Singletrack/MTB
Gravel/All-road
Dirt-road Touring
Fat-bike
Updated June 2021
In bikepacking utopia, we all ride beautiful singletrack on minimal soft bag setups, perfectly packed with the latest in ultralight gear. In the real world, however, many of us aren’t always enjoying trail riding and our gear can often be bulky. Or sometimes we just need a little extra capacity. Perhaps it’s an extended tour on dirt roads and we’re expecting mixed weather. Or it’s an expedition-style journey with two or three weeks between resupply points. Winter riding? Maybe a -20° sleeping bag takes up all the space on our handlebars. Tykepacking? We know what it’s like to have kids and need to carry extra gear. And then there are shorter riders, whose setups often impose limited tire clearance for a seatpack, as well as the constraints of a small capacity framebag.
Why Use Panniers for Bikepacking
Despite their extra bulk and weight, hybrid setups make sense when our requirements are a little out of the ordinary. A number of manufacturers have noticed this need, and there’s a growing range of small, minimal panniers that cater to this overflow without reverting all the way back to a traditional touring setup.
Broadly speaking, these bags are smaller in capacity than conventional panniers. They’re also lighter and often rattle-free, which makes them more suited to off-road riding. Their profiles are slimmer too, which means pushing a bike is less awkward, and singletrack riding is often more enjoyable. In some cases, they’re so minimal that they can be cinched back or rolled right down when not in use, barely taking up any space at all.
All this said, panniers aimed at bikepacking tend to sacrifice everyday practicality in the pursuit of performance. In many cases, this means that they’re not as easy to pull on and off as a traditional pannier. Generally they’re designed to be left on the bike during a tour, rather than removed each and every day. Soft bag models may also need a liner for complete waterproofing. And their capacity is capped, because at heart, mini panniers still encourage us to pack light, unencumbered by excess gear. For this reason, all the panniers in this selection have a maximum of 30L in combined capacity.
As a bonus, packing a pannier is inherently easier and quicker than the more meticulous approach that’s required with most modern bikepacking bags. We’d suggest organising your heaviest gear at the bottom of the pannier when you can, to minimize the effect of panniers on your bicycle’s handling off road. If you’re in that twilight zone of “panniers too big, bare bike too small,” try our cargo cage and fork mount bag Index.
Front Panniers on the Back
Running front panniers on a rear rack is a time-honoured way of reducing the amount of gear you carry. By their nature, front panniers are smaller and lighter than rear panniers, so you’re less likely to overpack and have the rear of the bike wag when riding. There’s a range of models on the market, and whilst they’re not designed specifically for bikepacking, almost any front pannier will do the trick, depending on your demands. By comparison, Micro Panniers tend to have a slimmer profile for both ‘technical’ riding and to make the bike easier to push on a hike-a-bike. Higher/shorter panniers also help avoid snagging brush and rocks in tight singletrack.
Straps vs. Hooks
There are many to attach panniers to racks. Commuters and traditional tourers favour designs that unclip easily for daily removal. These, however, can be noisy and sometimes prone to failure when used off-road. Other designs have simple hooks and bungee cords to prevent bags from jettisoning off. Panniers designed specifically for bikepacking often use velcro straps; they’re not as quick to remove, but they’re lighter, quieter, and less likely to fail. It’s also possible to mix and match, as some manufacturers do.
Rack compatibility
You’ll need to source a rack to run with your panniers. A typical checklist includes making sure there’s enough clearance for the width of your tires and height of your wheels, that the diameter of the tubing and the rack’s overall shape work with your pannier attachment system, and that the rack is designed for the weight you carry and is hardy enough for off-road use. Lastly, you don’t need anything that’s too overbuilt, or you’ll find that your hardware weighs more than its contents. A couple of stout but minimal racks include Tubus’ Vega series and the Tumbleweed Bikes T-Rack.
In this Gear Index, we’ve included key information to help you pick the right panniers, including volume, the attachment system, fabric, weight, and price. Those that we have first-hand experience using are marked, as usual, with a hexagonal “T” icon, and are listed first.
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£50
Altura Vortex Ultralite Panniers
- Type: Mini Panniers
- Attachment: Strap and Buckle
- Volume (each): 15L
- Fabric: 210D Nylon TPU
CloseThese 15-liter panniers are built with light and fast adventure in mind. Made with proprietary Altura Shield Technology, welded seam construction, and a roll-top closure, these panniers keep your critical items dry. The mounting system on panniers always seems to be the weak point, but the strap system used on these bags is bombproof. Ordinarily, panniers bump and bobble around, but not these. The strap system snugs up tightly and keeps the pannier from bouncing. Coming in at only .5 kg a pair, they’re quite light. They seem like they’d handle moderate abuse but we’d hesitate in dragging them through thick brambles, thistles, or thorns like one could with Cordura or X-Pac.
