Messenger Bags, Panniers, Baskets, Racks Etc..

Your guide to gear that carries stuff

The Europeans have been into commuting and touring like forever. Their products are usually more innovative, attractive and user friendly but can be costly.

The Candians are really into touring, the outdoors and "Eh". Their products are often rugged and geared towards heavy use touring.

The Americans are into fast food, TV and driving to indoor gyms...if we can even get off the couch. Our products are sometimes inspired to outright boring and unimaginative... but much progress is being made!

Special Considerations: Beginners try something reasonably priced and functional. We've tried a variety of panniers, baskets, racks, rack pacs etc., and some didn't last long, and others didn't work out at all. Sometimes the right fit takes some experimenting. Many of the more expensive products can last a lifetime in comparison to cheaper items that need replacement every year.

Ask yourself: Does it need to be weatherproof? Is it easy and comfortable to carry around if you have to? Does it attach easily and securely? Easy to remove? What are the weight limits on both the bags and racks? Two heavy grocery bags on either side can easily exceed 30 lb. total.

Links to the Gear: Browse the links to get an idea of what might "float your boat". Many of the international items can be ordered in the USA. We have mainly provided links to the actual manufacturers so you can see all that they have to offer (their websites should direct you to dealers near you). We have some links to retailers as well.

Angel Tech >>
Panniers for recumbents... sells recumbents too (USA)

Arkel >>
Panniers, Bags, racks... sporty and colors to choose from (CAN)

Axiom Gear >>
Sporty Panniers, a grocery bag and heavy duty rack (CAN)

Bike Pro >>
Panniers and bags (CAN)

BirdLand : Touring >>
Custom made Panniers for long haul rides (Swiss)

Breezer Bikes : Commuter >>
Fuctional grocery pannier, basket and rack box... costly and dull gray color (USA)

Brule Mountain Gear : Touring >>
Panniers that can turn into backpacs... for major touring (CAN)

Bruce Gorden : Touring/Commuting >>
Sporty panniers, racks, bikes for touring...some nice features on the bags (USA)

BushWacker : Touring/Commuting >>
From seat wedges, hydration packs, to panniers. Large selection. (USA)

Cannondale : Commuting >>
Pannier, rack box, seat bag... Plain and almost boring but has a kind of cop/special forces appeal (USA)

Carrdice >>
Panniers and bags from sporty to sexy old school... check our "Originals" (UK)

Cobbworks : Touring/Commuting >>
A Plastic bucket w/hooks...but wait it's much more... Utilitarian, functional and very DIY cool, but not pretty (USA)

Crosso : Touring >>
Panniers. Rugged and nice enough looking. (NZ)

Delta : Touring/Commuting >>
Panniers for lite touring. Racks and more. (USA)

Deuter : Touring/Commuting >>
Backpacks, panniers, bags. Attractive in that basic black way. (GER)

Gilles Berthould >>
Panniers and bags of the seriously lusty, fetish and practical sort -- plus etc... (USA)

Jannd : Touring/Commuting >>
Panniers, racks, messenger bags etc...-- all kinds from grocery to camping expiditions (USA)

Ortlieb USA : Touring/Commuting >>
Extensive selection of panniers, bags, and stylish commuting accesories. Sturdy and very well constructed.

Radical Design : Touring/Commuting >>
Handsome recumbent bags (check out the side pannier) also bicycle trailers (UK)

Rivendell : Touring/Commuting >>
Sells old school style Caridice & Gilles Berthoud bags plus racks, etc... (USA)

Two Wheel Gear >>
Garment pannier for wrinkle free work clothes (USA)

Vaude : Touring/Commuting >>
Well constructed panniers and bags with an emphasis on touring, but the panniers are definitely suitable for most urban commuters.

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