This is a gear review about the Best Waterproof Bike Panniers for Touring 2025.
When traveling by bike, you need to transport your gear without losing your balance or risking your gear getting soaked in the rain. The best way to do this is with a top-quality pair of bike panniers.
Most people prefer waterproof bicycle panniers rather than Bikepacking gear such as Frame Bags, Saddle Bags, or Handlebar Bags. Just make sure you have good quality front bike racks and rear bike racks for your panniers.
Keep reading to find out which ones are the best for you
How We Tested
All the Bicycle Panniers in this review have been extensively evaluated and researched by the expert author who has more than 20 years of experience in Bike Touring and Bikepacking. He has cycled more than 20,000 miles on 4 continents with the panniers in this review. Some of the bags were purchased and rigorously tested by the author in all kinds of weather from extreme cold of the Arctic to extreme heat of the deserts. The research, testing, and experience of the author have combined to come up with the best bike touring panniers for 2025. Read the Review Policy for further details.
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Best Waterproof Bike Panniers For Touring 2025
The Best Waterproof Bike Panniers For Touring 2025 are:
- Ortlieb Back-Roller Classic
- Vaude Aqua Back
- Ortlieb Back-Roller Plus
- Ortlieb Gravel-Pack Panniers
- Ortlieb Sports Roller Classic
- Thule Shield Panniers
Best Waterproof Bike Panniers – Overall
Ortlieb Back-Roller Classic
Pros:
> Fully Waterproof
> Very durable
> Highest Quality
> Repairable if you break something
Cons:
> Expensive but worth it
The Ortlieb Back Roller Classic is hands down one of my favorite brands for a waterproof bicycle pannier. While this pair of touring panniers may seem a little expensive, the price tag covers the entire pair and not just one. I have been using and testing these panniers for more than 10 years and 20,000 miles of bike touring.
The Ortlieb Classic Panniers are much bigger than they look in the photo, with each offering a capacity of 20 liters, so you get a 40-liter total. That’s more than enough to hold all your regular gear, plus quite a lot of extras.
They get their name from the way you close them. Once all your gear is inside, you roll the front and back sides down together towards your bike, then you fold in the sides and secure them together with a snap lock.
This is what makes it so waterproof. There’s no way any rain can get inside. What’s more, the outer fabric has a water resistance rating of IP64, which means that there’s no risk of rain seeping through at all. I’ve used these Ortlieb back roller panniers in heavy tropical rain and I can confirm they are very waterproof panniers.
And you can squeeze your gear in more compactly using the additional strap at the front. And you can easily latch them quickly onto just about any rear pannier rack. Once attached, the pannier bags remain in place and do not slide around. The strap also doubles as a shoulder straps when you are off the bike.
There’s also a mesh pocket that is a small zippered pocket on the inside for your valuables and a deeper pocket underneath. I like to store my computer inside one of the deep pockets. They also have a padded laptop sleeve that you can buy separately if you want extra protection. Although I use a sleeping bag for padding my laptop when bicycle touring.
They can carry a lot of weight inside these panniers without issue. As long as your pannier racks can withstand the extra weight.
It’s available in a choice of 5 colors. And if all that’s not enough, it also comes backed with a very lengthy 5-year warranty.
My personal experience: I was impressed by just how much gear I could fit into the Ortlieb Back Roller Classic panniers. I have found that they are a very waterproof pannier and super durable. I’ve fallen a couple of times and these bicycle panniers have not had any problems.
Overall, the Ortlieb Back Roller Classic are the Best Touring Panniers on the market in 2025.
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Best Bike Panniers – Runner Up
Vaude Aqua Back
Pros:
> Good Waterproof Pannier
> Strong
> Good Quality
> Choice of colors – I like Lava Red and Indian Red
Cons:
> Not as popular as Ortlieb but not sure why, they are great and can be seen in remote areas all around the world
The Vaude Aqua Back waterproof bike panniers have a 24-liter capacity each, giving you a total capacity of 48 liters. This is room enough to hold enough gear for overnight stops, or around-the-world trips, which is perfect if you’re as adventurous as I am.
