Best Bike Touring Panniers: 6 Front and Rear Panniers Compared

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Panniers hang from front and rear racks and carry most of a touring load. The big choice is between waterproof roll-top bags, which keep everything dry but have few pockets, and zippered touring bags with lots of organization that need rain covers in a downpour. The six below include both, in front and rear sizes, from two pannier makers.

Every specification on this page comes from the manufacturer’s own product page, checked on 26 October 2026. We have not used these products ourselves, so the picks are based on published specifications only.

For how to split weight front and rear and what else to pack, see our touring bike bags guide and bike tour packing list.

How we chose these

• Volume and weight per bag published.
• Waterproofing explained: roll-top with a rating, or what needs a rain cover.
• Rack mounting system and rack fit stated.
• Front or rear use recommended by the maker.

Comparison table

ORTLIEB lists weight per bag in ounces on its US site; Arkel lists grams per bag or per pair as shown.

1. ORTLIEB Sport-Roller (pair): for front lowrider racks

ORTLIEB describes the Sport-Roller as its far-travelled classic for lowrider front racks, also usable on a rear rack and on children’s bikes. Each roll-top bag holds 14.5 L, carries up to 19.8 lb and is made of PVC-coated polyester rated IP64. The QL2.1 hooks lock automatically on the rack and release when you lift the handle.

• Inside: main compartment plus a zippered mesh pocket; two large reflectors (ORTLIEB datasheet).
• Warranty: 5 years from first purchase (ORTLIEB).

Pros: compact waterproof front bags; one-handed mounting; 5-year warranty.
Cons: no outside pockets unless you add ORTLIEB’s accessory pockets.

Check the ORTLIEB Sport-Roller (pair) on Amazon

2. ARKEL Dolphin 16L: for a waterproof front bag with an outer pocket

Arkel’s Dolphin 16L is a waterproof pannier of 420D ripstop nylon with a PU coating and taped seams. It has one large waterproof compartment and an elastic exterior front pocket, and Arkel says it suits front or rear racks. Arkel suggests pairing two on the front with two Dolphin 24L bags on the rear for an 80 L system.

• Weight 900 g per bag; Cam-Lock attachment, which Arkel says fits all types of racks and is serviceable (Arkel).

Pros: outer pocket on a waterproof bag; light for its size; front or rear.
Cons: Arkel does not publish a water rating number.

Check the ARKEL Dolphin 16L on Amazon

3. ORTLIEB Back-Roller (pair): for the standard rear waterproof setup

The Back-Roller is ORTLIEB’s classic rear pannier: a 20 L roll-top bag per side in PVC-coated polyester rated IP64, carrying up to 19.8 lb each. The datasheet says its slanted, symmetrical shape leaves enough space for pedalling and lets either bag go on the left or right, and a shoulder strap is included.

• QL2.1 fits rack tubes up to 16 mm, with inserts for 8, 10 and 12 mm; hook rotates in 45° steps (ORTLIEB datasheet).
• Two 3M Scotchlite reflectors.

Pros: waterproof; fits almost any rack; either side; 5-year warranty.
Cons: a single main compartment; outer pockets are extra.

Check the ORTLIEB Back-Roller (pair) on Amazon

4. ARKEL Dolphin 24L: for waterproof rear bags with two compartments

The Dolphin 24L has two waterproof roll-top compartments, an 8 L main pocket and a front pocket of up to 20 L, plus a third space between them, so you can separate heavy gear near the rack from things you need often. Its side mesh pockets take water bottles. Arkel says it can mount on front racks but recommends it for the rear because of its size.

• 420D ripstop nylon with PU coating; fully taped seams; UHMWPE back panel (Arkel).
• Made in Vietnam; Cam-Lock, back panel and assembly in Canada.

Pros: two waterproof compartments; bottle pockets; serviceable parts.
Cons: heavier per bag than the ORTLIEB Back-Roller.

Check the ARKEL Dolphin 24L on Amazon

5. ORTLIEB Back-Roller XL (pair): for long tours and camping gear

The XL holds 35 L per bag and carries up to 27.6 lb each, for fully loaded camping tours. It shares the Back-Roller’s PVC-coated polyester and IP64 rating, and mounts with ORTLIEB’s Quick-Lock2.2 system.

• Warranty: 5 years from first purchase (ORTLIEB).

Pros: largest waterproof bag here; highest load per bag.
Cons: big bags invite overpacking; wide when full.

Check the ORTLIEB Back-Roller XL (pair) on Amazon

6. ARKEL GT-54 Classic: for organization with many pockets

The GT-54 is a zippered touring pannier, hand-sewn in Canada from 1000D Cordura, with full front access to the main compartment, multiple pockets and a removable 22-inch tube pocket that fits a tent or sleeping pad. Arkel is clear that the outer pockets are not waterproof and suggests its rain covers for wet weather.

• Internal aluminum frame (removable) and UHMWPE panel; reflective bands on the rear pocket and sides (Arkel).
• Arkel notes most expedition cyclists load 15 to 20 lb (7 to 9 kg) per bag.

Pros: best organization here; tent pocket; made in Canada.
Cons: heaviest option; needs rain covers to keep pockets dry.

Check the ARKEL GT-54 Classic on Amazon

Which one fits you

Practical tips

• Arkel suggests packing bigger, heavier items in the compartment closest to the rack.
• Check your rack’s tube diameter against the mounting system before you buy.
• See bikepacking and camping gear basics for what to carry.

Sources

Specifications from each manufacturer’s product page, checked 26 October 2026: ORTLIEB Sport-Roller (pair), ARKEL Dolphin 16L, ORTLIEB Back-Roller (pair), ARKEL Dolphin 24L, ORTLIEB Back-Roller XL (pair), ARKEL GT-54 Classic. Makers can change specifications; check the product page before you buy.