Saddle bags for bicycles, called panniers, are the main piece of equipment cycle tourists need. The majority of your gear and equipment will be carried in the panniers, so the choice of which type to buy is an important decision.
There are many features to consider in panniers. consider your needs and the conditions you will be riding in - you may find some aspects of the pannier to be more important for you than others. Personal preferences vary widely so consider what you want rather than what your neighbor wants.
Fabric: The choice of fabric is one of the most basic. Do you want durable, hard-wearing cordura or waterproof PVC? What about heavy, but long-lasting cotton duck? The fabric you choose will be the most important factor in the waterproofness of the pannier.
For many years now, panniers have been made from cordura or some kind of cotton canvas and they have passed the test of time - many people find their panniers last 15 or 20 years with hard use. These panniers may not be completely waterproof and you will need to pack your gear in plastic bags if you plan to ride in the rain. Although there are many companies making panniers, here are a few that stand out: Arkel is known for their hard-working panniers make of nylon cordura. They include a tailor-fitted waterproof bag that you can use when you need it but fold up and out of the way when you don't. Jandd makes good solid panniers out of nylon cordura as well. Carradice has been making panniers out of heavy-duty cotton fabric for decades. The cotton fibers swell when they get wet, which leads to the pannier being virtually impermeable to water.
PVC fabric is a relative newcomer to the world of panniers, but many tourists find they prefer it over the others. The PVC is completely waterproof and you can pack your gear and forget it - even through the most torrential downpours. The downside to the PVC is that moisture cannot escape either - be very sure not to pack anything the least bit damp in the pannier or everything in there will end up damp and musty.
Attachment system: Panniers need to be attached on to the racks on your bike somehow - and this system varies widely with manufacturer. Some companies - like Arkel and Ortlieb - have designed quick-release systems to make it very fast and easy to strip down your bike. This is a handy feature if you have to carry your bike up to a third floor hotel room.
Some of the older methods for securing panniers are actually more stable and less vulnerable to damage. They attach to the rack with hooks and nylon straps, which allow you to cinch them on very tightly - there is no chance of them coming off even on very rough, off-road conditions.
Organization: This is where you will find the greatest range of personal preference. Some of us prefer loads of pockets to organize our gear, while others prefer one big compartment and they use ditty bags to organize. Most panniers will have at least one pocket, although some types of Ortliebs have none. Consider Arkel if you really like pockets.
Weight: You will feel each and every ounce you are carrying while grinding up hills. Included in that weight is your panniers. This is a double-edged sword. We all want durable, hard-working, long-lasting panniers, but we don't want a lot of weight. A general rule is that the heavier panniers tend to be longer-lasting. As they use heavier fabric, thicker thread, and hard-working hardware, they can put up with more years of service.
Some cycle tourists have found they prefer cheaper panniers that need to be replaced more frequently over the more durable panniers specifically for this reason. In the long run, this option costs a bit more but if you can save a pound or two of weight it may be worth it. The decision is yours.
Size: When you start looking for panniers, you'll find they come in all different sizes, colors, and shapes. How big do you need? A lot of that answer involves personal preference but in general, if you will be camping you'll need bigger panniers in order to carry the extra gear. If you plan to stay in hotels, you will be able to get away with small panniers.
It's nice to have a bit of wiggle room in your panniers, but be careful - it'll be too easy to fit in that souvenir or two...or five... or ten if you get way bigger than you need.
Nancy Sathre-Vogel discovered the joys of bicycle touring nearly 30 years ago and has watched the changes in gear and equipment through the years. For help planning your own bicycle tour, check out her website, www.familyonbikes.org.
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