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7 of the Best Waterproof Bike Panniers, 2023 – for Better Bike Commuting and Touring

July 27, 2022 by Average Joe Cyclist Leave a Comment

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Avatarwp-user-avatar wp-user-avatar-96 photoIn this post we compare 7 of the best waterproof bike panniers. We make the comparison quick and easy for you, by including a chart comparing 7 of the best bike panniers. And then we discuss each one in more detail. We also include some videos. This post will help you to decide which waterproof bike panniers would best suit your own needs. Maggie and I have tried many different bike panniers over the years. Between us, we have decades of experience of bike commuting in rainy weather. And also experience of bike touring in diverse conditions. Based on our experience, we have put together this list of 7 of the best waterproof bike panniers.

Chart Comparing the Key Features of 7 of the Best Waterproof Bike Panniers

Pannier:
Best For:
Features:
Best Price on Amazon Right Now:
No. 1: Ibera PakRak All Weather
People who want high quality waterproof panniers for commuting and touringSet of 2 high quality panniers with great storage space. Surprisingly, the low price includes rain covers. These panniers are highly rated for commuting and for touring. Multiple compartments and pockets means you can be super organized. The 3-point interlock system secures the panniers from side swing.Best price on Amazon right now: $99.99
No. 2: Ortlieb Back-Roller Classic
People who want classic, rugged, waterproof panniers with a large capacity for commuting and touringSet of 2 classic, rugged, and waterproof panniers. VERY highly rated by cyclists. Easy to remove from bike, as Quick Lock hooks open automatically when you pull up on the handles. Strap doubles as a shoulder strap. Includes a handy pouch with a zipper to store your laptopUsually under $200. Please check current price on Amazon here
No. 3: Axiom Panniers
People who want basic, totally waterproof panniers with large storage and minimal frillsClassic, wide range of waterproof panniers, usually sold in pairs. Completely waterproof, strong, and very spacious. Most have a very simple design – they are kind of like a large bag, with minimal frills, such as pockets or sub-divisions. Highly visibleBest price on Amazon right now:
$86.94
No. 4: Timbuk2 Tandem
People wanting a versatile set of matching panniers for a budget priceVery versatile set of two panniers. They are highly rated, very affordable, extremely water resistant panniers that convert from panniers on the bike into great-looking shoulder bags or briefcases off the bike. Super easy to get on and off your bikeUsually under $150. Please check current price on Amazon here
No. 5: Axiom Monsoon Aero DLX
People wanting a dual-purpose, good looking, simple pannierSet of two slim-line, slate-gray (or blue) panniers; when carried over shoulder they look like a satchel. Very simple design, with a roll-top closure, and quite deepBest price on Amazon right now: $299.99
No. 6: Two Wheel Gear Backpack Convertible
People who use multiple transport modes and want a stylish pannier that converts quickly into a useful backpack.Can be easily and quickly changed from backpack to pannier and back again. Many handy pockets and a rain cover; super light and compact; safety lock to keep it on the bike; very good looking, with many reflective elements. Very rugged and very long-lastingUsually around $200. Please check current price on Amazon here
No. 7: Two Wheel Gear Garment Pannier
Executives who want premium panniers to keep their work clothes smart, and that double as travel luggageSet of 2 (joined) premium top-of-the-line commuter and touring panniers. Will carry your clothes (without creasing them) from your home to your office - or all over the world, as they are designed to double as carry-on luggage. Many ingenious pockets, and a waterproof cover that can be fitted over in secondsUsually around $200. Please check current price on Amazon here
A great set of bike panniers can help you to travel all over the world. Despite the presence of the Canadian flag, I actually snapped this shot in Mexico
A great set of bike panniers can help you to travel all over the world. Despite the presence of the Canadian flag, I actually snapped this shot in Mexico

Reviews of 7 of the Best Waterproof Bike Panniers

No. 1: Ibera PakRak All Weather Bike Panniers – Our Pick for the Best Waterproof Panniers

7 of the Best Waterproof Bike Panniers. The Ibera Pakrak Panniers ship as a set of two high-capacity panniers, with rain covers included. The picture on the far right shows the rain cover
The Ibera Pakrak Panniers ship as a set of two high-capacity panniers, with rain covers included. The picture on the far right shows the rain cover


This pair of panniers is excellent value for money – two high quality, easy on and off panniers with great storage space. Moreover, the low price includes rain covers. They are highly rated for commuting and for touring. Plus, multiple compartments and pockets means you can be super organized. And they look good too!

