How to choose an under-saddle pannier for bikepacking

This text will help you to get a basic understanding of the selection of a under-saddle pannier. If you want to ask for another details or consult your choice, we will be happy to help you directly in our brick-and-mortar shop Ski and Bike Radotín.

We specialize in the sale of bikepacking equipment and we offer the best brands on the market such as Apidura, Restrap, or Sea to Summit. In our shop you can try the panniers directly on your bike frame. For e-shop orders you have a 60-days return period with us, so you can try the pannier at home.

What is a carrierless an under-saddle pannier

A carrierless pannier is a special type of pannier designed for cycling and bikepacking that attaches directly to the bike frame, instead of traditional carrier.

Carrierless panniers are made of lightweight and durable materials that provide protection from weather conditions and mechanical damage.

Unlike carrier panniers they are very light and compact. They are therefore much more popular than the classic carrier-mounted solutions, which are preferred by cyclists who either need to carry things around town or need to get as much cargo on their bike as possible.

Types of carrierless under-saddle panniers for bikepacking

There are basically two technical solutions for panniers

a/ One-piece under-saddle panniers - the pannier is made up of just one piece, the solution is more compact and lighter, but the pannier needs to be either removed in its entirety at an overnight stop or opened and everything removed.

b/ Two-piece under-saddle panniers - the base for storing things is a waterproof drybag, which is separate and completely detachable from the bag's clamping straps. The pannier then clips into the straps (or fabric clamping section) which can remain stably attached to the bike. The whole thing makes it easier to handle at stops and overnight stops. Simply detach or clip the pannier whenever you need it.

PANNIERS

Factors when choosing an under-saddle panniers

When making your choice, pay particular attention to the following:

1. The right size: the saddlebag should have enough capacity to store all the things you will need during the trip. Think about how long you plan to be away from civilisation and what equipment you will need. There are different sizes of panniers, so choose one that suits your needs. Sizes range from a few litres of storage space to around 17 litres of cargo volume. Most panniers are designed so that the opening back section can be rolled up to some extent to reduce the volume of the bag as needed.
2. Sufficient space between the bag and the rear wheel: Particularly with smaller frames, it is important to avoid a situation where the under-saddle pannier comes into contact with the rear wheel during riding . You need to test this properly when buying. When choosing it, take into account that the pannier may move when going over bumps and may come into contact with the rear shell. In rest mode, it is therefore necessary to have a gap of several centimetres between the shell and the pannier, which then creates a reserve for these situations.
3. Material and durability: The under-saddle pannier will be exposed to various weather conditions and mechanical strain. Check what material the pannier is made of and whether it is resistant to dust, moisture and scratches. Waterproof material is an advantage as it protects your belongings from rain and moisture. This is doubly true for multi-day trips. If you've already invested in a cheaper bag that isn't waterproof, this can be addressed with a separate drybag from our range (for example from Sea to Summit). A separate drybag can also come in handy if, on the other hand, you need to put something wet in the bag and don't want moisture to get to other things in the bag.
4. Mounting system: A saddlebag should have a reliable and easy-to-use mounting system that will secure it firmly under the saddle and saddle rails. There are different types of mounting systems. These are usually a combination of Velcro and straps with buckles. Check that the system is compatible with the saddle on your bike and that it is easy to use. It's always better to invest in panniers from reputable brands specializing in bikepacking, which have years of experience behind them and a well-designed mounting method. This will save you a lot of hassle on the road.
5. Stability and protection. This point is more or less related to the quality of the mounting system, which should hold the pannier firmly in place.
6. Accessibility: it is important that the saddlebag is easily accessible so that you can easily get your equipment from the bag. There are different systems with various range of user accessibility. Two-piece panniers allow you to easily unzip the entire load at a campsite or overnight site, making it easier to handle. For shorter stops, pack so that the items you need are in the back of the pannier and can be easily accessed when you open the bag.
7. Safety: if you will be travelling on the roads in low visibility or at night, it is advisable to choose a bag equipped with reflective materials on the sides and back. Passing vehicles will see you better. It is also a plus if the bag has eyelets on the back that allow you to attach a rear flasher.

UNDER-SADDLE PANNIERS

What to look out for when using

When riding, watch your pannier to see if it makes contact with the rear wheel due to poor fit and/or the weight of the load, or if it moves sideways during riding. When taking breaks in your ride, it is a good idea to occasionally check the fit of the pannier and tighten and adjust as necessary. There are also special stabilisers that attach to the saddle and these hold the pannier laterally in the correct position. An example is the stabiliser from Woho brand, which also allows you to mount a bottle basket on each side of the pannier to carry 2 more drinking bottles.

Both problems can also be avoided by correctly distributing the weight in the bag. Heavier items should be loaded at the front of the saddlepannier attached to the seatpost and lighter items towards the rear.

Under-saddle pannier and telescopic seatpost

Also be careful if your bike is equipped with a telescopic seatpost. Although a telescopic seatpost does not preclude the use of a saddlepannier, you just need to retrofit the telescopic seatpost with a special adapter. This is mounted on the sliding part of the telescopic seatpost and is offered by several companies in our range, for example Apidura.

Other equipment for the pannier

It is practical if the pannier is also equipped with an integrated bungee band, various eyelets or buckle straps. This makes it easier to quickly attach things to the pannier, whether it's shoes to change into or a rain jacket to take off when riding. More rarely, you may also come across various zippered pockets or internal storage compartments within the bag.

If you are not sure about the right choice of saddlebag, we will be happy to welcome you in our shop Ski and Bike Radotín, where our expert sales staff will help and advise you. You can take advantage of our 60-day return guarantee in our e-shop. If the pannier doesn't fit your bike frame after delivery, simply return it to us.