About Panniers

   Panniers are bags that mount onto your bicycle's cargo racks and allow you to carry extra gear on your bicycle. The word panniers, like many of the words and terms used in the cycling world, is a french word and translates to "bread sacks."

   I settled on a set of panniers made by Ortlieb in Germany. The Ortlieb Back and Front Roller Plus bags are touted as the most waterproof panniers on the planet. The bags are lined inside with a thermoplastic waterproof coating and the outside is made of Cordura, a supple water resistant material that will not soak up the rain.

   The Roller Plus bags come with an ingenious mounting system with tooless adjustments to allow a fit to any of the racks you may have on your rig. Once you have it adjusted properly,  just hold the bag from the handle and place it on the rack and it snaps into place. Lift the handle and the bag effortlessly detaches from the rack.

 

                  
               I also opted for an Ortlieb Ultimate 5 Plus Handlebar Bag w/map case

 
   And an Ortlieb Rack Pack Classic in medium size. The Rack Pack Classic integrates with the Backroller bags and straps directly on top of the Backrollers.

  
   I am very satisfied with these bags and feel confident in storing my gear in them in whatever road conditions I may find myself in.