But if you don’t manage to fill them to the brim, that’s not a problem because they both feature a roll closure system, so you can customize the bag size and seal it well to keep it entirely watertight.
Oh, and when these pannier bags are manufactured, the tarpaulin material is given welded waterproofing, so none of your gear is at risk of getting damp in the rain. What’s more, the material is waterproofed without resorting to the use of harmful fluorocarbons.
It’s available in several color options, my favorite is the lava one.
It’s not what I would call cheap, but I would argue that it’s quite reasonably priced.
My personal experience: I found the Vaude Aqua Back waterproof bike panniers easy to attach to almost any bike rack, thanks to the QMR 2.0 system, and as expected (despite the lower price tag) not a single drop of rain will get into your gear.
Overall, the Vaude Aqua Back are a solid set of waterproof pannier bags for touring bikes or bike commuting.
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Best Rear Pannier for Touring
Ortlieb Back-Roller Plus
Pros:
> Fully Waterproof
> Lighter than some other waterproof panniers
> Highest Quality
> Repairable if you break something
Cons:
> Expensive but worth it
The Ortlieb Back-Roller Plus is very much like the Ortlieb Back Roller Classic, but they are lighter in weight and not as indestructible as the Classics. Unfortunately, these extras do tend to bump up the price, but most cyclists seem to feel it’s worth it for a quality waterproof pannier.
It has the same water resistance rating as the other Ortlieb panniers coming in at IP64, and the same roll closure system. And it’s available in pretty much the same choice of colors. Same as the Classics the Roll Top Strap comes with included shoulder straps that turn your bike panniers into a shoulder bag when you are off the bike.
The key difference with these bicycle panniers, besides the lighter weight, is that they come equipped with the QL2.1 mounting system for all bike racks with tube diameters of up to 16 mm, and it has self-closing hooks, so you never have to worry about the bags being properly secure as you ride.
In addition to being waterproof rear panniers, the fabric is also abrasion resistant, giving you extra durability.
My personal experience: The Ortlieb Back-Roller Plus are great bike panniers. I noticed they were the same size as the Back-Roller Classic (20 liters each), and were just as waterproof, but they were easier to attach to my bike rack.
Overall, the Ortlieb panniers are some of the best rear panniers for bike touring on the market, especially if you want something a little lighter than their other waterproof panniers.
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Best Bikepacking Pannier Bags
Ortlieb Gravel-Pack Panniers
Pros:
> Fully Waterproof
> Almost unbreakable
> Highest Quality
> Good size for Bikepacking, front panniers, or a smaller pannier
Cons:
> Expensive considering that they are smaller but overall not many negative things to say
The Ortlieb Gravel-Pack Panniers offer a capacity of 12.5 liters, which means that your waterproof panniers alone can carry 25 liters worth of gear, not to mention any gear stored elsewhere on your bike.
The Ortlieb Gravel-Pack Panniers make great bikepacking panniers or front panniers for a traditional touring bike setup. Either way, they are one of the best small panniers for bikepacking and touring.
Moreover, these bags have an excellent water resistance rating, coming in at IP64, matching that of the Back-Roller Classic and the Back-Roller Plus, and they also have their famous roll closure. But in comparison to other Ortlieb panniers, these are more affordable bike panniers.
They’re incredibly wear-resistant too, so you don’t have to worry about gravel conditions. They also come with the QL2.1 mounting system and mounting hooks.
My personal experience: I love the matte appearance of these waterproof bike panniers, I just think they look so much smarter than shinier ones. These will be my new waterproof bike panniers to use on the lowrider front bike rack, as I think they are at least equal to the front panniers listed below.
Overall, the Ortlieb Gravel-Pack Panniers are the best waterproof bikepacking panniers for 2025.
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Best Front Panniers
Ortlieb Sports Roller Classic
Pros:
> Waterproof
> Lightweight
> Great front panniers that can also be used as a pair of kids panniers
Cons:
> Small capacity
> Quite wide
The Ortlieb Sports Roller Classic makes the best option for front panniers or as a set of bike panniers for kids bikes.
Like all Ortlieb Panniers, they are waterproof, made to the highest standards, and have a generous 12.5 Liter capacity in each bag.