The Vortex Ultralite panniers are simple and elegant. The mounting system is bomber, they keep their contents dry, and weigh barely anything. These would be a fantastic pannier for winter conditions, especially ultra races such as the Arrowhead or Iditarod.
Tested by Colt Fetters
- Weight: 260 grams (9.2 oz)
- Price: £50 (single)
- Place of Manufacture: China
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$100
Arkel Dry-Lite Panniers
- Type: Mini Panniers
- ATTACHMENT: Velcro Straps
- VOLUME (EACH): 14L
- FABRIC: 400D Nylon TPU
CloseArkel is best known for its traditional touring panniers and accessories. However, in the last few years, they have been expanding their already impressive product line to include lightweight and bikepacking-friendly saddlebags, handlebar bags, and panniers. The Arkel Dry-Lites are fully waterproof roll-top panniers that use a unique velcro attachment system that should make them compatible with most rear racks. The bags are made of 400-denier ripstop nylon, provide up to 28 litres of storage between two bags, and are easily one of the lightest pannier sets out there.
Although the velcro attachment system looked a bit messy at first, with a little practice it became one of the bag’s most valuable features. The Dry-Lites will fit nearly every rack out there. The velcro system keeps the weight down, and there is little chance of failure, which can’t be said for standard rack attachment systems seen on other panniers. There is a standard shock cord and hook point on each bag that hooks onto the lower section of the rack to keep the Dry-Lites in place, and ultralight horizontal stays to hold the panniers away from the rear wheels. In practice, the lightweight materials mean stuffing gear within the bags is easy and quick and would be useful for storing bulky items like sleeping bags, tents, or winter layers during extended bikepacking trips. However, the unique velcro straps do mean removing and reattaching the panniers can be slow, so taking extra care to plan what gear lives inside the Dry-Lites is a must. Dimensions per bag: 14.5” X 11” X 5.5” (37cm X 28cm X 14cm).
Tested by Miles
- Weight: 540 grams (19 oz)
- Price: $100
- Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$250
Arkel XM-28 Panniers
- Type: Front or small rear panniers
- Attachment: Proprietary locking clasp and bungee
- Volume (each): 14L
- Fabric: Cordura
CloseThe XM-28s have been around for some time. Since before the advent of modern bikepacking, in fact. Still, they were always designed with mountain bike touring in mind. For this reason, they sport a slim, tall profile, heavy-duty materials, and Arkel’s well renowned, ultra-secure mounting system. There’s even a tough HDPE base plate to protect them.
In terms of ease of packing, the heavy-duty, side-slicing, two-way YKK zip opens up all the way around the pannier, making them very easy to organise or access from various points. There’s an outside mesh pocket and a top zippered pocket too; the XM-28s are well suited to bikepackers with a penchant for uber organisation. Although not fully waterproof, the XM-28s come with a high viz rain cover that also serves to keep mud and muck away.
Worth noting, however, is that these panners are very heavy for their size, weighing in at 1.92kg for the pair. Combined with the weight of a rack, this means that running a set of XM-28s will add significantly to the base weight of your bike. Size-wise, they’re 27cm wide at the top, tapering down to 17cm at the bottom, and about 46cm in height and 14cm in depth. Their slim shape makes them a good option for those who need to carry a fair bit of gear, but have limited heel clearance.
Tested by Cass
- Weight: 950 grams (33.5 oz)
- Price: $250
- Place of Manufacture: Canada
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$300
Bedrock Bags Hermosa UL Panniers
- Type: Small Panniers
- Attachment: Velcro straps, webbing, and buckles
- Volume (each): 13
- Fabric: X-Pac and ballistic nylon with internal framesheet
CloseBedrock’s Hermosa UL Panniers scooped up one of our 2018 “Top Frills” bikepacking awards for two reasons: they’re both lovely and extremely expensive. Yes, $300 is an awful lot of cash for a set of small panniers. But price aside (and Bedrock insist that a part of this pricing is due to the fair US wages they pay their employees), we love everything about them. They’re very light, fit securely, are quiet in use, and the sizing is just right for gear overflow (without overpacking). Typical to Bedrock, the build quality is excellent – after months of hard use, they’re still in perfect condition.
