FAQ: Bikepacking Bags vs Panniers - What Should I Get?

Updated August 2026

Whether it’s for the daily commute or a multi-day adventure, panniers and bikepacking bags are two of the best ways to carry gear on a bike.

Both approaches have their strengths. Panniers are hard to beat for capacity, convenience and everyday use, while bikepacking bags are lighter, more streamlined and better suited to rougher riding. So, ditch the backpack and let's find the setup that suits how you ride.

Pannier Bags

Panniers are probably the most familiar way of carrying luggage on a bike. The name comes from the French word for basket, and in cycling they generally refer to bags that attach to a front or rear rack and can be removed quickly when you reach your destination.

A good pannier should offer useful carrying capacity, secure rack attachment and protection from the weather. Many modern panniers are completely waterproof, making them ideal for commuting and touring in New Zealand conditions.

The Pannier – For the Commuter

As a commuter-focused bike shop, panniers are one of our favourite ways to carry everyday gear. Load them with spare clothes, lunch, groceries or your laptop, clip them onto the rack and you're ready to go.

If you're riding year-round, waterproofing is well worth considering. We carry a large range of Ortlieb bags and panniers, including classic waterproof touring panniers and more commuter-focused options.

For carrying a laptop or keeping smaller items organised, you can also add an Ortlieb Commuter Insert to compatible panniers.

Browse our full Bags & Panniers collection.

The Pannier – For Touring

A classic road-touring setup usually uses two large rear panniers and, for bigger trips, a pair of smaller front panniers. A dry bag can sit across the top of the rear rack, while a handlebar bag keeps maps, snacks, valuables and other frequently used items close at hand.

This setup offers plenty of carrying capacity and makes it easy to remove your bags when you stop for the night. It is especially useful if you're carrying several days of food, extra clothing or camping equipment.

Panniers do require racks, however, and the complete setup can be heavier and wider than a bikepacking system. Rack and pannier compatibility also matters, particularly on bikes with unusual frame shapes or smaller wheels.

If you're planning a traditional touring setup, have a look through our Touring Bags & Panniers, panniers and racks and hardware.

Bikepacking Bags

Bikepacking bags attach directly to the bike rather than relying on traditional pannier racks. This keeps the bike narrower and usually lighter, which is particularly useful when riding gravel, singletrack or rough backcountry roads.

Because the luggage is spread around the bike, a good bikepacking setup can also keep the bike feeling balanced and predictable off-road.

Another advantage is versatility. Many bikepacking bags attach with straps rather than rack mounts, so they can be used on gravel bikes, rigid mountain bikes and even many full-suspension bikes.

What bags make up a bikepacking setup?

A typical setup combines several smaller bags rather than relying on one or two large panniers:

• Saddle or seat pack: a larger bag behind the saddle, often used for clothing or a sleeping bag.
• Handlebar bag: useful for lightweight bulky items such as a sleeping bag, tent or spare layers.
• Frame bag: sits inside the main triangle and is particularly good for heavier items because it keeps the weight low and central.
• Top-tube bag: ideal for snacks, a phone, batteries or other things you want to reach while riding.
• Fork bags: add extra storage low down on either side of the front wheel when your fork is compatible.

For example, the Ortlieb Frame-Pack provides waterproof storage inside the frame triangle, while the Ortlieb Fork-Pack adds compact storage to compatible fork legs. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

For smaller essentials, an accessory or handlebar bag can be very useful. The Ortlieb Accessory-Pack, for example, can be used on its own as a small handlebar bag or combined with a larger handlebar pack. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Browse all our Bikepacking Bags.

What are the downsides of bikepacking bags?

The trade-off is capacity and convenience. Bikepacking bags generally carry less than a traditional four-pannier touring setup, and some take longer to remove from the bike when you stop.

Packing also becomes a little more strategic because you're dividing your gear between several smaller spaces. For lightweight trips this is part of the appeal, but if you're carrying lots of food, bulky cold-weather gear or equipment for a long tour, panniers can still be the easier option.

You can have it both ways

You don't have to choose one system exclusively.

A hardtail or rigid mountain bike can work really well with small rear panniers combined with a frame bag and handlebar bag. Likewise, a gravel or touring bike can use small front panniers alongside a more conventional bikepacking setup.

A mixed setup can give you some of the extra carrying capacity and easy removal of panniers without making the bike as wide or bulky as a traditional four-pannier touring rig.

Fork-mounted storage can be another useful middle ground. A pair of compact fork bags adds capacity without committing to a full front rack and pannier system.

Panniers or bikepacking bags – which should I choose?

If your priority is commuting, carrying plenty of gear or being able to quickly remove your luggage, panniers are usually the easiest option.

If you're heading off-road, trying to keep your bike light and narrow, or you're riding a bike without conventional rack mounts, bikepacking bags usually make more sense.

For longer trips, there is absolutely nothing wrong with combining the two.

Browse our Bikepacking Bags, Bags & Panniers, Touring Bags & Panniers or Ortlieb range.