If one of my four panniers for touring is a commuter, how much does it matter? Specifically, I'm interested in this 2014 Arkel commuter pannier. If I don't get this one, I'm considering the more touring based GT-18 pannier. Which one would you recommend?
by BigglyPigglyWiggly
3 Comments
It probably doesn’t really matter, at all. If you like the bag and it holds what you need, it’s just a bag. More importantly, I’d consider the hook mechanism and materials and general condition overall. But once loaded up and on a bike trip, you won’t notice if the bag is for commuting vs. touring.
I use one Arkel Bug (commuter bag that converts to backpack ) and one Arkel Orca (bucket bag) for touring. It works great.
The Bug was my commuter for years before I started touring. I added the Orca for more capacity. I considered getting two Orcas but than realized I really liked the different access/storage
options that two very different bags gives me.
Either one will be fine. Arkel is a quality product.