Pannier Drybag

The Topeak Pannier DryBag 16 L is a single roll-top pannier made from waterproof fabric with sonically welded seams. Its Handle Loc hooks fit rear rack tubes of 8, 10, 12 or 16 mm and release when you lift the carry handle, so the Pannier DryBag comes off the bike in seconds. It measures 45 x 26 x 15 cm and weighs 700 g.

Who it's for

Commuters who ride in whatever the morning throws at them, and tourers who want their sleeping bag dry at the end of a wet day on the Great Victorian Rail Trail. The 16 L size is sold as one bag, so run it on its own for the daily ride to work, or buy two for a balanced load on a weekend tour. Because it unclips by the handle and carries on a shoulder strap, it goes from the rack straight into the office or the tent.

Fitting it to your bike

The Pannier DryBag hangs from a rear rack on Topeak's Handle Loc system: two upper hooks over the top rail and an adjustable lower hook that stops it swinging off. Out of the box the spacers suit 8-10 mm rack tubes. For 12 mm tubes swap in the thinner spacers, and for 16 mm tubes take the spacers out and move the hook to its larger hole. Press the button on the hook to rotate it and slide it forward or back, so the bag clears your heel and lines up with the rack's struts.

Capacity and what fits

16 L in a bag 45 cm tall, 26 cm wide and 15 cm deep. That is a day's commuting kit: a change of clothes, a rain shell, lunch and the odds and ends, with room to roll the top down tight when it is half full. Roll-top bags compress as you close them, so a light load does not rattle around.

Weatherproofing

The fabric is waterproof and the seams are sonically welded and sealed rather than stitched, so there are no needle holes for water to find. Close it by rolling the top down and buckling it, and road spray, trail dust and a proper downpour stay outside. Reflective printing on the bag helps drivers pick you up in headlights on the ride home.

Stability when loaded

With the upper hooks set for your rack tube and the lower hook pulled into place, the bag is held from the top and the side, so it stays put over rough road and speed humps. Taking it off is one movement: lift the carry handle and the hooks let go.