A pannier can be described as a bag having the size of your backpack. It is attached to your bicycle, either on the front or rear end rack space. And it is a very efficient and easiest way of accommodating and carrying your belongings while on your way to the workplace or during commuting if you have a pannier. You can easily fasten and unfasten these bags from the fore or back end rack of your bike. This way the pannier will remain firmly secured to your bike. You can also access it quite easily and carry it around to your office or around town once you’ve parked your bicycle. Panniers are generally sold as a set for either side of your bike’s rack. One of the benefits of using a pannier is a fair share of the weight of your necessary possessions for carrying will be placed on the frame of your bike rather than your body, neck, or shoulders. It will also help you in lowering the center of gravity, this would make it easy for you to control your bicycle.
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After thorough research and in-depth analysis of some of the best bike panniers for commuting. Our esteemed panel of avid cycling professionals has come to the unanimous decision of choosing Ibera Bicycle Bag PakRak All-Weather Bicycle Pannier as the Editor’s Overall Best Choice Bicycle Pannier for commuting. Some of the standout features of this pannier include effortless & quick clip-in mechanism, compatibility, and good visibility. We have also handpicked a few other bicycle panniers that performed outstandingly as we tested them out on our bikes. We shall be discussing these extensively along with the progression of this article. We can assure you that our reviews will surely help you to choose your desired bike pannier and save your valuable time. We shall be covering a total of 10 of the best bike panniers that you can buy for your bike.
Has ample storage space, Easy & fast clip-in, Consists of 2 big compartments & side-pockets, W/ 3-point connection, and Reflective feature | Editor’s Overall Best Choice
- Type of Pannier: Universal front/rear bag (pair)
- Preferred Use: Commuting, Touring, Shopping, Day-to-day trips
- Dimension: 15.7” x 11.8” x 5.9”/ bag
- Weight: 4 lbs (pair)
- Carry capacity: 30 liters (pair)
- Material: 1680D nylon
- Compatibility: PakRak IB-RA16 IB-RA4, IB-RA15, IB-RA5 (Majority of touring carriers)
- Attachment: PakPak Lever-lock system
- Water-Resistant: Yes
- Clip-in system: Quick release & attachment
- Reflectivity: Available
- Protective-cover: Provided
- Colors: Black, Orange
- Additional feature: Quick release & strapping mechanism, Compatible with a majority of carriers, Zippered pocket on-top, 3-point interlocking system
This is Ibera’s All-weather bicycle pannier, perfect for commuting, touring, or camping. This bag will be compatible with most of your touring carrier bikes. You can simply attach it using the provided hooks to either the front or rear end of your bike’s rack. This pannier comes in pairs. Thanks to the 3-point interlocking mechanism, the lateral swinging of these panniers is hugely reduced. When you have this pannier equipped with your bike, you won’t have to worry about it getting soaked during the rain. Because, you will be provided with a rain cover along with this pannier, this would ensure that it remains dry and protects all your belongings. You can easily attach this bag to your bike using the smart and quick clip-on mechanism. Lastly, if you commute regularly during night-time then the reflective feature on this pannier would do a very good job in providing optimal visibility.
