The last thing you want when pedalling around is to be weighed down with a heavy rucksack or to struggle with a bike laden with cumbersome bags, slowing you down the cycle lines.
Bike panniers are a great solution to take the weight off your shoulders (literally), while still having all your necessities with you while you ride.
Attaching to the rear or front of your bike using special mounting systems (which are normally very simple and easy to use), bike panniers come in pairs or as individuals and lock onto the racks to provide the optimum way to carry luggage on the move.
Fill them to the brim with paperwork, outfit changes, lunches, laptops, the lot, and seal for a smooth cycle with everything you need. Putting the load lower down on the bike will ensure a more stable, balanced journey.
Ideal for your daily commute, weekend excursions or popping for groceries, bike panniers are the ultimate travelling companion. They are robust, all-weather permitting and reliable accessories to fix onto your bike.
How to choose the best bike pannier?
There are several things to consider when choosing the right pannier for your bike…
- Capacity: How much storage do you need? Bike panniers are measured in litres, so check how much space you need and opt for the right size for you. Many come in pairs so you may also want one bag on either side of your bike.
- Mounting: Pick a pannier that is easy to attach and detach from your bike, making the transition quick and fidget free. The more securely the panniers are fitted to your bike, the more stable your cycling will feel.
- Material: Look out for robust and hard-wearing materials for long-lasting designs to carry your luggage. Make sure it’s water resistant to keep the contents in tip top condition and lightweight to avoid any rocking from side to side.
- Features: There are all kinds of panniers, sporting all kinds of features. Pockets on the interior and exterior provide extra compartments and keep things organised, giving easy access to your most-needed items. Reflectives on the bags help with visibility in all lightings and enhance the safety of your travels. Many bags also have adjustable straps to use when off the bike and on your feet.
See our pick of the best bike panniers below
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Ortlieb Back-Roller Classic
German brand Ortlieb has mastered waterproof outdoor equipment for over 40 years, and the Back-Roller Classic set of panniers is a popular favourite amongst cyclists. Made from a durable polyester with a watertight roll closure, contents in the bags are guaranteed to keep safe, secure and dry whatever the weather.
Attach to the bike rack with ease using the tool-free mechanism and use the shoulder strap when off the bike and on the move. Each bag is 20 litres deep with an integrated inner pocket for storage of all your necessary belongings. Available in eight colours, all featuring 3M Scotchlite reflectors for extra safety, choose Ortlieb’s duo set for its long-lasting quality design and renowned reputation.
Buy now £135.00, Evans Cycles
Roswheel Tour Waterproof Panniers 20L Pair
Quick and easy to install onto your bike using the secure hooks, pop these panniers on the front rack of your bike and cycle around with everything you need, hassle-free.
Fill the bags (they take up to 20 litres per pair and also each has a zipped external pocket) and seal with the roll-top closure to ensure your belongings are protected on your ride.
The bags are tough with a robust base so should be able to withstand scrapes or scratches, while also being completely weatherproof. They also have external reflective patches to add visibility.
Buy now £90.00, Sigma Sports
Ortlieb Bike-Packer Original
Ortlieb combines modern functionality with retro sentiments with the Bike-Packer Original. Choose from alu grey or vibrant red and own a timeless piece based on the traditional design from 1982.
The brand’s unique Quick-Lock 2.1 mounting system means the bag can be easily and quickly attached to your luggage rack and once removed, there is a carrying handle to use.
Pop it on for your commute, local shopping trips or bike rides around the city. It has a capacity of 20 litres and is water and dirt resistant thanks to its hardwearing polyester fabric.
Buy now £85.00, Sigma Sports
Elops 25L Waterproof Bike Bag
This 27-litre capacity option from Elops has a practical and sturdy design, but with a price tag which is kinder on your bank account.
Using a new KOMPAKTRAIL fitting from Klickfix, affix onto your bike – the width is adjustable – and cycle around with your bag secure and stable in place.
It’s lightweight so won’t slow you down, has a locking mechanism to keep the bag fastened in place while on the move and is splashproof – what more could you want? Oh, and it comes in three fabulous colours: sage green, sunflower yellow or charcoal green.
Buy now £4.99, Decathlon
Thule Shield Pair of 25L Panniers
Pedal around the city or down country lanes with this set of Thule panniers. Their easy-to-use attachment system means they will keep nice and secure in place throughout your journey. And whether drizzling or heavy rain, your belongings will stay dry and protected thanks to the intelligent design with IPX4 waterproof rating. Pack up to 25 litres and keep things organised using the three useful interior pockets and speed off with the reflective panels on the outside enhancing your visibility to other road/path users. Jump off the bike and use the bags’ removable shoulder straps to take it on-the-go with you.
Buy now £130.00, John Lewis
UPSO Potters Pannier
Make an eco-conscious buy with UPSO’s sustainable roll-top pannier. All the brand’s bags are made in the UK in the Lancashire workshop, using solar energy to power the sewing machines to stitch them together. The label uses upcycled truck tarpaulin as the main component providing a tough exterior and also reclaimed fire hoses and seat belt webbing for extra added strength.
No two bags are the exact same and they may have a couple of blemishes from the tarpaulin’s previous life on the road, but the unique design will be the envy of many.
Fix onto your bike – either the left or right-hand side – using Quick Clip, the latest Quick Release system from Carradice, and carry around comfortably with the shoulder strap when off. Wipe clean and waterproof.
Buy now £70.00, UPSO
Brooks Brick Lane Pannier
Inspired by the original design in the 1890s, Brooks’ old-school bike pannier is stylish yet versatile for your city commuting or weekend mooching. Its wave shape design is made from a water-resistant cotton canvas fabric with leather finishing and has leather straps to affix to the rear rack. With its expandable capacity, adjust the bag to your desired interior space and cycle off with a stable, high quality and nice-looking storage pack. Roll up when not in use for a great space-saving option.
Buy now £143.99, Wiggle
Arkel Signature V Urban Bike Pannier
Position on the rear of your bike using the super-strong mounting system and take everything you need with you on your daily cycle with Arkel’s 28-litre signature pannier - while still remaining sturdy and streamlined mid-ride.
Available in black, olive or copper colours, each bag is handmade in Canada and signed by its individual maker. The material used – 1000 denier US-made Cordura nylon – is built to last, so expect a super strong design to load your cargo into for years to come.
Inside it’s lined with waterproof material and there’s a padded laptop compartment and a zipped pocket for smaller items. On the outside, there’s another pocket for easy access to necessities, e.g. your keys and phone, and reflective patches to keep you safe after dark.
Buy now £115.15, Arkel
Altura Thunderstorm Adventure 25 Cycling Pannier
Be seen in low light conditions with Altura’s reflective print in red or charcoal. Storing up to 25 litres with a roll-top closure, your items will keep secure and compact while on the move. It also boasts a useful front pocket for your essentials. The durable bag attaches to most bikes with its reliable Rixen & Kaul universal rail fittings. Simply click into place and ride.
Buy now £39.99, Amazon
Homper Cycle Saddle Rear Rack Pannier Bike Bag
A cheap and cheerful option yet still incredibly robust and convenient, Homper’s trunk bag is suitable for all types of bikes, from road to mountain. Easy to install and release using the fastener strap, take it on a spin and carry up to 10 litres around with you, while remaining light and smooth on the surface. Use the two inside pockets and exterior back pocket to compartmentalise your things and adjust the expandable shoulder strap when off the bike for a comfortable accessory around the city.
Buy now £16.99, Amazon