Officially, the Hermosas are designed for Salsa and Surly racks, but I mounted mine to a more minimal Tubus Vega without any issues. And, although they’re not made with front-loading in mind, I’ve also fitted them to a Surly 8 Pack front rack, running the lower strap beneath a fork-mounted water bottle cage. The spacing for the velcro straps isn’t perfect, but it works. Again, whilst the Hermosas are not designed to be used with low riders, they mount up nicely to a set of Tubus Duos. Worth noting though – for those who plan to run them this way – is that that there are no velcro strap “tidies” and the lower attachment straps dangles down, so you’ll just have to tuck them in.
Fitting them is a relatively slow affair compared to more commuter-orientated panniers, so I found it easier just to leave them on my bike, with the contents easily removed when stored in waterproof liners. Not that these liners are really needed; although the Hermosas don’t claim to be 100% waterproof, they’re certainly up to keeping contents dry during most downpours. As for the fitting process, it involves threading two velcro straps through loops, then running the lower corner strap around the rack. Nothing too complicated, just not as quick as plastic clasps.
In terms of rack compatibility, the upper straps have an outside-to-outside lateral measurement is 6.5″, an inside-to-inside lateral measurement of 3.5″, and they are 1.5″ wide. Minimum height from any lower rail of rack to upper rail of rack is 12″ and maximum height from any lower rail of rack to upper rail of rack is 15″. They’re available in an assortment of sizes and quoted dimensions are 11″ wide, 4″ deep, 12-18″ tall.
Note too that cosmetic seconds are sometimes available on the site for $225.
Tested by Cass
- Weight: 630 grams (22.2 oz)
- Price: $300
- Place of Manufacture: USA
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$99.99
North St. Micro Pannier
- Type: Small Panniers
- Attachment: Rack Hooks
- Volume (Each): 14L
- Fabric: X-Pac
CloseThe North St. Micro Pannier is made in Portland using as many US-sourced components as possible. They fit perfectly with the type of panniers we like to use for bikepacking, designed around a waterproof VX21 X-Pac body and simple roll-top closure. With a capacity of 14L per pannier, they aren’t huge, which is great. They’re slender, lightweight, and the simple hook and elastic attachment system will fit on most racks out there. A single interior plastic panel provides some rigidity against the back of the pannier, and an exterior waterproof pocket offers a home for quick-access items like maps, phones, or snacks.
Tested by Miles
- Weight: 382 grams (13.5 oz)
- Price: $99.99
- Place of Manufacture: USA
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$310
Rambler Bags Panniers
- Type: Small Panniers
- Attachment: Webbing Straps / Bungee Hook
- Volume (Pair): 17L
- Fabric: Waxed Canvas
CloseThe Rambler Bags Panniers are meant to be as sizeable as possible while still keeping a semi-low profile. They have a large main pocket with a flap-style opening and side release buckle closure, external elastic “pockets” for lashing extra gear to. It has an easily replaceable plastic stiffener, the inverted Y-strap lifts the weight of the bag from the bottom, and uses a hardwood dowel and webbing strap upper attachment for an versatile, and adjustable, setup.
- Weight: 467 grams (16.5 oz)
- Price: $310 (Pair)
- Place of Manufacture: Pennsylvania, USA
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$250
Revelate Nano Panniers
- Type: Mini Panniers
- Attachment: Velcro Straps / Voile Strap
- Volume (Both): 7-11L
- Fabric: Ultra PE 200D
CloseThe new Revelate Designs Nano Panniers are incredibly lightweight. At just 255 grams per pannier, they are some of the lightest panniers out there, and they’re by far the most minimal I’ve used. They are based around a single main compartment that’s accessed via a roll-top closure and side-release buckle. The body of the pannier, including the front, base, and backside, is constructed from a lightweight Ultra PE fabric from Challenge Sailcloth.
On the back of the pannier, positioned on either side of a strip of Rhinotec fabric, there are two velcro straps and aluminum loops that strap directly to the top of your rack. The lower attachment point is a simple Voile Nano Strap attached to a small webbing loop. There are two small metal loops for adjusting its position and an additional rubber keeper for gathering up the tail of the Voile strap.
