The 12 Best Panniers for Bike Commuting
Bike commuting has its perks. You can enjoy the fresh air and the great outdoors on your way to work, class, or social events, all without paying for gas or vehicle upkeep and reducing your carbon footprint. However, one of the downsides to bike commuting is the limited space, which is why biking gear has advanced to provide you several options for optimizing your space while on the go.
One of the most popular biking accessories, bike panniers, are constantly on the up and up, providing everyday bikers and casual riders with plenty of storage options in a multitude and styles and sizes. There are options to fit every budget and organizational preferences, including high capacity bags, weatherproof options, and incredibly stylish vintage remakes, all depending on what you're looking to get out of your bike panniers.
We have chosen our favorites, making sure to provide you with a great variety of quality panniers, so that choosing the best one for you is as easy as pie! Check out the best panniers for bike commuting on the market today:
Ortlieb Back Roller City Panniers
The Ortlieb name carries high expectations in the world of biking accessories, and these bike panniers definitely deliver. Theis solid black pair of panniers is both stylish and functional and include a 3M Scotchlite reflectors on either side for maximum visibility at night. These panniers hold a IPx4 waterproof rating, so you can feel confident that your valuables are protected from most weather situations. The IPx6 dust rating means that the bags are entirely dustproof, offering the highest shield against dusty backlash from the roads as you ride.
The material is easy to wipe clean with only a wet cloth, so you can keep your panniers looking crisp and new even after a long off road excursion. These bags are over 16 inches tall by 9 inches wide at the bottom and over 12 inches wide at the top. The 6.7 inch depth of the bag offers you plenty of space for almost anything you need to tow. The top of the line QL1 fixation system makes these panniers easy to attach and detach in an instant.
BV Large Capacity Panniers
These BV panniers are not only sleek and stylish for biking gear, but they have a very attractive price when compared to other models of the same size. These panniers feature an easy mount 3 point connection system that makes them compatible with most bikes and is easy to attach and detach when on the go. The panniers feature multiple compartments for optimal storage options, including easy to access side pouches with secure zippered closures, which makes it simple to access your most frequently used valuables, like your wallet or phone.
This bag also features reflective trim which increases you visibility when riding at night, as well as connectors and an optional carry strap that lets you turn your panniers into a shoulder bag when you hop off your bike. These panniers are some of the biggest you can find at such a reasonable price point, offering around 14 Liters of space per pannier.
Ibera Quick Release All Weather Bike Pannier
These panniers by Ibera are great if you frequently use your panniers as your everyday carry bags as well, because they offer a unique and convenient clip-on system. The mounting system requires no straps or hooks, and the panniers can be clipped on and off in a matter of seconds. This Ibera design features multiple compartments which helps you stay organized and access your valuables quickly. Enjoy a top zippered pouch and 2 separating pockets located inside the main compartment. The drawstring pouch is included to help catch overflow for when the main compartment just isn't enough.
These bags include a set of matching elastic bands that hold down buckle straps for a flawless, classic look. These panniers include a rain cover that prevents damage and protects against all weather situations. They hold almost 20 pounds of gear each, so these panniers are a great addition to any daily commute.
Carradice Originals Kendal Pannier
These panniers offer a vintage style that looks great on any bike for any adventure or commute. These panniers have a rigid, box style shaped which helps offer you a maximum capacity of 32 Liters. Carradice's patented Quick-Clip fixation system helps you easily connect and detach your panniers in a jif, and the detachable carrying strap make these panniers ther perfect option for carrying your valuables on and off your bike. These bags are made from a premium Cotton Duck material that is waterproof waxed and includes a drawcord underneath to help keep all of your possessions dry from all types of weather predicaments.
These panniers have one large main compartment as well as a single side compartment with a stylish buckle closure that is perfect for holding your phone, wallet, or even a bottled water. The 3M reflective strip on either side helps increase your bike's visibility for extra safety when riding at night. These panniers will easily attach to either the front or back of your bike for versatile carrying options.
BV Large Pocket Bike Pannier
Once again BV offers another affordable and stylish options with loads of room for anything you need to carry on your daily bike commute. The panniers are pretty big, offering you 26 Liters of total capacity between the two. Each pannier features one large mouth compartment that is perfect for storing larger cargo. These panniers feature a 3M ScotchLite reflector on each side to increase your safety while riding at night. The panniers have an easy mounting method that includes four shelf straps and two adjustable bungee hooks, as well as a rigid back panels that keeps them secure and stable during your ride, even when packed unevenly.
These panniers features a convenient carrying handle on top for use when your not riding, and an angles design that maximizes pedaling space while still offering maximum storage space. These panniers are available in two stylish, neutral colors, including a heather gray textured design and black.
ArcEnCiel Water Resistant Bike Pannier
ArcEnCiel may have created the most versatile pair of panniers. These panniers include up to 37 Liters of space between the two, and a convenient 3-in-1 design that includes 2 side bags and one top bag that are each easily detachable. The large compartments offer skid proof zipper closures that are secure and won;t lock up. These panniers are made from water resistant material and protect your items against almost all weather conditions. The large ArcEnCiel logo is entirely reflective which increases your visibility and safety when riding at night.
These bags features an angled design that optimizes foot room for pedaling, so they are never in the way while you're on the go. The lightweight, wrinkle free design and the included back fender piece keeps these panniers looking new and fresh, no matter how hard you use them. They easily wipe clean with a damp cloth or can be machine washed after on off road adventure.