A quick view of our selected best bike panniers in the market for commuting:
| Bike Pannier for Commuting | Weight (lbs.) | Our Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Ibera PakRak IB-BA9 | 4 | 93 |
| Topeak MTX Trunkbag DXP | 2.53 | 91 |
| Ibera PakRak IB-BA20 | 4.59 | 90 |
| Roswheel Essential Series 141466 Trunk Bag | 1.08 | 88 |
| Two Wheel Gear Convertible | 2.8 | 78 |
| Roswheel 14892 | 2.3 | 80 |
| Timbuk2 Tandem | 2.9 | 85 |
| Ortlieb Back-Roller Classic | 4.2 | 83 |
| BV Classic | 1.5 | 75 |
| Sahoo | 2.2 | 70 |
10 best bicycle panniers that are worth every penny for your usage during your day-to-day commuting
| Pannier | Preview | Type | Ideal Usage | Dimension | Weight | Carry Capacity | Waterproof | Reflectivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ibera PakRak IB-BA9 | Universal front/rear bag | Commuting, Touring, Camping, Hunting, Hiking | 15.7” x 11.8” x 5.9”/ bag | 4 lbs (pair) | 30 liters (pair) | Yes | Available | |
| Topeak MTX Trunkbag DXP | Trunk bag | Commuting, Mountain biking | 14.1” x 9.8” x 8.5”-11.4” | 2.53 lbs | 22.6 liters | Yes | 3M strip & Light-clip | |
| Ibera PakRak IB-BA20 | Universal front/rear bag (pair) | Commuting, Touring, Camping, Hunting, Hiking | 12.6" x 7" x 13.8"/ bag | 4.59 lbs (pair) | 30 liters (pair) | Yes | Available | |
| Roswheel Essential Series 141466 | Rack Trunk bag | Commuting, Mountain biking, Travelling, Everyday riding | 14.2” x 5.9” x 5.9” | 1.08 lbs | 14 or 16 liters | Yes | Available | |
| Two Wheel Gear Convertible | Convertible backpack & pannier | Commuting, Touring, Travelling, Bike packing, Urban riding | 12.5” x 18” x 6” (Lite), 14” x 19” x 8” (Plus) | 2.8 lbs (Lite), 3.2 lbs (Plus) | 22 liters (Lite), 30 liters (Plus) | Yes | Available | |
| Roswheel 14892 | Angled with 2 side-bags | Commuting, Long journeys, Camping, Everyday riding | 13.8” x 5.1” x 12.2” (Top bag), 2. 2" x 11. 8" x 5. 1" (Side bags) | 2.3 lbs | 37 liters | Yes | Reflective handles & logos | |
| Timbuk2 Tandem | Convertible twin saddle & shoulder bag | Commuting | 12.2" x 14.6" x 4.7" | 2.9 lbs | 30 liters | Yes | Available | |
| Ortlieb Back-Roller Classic | Classic Front & Back-Roller (Pair) | Commuting, Touring | 16.5" x 12.6" x 6.7" | 4.2 lbs (pair) | 40 liters (pair) | Yes | 3M Scotch-lite reflectors | |
| BV Classic | Angled with 2 side-bags | Commuting, Recreational riding, Touring | 13.4” x 7.88” x 11” | 1.5 lbs | 26 liters | No | 3M Scotch-Lite reflective trim | |
| Sahoo | Rack bag | Commuting | 15” x 12” x 9” | 2.20 lbs | 20 liters | Yes | Reflective logos on 3 sides |
1. Ibera PakRak IB-BA9: Has ample storage space, Easy & fast clip-in, Consists of 2 big compartments & side-pockets, W/ 3-point connection and Reflective feature, Compatible with all touring carriers | Editor’s Overall Best Choice
- Type of Pannier: Universal front/rear bag (pair)
- Preferred Use: Commuting, Touring, Shopping, Day-to-day trips
- Dimension: 15.7” x 11.8” x 5.9”/ bag
- Weight: 4 lbs (pair)
- Carry capacity: 30 liters (pair)
- Material: 1680D nylon
- Compatibility: PakRak IB-RA16 IB-RA4, IB-RA15, IB-RA5 (Majority of touring carriers)
- Attachment: PakPak Lever-lock system
- Water-Resistant: Yes
- Clip-in system: Quick release & attachment
- Reflectivity: Available
- Protective-cover: Provided
- Colors: Black, Orange
- Additional feature: Quick release & strapping mechanism, Compatible with a majority of carriers, Zippered pocket on-top, 3-point interlocking system
- Fast-release technology: You can easily attach these pairs of panniers into the rear-end rack of your bike with the aid of quick-releasing straps without the usage of any additional equipment in just 3 seconds. However, it is advised that you use Ibera-carries for accommodating this into your bike. It can be attached to your carriers by proper adjustment of the bottom hook’s position.
- Carry capacity & Compartments: A pair of these bags are capable of carrying as much as 30 liters. The bag contains a number of compartments ensuring your belongings remain separated. There is a zipped pocket on top of this bag and two other pockets inside, you can keep your smaller & fragile items in these two chambers. You can keep your laptops and other gadgets away from objects such as your keyrings during your journey.
- Water Resistivity: The 1680D nylon material has somewhat water-resistant features. But it won’t safeguard your belongings inside the bag during heavy downpour. This is why Ibera has decided to provide you with a protective cover to shield your bag from rainfall.
- Straps for carrying: If you want to carry this bag while walking, then the handle on top of the bag will come handy. But this may feel a bit uncomfortable if you want to carry it by hand for long durations.
