstuffing the bag. (Not that it's advised... )

If I were to pick up a set of bags in that price range and with the same capacity, I'd check out Axiom, which puts out some great budget gear. Maybe give these Axiom Seymour LX panniers a shot:
http://www.axiomgear.com/products/gear/bags/panniers/seymour-lx/
While I haven't owned this particular model of panniers, I've owned several sets of Axiom panniers over the years and put them through a lot. They didn't let me down. The mounting system looks pretty solid on the Seymour LX and it is fastened by straps.
You can most likely order the Axiom bags through your LBS.

[tonythomson]

Never used this make but the thing that interests me is the shape of the rear pannier - ie sloping top to bottom which suggests that they might be designed more for mountain bikes with shorter chain stays, that way you don't kick the pannier with your heels. Or for use with people who have big feet(me) Whereas I would prefer a touring bike that can accommodate larger capacity bags enabling you to keep your load as low as possible.

I guess that as no one yet has said they have a set, and this forum probably has some of the most experienced touring cyclists arround, then they have probably been rejected or are just so new on the market.

My advise would be to read the many threads on here about panniers and go for a set you think would meet your needs.  Or buy these Bushwackers and let us all know how you get on.

[ezdoesit]

Has anyone here used Bushwhacker trunk bags or panniers? I'm an avid day cyclist but am interested in getting into some weekend tours. Unfortunately the budget is very tight so I'm looking for a basic but durable set of bags for the rear rack to get started. I don't mind utilitarian but I don't want "cheap" bags that don't do the job or don't hold up.

Here is an example of what I am looking at:

 

http://www.amazon.com/Bushwhacker-Mesa-Trunk-Bicycle-Black/dp/B003Z9XHAS/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_3?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1343995828&sr=1-3-fkmr0&keywords=Bushwhacker+Moab+Black+-+Bike+Pannier

I'm open to other suggestions for a set in the under $150 range if possible.

MNRider,
 I love the sport so much that I believe in paying it back.
I have an 2008 Sunlite trunk bag which was stated at 1069 cu" I have hardly used it and it hasn't been abused so if you want the bag it's yours just pay the shipping.
After all it's the holidays and I know the bag will go to good use.
It does have the Panniers and expanding top.
It's similar to the new one listed here.
http://www.sunlitecycling.com/product_detail.php?short_code=RackPack+Large+w%2FPannier&cl1=BAGS