The front of the bag is where things really get interesting. The pannier is based around a four-point compression system that’s designed to compress its contents and the bag itself tight against the rack. In the middle is a floating plastic-coated fiberglass strut with four adjustable webbing straps extending from each side and wrapping around the pannier. The side straps extend to plastic ladder lock buckles that are positioned directly beside the interior strut. The bottom strap runs through a ladder lock buckle and sewn in directly to the base of the bag, looping up under the load. The top strap has a side release buckle and loops up and over the roll-top closure, compressing the top of the bag downward. Because all straps are independently adjustable, the strut can be positioned differently depending on how full the bags are, and any unnecessary bunching is kept at bay with all straps cinched down.
Tested by Miles
- Weight: 510 grams (18 oz)
- Price: $250 (pair)
- Place of Manufacture: USA
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$230
Rockgeist Microwave Panniers
- Type: Small Panniers
- Attachment: Straps
- Volume (each): 13L
- Fabric: Welded/waterproof
CloseThe Rockgeist Microwave Panniers (formerly made by Porcelain Rocket) are based around a unique two-piece design: a burly holster and an ultralight seam-welded drybag that fits inside. The holster is stiffened with an HDPE backplate and attaches to virtually any rack out there using two Voilé Straps. Several of us have used the Microwave Panniers, and we’ve all been thoroughly impressed with their performance both on and off-road. Read our initial press release here and watch for more coverage. Also, note that since the acquisition, these are now made by Rockgeist in the USA.
- Weight: 920 grams (32.5 oz)
- Price: $230
- Place of Manufacture: North Carolina, USA
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$85
Salsa Touring Panniers
- Type: Small Front Panniers
- Attachment: Rack Hooks
- Volume (each): 14L
- Fabric: Coated Polyester
CloseIn 2015, Salsa released front and rear versions of their Touring Panniers, an extremely durable roll-top pannier designed to be simple but ready to tackle pretty much any kind of adventure. The front model offers 14L of storage per bag, and just like the rear model, is made of a heavy-duty rubberized material, similar to that found on burly river-rated dry bags. The entire bag is RF-Welded, which means it is completely waterproof, and the roll-top closure is the only opening on the bag. It secures snugly with two side-release clips. There is also a small removable valuables pouch that fastens onto the interior of the pannier with velcro, which offers a good place for small tools or a wallet. The panniers taper in slightly toward the bottom, coming in close to 11” on the bottom and 14” near the top. The plastic mounting hardware accommodates rack rails between 6-10mm and includes optional spacers, depending on what rack you are using.
Although there is a fair bit of adjustment offered with the mounting hardware, the sliding lower stability hook requires some kind of vertical rack rail to hook behind to prevent the pannier from bouncing all over the place. In a few cases, we found a lightly loaded pannier could shift around on the rack, eventually unhooking from the vertical rack rail, though this was a non-issue when fully loaded. We’ve taken the Salsa Touring Panniers out in heavy rain, covered them in mud, and crammed all sorts of gear inside when fat biking in the winter. Water and dirt have yet to permeate the heavy-duty fabric or roll-top closure, and giving the panniers a quick wipe down is as simple as it gets.
- Weight: 695 grams (24.5 oz)
- Price: $85
- Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$150
Stealth Mountain Panniers
- Type: Small Panniers
- Attachment: Velcro Straps
- Volume (each): 8L
- Fabric: Cordura
CloseHandmade to order in New Zealand, the Stealth Mountain Panniers are smaller than traditional panniers and designed to handle the rigors of mountain biking and bikepacking. The Mountain Panniers attach to most racks using a rattle-free velcro mounting system, with an additional lower cam lock buckle to keep things in place. They are sold as a pair, providing up to 16 liters of storage for when some extra packing space is needed.
Simple, compact, and tough were the first words that came to mind when I got the Stealth Mountain Panniers. The bags are made from a single stitched layer of 500d Cordura with a hard plastic sheet backing on the inside/back held in place with two integrated Cordura sleeves. The back panel and bottom are made from 1000d and they have two laser-cut Cordura attachment panels stitched into the back. Each pannier is about 3″ (7.6cm) deep at the seam and the 10″ wide by x 8″ high (25 x 20cm) plastic stiffener gives the bag its shape and size. That said, the long roll-top provides the bag a generous 18.5″ (47cm) overall height for expandability. The roll-top is held in place with a single 1.5″ (4cm) webbing strap and there are two velcro straps on the back that attach to the rack tubing with an additional moveable strap on the bottom to secure at the foot of the rack.
