Best Panniers For Touring - Waterproof Bike Panniers Review
The ultimate guide to choosing the best panniers for touring. Compare the top waterproof bike panniers side by side in this list of the best bicycle touring panniers for 2026.
Quick picks (updated October 2026)
Top pick: Ortlieb Back-Roller Classic · Premium
- Ortlieb Back-Roller Classic panniers in waterproof polyester with QuickLock 2.1 mounting, 40 L capacity as a pair, and large reflectors.
| Pick | Best for | Price tier | Why | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ortlieb Back-Roller Classic | Best overall | Premium | Ortlieb Back-Roller Classic panniers in waterproof polyester with QuickLock 2.1 mounting, 40 L capacity as a pair, and large reflectors. | Check on Amazon › |
| Ortlieb Back-Roller Plus | Best heavy-duty upgrade | Mid-range | The Back-Roller shape in tougher Cordura fabric with extra pockets, for riders who want more durability. | Check on Amazon › |
| Ortlieb Back-Roller City | Best value Ortlieb | Budget | Ortlieb Back-Roller City panniers with 40 L capacity, 8 mm and 11 mm inserts included for the rack, and an easy-to-clean finish. | Check on Amazon › |
| Ortlieb Front-Roller Classic | Best front panniers | Mid-range | Ortlieb Front Roller Classic panniers with the QL2.1 system, 12.5 L capacity, two compartments, 3M Scotchlite reflectors and a padded shoulder strap. | Check on Amazon › |
| Thule Shield Panniers | Best quick-mount option | Premium | A pair of 25 L roll-top panniers with an IPX4 rating against rain and splashes, fitting 8 to 16 mm racks without adapters. | Check on Amazon › |
| Vaude Aqua Back Plus | Welded roll-top option | Premium | Welded, PVC-free waterproof roll-top panniers from Vaude. | Check on Amazon › |
| Burley Pannier Set | Best budget waterproof | Budget | A waterproof roll-top pannier pair with heat-sealed seams, 22 L combined capacity, large reflective patches and fit for 8 to 15 mm rack bars. | Check on Amazon › |
| Ibera PakRak Clip-On Quick-Release Panniers | Best budget panniers | Budget | Clip-on, quick-release panniers with a rain cover; they are water-resistant rather than fully waterproof. | Check on Amazon › |
Price tiers are our own guide (budget, mid-range, premium), relative to the other picks here, not Amazon prices; check the current price on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate, davestravelpages.com earns from qualifying purchases.
On this page
- Choosing The Best Bike Panniers For Your Next Tour
- Quick List of the Best Panniers for Touring
- What to look for in bike touring panniers
- Waterproof Panniers for Touring
- The Basics of Bicycle Panniers
- What size panniers for touring
- Best Touring Panniers
- Ortlieb Back-Roller Classic
- Ortlieb Back-Roller Plus
- Ortlieb Back-Roller City
- Ortlieb Front-Roller Classic
- Vaude Aqua Back Plus
- Thule Shield
- Burley Pannier Set
- Ibera PakRak
- Arkel Panniers
- FAQ About Bicycle Touring Bags
- More Bike Touring Articles
- Waterproof Panniers
Choosing The Best Bike Panniers For Your Next Tour
I've used a number of different panniers during my bicycle tours around the world, from budget bike touring bags to top of the range waterproof panniers.
During this time, I've developed my own taste for what works best for me, and have settled on the Ortlieb Back Roller Classic.
Just because I like something doesn't mean you have to of course, and there are tonnes of other bike touring panniers out there to choose from.
In this guide to the best touring panniers, I've listed all the most popular makes and ranges together so it's easier for you to make your own choice.
Quick List of the Best Panniers for Touring
- Ortlieb Back-Roller Classic (Best overall)
- Ortlieb Back-Roller Plus (Best heavy-duty upgrade)
- Ortlieb Back-Roller City (Best value Ortlieb)
- Ortlieb Front-Roller Classic (Best front panniers)
- Thule Shield Panniers (Best quick-mount option)
- Vaude Aqua Back Plus (Welded roll-top option)
- Burley Pannier Set (Best budget waterproof)
- Ibera PakRak Clip-On Quick-Release Panniers (Best budget panniers)
What to look for in bike touring panniers
To start with though, it's probably a good idea to narrow down what it is you'd like from a bicycle pannier. Personally, I'd be looking for cycle panniers with the following qualities:
- Waterproof panniers (preferably without a rain cover)
- Easy to quickly fix on and take off the bike
- Not too many zips which tend to break after a lot of use
- A reasonably stiff back where the pannier lays against the rack
- Hard-wearing bicycle panniers
- Value for money - happy to invest in quality bike panniers over the cheapest possible solution
- Proven track record
Waterproof Panniers for Touring
If there's only one thing I'd really like you to take on board before buying a pannier set, it's to make sure they are waterproof.
