Bike commuting has its perks. You can enjoy the fresh air and the great outdoors on your way to work, class, or social events, all without paying for gas or vehicle upkeep and reducing your carbon footprint. However, one of the downsides to bike commuting is the limited space, which is why biking gear has advanced to provide you several options for optimizing your space while on the go. One of the most popular biking accessories, bike panniers, are constantly on the up and up, providing everyday bikers and casual riders with plenty of storage options in a multitude and styles and sizes. There are options to fit every budget and organizational preferences, including high capacity bags, weatherproof options, and incredibly stylish vintage remakes, all depending on what you’re looking to get out of your bike panniers. We have chosen our favorites, making sure to provide you with a great variety of quality panniers, so that choosing the best one for you is as easy as pie! Check out the best panniers for bike commuting on the market today:
Ortlieb Back Roller City Panniers
The Ortlieb name carries high expectations in the world of biking accessories, and these bike panniers definitely deliver. Theis solid black pair of panniers is both stylish and functional and include a 3M Scotchlite reflectors on either side for maximum visibility at night. These panniers hold a IPx4 waterproof rating, so you can feel confident that your valuables are protected from most weather situations. The IPx6 dust rating means that the bags are entirely dustproof, offering the highest shield against dusty backlash from the roads as you ride. The material is easy to wipe clean with only a wet cloth, so you can keep your panniers looking crisp and new even after a long off road excursion. These bags are over 16 inches tall by 9 inches wide at the bottom and over 12 inches wide at the top. The 6.7 inch depth of the bag offers you plenty of space for almost anything you need to tow. The top of the line QL1 fixation system makes these panniers easy to attach and detach in an instant.
BV Large Capacity Panniers
These BV panniers are not only sleek and stylish for biking gear, but they have a very attractive price when compared to other models of the same size. These panniers feature an easy mount 3 point connection system that makes them compatible with most bikes and is easy to attach and detach when on the go. The panniers feature multiple compartments for optimal storage options, including easy to access side pouches with secure zippered closures, which makes it simple to access your most frequently used valuables, like your wallet or phone. This bag also features reflective trim which increases you visibility when riding at night, as well as connectors and an optional carry strap that lets you turn your panniers into a shoulder bag when you hop off your bike. These panniers are some of the biggest you can find at such a reasonable price point, offering around 14 Liters of space per pannier.
Ibera Quick Release All Weather Bike Pannier
These panniers by Ibera are great if you frequently use your panniers as your everyday carry bags as well, because they offer a unique and convenient clip-on system. The mounting system requires no straps or hooks, and the panniers can be clipped on and off in a matter of seconds. This Ibera design features multiple compartments which helps you stay organized and access your valuables quickly. Enjoy a top zippered pouch and 2 separating pockets located inside the main compartment. The drawstring pouch is included to help catch overflow for when the main compartment just isn’t enough. These bags include a set of matching elastic bands that hold down buckle straps for a flawless, classic look. These panniers include a rain cover that prevents damage and protects against all weather situations. They hold almost 20 pounds of gear each, so these panniers are a great addition to any daily commute.
Carradice Originals Kendal Pannier
These panniers offer a vintage style that looks great on any bike for any adventure or commute. These panniers have a rigid, box style shaped which helps offer you a maximum capacity of 32 Liters. Carradice’s patented Quick-Clip fixation system helps you easily connect and detach your panniers in a jif, and the detachable carrying strap make these panniers ther perfect option for carrying your valuables on and off your bike. These bags are made from a premium Cotton Duck material that is waterproof waxed and includes a drawcord underneath to help keep all of your possessions dry from all types of weather predicaments. These panniers have one large main compartment as well as a single side compartment with a stylish buckle closure that is perfect for holding your phone, wallet, or even a bottled water. The 3M reflective strip on either side helps increase your bike’s visibility for extra safety when riding at night. These panniers will easily attach to either the front or back of your bike for versatile carrying options.
BV Large Pocket Bike Pannier
Once again BV offers another affordable and stylish options with loads of room for anything you need to carry on your daily bike commute. The panniers are pretty big, offering you 26 Liters of total capacity between the two. Each pannier features one large mouth compartment that is perfect for storing larger cargo. These panniers feature a 3M ScotchLite reflector on each side to increase your safety while riding at night. The panniers have an easy mounting method that includes four shelf straps and two adjustable bungee hooks, as well as a rigid back panels that keeps them secure and stable during your ride, even when packed unevenly. These panniers features a convenient carrying handle on top for use when your not riding, and an angles design that maximizes pedaling space while still offering maximum storage space. These panniers are available in two stylish, neutral colors, including a heather gray textured design and black.