They have a good mounting system and come in a choice of several colors, including colors that make you very visible.
The front panniers are quite a bit wider than other options such as the gravel pack listed above. And some people may not like how wide they are.
My personal experience: I used and tested the Ortlieb Sports Roller Classic panniers on several bike tours in Europe and Australia. I loved the size, mounting system, and easy access. I liked to use these front panniers for food, cooking gear, tools, and spares. When I carried all this gear they were quite heavy and these panniers were able to withstand everything I could throw at them.
Overall, if you are looking for the best front panniers or the best panniers for kids bikes then look no further than the Ortlieb Sports Roller Classic.
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Best Budget Bike Panniers
Thule Shield Panniers
Pros:
> Waterproof and dustproof
> Highest Quality
> Very strong
Cons:
> Not much but they are not as common as other brands so spare parts may be more difficult to get
> Not a large choice of colors
If you don’t need particularly big panniers, or if you are afraid of stashing gear of different weights in each bag, and struggling with your balance as you ride, then the Thule Shield Panniers might be for you.
What impressed me the most with this particular set of panniers is their water and dust resistance rating of IPX4.
The Thule Shield Panniers come in 4 sizes ranging from 13L to 25L. I prefer the smaller sized version.
It’s easy to attach them to your bike’s rack and to remove them, but they remain tight and secure for as long as the journey lasts.
My personal experience: I found these fully waterproof panniers quick to fill up with gear, and the 3 interior pockets, came in handy for keeping all the bits and pieces properly organized. l liked the removable shoulder strap, perfect for carrying gear in once your bike when parked up. I also loved the reflective panels on the sides of the bike bag – they stood out in low light. And not a drop of rain came through once.
Overall, the Thule Shield Panniers are another great option for a waterproof bike pannier for touring and commuting.
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Pannier Comparison Table
| Brand | Capacity (pair) | Waterproof | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ortlieb Back-Roller Classic | 40L | Yes | 4 lbs. 3.1 oz |
| Vaude Aqua Back | 48L | Yes | 4 lbs. 4.4 oz |
| Ortlieb Back-Roller Plus | 40L | Yes | 3 lbs. 9.6 oz |
| Ortlieb Gravel-Pack Panniers | 25L | Yes | 2 lbs. 9 oz |
| Ortlieb Sports Roller Classic | 25L | Yes | 3 lbs. 8.1 oz |
| Thule Shield Panniers | 26L, 34L, 44L, 50L | Yes | 4lbs. 4 oz |
Panniers Buyers Guide
Capacity
If your bike panniers don’t have room for all of your gear, then they are of no use to you. Consider which items you want to keep secure in your panniers to establish whether your potential pannier has a sufficiently large storage capacity to accommodate them.
If you are planning on stopping somewhere overnight, you will need a considerably larger capacity main compartment than you would for a mere commute to work.
If you are using them as commuting panniers you need to ensure you have enough storage capacity for a grocery bag for grocery shopping or an internal laptop sleeve. The use of a shoulder strap gives you more options to use them as a shoulder bag. Some also have an option to buy convertible backpack straps to carry your bike pannier as a backpack pannier when off the bike.
But remember, because these bike bags are positioned behind you, you shouldn’t use them for stashing items you want to keep handy, such as your bottle of water, smartphone, or GPS unit.
Panniers or Bikepacking Bag
Is there a place for combining Bikepacking bags and touring bags? I think there is, I’ve been doing it for years.
Bike Touring Panniers
All the best fully waterproof bike panniers are great for bike tours and commuting.
Most people on a bike tour use rear panniers that usually have a roll-top closure and a handlebar bag. A good handlebar bag will store easily accessible gear. If you are on a bike tour you might need something more than two panniers then you may need a or even a Top Tube Bag.
If you need a large storage capacity for a long bike tour then consider a front bike rack and add waterproof pannier bags on the front of your bike. Most panniers in this review will also work on a front bike rack, but most people prefer smaller bags like gravel bags on the front rack.
Bikepacking Bags
Some bikepacking bags and other bags are also good options if you don’t want to use panniers. A good Bikepacking Frame Bag is great for extra storage space.
