If you are a commuter or touring enthusiast, you will agree with us that there are some items you cannot leave behind. Well, this is where a pannier for commuting comes in handy. These specially designed bags are designed to be mounted on the rear rack and their work is to carry your essentials during commutes.
They give you the freedom to cycle comfortably with little worries. Some of the items a pannier for commuting will help you carry are laptops, towels, toiletries, books, keys, water bottles, shoes, and more. They work great and are a handy addition whether you are a serious cyclist or casual commuter. Nevertheless, you should not just buy any you come across.
You need to do a little research by reading reviews and buyer’s guides such as the ones we have here.
Let’s get started.
- Size: Some panniers are large while others are medium. Also, there are small panniers. Although large panniers are likely to have several compartments, they are also likely to get in the way during cycling. That being said, we advise that you choose a pannier according to the size of your bicycle and the rear rack. This means if you have a large rear rack then choosing a large pannier will not be a problem.
- Number of Compartments: You should choose a pannier depending on the number of items you plan to carry. Ideally, a pannier with several compartments will help you organize your items neatly for easy access. Some of the compartments your pannier for commuting should have are a laptop compartment, main compartment, and water bottle slots, among others.
- Waterproofing Material: If possible, you should settle for a pannier made of waterproof fabric. This will give you peace of mind knowing that your items will be safe and secure even during those days you are caught in the rain. What’s more, the material should be sturdy enough to hold up well to daily use.
- Reflective Trim/Logos: You should also make sure your pannier for commuting has enough reflective trims/logos. This is because reflective trims/logos improve visibility, which, in turn, improve safety by making sure that motorists can see you clearly in low–light conditions. Reflective trim/logos will give you confidence when you are cycling in the morning and/or evening knowing that everyone has a clear view of you.
Our article also brings you the top 10 best panniers for commuting reviews in 2021.
Table of Contents
- 10. Two Wheel Gear 2-in-1 Pannier Backpack Plus+
- 9. Ibera Bike Pannier Bag (Pair) – Preferred
- 8. Two Wheel Gear Classic 2.0 Garment Pannier – Preferred
- 7. Venzo 600D Bike Bicycle Rear Rack Pannier Bag
- 6. Two Wheel Gear 2-in-1 Pannier Convertible Backpack – Preferred
- 5. Ortlieb Back-Roller City Rear Pannier
- 4. Roswheel 14892 3 in 1 Touring Cam Pannier
- 3. Ibera Bicycle Bag PakRak Clip-On Quick-Release Bike Panniers – Preferred
- 2. BV Bike Panniers Bags (Pair) with All Weather Rain Covers
- 1. BV Bike Bag Bicycle Panniers
10. Two Wheel Gear 2-in-1 Pannier Backpack Plus+
The Two Wheel Gear 2-in-1 Large Pannier for Commuting will help you commute comfortably without being bothered by sweat. It will attach to your bike when you are commuting and quickly convert to a professional backpack when you are on foot. It attaches to standard bike racks that measure 6 – 16mm. What’s more, it secures quickly with a red centre spring lock. The pannier backpack will let you store all your essential items. It has a 15.6” laptop pocket, internal mesh zip pockets, and more.
| PROS | CONS |
| Attaches easily and securely to a bike | Could have more reflective surfaces and places to put flashing lights |
| Has a large capacity | |
| Customer service is great | |
| Comfortable to wear as a backpack | |
| Buy on Amazon | More Information |
9. Ibera Bike Pannier Bag (Pair) – Preferred
These pannier bags will keep your belongings safe and secure from all kinds of weather. They are made of top-notch waterproof materials that will not let water reach and mess up your belongings. The panniers also have a smart quick release/clip-on system that will let you easily attach and detach them from your bike. They are stylish bags with multiple compartments. Well, these compartments include extra-large reinforced center compartments, one internal zippered pocket, and one waterproof external zippered pocket.
| PROS | CONS |
| Lightweight yet sturdy enough to stand the test of time | Bags do not have a shoulder strap, but this does not greatly affect performance |
| Easy to attach and detach | |
| The seller provides stellar service | |
| Bags stay on the rack even during the bumpiest rides | |
| Buy on Amazon | More Information |
8. Two Wheel Gear Classic 2.0 Garment Pannier – Preferred
The best pannier bag is one of that is versatile and durable. That being said, we are confident that this garment pannier by Two Wheel Gear is one of the best brands. It is ideal for travel, outdoors, urban, work, commuting, campus, etc. It is made of 600D TPE coated polyester plus it has a rain cover for maximum protection. Furthermore, this pannier boasts a large capacity of 55 liters. It has a 15” laptop pocket as well as featuring rooms to store toiletries, accessories, tools, work files, shoes, towels, and more.
| PROS | CONS |
| Water-resistant and great for commuters | The main compartment is not the largest |
| Connects securely on the rack | |
| Reflective coatings on the back and sides improve visibility | |
| Holds a lot of items | |
| Buy on Amazon | More Information |
7. Venzo 600D Bike Bicycle Rear Rack Pannier Bag
Not so many manufacturers back their panniers for commuting with a warranty. That’s why we are happy to note that the Venzo 600D Bike Bicycle Rear Rack Pannier Bag is backed by a 1-year warranty. The warranty will give you peace of mind knowing that you will not have to own a defective bag. The pannier bag is made in Taiwan with quality materials in the 100-percent 600-denier coating. Moreover, it has a quick-release attachment system for easy on and off.