I remember one tour when I thought I'd save a few quid by going for cheap bike bags that didn't even have separate rain covers. I wasn't feeling too clever when everything I was carrying with me for 2 weeks was soaking wet after the first day.
After the bike tour, I ended up buying new panniers to replace them, spending more money in the process. So, I'll say it again. Make sure you choose waterproof bike panniers for touring, even if you don't think you'll be cycling in the rain!
The Basics of Bicycle Panniers
Bike panniers are traditionally sold in pairs. Those that are described as rear panniers go on the back of the bike, and front panniers go on the front.
Front bicycle panniers are normally smaller in size than the rear ones. This is because they generally hang lower on the bike and bigger bags might scrape the floor.
If you're just starting out on your bike touring adventures and have shorter trips in mind, it could very well be that you might only need rear bike racks and panniers. During my last two bike tours in Greece (about a month each), I didn't bother with front racks and panniers at all.
When I cycled around Iceland, I used front and rear panniers, along with a rack pack and a handlebar bag. Being able to switch in and out bags depending on the tour gives a lot of flexibility.
If you would like your panniers and your handlebar bag to match, then it's worth some further research to see if a full set is available. You can check out my guide to the best bike handlebar bags for touring here.
What size panniers for touring
The bigger the better when it comes to choosing panniers for bikes! Remember, you don't have to fill it to the brim - but it would be nice to have extra capacity in the bike panniers just in case.
I would suggest that a good size panniers for touring would be around the 20L mark for each bag. Keep in mind that you can squeeze more into roll top bike panniers than you can fixed lid panniers.
Best Touring Panniers
The following list of panniers for touring starts with the Ortlieb Back-Roller Classic, because it is the one I use myself. After that come the other Ortlieb models, then the other brands. If you think I've missed out a brand of bicycle panniers then let me know in the comments section below, and I'll try to add it in! Front panniers are included this time as well as rear sets.
Ortlieb Back-Roller Classic
The vast majority of long distance cyclists I've met on my bike tours around the world use Ortlieb panniers for touring. And these cyclists aren't sporting panniers that are shiny and new - quite often they've been in use for years on the road.
Indeed, my own Ortlieb panniers are well over 5 years old, and have done me proud cycling from Greece to England, as well as other numerous month long and shorter bike tours. I've never had any problems with them, and they really are the ultimate waterproof cycling pannier.
With a deceptively simple design, the roll top aids in keeping water out, the material is waterproof, they fix quickly and securely to the rack, and they even have a carry strap for when you're off the bike.
Ortlieb have a number of different designed pannier bags for touring. I personally think that the best Ortlieb panniers for touring are the Back Roller Classic.
If you have the budget and want to end your search for panniers suitable for bike touring right now, invest in a set of Ortlieb panniers. They'll last for years!
Dimensions: 12.6 x 6.7 x 16.5 inches ; 4.19 pounds
- Ortlieb Back-Roller Classic panniers in waterproof polyester with QuickLock 2.1 mounting, 40 L capacity as a pair, and large reflectors.
Ortlieb Back-Roller Plus
The Ortlieb Back-Roller Plus is the Back-Roller shape in tougher Cordura fabric with extra pockets, for riders who want more durability. It is the heavy-duty upgrade of the model I use.
These are other Ortlieb models, so if you like the Back-Roller Classic it is worth comparing them.
- The Back-Roller shape in tougher Cordura fabric with extra pockets, for riders who want more durability.
Ortlieb Back-Roller City
The Ortlieb Back-Roller City has a 40 L capacity, comes with 8 mm and 11 mm inserts for the rack, and has an easy-to-clean finish. If you want an Ortlieb at the better value end of the range, it is one to look at.
These are other Ortlieb models, so if you like the Back-Roller Classic it is worth comparing them.
- Ortlieb Back-Roller City panniers with 40 L capacity, 8 mm and 11 mm inserts included for the rack, and an easy-to-clean finish.
Ortlieb Front-Roller Classic
If you also want front panniers, the Ortlieb Front-Roller Classic has the QL2.1 system, a 12.5 L capacity, two compartments, 3M Scotchlite reflectors and a padded shoulder strap.
This is another Ortlieb model, made for the front rack rather than the rear one.