- Compatibility: The PakPak IB-BA9 is compatible with virtually any type of rear bike rack carrier. But for easy attachment and removal from the rack, we suggest you get yourself one of Ibera’s bicycle racks.
- Usage: Ibera’s PakRak IB-BA9 panniers are convenient to be used for commuting, shopping, day-to-day trips, camping, fishing, during picnics, field trips, outdoor and indoor activities.
- Flyaway buckle-straps: The flyaway buckled-straps on this bag is firmly held down by elastic-bands. This gives the pannier bag a sleek and elegant look.
- Three-point connection mechanism: Both of these bags are firmly secured using a three-point connector mechanism. This will ensure that your bag remains securely attached from the sideways swings.
- Reflectivity/ Visibility: There are reflective-trims within the pannier. It enhances visibility even when you’re carrying this bag during low-light conditions.
- Carrier Compatibility: The PakRak IB-BA9 is compatible with Ibera’s carriers such as: IB-RA16 IB-RA4, IB-RA15, IB-RA5 (Majority of touring carriers)
- This backpack doesn’t have any additional shoulder attachment, ring-attachments or separate compartments for accommodating your laptop.
This is Ibera’s 2018 model, the IB-BA9, bicycle pannier bag. It is an all-weather bike pannier. You can use this bag during commuting, touring, shopping, or trips during the day. The IB-BA9 is compatible with a majority of your carriers. You can attach this bag into the rear-end rack of your bicycle using its quick-release clip-on system. This pannier can be used with any type of rack on the rear of your bike. It contains spacious compartments that will accommodate all your necessities. The maximum carrying capacity of a pair of this bag is 30 liters. A 3-point interlocking mechanism ensures that the bag doesn’t swivel from side to side. The packaging comes with a cover to shield your bag during a downpour. PakRak IB-BA9 is a very affordable bicycle pannier bag having all the necessary features you can possibly ask for.
Dimension, Capacity and Weight of Ibera PakPak IB-BA9 pannier
Ibera PakRak IB-BA9
2. Topeak MTX Trunkbag DXP: Manufactured from a stiff and durable material, Resistant to challenging weather conditions, w/ Expandable top-most portion, Contains rear bottle-holder, Has connectable sideways frames
- Type of Pannier: Trunk bag
- Preferred Use: Commuting, Mountain biking
- Dimension: 14.1” x 9.8” x 8.5”-11.4”
- Weight: 2.53 lbs
- Carry capacity: 22.6 liters
- Material: 600 Denier-Polyester material
- Insulation material: EVA foam
- Compatibility: With all MTX QuickTrack racks
- Attachment: MTX QuickTrack
- Water-Resistant: Yes
- Reflectivity: 3M strip & Light-clip
- Protective-cover: Optional
- Colors: Black
- Additional feature: Bottle-holder, Handle for carrying shoulder strap
- 600 Denier-Polyester and EVA-foam: The Topeak MTX bags have been manufactured with a long-lasting 600 Denier-Polyester fabric. This bag is properly insulated using EVA-foam.
- MTX QuickTrack Fast-Release System: If you combine Topeak’s MTX trunk bag with it’s QuickTrack racks, then you will have a fast-release & attaching bag and an efficient system.
- Separatable Main Compartment: The main compartment of this bag consists of a separator, this helps you for the effective organization of your gear and other belongings. This compartment has plenty of room to sufficiently accommodate your necessities, it is also sufficiently insulated.
- Expandable Top & Side Compartment: You can easily expand the top & side compartment within this trunk-bag upon requirement. It is very similar to a suitcase. All you need to do is unzip and pop-up the side panels of this bag.
- Smaller Mesh Pockets: On top of the bag, there is a smaller sized mesh-pocket. You can use this pocket for storing your smaller items.
- A whopping 1380 cubic inches space: If you fully expand the bag by popping-up the panels on the side of this bag, you’ll achieve a total of 1380 cubic inches space. This sufficiently large space within the bag will comfortably hold all your necessary items for your journey.
- Rear-end bottle holder: The MTX has been designed with a bottle-holder. You can easily slip in and take your bottle out from this holder.
- Removable Straps for Shoulders: There are additional straps for usage on the bag, you can use it to carry the bag on your shoulders. It helps when you’re on foot. The straps are quite comfortable to use and can be removed as well.
