Author Topic: Pacific Outdoor Panniers  (Read 17261 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline Ctyboy33

Pacific Outdoor Panniers
« on: October 10, 2009, 04:49:05 am »
Hi All .. Anyone have any experience with Pacific Outdoor Panniers for a long tour? Are they built well? They look fairly good. How do they compare to Ortlieb? I found one review online of them and it was more of an advertisement than a review. I don't think the reviewer had any idea of the needs of a person going on a long tour to give a proper review. I'm still deciding whether I am going to go fully waterproof, or semi waterproof. I kind of feel like using fully waterproof bags leaves me open to getting water, or dampness, trapped in my bag with nowhere to go and then being left with mildew, or mold. At least a semi waterproof bag can evaporate and has rain covers if need be, as much of a pain as they might be to put on. This is my first big tour so its all just speculation for me and any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Dave

Offline staehpj1

Re: Pacific Outdoor Panniers
« Reply #1 on: October 10, 2009, 10:35:06 am »
I have no experience with the Pacific Outdoor Panniers, but I will say that I have used waterproof panniers and panniers with rain covers and prefer waterproof.

I usually put stuff in big ziplocs to organize it, but don't think that is necessary for keeping things dry.  I also don't put wet stuff in panniers if I can avoid it.  The tent stays out of the bags and on the rack rolled with the bottom on the outside.  It can stay out in the rain all day and not get wet inside when rolled that way.

If I have a lot of wet clothes I put them in big ziplocs before putting them in a pannier.  More often I just hang wet clothes on the outside to dry as I ride.  If it is raining and I have a lot of wet stuff I try to find a laundromat to wash and dry everything.

My personal preference is for the inexpensive waterproof panniers from Nashbar or Performance.  I used them for the Trans America and some shorter tours and was very happy with them.  None of my gear ever got wet and I had no problems with them.  They are a good bit lighter and much cheaper than just about anything else on the market while still being quite durable.  My two companions on the TA also used them without problems and one has also used the small ones for daily commuting also with no problems.

I have heard that some folks have had problems with the mounting system, but we found it completely adequate.

The two minor issues I will mention are...  One, that the hooks on the bungees could fairly easily be lost if you aren't careful when you carry the bags when off the bike.  We just pulled the bungee so that the hook was kind of captibe in a slot the bungee passes through.  And Two, the the little velcro tabs can be torn off if you aren't careful.  It really isn't a huge problem though since they are easily sewed back on and the panniers are usable with them missing.

Offline Ctyboy33

Re: Pacific Outdoor Panniers
« Reply #2 on: October 11, 2009, 02:43:41 am »
Thanks for your input. I am hoping someone will contribute to some of the positives of the semi waterproof panniers so I can make an educated decision between the two, unless there aren't any positives. :)

Offline staehpj1

Re: Pacific Outdoor Panniers
« Reply #3 on: October 11, 2009, 11:19:54 am »
Thanks for your input. I am hoping someone will contribute to some of the positives of the semi waterproof panniers so I can make an educated decision between the two, unless there aren't any positives. :)
Well since I have used both.  I'll take a stab at that.

The rain covers are usually a high visibility color which is a plus.  They are generally adequate for keeping stuff dry, but you may want to double bag using either ziplocs or trash compactor bags.

The other advantage or disadvantage that comes to my mind is that they tend to have pockets and maybe divided compartments.  To me that is a minus because I like the one big compartment approach and organize my stuff with ziplocs.  If you like pockets that might be a plus for you.  It is personal preference.  I thought I would like having multiple pockets, but in practice it didn't work out as well for me.

I find that for a particular listed volume the ones with pockets and multiple compartments tend to hold a bit less since you are likely to just have an item or two in a pocket rather than having it full.  I don't think that is a big plus or minus, but might be something to consider when picking the size you buy.

Also I think the ones with multiple pockets tend to be a bit heavier, but that varies some from brand to brand.  Some are a lot heavier others less so.

Offline Ctyboy33

Re: Pacific Outdoor Panniers
« Reply #4 on: October 11, 2009, 01:53:56 pm »
Hmmm .. I did think that having compartments would be a big plus for me. However, I understand how something with more zippers and more compartment will add some significant and unnecessary weight. Something to think about I guess. One of the reasons why I was looking at the Pacific Outdoor Panniers I mentioned in the beginning was because they had some compartments, were brightly colored and waterproof. They also didn't seem to be overly heavy. Although I haven't really done much of a comparison.

Offline staehpj1

Re: Pacific Outdoor Panniers
« Reply #5 on: October 11, 2009, 06:11:51 pm »
Hmmm .. I did think that having compartments would be a big plus for me.
It may actually work out to be for you.  Some find them a big plus.  I may be in the minority on this one so don't make the decision based solely on my opinion, but do give some thought as to whether they are really better for you.

Good luck finding the panniers that work best for you.

