Burley Pannier Set Review

The Burley Pannier Set found the perfect crossover between simplicity and functionality. At 22 liters of total storage volume and just 2.1 pounds for the pair, we were pleased with the overall carrying capacity of the panniers and the lightweight materials. The bags may be intended for touring, but we found them to be useful for a variety of activities, errands, and adventures. While the mounting system was not as consistent as other bags and the organizational storage options were lacking, we felt this was a great all-around option. Most pannier sets cost twice as much as the Burley set, which is why we gave this product the Best Bang for the Buck award.

Performance Comparison

Mounting System

At first glance, the Burley Pannier Set appears to have an easy-to-use and intuitive mounting system similar to other bags in the lineup. Theoretically, the mounting hook clips should have worked seamlessly with our rack as the mounting system is only compatible with 10-millimeter racks. Unfortunately, this became our biggest barrier to using the Burley set.

Oftentimes, when attaching or removing the bag from the rack, we had to fidget with the mounting hooks before they securely clamped onto the rack. Somewhat of a letdown, but once the bag was clamped to the rack, it stayed secure and showed little to no rattling.

Storage

At 22 liters combined, the Burley Pannier Set held an impressive amount of goods throughout our test rides. From grocery store runs to overnight camping adventures, this bag could do it all. There are times the panniers were supported by a handlebar bag or 2-liter frame bag to keep phone, tools, and repair kit close in proximity, yet they were still able to fit a surprising amount of goods in a stuff-sack style fashion.

The stuff-sack style panniers have their drawbacks; namely, there is an obvious lack of organizational options. The Burley has one large roll-top compartment and one shallow exterior pocket that would likely fit a phone and a granola bar. While organized pockets are preferred for commuting purposes, they eliminate total usable space. The stuff sack style panniers allow the user to maximize storage space, particularly for touring adventures, where camping gear or non-necessities don't need to be organized.

While the bags surprised us with their storage capability, it is important to note that the total storage space of the two panniers is 22 liters, which is half of the storage space of a pair of Thule or Ortlieb panniers. This may be perfect for the commuter or long-haul rider but may not be enough for the overnight bikepacker.

Durability

The Burley Pannier Set boasts a 500-Denier waterproof tarpaulin with heat-sealed seams and a roll-top closure. Tarpaulin is a heavy-duty polyester canvas coated with PVC. This thick, high-strength material is very difficult to rip or tear and is highly waterproof and stain-resistant. Despite the tarpaulin's hefty nature, the panniers are rather lightweight. The Burley set passed all the toss tests during our gravel rides, proving to be seemingly indestructible, though small scratches and dirt are more obvious on these bags thanks to the bright yellow colorway.

One key feature we felt was missing from the Burley set is some form of padding in the bag. Even the mixed-use touring bags, like Thule and Ortlieb, have a hard casing in the bike-side panel to protect items in transit. When throwing the Burley bags around, we felt like certain items were more vulnerable to breaking.

Weatherproofing

The 500-Denier tarpaulin is highly waterproof on its own and is supported by heat-sealed seams and a roll-top closure to keep contents ultra-safe from the outside elements.

The set passed the sprinkle test and the all-out bucket soak, where contents in the bag stayed dry throughout. It is possible that multiple days of rain would result in internal dampness, so keeping a dry bag for your sleeping bag or valuable items may be a good choice if traveling in the backcountry.

Ease of Use & Versatility

The Burley Pannier Set scored well on ease of use and versatility, as the panniers proved to be multi-functional across a variety of biking disciplines and activities. Our biggest frustration in measuring ease of use was the lack of consistency during the bag-to-rack attachment process. This was a frustrating issue but did not happen with every use and was often not as much trouble during the removal process. Aside from rack mounting, the roll-top closure was simple and easy to work with through the testing process.

We took the set with us on errands, to the office, to the lake, and on a camping overnighter. With the larger 25-liter bags, weight distribution can be an issue and oftentimes make the rear caboose feel overloaded. While the Burley bags do feel heavy when fully packed, the weight distribution feels even and very manageable. Adjustable nylon straps on the side panels allow the user to cinch down the bag depending on how much storage space is used or needed.

The bright yellow colorway is a stark contrast to the standard black pannier. In addition to small reflectors on the two side panels, the yellow Burley bags increase visibility for road riders. The roll-top closure and YKK zippers give the bag a sleek and classic feel while maintaining a sturdy structural design. While the bag isn't as incognito as some of its competitors, it is a fun and fashionable option for a variety of bike storage needs.

Value

The utility offered by the Burley Pannier Set at such an affordable, budget-friendly price tag is a major selling point for the product. Most of the panniers in the review class cost the same or more for a single bag. With such high performance on a variety of rating metrics, we felt that this cross-functional bag made of durable and waterproof materials was a steal.

Conclusion