- Rear-end safety clips for lights: There is a smaller clip on this bag, you can use it to accommodate a rear-end light. Incorporating a rear-end light will provide you enhanced visibility and security during dim lighted conditions.
- Reflectable 3M-strips all-around: This bag has been designed with reflective 3M-strips. It helps pedestrians to identify you during night time.
- Adjustable bungee-cords and Velcro handles: The bungee cord on the top of this bag will make it easier for you to fasten smaller lightweight items. Velcro handles on this bag are adequately padded, it will help you to carry this bag while you’re walking.
- Weighing in at 3 lbs, this bag can be quite bulky to be carried around if you have weak wrists and joints.
Topeak MTX trunk compatible pannier bag is their biggest trunk bag. This is an all-in-one, expandable pannier bicycle bag. 601 Denier-Polyester material is used for manufacturing this bike bag. The usage of this material makes the Topeak MTX quite rigid. It is also very resistant to even the most challenging weather conditions. The main compartment of this bag has a separator. Top-most & side sections are expandable. It has cleverly designed side partitions, you can open up these by unzipping them, this allows a greater amount of room within this bag. The bag consists of a rear-end bottle holder for accommodating your water bottle, a shoulder strap for carrying the bag, it is removable, upon requirement. The MTX also has an integrated handle, that you can use for carrying the bag. This bag is ideal for usage while you’re traveling during wet weather conditions all thanks to its water repellency feature. You can also use this bag as you commute every day. Topeak MTX is compatible with every type of MTX QuickTrack racks available out there.
Dimension, Capacity and Weight of Topeak MTX Trunkbag DXP pannier
Topeak MTX Trunkbag DXP
3. Ibera PakRak IB-BA20: Designed from water-resistant material, w/ easy and quick clip-on mechanism, Compatible with most touring carries, Consists of a secure 3-point connector
- Type of Pannier: Universal front/rear bag (pair)
- Preferred Use: Commuting, Touring, Camping, Hunting, Hiking
- Dimension: 12.6″ x 7″ x 13.8″/ bag
- Weight: 4.59 lbs (pair)
- Carry capacity: 30 liters (pair)
- Material: 500D Tarpaulin, 600D Polyester
- Compatibility: PakRak IB-RA16 IB-RA4, IB-RA15, IB-RA5 (Majority of touring carriers)
- Attachment: PakRak Lever Lock mechanism
- Water-Resistant: Yes
- Clip-in system: PakRak button lock mechanism
- Reflectivity: Available
- Protective-cover: None
- Colors: Black, Orange
- Additional feature: Ultrasonic welded-seams, Big strengthened compartments, External and Internal Zipped Pockets
- Durable and Premium-quality Water-resistant Fabric: The Ibera PakRak IB-BA20 is made from hard-wearing 500D Tarpaulin and 600D Polyester material. It ensures that the bag does not suffer from wear and tear easily. The Tarpaulin and Polyester material makes this bag resistant to water and challenging weather conditions.
- Fast and smart release clipping-on mechanism: Ibera’s PakRak IB-BA20 consists of a smart and fast release clip on and off mechanism. This specially designed mechanism will help you to quickly release and attach the bag from the rack within seconds. It is a smart system, one that is easy to use. Additional straps are not required for attaching this bag into the carrier.
- Compatibility: If you use Ibera’s PakPak CarrierPlus+, then you can accommodate these bags as a pair into the carrier. In case of racks manufactured by other brands, you need to attach this bag to that specific carrier by adjusting the hook’s position at the bottom.
- Spacious Compartments and zippered pockets: The IB-BA20 contains two large, spacious and strengthened center compartments. It has two exterior water-resistant zippered pockets and two internal water-resistant zippered pockets.
- Safe 3-point connection: IB-BA20 is equipped with a 3-point connection mechanism. This special mechanism will help you to firmly secure the bag, ensuring that there isn’t any wobbling.
- Huge capacity: A maximum carry capacity of a pair of these bags is 30 liters. You can either use these bags individually or in a pair.
- Available colors: The IB-BA20 is available in two different colors; these are black and orange.
- The nuts used to hold the clips on the bottom can be quite fragile. After using these for a while, the nuts may snap.
