Comments on: Complete List of Mini Panniers and Small Panniers for Bikepacking

By: Tom Shaw

Tom Shaw — Wed, 06 Mar 2024 08:27:55 +0000

Hi, and old thread but I thought it was worth sharing the Carradice Overlander pannier set, if you can find them. I have used them for a few bikepacking style trips (and some other more road/track based tours) and they have been excellent. Old design, hard to find, but many suitable features in terms of size, weight etc.

By: David Schlabowske

David Schlabowske — Thu, 28 Dec 2023 09:45:20 +0000

Just an FYI to potential purchasers, the Arkel Dry-Lite panniers have a new Gate Keeper buckle strap system for the top that is probably more secure than the old velcro straps but it blocks even more of the top of the rack (I’m using an Old Man Mountain Fat Divide) with sections of rubber to reduce abrasion on the straps. This blocks most of the top of the rack, making it difficult to attach other trunk racks to the top. I bought a pair because of the lower price point and I almost returned them after I got them and couldn’t mount a trunk rack on the top. Because they are relatively inexpensive compared to most of the other panniers here, I decided to keep them, but removed the strap system and instead mount them with Voile straps and the plastic D-rings that came on the panniers. That allows me to continue to use the Surly Petite Porteur House bag I already had. I also had to shorten the bungee straps to make the hook at the bottom to work. If I had it to do over, I would have spent the extra money on a different pannier system like Rockgeist Microwave or San Util’s. I only use panniers for winter bikepackig when I have to pack a big sleeping bag and more clothing, but I’ll likely upgrade to a pair of panniers that have a less obtrusive mounting system before next winter and just add these to the bikepacking gear lending library.

By: Jonathan Chen

Jonathan Chen — Wed, 18 Oct 2023 14:52:16 +0000

In reply to Miles Arbour. hi, i like the mountain laurel design but wondering if it is practical to take off and on when at camp, or is this not a common thing for bikepacking?

By: crevasse

crevasse — Thu, 05 Oct 2023 11:50:35 +0000

Rode with a set of Moosetreks mini panniers (not listed) on 4 overnighters last year and 1000 of GDMBR this summer before buying a set of the Arkel Dry Lites for more capacity on the final 2000 miles of the GDMBR. The Moosetrek’s hypalon strap connecting the two panniers that goes over the rack started to pull out on one corner of one bag maybe 1/4 inch but didn’t budge after that. I gave them to my friend that needed them and she rode them for 1700 miles without further issue to Banff. I bought the Arkels as I felt I needed more capacity sometimes like extra food/water carry. They don’t have any structure so look a little bodgy, but they worked fine and zero issues.

By: Gregor Rahn

Gregor Rahn — Wed, 04 Oct 2023 14:34:07 +0000

Anyone having an overview which of these are available in Europe?

By: Dante' T. Green

Dante' T. Green — Wed, 28 Jun 2023 02:24:37 +0000

Hey Miles, take a look at the micro panniers by North Street bags. They have an adventure set that attaches by velcro and a mini voile strap.

By: Miles Arbour

Miles Arbour — Tue, 27 Jun 2023 10:56:43 +0000

In reply to Si Trickett.

Added! Cass reviewed them here: https://bikepacking.com/gear/tailfin-mini-pannier-review/

By: Miles Arbour

Miles Arbour — Tue, 27 Jun 2023 10:38:19 +0000

In reply to Maciej Pilichowski.

Nano’s were just updated! https://bikepacking.com/gear/revelate-designs-nano-panniers-review/

By: Miles Arbour

Miles Arbour — Tue, 27 Jun 2023 10:37:29 +0000

In reply to Ron Bell.

We’re testing some as we speak! Shared the news here, but I’ll add them in now. https://bikepacking.com/news/mountain-laurel-designs-ultra-poco-panniers/

By: Ron Bell

Ron Bell — Tue, 06 Jun 2023 18:30:41 +0000

Mountain Laurel Designs has updated thier Ultra X Poco Panniers to now use the even tougher next gen Ultra X 200 fabric version. Fully seam taped and waterproof.
https://mountainlaureldesigns.com/product/poco-ultra-panniers/

By: Si Trickett

Si Trickett — Tue, 16 May 2023 08:58:18 +0000

worth a look/including Tailfin Mini Pannier? https://www.tailfin.cc/product/pannier-trunk-bags/mini-panniers/?wccps_c0=40496&wccpm0=1607508688&wccpl=1&v=79cba1185463

By: Maciej Pilichowski

Maciej Pilichowski — Thu, 13 Apr 2023 11:42:09 +0000

Thank you for making the list. Small update, Revelate Nano Panniers look like discontinued. As for Altura panniers the weight you provided was a bit off for my eye, so I contacted them and they replied the 500g is not for pair, but for single pannier. Still OK, but nothing special then.

