Bigger than a paper grocery bag (Height/Width/Thickness: 18 x 12.5 x 7.5 in., 46 x 32 x 19 cm.), this pannier from Arkel is big enough (1650 cu. in.) to get the job done, from a quick trip to the store to a road trip miles away.
Overall, this is a fairly simple, yet really well constructed pannier (super tough!), comprised mostly of really strong weather resistant Cordura. Inside, it's got a stiff backplate that extends to the bottom (which is pre-drilled to fit the optional laptop pouch), along with a removable small aluminum frame around the top of the front end, halfway down the side, and connecting in the back that keeps it's shape beautifully. For the most part, the inside is a giant pocket, but there is a small pocket along the back as well.
Outside things start to get a little more interesting. Let's start at the top and work our way down. the top flap is well padded, and technically, the underside could be used as another pocket. But on top, there's a nice zip pocket that's pretty roomy and easy to access. There are also clips to add an optional shoulder strap to carry around at your convenience. If that isn't enough, both sides feature deep mesh pockets to hold extra water or anything else you might want to get at easily, but doesn't need much protection.
Color wise, it's mainly black with bright yellow sides, and a thick reflective strip is sewn 3/4 of the way around, covering everything except the back (which isn't seen anyway). To help keep you safe, there's also loops to hook lights onto on all three visible sides.
The back is where all the magic happens- The Utility Basket pannier features an aluminum track to adjust the sliding hooks to fit your specific rack- Arkel OD recommends Old Man Mountain racks, but it fits on my Topeak rack like a dream.
And not only are they hooks, but they have these little things on them that you spin around, and when you hook it on your rack it locks on tight. As if that wasn't enough, there's also a nylon encased multi-fiber elastic stabilization strap to hook at the bottom of your rack. And just in case you don't get the optional strap, there's a really nice handle to carry it around when you need to.
Optional accessories include: padded laptop pouch ($43), padded shoulder strap ($15), and a bright yellow rain cover ($20).
I'm really stoked on this pannier. You can do anything with it- from touring to grocery shoppingI've only been able to use it around town, but there's a couple trips semi-planned for the near future when i can really put it to the test! I'm getting by with just the one fine, but for longer trips i'm starting to think about adding a second!
Big ups to the folks at Arkel!!!
need a website? go for a ride with greeze!
