Best Panniers for Touring of 2024

BEST FOR: EVERYDAY TO ADVENTURE

This is a multipurpose bag that can take you from your everyday office job to your weekend adventures. This bag transforms from a backpack to a pannier by simply unclipping the backpack straps and tucking them into the zippered pouch on the back of the bag. 

This classic pannier features multiple pockets for separating out your gear, daisy chain webbing to attach lights or extra gear externally, and solid straps for attaching it to a rear rack. Made from a durable and water resistant wax canvas, this bag not only looks great but is also up to the task of bikepacking off the beaten track.

BEST FOR: MULTI PURPOSE USE

This utilitarian bag has the ability to switch from pannier to backpack in seconds, making it really useful for those who are always on the go. Being able to take it off your rear bike rack and simply sling it over your shoulder means you can easily carry your valuables with you both on and off the bike.

Fitted with a replaceable waterproof liner in the large main compartment to keep your gear dry, alongside 3 other large compartments, there is plenty of room for carrying lots of gear and keeping it separated. The heavy duty and durable outer shell is fitted with reflective material and has plenty of areas to place an extra light to help you be seen when riding at night or in low-light conditions.

BEST FOR: ROUGH WEATHER

Sometimes all you need is a simple solution – a single compartment waterproof bag that carries your gear. The Burley Pannier Set is exactly that solution.

The simple design of this pair of panniers makes them extremely lightweight. They weigh in at only 2.2lbs for the pair, yet they’re able to carry a decent sized payload of 22L. Perfect for helping to keep unessential weight down on the bike! 

These panniers are made from a super durable and waterproof PVC with heat sealed seams to stop water from leaking in. Paired with a roll top closure, you can rest assured that these bags can withstand torrential weather. They have a carry handle on top so they are easy to take on and off your bike and they are bright yellow to help you stay seen when you’re on your next bikepacking adventure.

BEST FOR: ON ROAD BIKE TOURING

When you want to look good while bike touring, check out the Timbuk2 Tandem Pannier Set. These sleekly designed panniers come as a pair and are also able to be carried as a shoulder bag when not being used on the bike. Featuring a magnetic joiner system the bags simply join together – attach the strap that comes with the bag and sling it over your shoulder.

The bag’s main compartment is large enough to fit a 15” laptop alongside plenty of other gear, with various compartments to help you stay organized. Plus it features a smaller zippered pocket to stash your essentials such as keys, cash, and your phone. The bags are also waterproof with an over flap and buckle to ensure you gear stays dry and secure.

BEST FOR: LARGE CARRYING CAPACITY

If you have a long journey that takes you off the beaten path of civilization and you need to carry a lot of gear, or you just don’t like to travel light, then the Benno Utility Pannier Bag could be worth checking out. 

A huge carrying capacity of 30L means this bag should be able to carry just about anything you need, featuring a super wide opening for easy access and to help fit in bulky items. It also has an adjustable velcro strap so you can store larger items. Simply open the bag and secure your gear with the straps. There is a small stash pocket on the front for storing your essentials and lots of straps and loops to attach extra gear or lights on the outside of the bag. This is a great option for those who like to travel with all their creature comforts.

BEST FOR: LIGHT BIKE TOURING

If you fancy a little bit of bike touring, but prefer to mostly ride when the sun is shining and stay in hotels or an Airbnb, the Axiom Cycling Gear Seymour Oceanwave range of pannier bags could be the right solution for you.

These bags are made from recycled materials and feature many different pockets and pouches inside and out to keep your gear organized. There is also plenty of space on the outside of the bag to attach extra gear. 

The main compartment closes with a drawstring and an over flap to ensure your gear is kept securely inside, safe and dry. These lightweight bags, although not waterproof, are water resistant so they are perfect for the bike tourer who is happy to wait for the sun to shine before saddling up.

BEST FOR: GRAVEL RIDING

These panniers have been designed specifically for bike touring on gravel. They are not only waterproof but also dustproof – simply follow the closure instructions of rolling the top 3-4 times and you will have dry and dust free gear at the end of your ride.

Although these appear to be a simple single pouch design, they are in fact extremely high tech. The durable outer material is extremely lightweight and waterproof, paired with a sturdy and adjustable system for mounting to your bike racks. A top handle makes carrying easy and the symmetrical design means you can mount these on either side of your bike. If you’re planning a multi-day gravel adventure, these bags are worth taking a closer look at.

BEST FOR: HIGH VISIBILITY AND HIGH QUALITY

Thule are renowned for making high quality bags and racks and the Thule Shield Pannier is no exception. This beautifully designed and sleek looking pannier features a reflective print on the outer shell for excellent visibility alongside light mounting points to ensure you are seen when out on the road. 

Constructed from a waterproof and dustproof material with welded seams, paired with a roll down top and double buckle system, you can be confident your gear will stay dry and dust free. The interior is a single large pouch with an organizational sleeve at the back to tuck away any essentials you may want to grab quickly, such as your phone, wallet, important papers, or snacks! It is a slightly smaller bag at 14L per bag but a great option for those who like to travel light.

BEST FOR: THE DIGITAL TRAVELLER

Vloggers, bloggers, digital nomads, this is the pannier for you. Every small detail has been well thought out with a place for your laptop, cameras, GoPro, smart phones, and any other digital gadget you could think of. 

This pannier comes with separate pouches to keep your digital gear organized, alongside a variety of external zippered pockets and plenty of hooks and straps to attach additional gear. To protect all your expensive equipment, this pannier is waterproof and dust proof with a roll down top and many buckles to keep it secured. If you need all the bells and whistles, this bikepacking bag is the obvious choice.