| PROS | CONS |
| The bottom is almost as spacious as the top | Could be more durable |
| The closing mechanism works great without sacrificing volume | |
| The price is excellent | |
| The fabric is waterproof | |
| Buy on Amazon | More Information |
6. Two Wheel Gear 2-in-1 Pannier Convertible Backpack – Preferred
This 2-in-1 convertible backpack is designed by Two Wheel Gear to give you flexibility when commuting on a two-wheel bike. It is 2-in-1 in the sense that it attaches securely to a bike’s rack and converts into a backpack when you are walking on foot. It has a 22-litre capacity, which although is not the biggest, is roomy enough to carry all your essentials. Furthermore, the backpack is made of 600-denier polyester for solid performance.
| PROS | CONS |
| Functional and stylish enough to be used for various applications | Zippers don’t close as smoothly as expected. They are durable though |
| Holds laptops really well | |
| The side pockets are great for water bottles | |
| The elastic is tight and works well | |
| Buy on Amazon | More Information |
5. Ortlieb Back-Roller City Rear Pannier
Ortlieb is proud to bring you the best bicycle pannier rack. The rear pannier has great features to ensure maximum satisfaction. It has a PVC-coated polyester fabric that offers waterproof protection. It also has an edge protector that features slots. Another stunning feature is the lateral 3M Scotchlite reflector that is on both sides and improves visibility. The rear pannier is available in a variety of colors, including white, red, and black.
| PROS | CONS |
| The attachment method is secure | The price is a bit on the higher side |
| The material is tough and well assembled | |
| Holds quite a lot | |
| The seams are permanent and watertight | |
| The quick-release handle works great | |
| Works with different bike racks | |
| Buy on Amazon | More Information |
4. Roswheel 14892 3 in 1 Touring Cam Pannier
Roswheel offers a 1-year warranty, which protects the pannier from defects in workmanship and materials. Besides, the pannier is made of 1000D reinforce polyester that has a PU coating and is water-resistant. In other words, the polyester is solid and durable. The pannier also features a large capacity of up to 37 liters or 10 gallons. Plus it has an angled design that prevents it from getting in the way while pedaling. Other features of this pannier are reflective handle and 2-side large reflective logos that improve visibility in a low-light environment.
| PROS | CONS |
| The stitching is well done | The design could be better |
| Has a good capacity | |
| Easy to mount and dismount | |
| The fabric is durable | |
| Buy on Amazon | More Information |
3. Ibera Bicycle Bag PakRak Clip-On Quick-Release Bike Panniers – Preferred
One thing that makes the Ibera Bicycle Bag PakRak Bike Panniers impressive is the high compatibility. The panniers work with Ibera PakRak Carrier Plus+ as well as non-Ibera carriers. Another thing we like about these panniers is that they feature a stylish design and are equipped with multiple compartments. They have 2 large inside pockets as well as a top zippered pocket. The panniers also have a 3-point interlock that further secures them from side swing.
| PROS | CONS |
| The panniers are roomy enough to hold lots of items | Panniers do not have back straps |
| Reasonably priced for the quality | |
| They snap quickly and securely | |
| They can hold a full-size laptop | |
| Easy to carry by the handles | |
| Buy on Amazon | More Information |
2. BV Bike Panniers Bags (Pair) with All Weather Rain Covers
BV is known for creating innovative equipment for commuting, recreational, and touring cyclists. Going by that, it is safe to say that these bags are the best commuter panniers you have ever seen. They have a 14L capacity per pannier to provide you with adequate room to store all your essentials. In addition, these pannier bags are compatible with most bikes. Plus they have a built-in all-weather rain cover in the hidden compartment that comes in handy should the rain catch up with you.
| PROS | CONS |
| Pannier bags arrive very well packaged | Not entirely waterproof |
| They attach to racks very easily and securely | |
| Construction appears to be top quality | |
| They have a zippered pocket at the bottom for storing the rain cover | |
| Buy on Amazon | More Information |
1. BV Bike Bag Bicycle Panniers
Most manufacturers seem to forget to equip their panniers for commuting with enough reflective trims or logos. Fortunately, that cannot be said about BV. Its bag bicycle panniers have 3M Reflective Trim to improve nighttime visibility. They also have a handy carrying handle that makes it easy to take off the panniers from the bike rack for off-road use. Besides, these bicycle panniers have large zippered pockets that provide enough room to keep your essentials.
| PROS | CONS |
| Zippers seem reasonably well made and durable | Not waterproof, but are definitely water-resistant |
| Smaller side pouches are handy for books, tools or a tablet | |
| The price is hard to beat | |
| Easy to mount onto the rear rack | |
| Buy on Amazon | More Information |
Conclusion
Panniers for commuting make the life of commuters insanely easy. They keep everything you will need on the go within easy reach. As such, they make sure you are not inconvenienced in any way. In this piece, we have reviewed some of the best brands in the market to help you narrow down to what will meet each of your needs.
