So I bought a bike now which panniers?

[seadug]

I'm leaning towards the Ortlieb rollers but am also considering the Arkel panniers. Should I be considering any others?

[John Nelson]

Like one big pocket and complete waterproofing without added raincovers? Choose Ortileb.

Like lots of pockets to organize your stuff? Choose Arkel.

On a budget? Choose anything else.

[RonK]

Like one big pocket and complete waterproofing without added raincovers? Choose Ortileb.

Like lots of pockets to organize your stuff? Choose Arkel.

On a budget? Choose anything else.

Nicely put.

I would that Vaude also makes quality panniers similar in design to Ortlieb.

[litespeed]

"Like one big pocket and complete waterproofing without added raincovers? Choose Ortileb."

After wrestling with raincovers on my Bruce Gordon Panniers for a couple of years, including a rainy 7 months circumnavigating the 48 states, I went to Ortliebs. I've happily used them ever since.

At first I missed the many pockets but as I simplified and cut back on my baggage (as most touring cyclists do) it ceased to be a problem. In fact, the simple design encourages a lighter, simpler load. My toiletries/change-of-clothing/off-to-the-showers pannier is packed full but the others are only 1/2 - 2/3 full.

[BikePacker]

Have only had experience w/ Ortlieb..... bought them 15 years ago cause I was told by an knowledgeable tourist they would never leak ... have been thru countless rain downpours w/ said Orliebs ... I am happy to report to you that he was right 

[indyfabz]

Don't overlook the Ortlieb Packers. Easier to get into if you need something on the road.

My first set of bags were made by Robert Beckman. They were compartmentalized. When I switched to Ortliebs, I thought I might find the one large pocket aspect less than ideal, but that turned out not to be the case. I went with the Sport and Back Packers. The Backs have a small outside pocket. The Sports and the Backs have insides small mesh "pockets" and a divided space that will hold thin items like books, maps and even plates.

[adventurepdx]

Like one big pocket and complete waterproofing without added raincovers? Choose Ortileb.

Like lots of pockets to organize your stuff? Choose Arkel.

On a budget? Choose anything else.

Nicely put.

I would that Vaude also makes quality panniers similar in design to Ortlieb.

Agreed on the goodness of John's succinct rundown. 
Also to note in the Ortlieb-esque on a budget is Axiom. I had a few of their panniers and they were decent. They also make more Arkel-esque panniers, too.

[seadug]

Think I will end up getting the Ortlieb panniers. A little more than I was planning on spending but so was the bike.

[fiveonomo]

Another vote for Ortlieb.  I used the Back Roller Classic rear panniers on my GAP/C&O ride and they performed perfectly.  I had the yellow color and just sold them on eBay last week.  My new order will be here this Thursday for my Disc Trucker in charcoal/black color, this matches my new orange frame better. I know, I know, color really?  I spent so much time building the Trucker I thought what the heck.....and the OT at work is crazy so I work a bunch when I want a new toy.  I have the Front Rollers, Back Rollers, Ultimate 6 Handlebar bag, and a Rack Pack on the way, can't wait. I don't think you can go wrong with Ortlieb, whichever way you go good luck on your decision. 

[DarrenBnYYC]

I'm leaning towards the Ortlieb rollers but am also considering the Arkel panniers. Should I be considering any others?

While your choice of manufacturers is a solid one, that wouldn't be my first criterion for choosing panniers. You haven't really mentioned how much volume or weight of gear you will be carrying, or the types of routes you will be traveling, both of which could influence your choices. For example, if you aren't planning to carry a lot of kit or you want to include some backcountry routes (a la bikepacking), racks and panniers might not even be the way to go. Or maybe lightweight racks and panniers (e.g., a couple sets of Arkel Dry-lites) might carry everything you need, and you can travel a bit lighter and sleeker. What are your plans?

[johnsondasw]

Agree fully with the Ortliebs.  I tried so many others and basically wasted my $.  I would never again go with any that were not waterproof.  Messing around with plastic bags and covers is a hassle.

[seadug]

A little more info about my plan. I will be on pavement around 80 % of the time as a rough guess. I have a full set of ultralight backpacking gear. My backpack is 54 litres and loaded with everything but clothes food and water weighs around 10 pounds. I plan on using the same gear on my bike with the possible exception of the tent. The first trip I'm planning will most likely be up the CT River Valley then cross over into ME. I'm not really planning on any fixed schedule. I'm at work for a month 24/7 then I have a month off. My bike is a specialized awol that I just purchased.

[DarrenBnYYC]

If you already have a full set of ultralight backpacking gear, and you don't need a lot of volume, I think a sturdy rack and two moderately-sized rear panniers will be all you need. A full set of big, clunky panniers and heavy racks are going to be a big weight penalty if you go that route.

Another option is to go lightweight and use light front and rear racks and ultralight panniers to distribute the weight a bit more on the bike. This is an excellent setup for when you leave the pavement and travel some rougher routes. Here is an example:



You might also consider using bikepacking gear instead of racks and panniers at all -- a handlebar bag, frame bag, and rear seat-tube bag will probably carry almost all your gear, and a 12L backpack can carry the rest. That's the ultralight way to go, but you won't have a lot of volume for luxury gear.

[Jenny]

I have new Beck panniers, front and back for sale with racks and rain covers. These are hand made by Beck, lightly used and one set that was never used so is brand new. If you would like photos or would be interested in a great deal on these panniers let me know.
jenny.mountblanc@gmail.com

[tbessie]

"Like one big pocket and complete waterproofing without added raincovers? Choose Ortileb."

After wrestling with raincovers on my Bruce Gordon Panniers for a couple of years, including a rainy 7 months circumnavigating the 48 states, I went to Ortliebs. I've happily used them ever since.

At first I missed the many pockets but as I simplified and cut back on my baggage (as most touring cyclists do) it ceased to be a problem. In fact, the simple design encourages a lighter, simpler load. My toiletries/change-of-clothing/off-to-the-showers pannier is packed full but the others are only 1/2 - 2/3 full.

Ha! I bought the Bruce Gordon panniers (when I bought my Bruce Gordon bike) - he didn't seem to think that having to use rain covers was a big deal.  But after thinking about it for a long time, I ended up buying a full set of Ortlieb front/back rollers (the high visibility line), and am quite happy with them.  Easy to open and close, simple as anything, and entirely waterproof.  I still have the Bruce Gordons, tho' not sure if I'll end up ever using them unless I'm on a very dry ride.

- Tim