Video Showing the Ibera PakRak All Weather Bike Panniers

Here is a great little video that shows how these panniers work.

Related Post: How to Keep Your Feet Warm and Dry for Winter Cycling

No. 2: Ortlieb Back-Roller Classic Rear Panniers – Our Second Choice for Best Waterproof Panniers

7 of the Best Waterproof Bike Panniers. Ortlieb Back-Roller Classic Rear Panniers
Ortlieb Back-Roller Classic Rear Panniers


This set of Ortlieb panniers made no. 2 on our list of 7 of the best bike panniers because it is a classic. Consequently, it has been well loved by many cyclists for many years. They are very highly rated, especially for being rugged, durable, and weather proof. Plastic coating and welded seams combine to make these panniers impervious to rain. In addition, the main compartment has a hermetical roll closure to ensure your stuff stays dry.

It’s a cinch to take these panniers off your bike, as the Quick Lock hooks open automatically when you pull up on the pannier handles. Also, the strap and buckle closures double as shoulder straps, so it is easy to carry these panniers off the bike. Inside is a flat pouch with a zipper to store your laptop.

I have noticed that the majority of bike tourers I meet on the road are using Ortlieb panniers.
I have noticed that the majority of bike tourers I meet on the road are using Ortlieb panniers.

The price includes TWO matching panniers. These are ideal commuting and touring panniers, thanks to capacity, waterproofness, and strength. I have noticed that the majority of bike tourers I meet on the road are using Ortlieb panniers.

7 of the Best Waterproof Bike Panniers. Frances Vernon loves his Ortlieb panniers. In this photo, he records how he used them to bring home flowers to his partner on their anniversary
Frances Vernon loves his Ortlieb panniers. In this photo, he records how he used them to bring home flowers to his partner on their anniversary
7 of the Best Waterproof Bike Panniers. Ortlieb panniers can be seen on the bikes of many people doing long distance bike tours
Ortlieb panniers can be seen on the bikes of many people doing long distance bike tours

Video Showing the Ortlieb Panniers

This video highlights how waterproof and durable these Ortlieb panniers are:

Related Content: Best Waterproof Bike Panniers for Touring and Commuting: Ortlieb Bike Panniers

No. 3: Axiom Panniers – Our 3rd Choice for Best Waterproof Panniers

As we live on the West Coast (aka “the rain forest”), waterproof panniers are very important in our lives. So we are on an ongoing quest to find completely waterproof panniers. We have had good results with Axiom panniers, which are usually sold in pairs for around $100 to $170.

7 of the Best Waterproof Bike Panniers. We use Axiom panniers on all of our bike tours - they are completely waterproof and very spacious. Here they are on my beautiful vintage Bridgestone mountain bike, on a bridge on the Lochside Trail
We use Axiom panniers on all of our bike tours – they are completely waterproof and very spacious. Here they are on my beautiful vintage Bridgestone mountain bike, on a bridge on the Lochside Trail


Axiom panniers come with a variety of model names. All of the names remind you that they are there to protect your stuff from the rain – such as Axiom Typhoon, Axiom Stormfront, and Axiom Tempest (are you sensing a theme here?). The colors and styles change from time to time, but the bottom line is that you get a big, strong, completely waterproof pannier.

Axiom Panniers are Waterproof!

We have transported laptops and cameras inside these panniers in monsoon-like weather without getting a drop of water on them. We almost drowned, but our stuff was just fine! This ability to withstand heavy rain comes from the heavy-weight polyester material of the bag, as well as from the fact that the top flap folds down over the bag for extra protection.

Most Axiom panniers have a very simple design – they are kind of like a large bag. Axiom Panniers are reasonably attractive and highly visible (thanks to lots of reflective details), and are available in black, grey, yellow or red.

