Carradice Panniers

[judsonmiller]

Does anyone have any experience with these panniers? My wife has a pair of Ortliebs that I have borrowed and liked in the past but now it is time to make my own purchase and I am leaning towards something a little more out of the box. I like the Super C's, I am intrigued by their waxiness, and rugged style. Can anyone help with your practical experience? My concerns are that they might be TOO big - for instance when commuting to work with them only half full are they a hassle? I am also interested to hear, if possible, about the latching system. Thanks so much for anything you might be able to share!

Judson

[JayH]

I have a pair that I use for touring, but for a bit, I used them to commute to work. Of course,they are huge so I'd only use one side and even then, most of the time they weren't really full full.  Liked them, they are rugged, they aren't waterproof so I'd just use a plastic bag on the inside.

the hook system is nice.  They basically are a "one-big-bag" so if you like to have a gazillion little compartments, they are not for you. They have a small outside pocket though, enough to fit a small tool kit and tube.

Jay

[judsonmiller]

that's a bummer that they aren't waterproof. Their website claimed they were but in practice there weren't huh? Thanks for the heads up. I am hoping to get away from the whole plastic bag thing.

[JayH]

Well, the Duck canvas itself, IME, has been waterproof itself, but there are seams. I have seam sealed them with Aquaseal but never taped them.  I have had seepage from the bottom (tirespray) on my commuter bike when I used them. However, I do not have rear fenders on them as my OMM Red Rocks does a good enough job to keep water off me.   If I cared enough on my commute, I could of tried to use seam tape and seamseel but it didn't bother me to just through a bag inside.   They certainly are very durable as I've wiped out with them and the panniers survived fine.

Jay