Panniers

A pannier (plural panniers) is a container carried on the side of a vehicle or animal to transport goods. The term derives from the French panier, meaning basket. Panniers are used in various contexts, including bicycles, pack animals, and motorcycles, and can take the form of bags or hard-shell boxes.

On bicycles, panniers typically mount on racks over the rear wheel and, in some configurations, on front racks as well. They are common for commuting, shopping, and especially long-distance cycling, where a pair provides substantial storage. Front panniers can help balance load and improve handling. Materials range from waterproof nylon and Cordura to rigid plastics, and closures include roll-top, waterproof zippers, or buckled flaps. Pannier capacity is measured in liters; typical touring pairs total about 20 to 60 liters, with larger setups used for extended trips. Features often include internal pockets, weatherproofing, and reflective elements. Mounting systems use hooks, rails, or frame-mounted fittings to secure the bags to the rack or frame.

Historically and in other contexts, panniers are used on pack animals such as horses, mules, or camels. Large bags or baskets are strapped to the sides of a pack saddle to distribute load for easier carrying. In motorcycles, panniers refer to side-mounted luggage cases, usually hard-shell and weatherproof, added to the motorcycle’s rear subframe for increased capacity and protection of contents.

Panniers are valued for expanding carrying capacity while keeping weight close to the vehicle’s center of gravity, and for providing modular, reusable storage across various transport modes.