By: Patrick Moran

Patrick Moran — Tue, 03 Jan 2023 13:56:39 +0000

I know this is a pretty old thread, but for the budget folks, relatively cheap Lowe Alpine (or other brand) universal backpack sidepockets make great micro panniers. On this trip I had my hammock/tarp/straps all in one strapped to a Widefoot cargo cage. Pump to show size…

https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/a2c530d068efacf7156061b96251d3feb3b36d42aaed7e9c53bc8b0bf1275192.jpg

https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/184e400fc130980f87f38ac314b726ad2256d09544845b9ba2b380f37568c1ad.jpg

By: Ron Bell

Ron Bell — Mon, 03 Oct 2022 19:27:30 +0000

Mountain Laurel Designs now making small Poco Panniers.

https://bikepacking.com/news/mountain-laurel-designs-ultra-poco-panniers/

By: Hausmaus

Hausmaus — Thu, 09 Sep 2021 14:59:15 +0000

In reply to Clemens Peterbauer. Yes, actually after trying this some more, I don't recommend it, especially if you need to mount/unmount the bags a lot. It does hold the bag nice and snug, but is a bit awkward to reach between the rack and wheel to tighten the straps. Oh well... seemed like a good idea.

By: Florian Mueller

Florian Mueller — Thu, 22 Jul 2021 08:54:12 +0000

In reply to Juan Piantino. Hi Juan, this looks great. I'm also looking for a way to add a rack to my full suspension bike ... how did you modify the rack to add the anything cages?

By: geotrouvetout67

geotrouvetout67 — Wed, 23 Jun 2021 12:55:35 +0000

Not “pannier” in the strict sense of it but same principle with the Tailfin S series rack, plus they also have the X series panniers rack/system that probably should be added to the list?

https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/bba4ae6cc1d6800a2d6172c322ef450fc966c73f4bceac90bc1127b0e88b92e0.jpg

By: Bab Bas

Bab Bas — Sun, 20 Jun 2021 21:08:46 +0000

Hi and thanks for the update. Which rear rack(s) would you recommend for these panniers. I am more interested in more interested in the Altura ones but i’d like to know if there are any compatibility issues with the panniers in review and any particular racks. Thank you

By: Bab Bas

Bab Bas — Sun, 20 Jun 2021 17:04:31 +0000

Hi and thank you for the update. Which rear racks would you recommend for these panniers? Are there any known compatibility issues with particular rear racks? Thank you

By: Big Dave

Big Dave — Sat, 19 Jun 2021 21:06:10 +0000

Racks….it’s all about the rack. Old Man Mountain made panniers better for off-road riding. I think we were limited for a few years with flimsy racks that would break after a few trips under load. Never quite understood the tiny bolts other than frame tube limitations. Never understood how so many “world tourists” could pull off 60+ pounds on those racks without constant failure. Always curious as to what they carried on those things anyway. My mom was mentioning this trip to me today and how she remembered this trip as 60 pounds, 60 miles, her 40th spin around the sun. I still have her panniers (Cannondale with internal plastic frame and the cheesiest #8 zipper ever). I used them on my commuter bike and I had to zip tie them on to keep them from bouncing off when I hit a bump. How they never came off when my mom used them is a mystery to me. Great to see today’s selections being simpler, more durable, and attached in a way that isn’t just resting on the tube and held down by a spring or elastic cord.

https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/07bd6489011d21563d4603e2132b7572bf160d07fded073acf2620b8705b7033.jpg

By: Howl

Howl — Sat, 19 Jun 2021 13:44:14 +0000

In reply to David. The price is right--currently on sale for $44.99 for the set.

By: Miles Arbour

Miles Arbour — Fri, 18 Jun 2021 21:39:24 +0000

In reply to Juan Piantino. Looks solid!