7 of the Best Waterproof Bike Panniers. Axiom panniers typically have useful safety features, such as these very visible reflective triangles, which make them very visible from behind. Even in daylight they are reflective. I took this photo on a cycling tour along the wonderful Galloping Goose Trail on Vancouver Island
Axiom panniers typically have highly visible reflective details, such as these reflective triangles, which make them very visible from behind. Even in daylight they are reflective. I took this photo on a cycling tour along the wonderful Galloping Goose Trail on Vancouver Island

Finally, Axiom panniers fit well and easily to any standard bike rack.

7 of the Best Waterproof Bike Panniers. The Axiom Stormfront panniers fit well and easily to any standard bike rack. Here's Maggie on a cycle tour with Axiom Stormfront panniers attached to the rack of her Trek 7.5 FX WSD bike. We bought this bike for a bargain price on Craigslist. Here's a post that tells you how to get a great deal on a used bike on Craigslist
The Axiom Stormfront panniers fit well and easily to any standard bike rack. Here’s Maggie on a cycle tour with Axiom Stormfront panniers attached to the rack of her Trek 7.5 FX WSD bike. We bought this bike for a bargain price on Craigslist. Here’s a post that tells you how to get a great deal on a used bike on Craigslist

You will probably like this post too: 7 of the Best Bike Lights for Night Riding and Commuting

No. 4: Timbuk2 Tandem Pannier Bag – Our Choice for a Stand-Alone Versatile Pannier, rated at fourth on our List of the Best Waterproof Panniers

7 of the best bike panniers. Timbuk2 Tandem Pannier Bags also come in a really nice blue color
Timbuk2 Tandem Pannier Bags also come in a really nice blue color


When I decided to compile a list of 7 of the best bike panniers, I knew immediately that Timbuk2 was going to make the list. The Timbuk2 Tandem Pannier Bags are highly rated, very affordable, extremely water resistant panniers. They perform as saddle bags on the bike and convert into a shoulder bag or briefcase off-bike. These are a budget-priced, versatile set of two panniers. They come with removable shoulder straps so that you can carry the bags in messenger or briefcase style, and fit a 15 inch laptop.

Video about the Timbuk2 Tandem Pannier Bags

This video gives a good overview of these panniers:

The built-in magnets can be clipped together for a slim profile when carried off-bike. All in all, a stylish and convenient pannier system at a very good price.

7 of the Best Bike Panniers. The Timbuk2 Tandem Pannier Bags are highly rated, very affordable, extremely water resistant panniers that perform as saddle bags on the bike and convert into a shoulder bag or briefcase off-bike
The Timbuk2 Tandem Pannier Bags are highly rated, very affordable, extremely water resistant panniers that perform as saddle bags on the bike and convert into a shoulder bag or briefcase off-bike

Timbuk2 was founded in San Francisco 25 years ago by bike messenger Rob Honeycutt. Timbuk2 designs quality bags, packs, and accessories and has become “an industry leader in forward-thinking, sustainable manufacturing.”

Related Content You Might Like: Best Waterproof Bike Panniers for Touring and Commuting: Ortlieb Bike Panniers

When doing a long-distance bike tour, you are going to need a variety of versatile panniers to organize all of your stuff
When doing a long-distance bike tour, you are going to need a variety of versatile panniers to organize all of your stuff

No. 5: Axiom Monsoon Aero DLX Panniers – Our Fifth Choice for the Best Waterproof Bike Panniers

Axiom Monsoon Aero DLX Panniers - good looking panniers for stylish cycling
Axiom Monsoon Aero DLX Panniers – good looking panniers for stylish cycling


I thought I would leave it to a more stylish person than me to highlight the most good-looking option in basic panniers. Note that despite the product picture, this pannier ships as a single pannier, not a set of two panniers. Nonetheless, the late cyclist and blogger Ulrike Rodrigues highly recommends the Axiom Monsoon Aero DLX panniers.