Aside from the minimal velcro straps, one thing that sets the Stealth Mountain Panniers apart is the five-position strap at the bottom. They are one of only a couple of panniers that can be used with the Tumbleweed T-Rack, which doesn’t have a horizontal lower tube for panniers. I was able to wrap the cord around the bottom of the vertical tube that makes the ascender in the “T” and it worked like a charm. I’ve only used these bags a couple of times so far, but I really like them. They can store all kinds of random bike-glamping accessories for a posh overnighter, and they’d be great for a longer tour where lots of food and extra supplies are necessary. They aren’t too terribly heavy, either. This pair weighs about 688 grams in total. My only concern would be the durability of the velcro rail straps over time when used with heavier items, but they seem pretty reliable so far.
Tested by Logan
- Weight: 344 grams (12.1 oz)
- Price: $150 (Sold as a pair)
- Place of Manufacture: New Zealand
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$320
Swift Industries Cascade Jr. Ranger Pannier Set
- Type: Small Panniers
- Attachment: Metal clip and Hook (Arkel Cam-Lock Hardware upgrade available)
- Volume (each): 10
- Fabric: X-pac
CloseWe gave the Hinterlands a thorough test back in 2016 and came to the conclusion whilst these panniers aren’t as light as some, they’re extremely well built and far more secure than we were expecting. Swift’s Jr. Ranger Panniers have certainly stood up well to the various rigours of the road, both on and off the bike. In terms of pricing, they’re certainly not cheap – but over the months, I’ve found myself increasingly won over by their practicality, build quality, and handmade good looks.
Although there’s a definite appeal to a fully waterproof setup, there are also advantages to be had in materials that can be easily repaired, wherever you find yourself in the world. By a similar token, the simple hook and cord system comes bereft of the need to carry spare parts and proved to have an exceptionally strong grip on the rails in all conditions. Given the backcountry terrain many of us favour, we’d like to have seen a rear pocket with a more secure closure. But apart from that, we’ve been extremely happy with how the Juniors have fared. With their external zip pocket, carrying handle, rear pocket, and easy on-and-off attachment, they’re a good option for commuting, too.
Dimensions are 25.5 × 33 × 10cm (10 × 13 × 4″). Swift claims a 20L capacity for the set, but having loaded them up, we think it’s a good deal more (at least if you don’t roll them down a few times). And, they’ve proved largely water-resistant as well. Note that the non-Hinterland edition is heavier and cheaper. Mounting hook spacing is 7″ outside to outside.
Swift now allows customers the option of selecting Arkel hardware as an upgrade to the standard Swift hooks and bungee cord. The upcharge is $55, with an additional 425g added to a pair of panniers. Arkel hardware doesn’t rely on compression to hold the panniers in place. And from our experience, it’s robust, resists any temptation to slide, and sticks like super glue over rough terrain. But, as you can see, this comes at a weight penalty, making them of less interest to bikepackers.
Tested by Cass
- Weight: 750 grams (26.5 oz)
- Price: $320
- Place of Manufacture: USA
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$80
Tailfin Mini Panniers
- Type: Mini Panniers
- Attachment: Rack Hooks
- Volume (each): 5/10L
- Fabric: Hypalon/Ripstop Nylon
CloseThe 5 and 10L Tailfin Mini Panniers are the baby brothers to the original 22L version, designed for use with their Tailfin rack but also compatible with other brand’s front and rear racks using the included spacers. As you’d expect from Tailfin, they’re completely waterproof and are ruggedly made from welded Hypalon and ripstop. Both also feature an internal, CNC machined, 6061-T6 aluminum subframe that gives them structure. Check out Cass’ detailed review here.
- Weight: 310 grams (10.9 oz)
- Price: $80 (5L)
- Place of Manufacture: China
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$275
Alpine Luddites HAB Panniers
- Type: Small Panniers
- Attachment: Velcro Straps
- Volume (each): 7-9L
- Fabric: X-Pac
CloseHandmade by Alpine Luddites, the HAB (Hike-A-Bike) Panniers are designed specifically with bikepacking in mind. The entire bag is made from Dimension Polyant VX51 Cordura-faced fabric that’s both waterproof and incredibly durable, and the backside of the pannier is stiffened with high-density closed-cell foam. The bag is accessed via an extra-long roll-top closure and it attaches to the rack with two burly velcro straps and a lower webbing strap. There are compression straps on each side of the pannier. They provide 14-18L as a pair.