Offline Ctyboy33

Re: Pacific Outdoor Panniers
« Reply #6 on: October 11, 2009, 07:57:50 pm »
Thanks for the advice and input. I guess I should go out and take a look at some options. Its kind of difficult in NYC to find a LBS that carries any panniers other than the kind used by messengers, or commuters, which makes the decision more difficult. Anyone else out there feel like chiming in? Maybe somebody knows of a place in, or around, NYC that I can visit to get an idea of some options. Thanks.

Offline Cyclesafe

Re: Pacific Outdoor Panniers
« Reply #7 on: October 12, 2009, 12:41:23 am »
A set of Arkel T-42's are about the same size as your Pacific Outdoor rear panniers, but are a well proven design.  The Cordura fabric (at least initially) sheads water, but at the same time lets water vapor out.  The covers are a bright yellow and deflect losts of water, but really don't seem to be completely waterproof.  Having said that, the contents of the panniers stay dry anyway. 

http://www.arkel-od.com/panniers/t42/overview.asp?fl=1&site=

Arkel used to rationalize how breathable panniers are better than waterproof ones.  But they now have a line of the latter too (Dolphin).  Go figure.  Probably are perceptions of advantages and disadvantages to both.

The pair of Arkels have outer pockets, no compartments and substantial zippers.  They are of excellent quality and not likely to fail after many miles of touring (20k+ miles in my case).  Also if you break something, the broken part will generally be replaced for free by Arkel.

Forget about finding an LBS that stocks quality touring equipment.  Buy on line.

Lastly, I'd advise that you buy quality equipment rather than throway stuff.....

Offline Ctyboy33

Re: Pacific Outdoor Panniers
« Reply #8 on: October 12, 2009, 01:42:55 am »
Thanks .. my intention for a LBS that carried stuff around here was just so I could go and see this stuff in person. I would of course wind up buying everything online in the end. Have you seen the Arkel Basic 40 pannier and the matching front in the ACA store? They seem like they are the same bags with less bells and whistles for a reasonable price. I can't seem to find any review of them online. Any thoughts?

Offline Ctyboy33

Re: Pacific Outdoor Panniers
« Reply #9 on: October 12, 2009, 01:45:09 am »
The other issue being that my tour will be self supported and I am wondering what size panniers I should be getting to hold everything I will need. Any thoughts?

FredHiltz

  • Guest
Re: Pacific Outdoor Panniers
« Reply #10 on: October 12, 2009, 07:07:28 am »
Go to http://www.adventurecycling.org/, take the How To Department link, and find just the article you need there, along with much that you have not yet thought about. Do write back with specific questions or comments.

Fred

Offline staehpj1

Re: Pacific Outdoor Panniers
« Reply #11 on: October 12, 2009, 07:19:54 am »
The other issue being that my tour will be self supported and I am wondering what size panniers I should be getting to hold everything I will need. Any thoughts?
That depends on how much you carry and how you pack.  I found that with front panniers of about 1000 cubic inches and rear ones of about 2300 cubic inches I had plenty of room even on a coast to coast tour where I was carrying a good portion of the community gear.  On my last tour they were nowhere near full, but I packed fairly light and carry the tent on the rear rack.  If you are more of an everything but the kitchen sink packer and want everything inside the panniers they might not be adequate.

Arkels were mentioned.  Keep in mind that they are well made and will last forever, but also are substantially heavier than other options.  That may or may not be a problem depending on your preferences.

Offline Ctyboy33

Re: Pacific Outdoor Panniers
« Reply #12 on: October 12, 2009, 11:24:25 am »
Thanks for all the help .. I wish I found this site earlier. I have noticed that Arkels are a bit heavier than others. However, it seems that the Arkel Basic series that are sold in the ACA Store (I can't even find them on Arkel's website) may be a bit lighter than their regular line.  They seem more on par with other panniers in terms of weight. I think its due to less pockets and zippers. Has anyone had any experience with these?

Offline Ctyboy33

Re: Pacific Outdoor Panniers
« Reply #13 on: October 12, 2009, 11:27:53 am »
The other issue being that my tour will be self supported and I am wondering what size panniers I should be getting to hold everything I will need. Any thoughts?
That depends on how much you carry and how you pack.  I found that with front panniers of about 1000 cubic inches and rear ones of about 2300 cubic inches I had plenty of room even on a coast to coast tour where I was carrying a good portion of the community gear.  On my last tour they were nowhere near full, but I packed fairly light and carry the tent on the rear rack.  If you are more of an everything but the kitchen sink packer and want everything inside the panniers they might not be adequate.

Arkels were mentioned.  Keep in mind that they are well made and will last forever, but also are substantially heavier than other options.  That may or may not be a problem depending on your preferences.

I actually took a look at your pack list and I think mine will be fairly similar. I am travelling with one other person and we will be able to evenly split the community gear. I might be able to stay around the size you mentioned. I'll have to investigate further.