She said: “slim-line, slate-gray Axiom Monsoon Aero DLX panniers, I regularly get compliments on them and when I wear one over my shoulder, it looks like a satchel not a big, goofy pannier. They are a very simple, Ortlieb-style, with a roll-top closure. They are quite deep, so for keys I punched a hole in the rigid plastic liner, threaded a thin chain through it, and then clip my keys to that. No problems whatsoever after 3 years.”

Note: Tragically, the world lost Ulrike way too soon, in January of 2021. If you knew Ulrike, you can pay your respects and read more about her extraordinary life here.

Related Post: Two of the Best Women’s Cycling Jerseys: Pearl Izumi and Sugoi

No. 6: Two Wheel Gear Backpack Convertible Panniers

The Two Wheel Gear Backpack Convertible is ideal for bike commuting. This is because it can be easily and quickly changed from backpack to pannier and back again. It has many handy, clever pockets and a rain cover. The rain cover comes as a standard extra. It is super light and compact, and has a clever little lock to ensure you won’t lose it while speeding down a hill. (I have had that happen with another pannier, and a very kind fellow cyclist chased me down to tell me.) It is rugged and good looking, with many reflective elements. I must say I love the black and red styling.

Also, the Two Wheel Gear pannier sits high on the rack, making it easy to reach my keys, a snack or my phone without dismounting. I have had this backpack convertible pannier for ages, and I use it very hard, and find it to be totally rugged and long-lasting. No signs of wear and tear after years of use!

7 of the Best Bike Panniers. I like how the Two Wheel Gear Pannier Backpack Convertible works for me and my lifestyle, and I like how it looks too. Here it is on the side on my beautiful commuting bike, my Haibike Xduro Pro (see full review of this awesome bike here)
I like how the Two Wheel Gear Pannier Backpack Convertible works for me and my lifestyle, and I like how it looks too. Here it is on the side on my beautiful commuting bike, my Haibike Xduro Pro (see full review of this awesome bike here)



You can read an in-depth review of the Two Wheel Gear Convertible Pannier here.

No. 7: The Two Wheel Gear Classic 2 Garment Panniers – Ideal for Professionals Seeking the Best Waterproof Bike Panniers

7 of the Best Bike Panniers. Maggie's Two Wheel Gear Garment Pannier fits well onto her European design bike. It fits onto standard and not-so-standard bike racks
Maggie’s Two Wheel Gear Garment Pannier fits well onto her European design bike. It fits onto standard and not-so-standard bike racks


I have saved the best pannier for last. The Two Wheel Gear Classic Garment Pannier is pretty much the definitive top-of-the-line commuter and touring pannier. It’s a double pannier that straps over your rack, and will carry your clothes (without creasing them) from your home to your office – or all over the world, as they are designed to double as carry-on luggage and bike touring panniers. It ships with waterproof pannier covers that you can whip out when the clouds look threatening. Maggie and I used these for years, while bike commuting to professional jobs in all kinds of weather.

Video about the Two Wheel Gear Classic Garment Pannier

In this video, the inventor of the Two Wheel Gear Classic Garment Pannier, Reid Helmsig, shows off this great commuting backpack:

I can’t wait to take ours on a bike tour around The Netherlands! (I have the perfect panniers and bike, now I just need the perfect Lotto ticket.) It has just about every clever pocket you can think of, and the waterproof cover comes standard and can be fitted over in seconds.

We have done TWO in-depth reviews of the Two Wheel Gear Garment Pannier. (We liked it so much, we reviewed it twice!) Here’s a review from a woman’s point of view, and here’s a review from a man’s point of view.

See also: 7 Tips for New Bike Commuters

Related Post: Review of Chrome Cycling Shoes – Rugged, Grippy and Waterproof

And don’t miss: Our Top Tips to Keep You Warm and Dry for Fall and Winter Cycling

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Filed Under: Bike Commuting Tips, Bike Pannier Reviews Tagged With: Axiom panniers, Ibera PakRak All Weather Bike Panniers, Ortlieb Back-Roller Classic Rear Panniers, Timbuk2 Tandem Pannier Bag, Two Wheel Gear Backpack Convertible Panniers

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