The PakRak IB-BA20 is made from very durable and water-resistant 500D Tarpaulin and 600D Polyester fabric. You can securely clip-on Ibera’s PakRak IB-BA20 into the rack of your bike in split-seconds, no additional straps are required for attaching the bag within the rack. The lever-lock system is used for attaching this bag into the carrier. IB-BA20 is compatible with IB-RA16 IB-RA4, IB-RA15, IB-RA5 carriers. You can also use these bags individually or as sets, depending on your requirement. However, if you use Ibera’s PakPak CarrierPlus+ racks, then you will be able to accommodate these bags as sets within these racks at the same time. The IB-BA20 consists of two big and strengthened compartments, this would be able to accommodate your necessities during your travels. There are two additional zippered water-resistant pockets and two zippered pockets on the interior of the bag. The bags come with straps that will help you to carry it as you’re walking. Reflective trim within this bag will ensure enhanced visibility during low-light conditions.
Dimension, Capacity, and Weight of Ibera PakPak IB-BA20 pannier
Ibera PakRak IB-BA20
4. Roswheel Essential Series 141466 Trunk Bag: Lightweight, Compact, Has a large capacity, Multi-functioning, Made from Durable & Water-resistant material
- Type of Pannier: Rack Trunk bag
- Preferred Use: Commuting, Mountain biking, Travelling, Everyday riding
- Dimension: 14.2” x 5.9” x 5.9”
- Weight: 1.08 lbs
- Carry capacity: 14 or 16 liters
- Material: 300D polyester and PU leather
- Insulation material: Rigid EVA-foam
- Attachment: 4 durable velcro-straps
- Water-Resistant: Yes
- Reflectivity: Available
- Protective-cover: None
- Colors: Black
- Additional features: Sideways expansion, Tool-free installation, Large capacity, Multi-functioning
- Designed from Durable Polyester, PU leather: This trunk pannier has been manufactured using a combination of PU-leather and 300D polyester. You can use it as a messenger-bag or for your bike’s rear carrier. There is also an anti-tearing ‘rip-stop’ integrated within this bag, this will ensure that it doesn’t suffer from any wear and tear.
- Padded with EVA foam and HDPE board: EVA-foam and HDPE board is used on this bag ensures robustness, durability and gives it the ability to maintain the proper shape.
- Free of tools installation: You can easily install this bag into the carrier of your bike without the usage of any additional tools. There are four Velcro-straps, these straps will hold this trunk bag firmly to your bike’s rack. You also tighten up the buckles when and if you require, so that the bag doesn’t wobble during your rides.
- Huge Capacity: If you expand the sides of this bag, it will be capable of accommodating up to 14 liters of your belongings.
- Pouch for accommodating water-bottle: There is an additional pocket that will hold your water bottle. It also has an elastic string that will help you in securing your bottle in position.
- Manufacturers reflective-logo & tailgate compatible: The logo of the manufacturer is imprinted on the bottom of this bag. This reflective feature will enhance visibility during dim-lighted conditions so that other riders can identify you.
- Multi-purpose bag: You can use this bag for a number of different purposes. While you’re using this bag on your bike’s carrier, it will act as a trunk bag. As you carry while on foot, this will be your clutch-bag with a built-in handle for carrying it around. It can also be used as a shoulder bag.
- Four Velcro straps: The four Velcro straps fitted to this bag will help you to easily mount and dismount it from your bike’s carrier. It will also hold your bag securely within the bike’s rack.
- Warranty: Upon purchase of this bag, you’ll be getting a one year warranty against any defects of materials or craftsmanship flaws.
- Styles: Roswheel’s 141472 is available in two different styles, these are a 7 liters version, another one being an 8 liters version.
- No significant weaknesses.
Roswheel Essential 141472 Trunk Bag has been designed using 300D polyester and PU leather material. This trunk bag is also very well padded with a durable HDPE board and robust EVA-foam materials. It ensures that the bag remains firm and hard-wearing during your journey. If you expand the sides on this bag, it would be able to accommodate a resounding 14 or 16 liters worth of your belongings, depending on the style you choose. The main compartment of this bag has a substantial amount of space. It also consists of four very hard-wearing Velcro-straps, these straps will allow you to mount and dismount your belongings quite easily. Roswheel Essential 141472 is perfect for Commuting, Mountain biking, Travelling, and for your everyday riding. The Roswheel’s logo on the bottom of this bag has reflective characteristics, this will ensure good visibility if you use this bag on your bike during low-light conditions. This bag is neither too big nor is it too small in size. You can use this on the carries of your bike or as a handbag, making the 141472 an ideal choice for your journeys.