- Weight: 567 grams (20 oz)
- Price: $275
- Place of Manufacture: USA
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$275
Alpine Luddites Micro Pannier
- Type: Mini Panniers
- Attachment: Velcro Straps
- Volume (Each): 6L
- Fabric: X-Pac
CloseMade by Alpine Luddites, the Micro Pannier is a small, waterproof pannier that works on both front and rear racks. They use a simple velcro attachment system, a built-in polyethylene back panel for stiffness, and the lower attachment point is replaceable. There is also 3M reflective tape on the front and rear of the bags for added visibility.
- Weight: 580 grams (20.5 oz)
- Price: $275
- Place of Manufacture: Vermont, USA
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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£34.99
AlpKit Toliari 12 Clipless Panniers
- Type: Mini Panniers
- Attachment: webbing/straps
- Volume (each): 12
- Fabric: 400D TPU coated nylon waterproof fabric
CloseAlpkit has a number of panniers in their Toliari series: a 12, 20, and 30. The 12 is probably the best option for this Index. All the models are available in both a clip and clipless version. The clipless version has versatile webbing ladders that permit a multitude of attachment options, be it on a front or rear rack. The Toliari clipped version features adjustable clips and a large top handle, making them more convenient to mount and remove when you take a pit stop.
Key features listed by Alpkit include a three-year Alpine Bond and waterproof fabric with a roll-top closure. Price-wise, they come in at a very affordable £34.99 each.
- Weight: 645 grams (22.8 oz)
- Price: £34.99
- Place of Manufacture: China
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$130
Brooks Norfolk Panniers
- Type: Small Panniers
- Attachment: RACK HOOKS
- Volume (Each): 13L
- Fabric: Nylon
CloseThe Brooks Norfolk Front Pannier is the perfect complement to their larger Suffolk Rear Pannier. It’s made from a soft nylon fabric with a waterproof polyurethane coating, vegetable-tanned leather, a roll-top closure, and the QL2 attachment system from Ortlieb.
- Weight: 800 grams (28.2 oz)
- Price: $130
- Place of Manufacture: China
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$135
Brooks Scape Small Pannier
- Type: Small Panniers
- Attachment: Rack Hooks
- Volume (Each): 13L
- Fabric: Welded/Waterproof
CloseThe Brooks Scape Small Pannier is a waterproof pannier made with a roll-top closure and welded weatherproof details. The Small Pannier is designed to be used on a front or rear rack. Check out our original press release here.
- Weight: 630 grams (22.2 oz)
- Price: $135
- Place of Manufacture: China
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$295
Buckhorn Bags Panniers
- Type: Small Panniers
- Attachment: Voile Straps / Buckles
- Volume (Each): 13L
- Fabric: Waxed Duck Cloth
CloseThe Buckhorn Bags Panniers are constructed from US-made #10 waxed duck cloth, lined with a custom natural white ripstop laminate fabric, and all attachment points are made from hard wearing Hypalon. The panniers ship with Voile Nano straps for attaching to the top of the rack and cam straps for the lower attachment points. There is a closed cell foam back panel to help give the panniers shape and pad the contents, and a simple roll-top closure with side-release buckles is used to access the main compartment. They provide between 9 and 13L of storage, which hits a sweet spot that is comparable to some of our other favourite micro panniers. Although the panniers will likely fit most racks, including the Tumbleweed T-Rack, Buckhorn suggests traditional racks with two legs will work best. They are offered in three colors: Olive Drab, Field Tan, and Black.
- Weight: 793 grams (28 oz)
- Price: $295
- Place of Manufacture: New Mexico, USA
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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€260
Dyed in the Wool Panniers
- Type: Small Panniers
- Attachment: Rack Hooks
- Volume (Each): 13L +
- Fabric: X-Pac, Dyneema, Cordura
CloseHandmade in Poland, the Dyed in the Wool Panniers are one of the larger options in this index, but still fit the bill at 13L when packed, with room to expand with the top closure rolled up. They use a quick-release rack hook attachment, a simple roll-top closure, and the exterior of the bag is finished with MOLLE webbing for attaching lights or other dangly bits. Each pack has a 1000D base for durability, a 4mm HDPE back, and a waterproof Oxford fabric liner. Although the panniers are made from waterproof materials, the construction is not 100% waterproof so some items should be stored in a dry bag when needed.
- Price: €260 (Cordura)
- Place of Manufacture: Poland
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$90
Mountain Laurel Designs Ultra Poco Panniers
- Type: Mini Panniers
- Attachment: Webbing Straps
- Volume (each): 9L
- Fabric: EcoPak ULTRA 200
CloseAccording to MLD, the Poco Panniers were designed to be tough and simple as possible while still being super functional. They use a roll-top closure, two lengths of Hypalon daisy chain along the top and bottom for lashing to your favourite rack, and are finished using a seam sealing method that creates a waterproof design with stronger seams.