By: Juan Piantino

Juan Piantino — Fri, 18 Jun 2021 14:55:54 +0000

I have been using the Thule Pack’n Pedal for almost a year now, and I love it. I modified the rack to fit two anything cages, with Salsa bags, and a Sea to Summit dry bag on top. The rack straps to the frame and DOES NOT MOVE. Trust me, I have taken this thing on rowdy Pacific Northwest single track. You can strap it to any full suspension bike, which allows you to drop the seat post, which is key for the type of ride I enjoy ;)

https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/bc301400b57a130e2e3d3993ff18fc3ded49db9492e149d23670b90c8f9de371.jpg

By: Mike Garrett

Mike Garrett — Thu, 17 Jun 2021 18:39:20 +0000

Just ordered a pair of the Arkel Lites. I believe it was the last pair available on the internet… man they were hard to track down.

By: David

David — Thu, 17 Jun 2021 18:39:19 +0000

Here’s a budget option for rear racks: https://www.moosetreksbikepacking.com/product/moosetreks-bikepacking-small-saddle-pack/. I can’t attest to the long term durability of these bags, but they worked for me on some short overnighters on rough terrain. “Each pack measures in at 11” wide, ~10” tall, and 3” deep. Roughly 6L capacity per pack for a total of 12L per set.”

By: Doug Moore

Doug Moore — Thu, 17 Jun 2021 15:03:13 +0000

Ortlieb front panniers on the rear – the roll top ones. I paid $70 for a used pair on Craigslist. They don’t rattle if you buffer/dampen the bike frame/ rack frame contact points. They have a little sleeve on the inside for flat stuff (tortillas, maps, etc.). An inexpensive durable tried and true setup.

By: Clemens Peterbauer

Clemens Peterbauer — Thu, 17 Jun 2021 07:05:26 +0000

In reply to Hausmaus.

Is it awkward at all to tighten – the straps and rack struts are between the pannier and the tire after all?

How do you fasten the strap to the pack that the loose end of the strap does not get into the wheel when tightened?

(yeah I know, if you could post a picture all would be good)

By: Clemens Peterbauer

Clemens Peterbauer — Thu, 17 Jun 2021 06:30:47 +0000

In reply to Mark.

I did that once for a tour in Southern France, for vanity reasons really (because I had panniers, I just wanted to have a sleeker look…). Ended up cursing myself several times each and every day when I had to strap the things back on or needed anything from inside…

By: Klaus Loosli

Klaus Loosli — Thu, 17 Jun 2021 06:13:46 +0000

The handling with mini panniers is so much better than with a wobbeling seatpack. Made asymetric (left one smaller for hike a bike sessions) 15l panniers and a stainless/carbon rack by myself, 480g in total. Center of gravity where it should be… https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/1c99e28ec33d18cef16ed6bbf1c0624ec8b637e19534309ce258c56829fd664e.jpg

By: Howl

Howl — Thu, 17 Jun 2021 02:21:20 +0000

Came across the house brand Co-op Link panniers (bike packing specific) at REI tonight. Light (17 oz), roll-top closure, velcro attachment, vertical sleeve for tent poles. Although the volume is a bit bigger (18L), each bag has two horizontal cinch straps to snug things down. $80 ea, or wait for the 20% off coupon.
rei.com/product/167661/rei-co-op-link-pannier-single

By: Andrew Goin

Andrew Goin — Wed, 16 Jun 2021 19:55:40 +0000

Burley has a pretty good set intended for their trailer, but works great on a bike rack too. $90
https://www.burley.com/product/pannier-set/

By: Miles Arbour

Miles Arbour — Wed, 16 Jun 2021 18:19:24 +0000

In reply to Richard Manley. good tip!

By: Logan Watts / BIKEPACKING.com

Logan Watts / BIKEPACKING.com — Wed, 16 Jun 2021 16:06:58 +0000

In reply to Giovanni Calcagno. They are solid; I used a pair as front panniers a long time ago...

By: Logan Watts / BIKEPACKING.com

Logan Watts / BIKEPACKING.com — Wed, 16 Jun 2021 16:06:31 +0000

In reply to Robert Kerner. Good point, re hammocking space. And noted on editor's rigs.

By: Logan Watts / BIKEPACKING.com

Logan Watts / BIKEPACKING.com — Wed, 16 Jun 2021 16:05:41 +0000

In reply to ss. Unfortunately, we have no way of showing that right now and want to keep the data that's displayed up front to the more important specs and metrics...

By: Logan Watts / BIKEPACKING.com

Logan Watts / BIKEPACKING.com — Wed, 16 Jun 2021 16:04:48 +0000

In reply to Caleb Blatz. Correct. That's mentioned in the description and describes how it's done...