- Ortlieb Front Roller Classic panniers with the QL2.1 system, 12.5 L capacity, two compartments, 3M Scotchlite reflectors and a padded shoulder strap.
Vaude Aqua Back Plus
I actually used Vaude panniers on my very first bike tour around New Zealand. Side story - In fact it was the only bit of bike touring kit I took with me on that tour. I literally flew out with the panniers, and then bought a bike with a rack and other cycling accessories when there!
My original set of Vaude panniers eventually gave out over time. I might have used them cycling from England to South Africa as well, although I can't remember for sure.
My memories of them, are that the fixing system wasn't too great, but other than that they worked fine. I daresay that in the 15 years from when I last used Vaude panniers they have improved!
To be clear, mine were an older Vaude set; the current model I have linked here is the Vaude Aqua Back Plus, which I haven't used. It is a welded, PVC-free waterproof roll-top pannier from Vaude.
I also remember that when I eventually replaced the Vaude panniers with Ortlieb panniers, I could immediately tell the difference in quality, and that the slightly more expensive Ortliebs were worth the price difference.
Still, if you're looking for an alternative to Ortlieb, you could do a lot worse than the Vaude panniers.
- Welded, PVC-free waterproof roll-top panniers from Vaude.
Thule Shield
The Thule Shield panniers are a pair of 25 L roll-top panniers with an IPX4 rating against rain and splashes. They fit 8 to 16 mm racks without adapters, which makes them the quick-mount option on this list.
- A pair of 25 L roll-top panniers with an IPX4 rating against rain and splashes, fitting 8 to 16 mm racks without adapters.
Burley Pannier Set
The Burley Pannier Set is a waterproof roll-top pair with heat-sealed seams and a 22 L combined capacity. It has large reflective patches and fits 8 to 15 mm rack bars.
- A waterproof roll-top pannier pair with heat-sealed seams, 22 L combined capacity, large reflective patches and fit for 8 to 15 mm rack bars.
Ibera PakRak
I know very little about the Ibera brand, but somehow get the impression it is one of those Amazon FBA companies which ships things in from China.
So, why am I listing it here then? Well, as an entry level bike touring pannier, the Ibera PakRak might make a good choice for people planning short trips.
They are clip-on, quick-release panniers that come with a rain cover. They are water-resistant rather than fully waterproof, but they might be versatile enough for commuters who also like to do a little weekend touring.
My thoughts on this bag are, that its limitations may soon become apparent, and you'll need to upgrade to a more expensive and better quality set of touring panniers. In this case, you might as well have just bought the better quality bike panniers in the first place.
- Clip-on, quick-release panniers with a rain cover; they are water-resistant rather than fully waterproof.
Arkel Panniers
I've been hearing good things about Arkel panniers. It would seem that the problem is actually getting hold of them though!They are not listed on Amazon sites - which I know is not the be all and end all of everything, but it would be useful.
Some smaller specialist online stores in the UK and USA have them to order. I daresay some local bike stores have display models of the Arkel Orca 45 Rear Waterproof Panniers you can look at.
You can of course order them through the Arkel site as well. Which is great, but you need to know the company exists before you can find them!
The best I can do, is share a video demonstrating the Arkel Orca 45 Rear Waterproof Panniers. From what I can tell, they seem to be very similar to the Ortlieb panniers, but with a pocket on the front.
FAQ About Bicycle Touring Bags
Here are some answers to the most commonly asked questions about choosing the best panniers for bike touring:
Can my bike take panniers?
The vast majority of bikes can take panniers once a bike rack has been fitted. Specialist touring bikes and hybrids will have frame eyelets to to fixe pannier racks. For those that don't, a fixing kit can be used. Once the rack is fitted, panniers can then be used with the bike.
What are the best panniers for bicycles?
Ortlieb are often considered to be the best bicycle panniers for commuting and touring. Other notable brands that offer good panniers for bicycles include Vaude, RockBros, Altura, Rhinowalk, and Thule.
How do you attach bike panniers?
Bicycle panniers normally have some sort of clip system which allows them to be attached to a bicycle rack. Bicycle racks always come separately to panniers for bikes.
What are bicycle panniers?
Panniers are also known as saddlebags, and can be thought of as luggage for bicycles. Typically, they are used for bike touring or commuting, and act as a way to carry items in a balanced fashion on a bicycle. Panniers are sold in pairs, and there may be specific front panniers and back panniers, with the back panniers being larger.
Are bicycle pannier bags waterproof?
Bike panniers are made out of different materials, and not all are water proof. If you are planning a bike tour or want to commute in all weather, it makes sense to ensure that you have waterproof bike panniers such as the Ortlieb Back Roller Classics.