- Weight: 139 grams (4.9 oz)
- Price: $90 (single pannier)
- Place of Manufacture: USA
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$180
Ortlieb Gravel-Pack Panniers
- Type: Front or small rear panniers
- Attachment: Small Panniers
- Volume (each): 12.5L
- Fabric: Welded/waterproof
CloseThe Ortlieb Gravel-Pack panniers are a little different from other front panniers Ortlieb offers. They are made from the same lightweight, abrasion-resistant PSR21 material used on the Handlebar-Pack, Seat-Pack, and newer additions to the bikepacking line-up. This makes them about 280 grams lighter than the popular Sport Roller front panniers. In addition, each is equipped with two — as opposed to one — stabilizer hooks for securing to the rack on rough trails and rugged dirt roads. These features make them a little more appropriate for unpaved and bumpy surfaces, and shaving a little weight is always welcome in the bikepacking sphere. A few years back, Gin ended up using a pair of Ortlieb’s Sport Roller front panniers on a rear rack during our trip through Africa. All in all, they held up well. But after some bushwhacking and a lot of rough roads, they did get a little beat up, so the abrasion-resistant material is a welcome addition.
All features and build quality considered, the Ortlieb Gravel-Pack seems like a pretty good option for scenarios where extra space is needed, or when a seat pack isn’t in the cards. And if you’re into the idea of front-loading, which is what Ortlieb designed them for, I presume these could work well in that application too. The pannier pair has 25 liters of volume and features the somewhat new and beefier QL2.1 mounting hook system. These are the nicest pannier mounts I’ve seen, plus you can remove each pannier with one hand via the quick-release handle strap. Double stabilizer hooks are nothing new as folks have been adding an extra on their front panniers for a while, but it’s nice that Ortlieb included it, and the additional support does help on rough tracks. Each bag also has a stiff plastic backing to help it stay true. Like other bags in their lineup, the Gravel-Pack panniers are RF-welded and fully waterproof.
- Weight: 1.16 kg (2.56 lbs)
- Price: $180 (pair)
- Place of Manufacture: Germany
- We highly encourage you to buy from a local shop when possible, but if you're going to buy online, you can use our affiliate links. We'll get a very small kickback that will help support this site. Available at: REI
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$72
RAL EX Loader
- Type: Small Panniers
- Attachment: Metal Clip and Hook
- Volume (Each): 11L
- Fabric: Cordura
CloseThe RAL EX Loader is designed to be versatile enough for hard rides as well as everyday life. The main compartment opens with a large zipper opening like a daypack, a carry handle makes it easy to take off the bike and walk around with, and the oversized exterior mesh pocket is great for stuffing in some last-minute items or an extra layer.
- Price: $72
- Place of Manufacture: California, USA
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$120
Restrap Pannier
- Type: Small Panniers
- Attachment: Rack Hooks
- Volume (each): 13L
- Fabric: PU
CloseResrap’s take on the classic pannier comes in 13L and 22L sizes and is based around a simple roll-top closure. The mounting system is fully adjustable, suitable for 10-16mm rails, and reflective detailing increase visibility while on the road. The panniers are handmade in Yorkshire, available in black or olive, and are made from vegan-friendly PU.
- Weight: 710 grams (25 oz)
- Price: $120 (Small)
- Place of Manufacture: UK
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$180
Roadrunner Anywhere Bikepacking Panniers
- Type: Small Panniers
- Attachment: Voile Straps
- Volume (each): 17.25L
- Fabric: Cordura
CloseInspired by their Jammer handlebar bag, the new Roadrunner Anywhere Bikepacking Panniers are based around a large roll-top closure, internal stiffeners and Voile strap attachment, and a durable 1000-denier Cordura outer fabric. Just like the Jammer, the Anywhere Bikepacking Panniers use their C.W.S. (Closure Webbing System) for a four-point compression to create a tight setup that eliminates any wobble or sway. The C.W.S. is achieved by looping the compression straps from the front of the pannier to the rack and down to the bottom of the pannier again.
