The best bicycle panniers

We've chosen the Valkental bike pannier as the best in this comparison, as it has many compartments, is secure, and is rain-resistant.

The bicycle is a means of transportation, and as such, it can take us to the office, school, or even shopping. All of this involves carrying belongings, which can easily be carried in a backpack , but which can become heavy or uncomfortable if the load is heavy or the distance is long. The most practical solution to this problem is to use bicycle panniers , which is why at EL PAÍS Escaparate we tested four models to choose the best.

Because there are few differences between models in terms of construction, for this bicycle pannier comparison, we focused on two factors for our selection. First, we had thousands of positive reviews on Amazon, as this gives us a certain level of confidence when making a purchase. Then, we chose two models of independent panniers, as well as two others that came in pairs.

With these features in mind, the four bicycle panniers we selected for this comparison are: Valkental, Büchel, M-Wave, and Dunlop . To evaluate them, we considered the following aspects during our tests:

• Capacity and organization : Since they are designed to transport belongings, interior capacity and organizational compartments have been essential.
• Installation : Saddlebags are an accessory that needs to be put on and taken off constantly, so ease of doing so has been an important aspect to consider.
• Stability : We also evaluated how much movement each pannier has, as this affects the bike's maneuverability.
• Waterproofing : Because rain can strike at any time, it is very important to know how much water the panniers can withstand.
• Practicality : At this point, we have evaluated how easy it is to clean the panniers, as well as to transport them when we park the bike.

The best panniers for your bike

The Vlakental bike pannier was my favorite in this comparison because it meets all the important requirements. It has an elegant design and several compartments to organize everything. It's also easy to assemble and disassemble, and its materials are durable and waterproof.

Without a doubt, what I liked most about the Vlakental bike pannier is the number of compartments inside. In fact, it offers the most storage space in this comparison. Thanks to its layout, I was able to organize my belongings very comfortably and easily. Inside, it also has a divider that prevents items from mixing or bumping into each other, keeping them in good condition.

I was also very impressed with its installation system using adjustable hooks and straps, which allows it to easily adapt to any type of bike, whether urban, mountain, or trekking . It's also compatible with standard-frame racks, making it very versatile. All this means that putting it on or taking it off the bike takes just seconds. The best part is that, once in place, the pannier stays very firm, even with a load and on uneven terrain, without rubbing against the wheel or pedals.

It's also extremely convenient that both the fabric and the seams of this saddlebag are 100% waterproof, allowing you to ride even in the rain. Consequently, there's no need to protect it with an extra cover to keep the interior from getting wet. All of its materials—canvas fabric, taped seams, buckles, and Velcro—feel very sturdy and of good quality, giving me a feeling of great durability.

Finally, the versatility of this pannier has also convinced me greatly. First, because it's very easy to clean, thanks to its polyvinyl chloride fabric, which is highly stain-resistant and only requires a damp cloth to wipe away dust and dirt. It also includes a handle and a strap so you can carry it by hand or over your shoulder when walking without your bike. Of course, it has reflective strips on each side for increased visibility at night.

The best:

• It has several compartments to organize belongings.
• Its installation system is universal and very simple.
• It does not move or rub against the pedals or the wheel.
• The fabric is waterproof and easy to clean.
• Includes a handle and a strap to carry it by hand or on the shoulder.

To improve:

• I have not found any negative features.

In terms of both functionality and practicality, I liked the Büchel bike pannier almost as much as the winning model. However, I did find that with a heavy load, it loses a bit of stability and moves around, especially on uneven terrain.

In terms of internal capacity and organization, I also really liked the Büchel bike pannier. It has a small interior pocket for keys and other small belongings, and the best part is that it can be removed and taken out to customize the fit. It's also made with 100% waterproof polyvinyl chloride fabric, so you don't have to worry about rain while riding.

My main drawback with this pannier is that when you have a significant load inside, it starts to move quite noticeably. This is even more noticeable when riding over uneven terrain, although it certainly doesn't rub against the pedals or the wheel. In any case, I found the hook and strap mounting system to be very easy to use, and it fits on all types of bikes and racks.