ArcEnCiel Water Resistant Bike Pannier
ArcEnCiel may have created the most versatile pair of panniers. These panniers include up to 37 Liters of space between the two, and a convenient 3-in-1 design that includes 2 side bags and one top bag that are each easily detachable. The large compartments offer skid proof zipper closures that are secure and won;t lock up. These panniers are made from water resistant material and protect your items against almost all weather conditions. The large ArcEnCiel logo is entirely reflective which increases your visibility and safety when riding at night. These bags features an angled design that optimizes foot room for pedaling, so they are never in the way while you’re on the go. The lightweight, wrinkle free design and the included back fender piece keeps these panniers looking new and fresh, no matter how hard you use them. They easily wipe clean with a damp cloth or can be machine washed after on off road adventure.
Blackburn Local Cooler Saddlebags
The panniers by Blackburn are incredibly unique and can be used to compliment any daytime trip, picnic, or grocery store trip. They feature “cooler” style saddle bags that are well insulated and will keep your food and drinks cool. For standard items, simply use them without the ice pack and easily store dry goods or other valuables just as you would with regular panniers. The 210D polyester with a DWR treatment provide weather resistance and protects your valuables from rain and dust while you ride. The large compartments feature a single internal mesh pocket that helps you organize your belongings for easy access. These panniers are compatible with all bikes and bike racks and feature a simple connection system. These two panniers are attached, unlike many singular models, which helps keep them secure and makes them easy to carry and use as your off road cooler.
Bushwhacker Omaha Cycling Grocery Baskets
While Bushwhacker designed these pannier racks specifically for grocery shopping (they both fit one full sized grocery bag at maximum capacity) they are also useful for piling on other valuables for your daily commute as well. This unique and convenient pair of panniers are unlike many others because they are not bags, but instead feature an open top basket design and rigid rectangular structure. The metal box frame is fitted with a mesh liner, which helps these baskets hold quite a bit of cargo. These grocery panniers are easy to attach with the two metal hooks and the extra bungee S hook. These baskets easily fold flat for storage when not in use, so there is no need for the extra bulk when you have nothing to tow. These baskets measure to be 14 inches long but 9 inches wide and 11.5 inches high, so they should hold everything you need for your daily commute.
Walco Movepak 2-in-1 Bike Pannier
These panniers by Walco feature a 2-in-1 design that lets you place the panniers on either side of the bike rack. Thes panniers offer a pretty decent amount of space for most daytime commutes, giving you the opportunity to utilize up to 22 Liters of space between the two. The panniers feature one large main compartment and left and right side pockets, as well as a small zippered mesh pouch in the front for storing the valuables you need quick access to while on a ride. You can also enjoy a rounded mesh pouch with elastic closures that is perfect for holding a bottled water or drink. These panniers have a flip top closure and are made of a blend of materials that help create a water resistance base that helps protect your belongings from most weather situations. The firm binding straps offer an adjustable height that lets you easily attach and detach these panniers from your bike rack.
Arkel Bug Pannier Backpack
This pannier features a unique design that you won’t find anywhere else. This pannier converts from a bike pannier to a wearable, standard sized backpack in only seconds, which makes it great for any commute, including trips to class, work, the park, the gym, and more. The backpack style pannier features a helmet holder flap to secure your helmet when not in use, a U-Lock style storage area that is ultimately secure, several quick access pockets, and a large mouth zippered main compartment. The side mesh pockets will easily hold a drink or other small possessions. All sippers are completely sealed, and the 1000D Cordura fabric helps keep your valuables safe from all weather conditions and water. The Cam-Lock mounting system is incredibly quick and efficient, and mounts in seconds, but wont release until you’re ready, so your pannier is incredibly secure while you’re on the go. This bag is incredibly stylish and features neon green reflective material for extra safety and visibility while riding in low light.
M-Wave Bicycle Pannier
These are basic bike panniers that offer every simple convenience you really need for your daily commute. They have one large main compartment with a zippered closure and flip top with buckles that helps keep your items secure from rain and dust. The 600D nylon material is incredibly durable, tear-proof, and can stand up to most daily wear and tear and all weather conditions. The bags measure in and 13.5 inches long by 7 inches wide and 12 inches deep, so between the pair you should have all the space you need for a day trip or off road excursion. These panniers feature a quick release mounting system that can be secured or detached in only seconds, and helps hold the panniers rigid while riding. The reflective strips help improve your visibility, while the reinforced plastic walls help keep your items safe and prevent the panniers from bumping the bike or the wheels. These panniers are available in a wide range of colors, so it is easy to choose a pair that fit your style.
Brooks England Brick Lane Roll Up Bicycle Panniers
These panniers may be at a slightly higher price point than many others, but they are well worth the price and loaded with plenty of luxurious features. These panniers are handmade in Italy, crafted from the highest quality water resistant materials and accented with real, vegetable tanned leather. These panniers feature an easy attachment system that can be snapped on and off in an instant. These panniers are incredibly unique because they feature a “roll up” design that allows you to roll the empty bags up and secure them when not in use. The top o the panniers features a cross elastic attachment point for fastening other accessories into place. These panniers will work with most bike racks with a width between 10 and 15 cm. The roll up Panniers are self closing and have a medium capacity. The vintage style and convenient storing options make these panniers one of the most popular on the market.