stock photos: my camera is in the shop...

Update- 7.25.2009

I was talking with Arkel before our mini-tour, and they were going to send a nice set of rear waterproof panniers- only problem, someone was using them at the time, and they didn't show up in time either, so I went with what I had, and that was Arkel's OD Utility Basket Pannier.

It took a little getting used to- all the extra weight on one side- I had never had it packed this full before. Seriously, it probably weighed between 50-60 lbs. easily. That said, It held damn near everything that i had brought with me. Lucky for me Cole also had some spare room in one of his front panniers for a pair of shoes and my bathroom bag! But mine held a lot!!! I really didn't think that I overpacked too bad, which was kind of surprising being my first tour and all- i actually forgot swimming trunks and a towel...doh!

But I was packed full and tight, making use of every pocket this had to offer! both side mesh pockets were packed full- one side with tools, the other with more smokes and rare road-side finds. the top zip pocket came in handy for things like my wallet, sunglasses case, and stuff like that, that if i needed quick would be easy to get to. It worked out quite well actually.

For touring I would always opt for double panniers if you can, but that time I couldn't and ended up being alright when it was all said and done. It's a pretty tough pannier, and even after all the abuse I put it through, it STILL looks brand new!

If you're looking for a BIG pannier, you can't go wrong with this one. It's done me a lot of good with years of life left. That trip really gave me a chance to put it to the test and it passed with flying colors.

-Brandon