Panniers carry luggage beside the wheels, taking it off your back. The right pair or single bag depends on what you pack and how it attaches, not just the number of litres. This guide compares five researched options and explains the fit checks to make before spending money.
Choose the shape around your belongings
Lay out your ordinary load: laptop sleeve, lunch, clothes or shopping. Check usable dimensions and try packing a candidate bag where possible. Litre capacity does not tell you whether a rigid laptop will fit or whether the closure can shut properly.
Check whether the price is for one pannier or a pair. Compare weather protection and the closing procedure, then think about carrying it off the bike. A bag that works brilliantly on the rack may still be awkward on the walk into work.
Understand the upper hooks
The upper hooks support the bag on the rack rail. Their permitted tube sizes and adjustment vary by mounting system. Some use inserts (spacers inside the hook) to suit narrower rails. Read the exact bag instructions and establish rack compatibility before fitting.
Position the hooks on approved rail sections and engage their catches as directed. Avoid joints or obstructions. A hook that does not seat correctly is a compatibility problem to resolve, not something to overcome by pushing harder.
The lower attachment matters too
The lower hook or restraint limits the bag’s movement towards the wheel. Its position must suit a permitted rack support after the upper hooks are adjusted. Keep straps and loose ends clear of the spokes, tyre, chain and brakes.
Check the complete mounting system rather than lifting the bag and assuming the top hooks are sufficient. If the lower restraint cannot engage, revise the position according to the manual or choose another compatible arrangement.
Test with shoes and a normal load
Pack the bag within the bicycle, rack and bag limits, and wear your usual riding shoes. With the bike safely supported, turn the pedals slowly and watch whether a heel contacts the bag’s front corner. An empty soft bag can hide a bulge that appears when packed.
Check light visibility and wheel clearance, then take a short quiet trial ride after the stationary checks pass. If your shoe catches, use the heel-clearance guide linked below. The product comparison that follows is most useful once you know the required shape and mounting fit.
How we selected: We compared official product specifications, published UK prices where available and practical fit requirements. The selection labels are our assessment of those features. We have not personally tested these products.
Checked 12 October 2026. Prices refer to the named variant or package and can change. They do not guarantee stock or the lowest offer. Unverified UK prices are marked; US prices have not been converted into invented UK offers. These are five options by use, rather than a universal performance ranking. No affiliate links are included.
Compare the five options
| Product | Shortlist for | UK price checked | Key specification |
|---|---|---|---|
| ORTLIEB Back-Roller 20L | General rear-rack carrying | £82–£140 across listed variants | 20L per single bag |
| ORTLIEB Sport-Roller Pair | Smaller bikes and modest loads | £130 for listed black pair | 14.5L each; 29L pair |
| ORTLIEB Velo-Shopper | Groceries and frequent access | £125 per listed bag | 18L; 1100g listed |
| Brooks Scape Large Pannier | Commuting and weekend trips | £125 on listed page | 18–22L; 9kg load limit |
| Topeak Pannier DryBag | Quick removable rack bag | UK price not verified | Current versions: 16L or 24L |
General rear-rack carrying
1. ORTLIEB Back-Roller 20L
£82–£140 across listed variants · 20L per single bag
A 20-litre roll-top is a starting point for a commute or one side of a touring setup. Choose the fabric and Quick-Lock version deliberately; the Back-Roller family includes different mounting systems. Check the exact SKU when comparing discounts.
Why shortlist it: Useful general carrying capacity in a removable bag.
Trade-off: The price range covers variants. A single bag is not a pair; QL3.1 requires the corresponding mounting arrangement.
Official product specifications or approval
Our verdict: Useful everyday capacity and removable mounting; variant pricing and the exact rack attachment need care.
Smaller bikes and modest loads
2. ORTLIEB Sport-Roller Pair
£130 for listed black pair · 14.5L each; 29L pair
The smaller Sport-Roller works with approved lowrider front racks or compatible rear racks. The listed black QL2.1 bag offers 14.5 litres and a 9kg allowance per bag. Smaller dimensions can help with clearance on smaller frames.
Why shortlist it: A matched pair without larger rear-bag bulk.
Trade-off: Check the rack and bike allowances independently; two bag allowances do not establish the permitted bicycle load.
Groceries and frequent access
3. ORTLIEB Velo-Shopper
£125 per listed bag · 18L; 1100g listed
This shopping-oriented bag uses lid-style access and offers 18 litres of space. Compare its opening with a roll-top if you repeatedly reach into it during errands. The listed bag has an IP53 rating.
Why shortlist it: A layout designed around shopping access.
Trade-off: Its own weight counts towards the rack limit. IP53 differs from the roller bags’ IP64 specification.
Commuting and weekend trips
4. Brooks Scape Large Pannier
£125 on listed page · 18–22L; 9kg load limit
The large Scape has adjustable volume, welded construction and an aluminium Klick Fix attachment system. Roll down the opening to suit smaller loads. Brooks specifies IPX4 weather protection and modular attachment points.
Why shortlist it: Variable capacity for light and fuller loads.
Trade-off: Confirm large-size pricing and rack compatibility. IPX4 does not mean the bag can be submerged.
Quick removable rack bag
5. Topeak Pannier DryBag
UK price not verified · Current versions: 16L or 24L
The current page lists 16- and 24-litre bags, a roll-top closure, shoulder strap and Handle Loc mounting system for 8, 10, 12 or 16mm rack tubes. Match the version carefully because older DryBag products differ.
Why shortlist it: Two capacities with off-bike carrying provision.
Trade-off: Check heel, wheel and derailleur clearance. A matching product name is not proof that the mounting hardware fits.
Litres do not establish laptop fit
Measure your laptop in its protective sleeve. Compare the usable opening and internal dimensions, not just external width. A soft 20-litre bag may have enough volume yet an awkward opening for a rigid laptop. Ask a shop to demonstrate your normal load if internal measurements are unavailable.
IP64, IP53 and IPX4 describe different protection tests. Close bags as instructed and protect electronics separately where appropriate. Keep sharp objects away from the fabric and inspect hooks, seams and closures after damage.
Check mounting and the complete load
- Measure upper rack rails and check hook inserts.
- Confirm the lower retaining hook has a suitable fixing position.
- Turn the pedals with the loaded bag fitted to check heel clearance.
- Check the wheel, brake and derailleur remain clear.
- Confirm lights and reflectors remain visible.
Two 4kg loads in two 795g bags total 9.59kg before other rack cargo. Compare that with rack and bicycle limits. Keep heavy items low and secured. Spare volume is not spare weight allowance.
One bag may suit a light commute. A pair is useful when the load needs it, but compare pair prices with pair prices. Remove bags containing valuables when parking.
Browse all buying guides · All practical guides
Check the fit before you buy
Pannier heel clearance: stop your shoes hitting your bags
Check pannier fit on a small bike, adjust the mounting hooks and test loaded bags without compromising wheel clearance.
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