I am in the market for some pannier bags, to hang on my new Topeak Tourist DX rack, and to contain my new Mountain Equipment Xero XL sleeping bag.
(this holiday is getting expensive, and we haven't even left yet)
a BRIEF scour of the reviews indicates that Topeak bags are fffffflimsy.
it also suggests the Ortlieb roll over dry bags are the first and last panniers anyone need ever buy.
will the ortliebs fit my pannier rack?!
is there anything else I should be looking at?
Many thanks
Ol
Edinburgh Bicycle do their own brand Revolution Adventure panniers which look a bit like Ortlieb clones and seem pretty good - some folks in the office use them. Currently on sale at £65 for 2 x 20l.
If your trip's already getting expensive, then you probably won't thank me for this recommendation, but the real answer to the first and last panniers you'll ever need is Arkel.
Expensive, definitely, but incredibly well made and designed. I've just got back from a couple of weeks touring in Italy with a pair of XM45s and they were tough as old boots, solid as a rock on the bike and easy and convenient to use and find stuff in thanks to the design of them. Recommended if you want top notch kit. Edinburgh Bicycle stock some stuff and can order anything in the range in for you.
Caradice carradry are what I have. Significantly cheaper than the ortleibs, significantly bigger for the rear ones, very well made, waterproof but no to the "throw then in the canal" level of the ortleibs
Slightly fiddly attachment system but will fit any rack and very secure
http://www.carradice.co.uk/index.php?page_id=category&category_id=21
42 Windmills bicycle and us by TandemJeremy, on Flickr
I have a pair of duck cotton front carradice panniers (which I use on the rear). Excellent. I use dry bags inside for 100% water proofing while allowing me to organise the contents, not run the risk of a rip in the pannier damaging water proofing, and allows me to keep moist items out of the water proof sone so they do not make the entire contents of the pannier damps. This last point is what put me off of Ortlieb.
Plus carrdaice duck cotton panniers look better.
They're an oddly personal choice, panniers, I reckon. It's easy to get the impression online that Ortlieb are the only choice and many people swear by them, but there are people who swear at them just as strongly.
I've only done a few fairly short tours and a bit of commuting with my Ortliebs and I like them a lot but can see why they're not for everyone. I mostly like them because they're fairly light (the roller plus ones anyway) and simple. If I was to need to buy another set (not likely anytime soon) I would seriously consider Carradice, it's cool kit and I like the fact they're made here (see also: PHD bags and down jackets).
The most regular criticisms of Ortlieb panniers are the faff of the roll-top (it doesn't take long once you get used to it) the lack of internal organisation (there's only one divider and a small mesh pocket but you can always put things in stuff sacs) the lack of external pockets (you can add them, but I don't miss them) and the dampness thing (I don't believe damp kit would dry out or not affect dry kit in any other panniers either, I just put wet stuff in a mesh bag and strap it on top of the rack, or stick it in a drybag). All that said, I don't think that the thing most people love about them, the total waterproofness, is that important, although it's easy to take for granted. Other designs are waterproof enough most of the time, and you can always use drybags (I do anyway for down kit).
Oh yes, and don't forget a bar bag with map case. So handy, especially for your camera. I use an Ortlieb one of these too with no complaints.
Days like this 
make you appreciate totally waterproof dry bags.
The lack of internal organisation not a problem really, we've got loads of alpkit stuff sacks for putting things in. I personally find it easier to have small lightweight organising bags with the waterproof panniers than having lighterweight panniers and having to put everything in waterproof stuff sacks. Wet stuff can always go in a drybag inside the pannier if needs be.
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