More Bike Touring Articles
You might also be interested in
Waterproof Panniers
Some final thoughts on choosing the best bike panniers that will be most suited to your riding style and budget:
International bike tourers tend to settle on the Ortlieb classic panniers as they have proven themselves to be very reliable and long lasting. That's not to say that you can't find other fully waterproof panniers that do the job, just that it might take a little trial and error.
I've learned over the years that if you buy cheap you buy twice, so would suggest that if the price of some bikepacking panniers seems too good to be true, well, it probably is!
Before you go, check out the comments sections when other cyclists have written about their own experiences with the Ortlieb back roller classic bags as well as other bikepacking bags. Feel free to leave your own comments about choosing a bike bag, bike racks, and setting up your touring bike!
Dave is a UK travel writer living in Athens since 2015. With 20 years of firsthand travel experience and over 80,000 km of bicycle touring across six continents, he's been blogging at Dave's Travel Pages since 2005. Every guide is based on places he's actually been.
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I am in the process of trying to return a set of Axiom hydrocore panniers with Winstanleys bikes because they aren't waterproof. It's clearly stated by Axiom that they are waterproof, there's even a label on each one saying so. However after only an hour ride home from work this week the clothes at the bottom of one were wet. The clothes at the top were dry so they were closed properly. The water either penetrated the inner core or it was due to a badly taped seem. Whatever, I have lost confidence in them now and they will get replaced with Ortleibs as soon as they are returned to Winstanleys. We'll see how good Winstanleys customer service is and the lifetime warranty promised by Axiom in the process. Just thought I'd mention my experience to prevent anyone else making a similar mistake, it should help to narrow down the selection process too.
Thank you for sharing the experience. It sounds like a bad seam somewhere, or even the material isn't good enough for strong rain / water on the roads. I hope you have better luck with the Ortleibs!
Altura Black Ultralite Vortex – 30 Litre Bicycle Pannier used these a few times, only issue is the on and off the rack procedure is a bit of a pain as they use straps and clip buckles. I use a bungy to make more secure as the elastic clip at the bottom is a bit weak and the noise of it moving annoyed me. my only other gripe is that I can have one pannier or two but I cant give the other for my wife to carry as the second pannier clips across the rack onto the first pannier and there isn't a way to use it singly unless its bodged. plus side, its waterproof with roll top , detachable shoulder strap and its very light. downside , cant share panniers and its fiddly to fasten on. my solution was a bag within a bag.
I bought a set of their new model (grey colour) and the clips were fiddly but I got used to them - the big issue I have is that the velcro strap at the bottom which is supposed to secure the bags to the rack is too low down and just really not in the right place (tried two different racks and no joy). i have to wrap a bungee cord around each bag to secure them to the rack so they didn't flap around. I'm planning on sending them back which is a shame as they were the perfect size for lightweight cycle touring with a tent and seemed pretty waterproof.
Currently in the market for a new set of panniers myself. I had a Giant Great Journey, and the bags that came with it were enormous! (I carried home a small tree for my wife once). Unfortunately, they gave our over time, and I haven't found anything to compare as far as capacity (They were absolutely NOT waterproof, unfortunately). I have had my eye on the Ortleibs and the RockBros bags for a while, but Topeak also has a drybag that has my curiosity up--anyone with thoughts about the Topeak Pannier DryBag DX? It's a chunk of cash, so I'd love some opinions if there are any! Cheers!
Roch Brothers seem to have done an upgrade and the new model does not have the bungee cord outer, but a reasonable size outer pocket. There is another brand out of China called Rhinowalk., also fully waterproof with a roll top design. I am looking at buying a set of either of these. Have to wait and see what comes up.
These Ibera IB-BA9-PAIR Bike Panniers were perfect for my trip. It has multiple compartment system. I was able to fit my clothes and toiletries in one pack, and my hammock, sleeping bag, cooking equipment, tools and rope in the other. It is made of 1680D nylon, so it is lightweight and flexible. The construction is sturdy and gives a definite triangular shape. I left my packs on the bike with heavy rainfall the first night out and everything stayed dry! I was also impressed with the rain covers- I was hesitant to go with panniers that weren't waterproof at first, but was pleasantly surprised with their effectiveness.
It's unfathomable to me that you didn't cover carradice super c panniers.
Ortlieb are the best. 5 year warranty. I would only add that the Cordura ones(the plus versions) are even more waterproof, rip and abrasion resistant. I wore Cordura in the rain on my motorcycle for years. Worth every penny.