Axiom

Typhoon Waterproof Rear Pannier Gray and Black (closeout)

Inexpensive pair of full-touring panniers. Construction is pretty heavy duty, and the roll-up design guarantees they are pretty waterproof. While not massive, they expand out very well to provide ample space for a fully-loaded weekend camping trip. You will need both front and back racks for a long-term tour, but you knew that anyway. Mounting is done by a single hook at the bottom connected to a bungie cord going to two hooks bolted onto the panniers. Pretty sturdy design while riding, but slightly more annoying to take on and off as compared to say, some ortliebs. Make sure that your rack is long enough to support the lower back corner of the bag, or weight may push the corner into your spokes.

I had the smaller, Monsoon model that I used for commuting but they were too narrow. However, they were 100% waterproof: I rode in heavy rain, snow, sludge, got splashed by cars and my stuff was always dry. So I've installed a front rack and moved those to the front and purchased these larger Typhoon panniers for the rear. Just like the smaller ones these are totally waterproof. I use them on a rigid MTB frame and I have no heel strike problem with Topeak Supertourist DX rack. They're made if thick, kind of stiff, waterproof material, so even when empty they look a little bulky. The pannier top folds over first before the flap is fastened which practically eliminates any chances of water getting in through the top. The external pockets are hard to unzip though and the zippers look fragile, don't count on stuffing a lot into them and frequently. The locking mechanism is simple yet effective, I have no problems with the panniers jumping off. The panniers have one huge compartment and one of those zipped pockets. There are no dividers and no internal pockets except a zippered mesh on the underside of the flap that can be used for small/flat and light items. However, items in this mesh may be exposed to water splashes and road/tire spray. This is a trade-off for 100% "waterproofness" at a low price. On a dry day they can be left unfolded and opened up, which increases their capacity, to stuff your groceries in them. Overall, I'm very happy with these. If you want something totally waterproof for commuting and occasional errands these are hard to beat. If you need panniers for touring where internal organization and quick access are important these will not work out.

I love these panniers and that's why I got a pair for my boyfriend's birthday from Tree Fort. I have had mine for 3 years and they are still going strong (a bit dirty and worn). I have been in moderate rain commutes and things inside stayed totally dry. The amount of room in these bags in incredible, I can carry a weeks groceries for the 3 of us in them. I have even carried an orphaned robin fledgling in it. If I could make a wish for one little improvement is to have shoulder straps.

It would be nice if they locked but for the price you can't beat these bags. I have been amazingly impressed with their durability and water proof abilities. I commute to work 7 miles each way and I have to change into dress clothes when I arrive. These bags are great in the winter when I have to carry a nice coat along with a button up and slacks. The room can be a little tight if you don't pack wisely but I figured it out pretty quick. I think that axiom hit one out of the park with this line of panniers there really is beauty in simplicity.

I'm pretty new to commuting, but I've taken to it strongly. A long-time rider let me borrow her Axiom bags while I was getting my gear together, and I thought they were great. These haven't disappointed, and the price from Tree Fort Bikes couldn't be beat. The bags hold a ton, stay in place, and repel water with no problem. I haven't had my set for more than a month, but my friend's Axiom bags were a decade old and still in great shape.