I’ve been using a Frame Bag for years and love the extra storage space. Most people only use the space inside the bike frame triangle for a water bottle. Why not use it for more?
Saddle Bags are also used on a Bikepacking setup. The saddle bags are great for storing larger items such as sleeping bags or tents.
Water Resistance
In some corners of the world, rain is inevitable. To be prepared to handle these conditions, your bike panniers need to be sufficiently water-resistant.
Wherever possible in my reviews, I’ve tried to include the water resistance rating. The higher the rating, the better the bike pannier’s water resistance.
Some bicycle panniers come with waterproof pannier covers but I have tried to avoid any of those products in this review. Instead, I have decided that only fully waterproof panniers have been covered in this review.
Secure Attachment
When attaching a touring pannier you need a secure attachment system to be tightly secured to your bike rack, so that they don’t come loose and fall off as you ride. That could cause a nasty accident. And you don’t want them to be sliding around, either.
You will also need to look into whether your touring pannier bag is compatible with your rack before attaching panniers. Most of the good mounting systems are very solid and if they do break you can replace the broken parts.
Roll Top Closure
One of my favorite features in a bicycle pannier bag is the roll-top closure. This ensures that there are no gaps in the pannier bag opening for rain that potentially could seep through.
Most roll-top closures use a shoulder strap that secures the bags in the closed position. It also allows the bike pannier bag to be used as a shoulder bag when off the bike. There are many times I’ve been walking around town using the shoulder strap to carry my bike pannier bag.
Quick and Easy to Attach
You don’t want to be fumbling around too much with straps and buckles when you’re in a rush, so be sure to choose a pair of panniers that are simple to attach. The durable mounting system that the best panniers use is reliable and durable.
Value for Money
In our view, “cheaper” does not necessarily translate to better value for money. Less expensive bike panniers tend to be much less water-resistant than high-end brands and will leave your gear soaking wet if you run into rain.
If budget is a concern for you, be sure to check prices as you go along.
Conclusion
The Best Panniers For Bike Touring and Commuting in 2025 are:
- Ortlieb Back-Roller Classic
- Vaude Aqua Back
- Ortlieb Back-Roller Plus
- Ortlieb Gravel-Pack Panniers
- Ortlieb Sports Roller Classic
- Thule Shield Panniers
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Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Choose A Pair Of Rear Bike Panniers?
The first thing you need to consider when in the market for a pair of bike panniers is whether they are compatible with your bike’s rear rack. Alternatively, you could decide which rear rack to buy based on what brand of bike panniers you like.
You also need to consider how much gear you will typically be taking with you so that you have enough capacity. And, if you plan on going anywhere where there’s rain, you have to ensure that your panniers are 100% waterproof rather than merely water-resistant.
Why Are Bike Panniers So Expensive?
If, as recommended, you’ve been checking prices as you go along, you may have been struck by the seemingly high price tags attached.
This is because they are made with really high-quality materials to ensure that they are 100% waterproof, and will not break off easily if you crash.
Are Bike Panniers Safe To Use?
There’s a lot to be said for bike panniers. Not only are they several times more safe and secure than a generic roll bag, thanks to being secured to your bike’s rear rack.
But they’re also perfectly safe for transporting fragile and sensitive cargo. Some people even use them for transporting their expensive laptops in.
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BikeHikeSafari Gear Review Process
The author, Brad McCartney from BikeHikeSafari is a small independent adventurer and outdoor gear tester who owns and runs BikeHikeSafari.com.
BikeHikeSafari is not part of a large blog network and is proudly independent. All reviews on this site are independent and honest gear reviews of outdoor products by the author.
The author, Brad McCartney is a very experienced triple crown thru-hiker, adventurer, and bike tourer having spent 1000s of nights sleeping in a tent and sleeping bag (Read more). He was a manager of an outdoor retail store and is very experienced in what is important when using and testing gear for reviews like this.
BikeHikeSafari will never receive any money for reviews and they do not accept sponsored reviews on this website. All the comments about the gear reviews are from the author based on his years of experience. Hope this independent review was helpful for you.
