I have a car but prefer to get around the city by bike as much as possible. I own a pair of Arkel’s grocery bag-style panniers — higher-end versions of the previously reviewed Grocery Bag Panniers — which are great for shopping and commuting by bike, but I found myself wanting the carrying convenience of a backpack, so my hands would be free when I was off my bike. Arkel’s Bug was the best I found in this category. I love this bag primarily because converting it to a very comfortable, functional backpack is as simple as pulling the shoulder straps from underneath a pair of Velcro flaps once I’ve removed the bag from my bike’s rear rack. The padding in the straps is good, and I have to remember to move a metal hook, so it doesn’t stick me in the back, but that’s easy. Carrying capacity is a little smaller than that of the grocery bag panniers, though still sufficient for my needs. Two small mesh pockets along with an easy-access zippered pocket on the Bug’s exterior make stowing and retrieving my water bottle and other frequent-use items a breeze.

Always comes in a set of two panniers Measurements: 15″h”X13″wX6″d (+ roll top closure) Capacity: 23 Liters per bag/ 46 Liters a set Mounting Hook Spacing (outside to outside): 6.25” and 8.25” apart Bag Weight: 3 lbs a bag Black Thread and Trim Swift Industries’ mounting system Interior Organizer Pocket on non-drive side pannier Dee Rings for shoulder strap Adjustable mounting hook placement Backpack Conversion (installed) ** Adventure Tested // Urban Approved I received my Backpack Pannier from Martina last year and have used it for daily commuting and several overnight camping trips. An early tweak was made regarding the rear buckles via email. Martina was responsive and super easy to work with. On the bike, the bag is both functional and pretty. The waxed canvas holds up to as much rain you want to throw its way. Also, when off the bike, the backpack straps are smashing as an everyday bag. I ordered a set of the Roll Top Panniers in waxed canvas about nine months ago.

Since ordering my bags, I have ridden with them through Colorado rain and snow, commuting 18 miles a day. I am planning on using these same bags to ride the Kokopeli Trail from Fruita, Colorado to Moab, Utah. The biggest value to me is supporting a truly unique small business. Swift Industries' ideals are worth standing behind. I will be ordering front panniers very soon. Swift Industries is a beautiful company that makes beautiful bags. This original Swift Industries’ design is our tribute to dedicated urban riders. lejeune backpack tote priceThe Roll Top Pannier’s capacity and water resistance are perfect for daily urban adventures and long-distance bicycle touring alike. trailmaker backpack pricesThe custom Roll Top Panniers are always sold in a set of two panniers!tumi lejeune backpack sale

Each Roll Top and Mini Roll Top Pannier is equipped with four discrete but vital attachment points for our removable Backpack Conversion design. Two adjustable straps, made out of seatbelt webbing for comfort, clip on and off the bag in seconds. The straps stow effortlessly in the front pocket of your panniers and are the perfect solution to clumsy off-bike carry. A closed-cell foam insert cushions the rigid back panel that stiffens the panniers. The most commonly asked question is whether one can feel the pannier hooks on one’s back. The answer is no. Additionally, the wire j-hook that provides counter-tension on our panniers has a specific spot to kick it so it’s out of your way. But please note that the J-Hook can snag on clothing and long hair—it’s worth being mindful when you are taking the backpack pannier off and on.On tour your panniers are probably the most important bit of equipment you have with you, second only to your bicycle. They need to be reliable, durable, large enough to carry your equipment, clothes, sleeping and cooking stuff and everything else you are lugging around with you.

There are quite a few options on the market for solid panniers, but all of them can put into two camps; PVC bags, like Ortlieb classic panniers and fabric bags like the Arkel GT-54. For me, I have had the opportunity to use both style of bags, and the choice was an obvious one; the Arkels were the clear choice. Arkel are a Canadian company founded in 1988 which make their panniers in Canada, which for me is always a big bonus. As a proud Canadian I think that it is well worth supporting a local company, especially since they are making the best touring panniers I have ever used! I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to test the panniers out on our first tour from Portland to San Francisco when a friend lent me a pair (thanks Scott). The numerous compartments, generous main storage area and built to purpose removable tent and toiletries bags made these panniers a joy to ride with. After two weeks I was sold, and when we were preparing for our current tour, I was hesitant to buy a pair, but eventually took the plunge and am so glad that I did!

The bags themselves are unlike most panniers as they are asymmetric, the right and left bags differ greatly in their shape, size and compartments.  They are also BIG; the pair of panniers holds 54 L which is massive compared to a pair of Ortlieb Back Rollers which holds a measly 40L, and on a trip like ours, I am really happy to have the space which the GT-54s provide.  Both panniers have a large main compartment which can be opened up and accessed in their entirety with a pair of heavy duty zippers; a feature Arkel dubbed TFL (total frontal loading). This feature itself makes the Arkels shine in my opinion. Nothing is more frustrating than having to pull all of your gear out of your panniers to get something from the bottom. It’s like unloading a bucket, not fun. With the GT-54s you just unzip, and you are at the bottom of your pannier free to dig around as you please. As mentioned above the panniers differ in their shape and features between the right and left. The right pannier (drive side) has:

The left pannier (non-drive side) has: Having so many compartments that are accessable while the panniers are still attached to the bicycle is amazing. I have my arm and leg warmers and jacket stashed in accessible pockets, as well as tools and a first aid kit on an outside pockets. When I need these items, no digging around, no grabbing the right stuff sack, they are at my fingertips. In addition to the compartments that the panniers tout, the panniers have a few more noteworthy features. They are made with Cordura fabric. If you aren’t familiar with Cordura it is waterproof, extremely strong and when I say extremely strong, I mean you can’t rip it even if you tried. The pannier also has a lightweight aluminium frame internally. Waterproofness is another great feature of the panniers. The main material of the GT-54s is Cordura as mentioned above, which has been treated with a waterproofing finish. There is also an integrated drybag inside the main compartment of the panniers. 

Arkel also sells optional rain covers for the GT-54s, and I think that they are well worth the additional cost. I bought these and they have been extremely effective at keeping things dry, but also are taking the brunt of the abuse from the outside world, which I hope will help to extend the life of the panniers. All and all the panniers have been effective at keeping things dry, most of the time. In serious downpours some items in the external pockets have gotten wet, even with the raincovers on. These were always at the bottom of the pannier where they are especially exposed to splashing from the ground and passing traffic. The mounting system is also unique to Arkel which they have dubbed the ‘Cam-Lock’ system. It is comprised of a solid aluminium rail and hooks with strong plastic cams which swivel and spring tight to any size tubing of a pannier rack fixing the top of the panniers to the rack. (this is a great feature, as with other panniers the mounting system may not lock tight to the tubing and will shake around, rattle and may not be as secure)  

The system also uses a simple hook and bungee to keep the bottom of the pannier tight to the rack. (Brooks of England use the Arkel system on their panniers) All of the elements on the mounting system can be adjusted and maintained with a simple multi tool.  The process of getting the panniers on and off is a breeze, and once they are on, they are on. I have not had a single problem on the trip with a hook coming off or a pannier coming loose; the same cannot be said for my ortliebs. The only area where the Ortliebs outshine the Arkels is not with the panniers themselves, but the integrated system that Ortlieb Back Rollers have with an Ortlieb Rack Pack. Arkel sells a trunk bag which is 15L, which I have not had the pleasure of using, but seems too small for a tour of our length. I created a reversible solution which integrates both the GT-54s and an Ortlieb Rackpack which you can see HERE. Arkel also sells front panniers, the GT-18s, which are meant to compliment the GT-54s, which I would love to test out one day.