There are two attachment points along the upper stiffener where two Voile Nano Straps secure the pannier to your rack and a vertical length of daisy chain along the back of the pannier provides an attachment point for a third strap. The exterior of the bag is made from a hard-wearing 1000-denier Cordura, the interior is lined with 420-denier ripstop nylon, and the bag is finished with Roadrunner’s proprietary seam taping, giving it a high level of waterproofness. Aside from the main compartment there is a smaller velcro pocket on the front for quick-access items.
- Weight: 850 grams (30 oz)
- Price: $180 (single pannier)
- Place of Manufacture: USA
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$150
San Util Lightweight Panniers
- Type: Small Panniers
- Attachment: Voile Straps
- Volume (each): 7.5-12L
- Fabric: X-Pac / Cordura
CloseThe San Util Designs Lightweight Panniers are designed to be simple, durable, lightweight, and customizeable. They utilize a horizontal daisy chain uses 2 Voile Straps to attach the bag to almost any rack. The vertial daisy chain helps to hold the bag in place over rough terrian. The bags are overstuffable to roughly 12L and can be carried off the bike with a shoulder strap.
- Price: $150
- Place of Manufacture: Colorado, USA
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$90
Sturdy Minne Panniers
- Type: Small Panniers
- Attachment: Velcro Straps
- Volume (each): 3.5L
- Fabric: Cordura
CloseMade to order in Minnesota, the Sturdy Minne Panniers are based around a slim triangular shape that’s perfect for short trips or everyday essentials. They attach to a rack using two velcro straps at the top and an additional at the bottom, and a webbing compression strap. The main compartment is accessed via a waterproof zipper and the backs and sides of the pannier are made of black 1680 denier ballistic canvas. There is closed cell foam throughout for padding, and a plastic stiffener inside of the back panel. Sturdy offers a wide range of colour/fabric options for the front panel of the bag. For something a bit bigger, the Sturdy Standard Pannier offers more capacity and Arkel Cam Lock hardware for easy on/off.
- Weight: 260 grams (9.2 oz)
- Price: $90
- Place of Manufacture: USA
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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$200
Swift Industries Sonora Pannier
- Type: Small Panniers
- Attachment: METAL CLIP AND HOOK
- Volume (each): 13L
- Fabric: X-Pac / Cordura
CloseEqually suitable for touring as it is for city life and commuting, the Swift Industries Sonora Pannier features a tall, slender profile that keeps the weight close to the bike. It has a main top flap/drawstring closure, a small zippered pocket on top, and side pockets for quick-access items. The Coyote and Black colours are made from X-Pac, while the Old Navy version is constructed from Cordura.
- Weight: 816 grams (28.8 oz)
- Price: $200
- Place of Manufacture: USA
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
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€116
Vaude Front Light Pannier
- Type : Small pannier
- Attachment system: QMR 2.0 attachment system
- Volume (each): 15 (each)
- Fabric: 2D-welded canvas
CloseSold as a pair, Vaude’s Aqua Front Light pannier is pared down to the basics. According to Vaude, the welded canvas is thinner but no less robust than the heavier bags of the Aqua series. Instead of an elaborate compression system, a cargo net is used for quick access to your jacket, an extra shirt, or other clothing items you’ll need on the ride. The Aqua Front Light is not only aimed for bikepacking adventures and demanding bike trips, but — in combination with its shoulder strap — day-to-day commuters too. The Aqua Light pannier is manufactured in Germany without the use of PVC in accordance with the Greenshape 2.0 criteria.
There’s an inside pocket, reflective logo, and Vaude’s lockable QMR 2.0 attachment system. Size: 15 x 31 x 34 cm.
- Weight: 450 grams (15.9 oz)
- Price: €116
- Place of Manufacture: China
- Manufacturer's Details: Link
Parting Thoughts
Yes, we know bikepacking is all about ditching racks and streamlining your setup. And that certainly remains the goal, as your bike will undoubtedly handle better on singletrack. But although we all aspire to carry less – because a lighter bike opens up more possibilities in terms of the terrain we can ride, and how much we enjoy ourselves – small, rattle-free panniers can make a very useful addition to a bikepacker’s suite of gear.
Shorter riders or those embarking on winter trip, family journeys, or long-distance bikepacking trips can discover the benefit of smaller-than-average mini panniers and a rack in increasing storage capacity. Ultimately, this hybrid approach will likely suit many, taking the away the complications of precision packing, without succumbing to the “everything-but-the-kitchen-sink” approach to bike touring.
And, as with all of our Gear Indexes, if you have other small or mini panniers you think should be in this list and fit our criteria, leave us a comment below. Thanks!