By: Richard Manley

Richard Manley — Wed, 16 Jun 2021 15:44:08 +0000

I’d strongly recommend the Rixen Kaul attachment system. Quiet as anything, unlike my different panniers on the other end of the bike.

By: Mike M

Mike M — Wed, 16 Jun 2021 15:03:18 +0000

In reply to Joe Cafferty. Thanks! I thought it would be a fun addition to the bike and it has actually turned out to be semi-useful storage.

By: Caleb Blatz

Caleb Blatz — Wed, 16 Jun 2021 14:53:22 +0000

Logan, it’s tough to tell—With those stealth panniers, it looks like you’re using the standard Tumbleweed T-Rack rather than the mini-pannier rack. Is that correct?
Thanks!

By: Cass Gilbert

Cass Gilbert — Wed, 16 Jun 2021 14:26:15 +0000

In reply to Kevin Carpenter. The Bedrocks are 630g for the set, whilst the Microwaves are 920g.

By: Joe Cafferty

Joe Cafferty — Wed, 16 Jun 2021 13:35:35 +0000

In reply to Mike M. I'm a huge fan of that hot sauce holster.

By: Giovanni Calcagno

Giovanni Calcagno — Wed, 16 Jun 2021 12:43:36 +0000

I think you should have included the Carradice Front Super C Panniers. 28 lt volume, indestructible and enviroment friendly cotton duck, clips that don’t fail and don’t rattle (at least on my Tubus racks). I’ve been using mine for fifteen years with no issue.
My next buy will be a set of Kendals, slightly more volume at 32 lt but a lower profile which is better for portaging and that green nicely match my green Camper

By: Kevin Carpenter

Kevin Carpenter — Wed, 16 Jun 2021 12:34:13 +0000

In reply to Cass Gilbert. They do though right? Index has the same volume but bedrocks are 4 oz heavier.

By: OldDocThedan .

OldDocThedan . — Wed, 16 Jun 2021 10:19:49 +0000

How is Surly not coughing up a pair of these? Seems like the perfect item to add to their list of racks/straps/and “holy crap how did my bike get so heavy all of a sudden” product line.

By: ss

ss — Wed, 16 Jun 2021 10:00:44 +0000

Is there anyway that any update could be indicated. Maybe a date of posting on the list?

By: Logan Watts / BIKEPACKING.com

Logan Watts / BIKEPACKING.com — Wed, 16 Jun 2021 09:54:00 +0000

In reply to Orang Hutan. Ah yeah. I've heard of folks using the Ortlieb A-Ps in such a manner. Good idea!

By: Glenn Bergevin

Glenn Bergevin — Wed, 16 Jun 2021 08:47:03 +0000

In reply to Dana Diotte. I can smell the fall air in that picture, and it REALLY makes me miss my ECR.

By: Robert Kerner

Robert Kerner — Wed, 16 Jun 2021 08:40:00 +0000

Thanks for updating. To tie this into your recent piece on hammock camping, if you’re going out in cooler weather, you’ll appreciate having a down under quilt for the hammock. Summer weight under quilts can be the size of a puffy jacket, so no big deal. But as it gets cooler, your UQ can easily get too bulky to put into your soft bags; it’s like carrying two sleeping bags. A tiny set of panniers adds a perfect amount of space to accommodate the couple of extra bits and pieces that hammock campers need as the weather gets cooler.

I really appreciate that the BP staff keep the Gear Indexes up to date. A suggestion: I bet many would like to know about the editors’ every day rides, the bikes you actually own and why you chose them!

By: Orang Hutan

Orang Hutan — Wed, 16 Jun 2021 08:36:34 +0000

So many and so different options. Thanks!
I have been using accessory packs as a mini paniers so far. One more thing I liked of them is I can strap them to the side of a small backpack as a side pocket if I need to go for a hike. https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/85e357921951b04732cf2d420d49d07838415e47fbecf5f754754a63a630dd30.jpg

By: Mike M

Mike M — Tue, 23 Mar 2021 16:50:03 +0000

I’m a huge fan of panniers. They are so easy to pack, rear rack provides nice surge capacity if you need to carry extra food / trash, and the extra space can be important if you’re dealing with colder temperatures. I have been enjoying my North St. micropanniers (they are just the right size, small!) and my wife has the Swift Jr. Rangers which are beautifully made and slightly larger. She rides a tiny frame, so panniers are one of the only good options she has to carry gear.