I also found it very positive that, if it needs cleaning, simply wipe the fabric with a damp cloth to remove stains and dirt. It has both a handle and a strap so you can carry it in your hand or over your shoulder when you park the bike. It also has reflective elements for increased visibility at night.

The best:

• Good internal organization for objects.
• Waterproof and easy-to-clean fabric.
• Safe and simple installation system.
• Includes a handle and a strap for carrying.

To improve:

• It moves when the load is heavy.

Although the M-Wave bike pannier's internal organization is very convenient, it's less stable than the previous two models and can rub against the pedals and wheel. I'm also disappointed that it's not waterproof or easy to clean.

It's true that, internally, I have no complaints about the M-Wave bike pannier. Not only is it the model with the largest capacity in the comparison, but it also has small pockets on the sides for better organization of personal items. Likewise, its installation system, using straps and Velcro, is very easy to use and is compatible with most bikes and luggage racks.

However, regarding installation, it's important to mention that the pannier must be properly adjusted. Otherwise, it tends to move and rock, which in turn causes it to rub against the pedals and wheel. This is especially true when carrying a heavy load. As if that weren't enough, I also disliked the fact that its fabric isn't 100% waterproof, which would require the use of an external cover in case of heavy rain.

In general, cleaning this saddlebag is simple and simply requires a wipe with a damp cloth. However, it has some creases that, over time, can accumulate dirt and are more difficult to clean. Finally, although it has a handle for carrying it by hand, it does not have a shoulder strap like previous models.

The best:

• Good spaces to organize belongings.
• Quick and easy installation system.
• It has a carrying handle.

To improve:

• It can move and rub against the pedals and wheel if not secured properly.
• It does not resist water in heavy rains.
• It needs a handle to carry it on the shoulder.

While the Dunlop bicycle pannier fulfills its basic function, it's the model I found least attractive in the comparison. It's also not waterproof and doesn't have straps or handles for carrying it.

I can't fault the Dunlop bike pannier for much. Its design features a single main compartment, so there's no way to organize your belongings inside. At the same time, its mounting system seems designed solely for urban bikes, and even then, it's very unstable when riding on bumpy roads or carrying heavy loads.

It's also not completely waterproof, as it only keeps water out in a light drizzle, but it doesn't protect the interior in heavy rain. Meanwhile, the Velcro closures and zippers seemed flimsy and not very durable. Finally, it lacks a handle or strap for carrying it when the bike is parked.

The best:

• I have not found any positive features.

To improve:

• You have no internal organizational spaces.
• It is only compatible with urban bicycles.
• It moves quite a bit with weight or when rolling on uneven terrain.
• It is not completely waterproof.
• It lacks a handle or strap to carry it.

Bicycle panniers are a more than justified investment for cyclists who need to carry items. Essentially, they provide a large carrying capacity, distribute weight efficiently, and free up the rider's back, increasing comfort. They're also indispensable for long trips, urban commutes with shopping, or carrying work gear.

A bicycle pannier is a bag or set of bags designed to attach to a bicycle's front or rear rack. Its primary purpose is to carry luggage safely and securely. They are made from a variety of materials, such as polyester or waterproof canvas, to protect the contents from the elements. The attachment system generally allows for quick and easy installation and removal.

Panniers don't fit all bikes universally, although most models are compatible with bikes that have or can install a rack. Some bikes, such as high-performance road bikes or certain mountain bikes without rack mounts, don't allow for the installation of a traditional rack. However, there are alternative solutions, such as large saddle bags or frame bags, that offer carrying capacity without the need for a rack. It's important to check your bike's compatibility before purchasing panniers.

Riding a bike with panniers isn't difficult, but it does require a short adjustment period. The additional weight, especially if it's poorly distributed, can slightly alter the bike's balance. At first, it's recommended to practice with a light weight to get used to the new feel. It's also crucial to distribute the weight evenly between both panniers to maintain stability.

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*All purchase prices included in this article are current as of June 21, 2025.

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