The old-school hook and bungee systems can be pretty good, too. As Cass noted, the Swift mounting system is like glue, they just don’t move, even on really rough terrain. The North St system is not quite as secure, but it still works on rugged terrain. I have a few improvements in mind to make it like the Jr. Rangers.

https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/d2b9c7781c435191cabd59b4807f48d2480b408d583039e5090862f89aac6e1c.jpg

By: Peter Nylund

Peter Nylund — Thu, 01 Oct 2020 06:52:51 +0000

One thing that is often forgotten in these discussions is that a rack, with panniers or just a drybag on top, gives a much lower center of gravity compared to a large seat pack for a tall rider. It is also often more stable and might not be heavier at all.

By: Hausmaus

Hausmaus — Thu, 30 Apr 2020 23:58:20 +0000

I have a set of the Ortlieb Gravel Packs, and really like them. Very impressed with the construction, but they have been a challenge to mount tightly enough that they don’t bounce and rattle. I recently tried a mod to make the mounting more secure. Figured I’d share the idea here.

I’m not sure that it needs two Voilé straps per bag. One might do. Basically I took the lower hooks off, and secured the Voilé strap to the bag using the tightening bolt by that normally holds these hooks (bolt fits perfectly through one of holes in the strap). Works pretty well so far. Still a little rattle (ok, they’re panniers). But much more stable.

I’m trying to post a couple pics, but Disqus is givin’ me flak.

By: Alpine Luddites

Alpine Luddites — Thu, 23 Apr 2020 18:54:54 +0000

In reply to philip.

https://alpineluddites.com/collections/panniers/products/hab-panniers

By: Logan Watts / BIKEPACKING.com

Logan Watts / BIKEPACKING.com — Thu, 12 Sep 2019 10:34:16 +0000

In reply to gamefem. Well, that's a bit odd. Thanks for the catch... I suppose Amazon 'recycles' their shortened links????

By: gamefem

gamefem — Wed, 11 Sep 2019 21:29:50 +0000

Uh, hey man. Your Ortlieb Gravel-Pack Panniers Amazon URL is linked out to a “personal massage wand”. Good looking out, I guess?

By: Alpine Luddites

Alpine Luddites — Sun, 28 Jul 2019 15:30:59 +0000

In reply to philip. alpine luddites HAB panniers can be built as thin as 3" deep.

By: philip

philip — Mon, 22 Jul 2019 09:06:07 +0000

Great list, however what I’m missing from this list are a few suggestions for narrow panniers which sit ontop of the rack, somewhere in the 10L range, such that they don’t make the bike wider (useful for negotiating narrow trails as well as being more aero – you lose about 1kph at 30 kph with traditional side-hanging panniers).

By: David

David — Mon, 06 May 2019 14:00:26 +0000

Any thoughts on attaching a rack to an aluminum hardtail frame without eyelets? I could use a salsa seatpost collar for the upper attachment and p-clamps for the lower. But I know it’s not generally recommended to p-clamp the load bearing rack connection.. the best feedback I’ve seen is “your mileage may vary”. I’m just looking to move some relatively lightweight gear off of my front fork legs (hose clamped anything cages + drybags) and add some extra capacity. I could move heavier items up to a backpack for singletrack, and keep them in the pannier for long climbs, etc. Anyone have any real world experience (successes/failures) doing this for bikepacking?

By: Freek Van Ootegem

Freek Van Ootegem — Mon, 29 Apr 2019 09:35:05 +0000

In reply to Joe Newton. Would you maybe have a trip report about winter fatbiking around Norway? Cheers

By: Ben Hoffman

Ben Hoffman — Fri, 26 Apr 2019 20:08:37 +0000

In reply to Friar Rodney Burnap. do you have any pics of your travels your attire sounds pretty awesome. would be very curious to know more about your travels, I am sure they would make a great post on this site.

By: Friar Rodney Burnap

Friar Rodney Burnap — Mon, 04 Mar 2019 17:28:27 +0000

The thing is my new Lone Peak Panniers are only 3.5 lbs as a pair…as a light weight set up you don’t have to use ever cu.inch every time your touring, but as a Friar I have carrying space needs that most Bikepacking folks have…I Bikepack in a specifically made Friar’s Tunic…and carry three others as I am travelling…my “Tripoding” is a All Terrain pilgrimage for me…p.s. 3.5 lbs is very light weight for two panniers the size and quality…
friarrodney_burnap@yahoo.com