Customer Reviews

Excellent Bag Review by Boise Commuter

The Commuter is an excellent bag and worth the money. I've been using it for just about 3 years and it has not shown any wear, besides one of the plastic clips for the shoulder strap has bent and is on its last legs. When I bought it and my co-workers found out the price, they laughed at the cost. Three years on and they're all on their second or third set of cheap bags. I'd rather pay for quality than have a bag fail and dump my belongings. This bag holds a lot. My typical commute includes a change of clothes, work documents, lunch, and sometimes electronics. The laptop sleeve doubles as an excellent file holder.

(Posted on 9/22/11)

Almost perfect Review by seanabilly

I have had the bag and use it daily for over 4 years. It is fantastic. The only thing I would add is a reflective patch on the back. A dedicated loop for a clip light. Also, the top flap pocket is awkward for me. I never use the shoulder strap and just don't need to cover the mounting hardware. I don't like it flapping over the rack. Just a minor issue. Other than that, you guys have made a terrific product.

(Posted on 9/15/11)

Take it to meetings! Review by Boston Commuter

One thing missed by both video and written reviews--the bag attractive enough to bring to professional meetings! I work in a hospital (business casual attire) and attend a fair amount of meetings with my laptop. The hook that attaches to the bottom of the carrier can be quickly and neatly hidden under a flap, so it won't show or rub against your body. The shoulder strap is sturdy and easily stored when you bike. I've had a few complements on my "briefcase." That's hard to say about most panniers! On rainy and snowy days when I take the bus, I don't transfer items to another bag, but take my pannier/briefcase. Thoughtful design, strong materials.

(Posted on 9/1/11)

Years of use and going strong Review by Rach

This just swallows up everything that I need - I'm currently lugging round a laptop, heavy external hard drive, paperwork, shopping, lunch and locks and it's doing a marvelous job. The rain cover and waterproof trousers hide away for a rainy day, along with emergency bike lights. No signs of wear and tear so far despite this being a real workhorse. Easy to use, durable and reliable, worthwhile getting it shipped to the UK!

(Posted on 8/11/11)

It's a winner Review by Cambridge Dave

I can't add much to whats been written before. I've been using mine regularly for 18 months now without a hitch. Certainly it's expensive, but it's worth the extra cash, and I'm sure it will last forever. It locks on very securely on my commute in part through the cobbled streets of my university town. If I had a gripe, I would like it to be more stable off the bike, and a more substantial plastic hand grab would be nice. In the end, though it does exactly what it promises, very very well.

(Posted on 8/4/11)

Best pannier I've owned Review by CanadianInJersey

I've been commuting by bike for 3 years now. The Commuter was one of the first purchases I made when I had the chance to start commuting by bike again. I've carried my laptop in it pretty much every day, year round, with never a problem. Although, just as a precaution, I added an extra layer of close-cell foam under the laptop sleeve, in the pocket with the stiff board that the mounting hardware is attached to. The mounting attachments are excellent. Sturdy and pretty much foolproof, even wearing gloves or mitts. Although the pannier is designed to be mounted on the left side of the bike, I use a handlebar mirror, so I mount the pannier on the right side of the bike. That doesn't present any real problems. The rain cover works beautifully, even in a downpour. I've added a yellow reflective patch to the rear side of the pannier. The more reflectors the better. I add a clip-on light to the rear compression strap. I carry a lot in the pannier besides the computer: the day's business clothes, papers, glasses, keys, wallet, even lunches and cans of V8 at times. The pannier swallows everything without complaint. The Commuter deserves a standing ovation.

(Posted on 5/4/11)

Great bag! Review by 7rider

I am starting my second full year of commuting several times a week with this bag. I love it. I removed the laptop sleeve, as I had no need for it. That created more room for my towel, change of clothes, and lunch bag. If I shop carefully, I can fit some groceries in it for my ride home, too. I've been known to slide folders and magazines in the space between the internal liner and the rigid back-board. The attachment is rock solid (I've had another popular bag get thrown from my rack several times - once putting me in the ER) yet easy to put on and take off. I have never worried about the attachment, and using only one bag does not significantly affect the handling of my bike. I tuck the shoulder strap into the large external side pocket while riding, so it's right there when I pop the bag off the bike at my destination. My only quibble with the bag is that it doesn't sit flat on the ground when I remove it to lock up the bike. I wish it sat flat on its (ideally - reinforced) base. But, I've learned to deal and lean the bag up against the nearest post. All-in-all, an excellent bag and well worth the cost.

(Posted on 3/19/11)

I love this bag! Review by CB in Philly

Before purchasing an Arkel Commuter pannier I researched panniers thoroughly on the Internet. I had two main criteria for my pannier: 1) it had to accommodate a laptop and 2) the main compartment had to be accessible by zipper -- NOT buckles (or worse: those roll-up openings on waterproof bags). Straps with buckles make a lot of sense for a touring pannier, but for getting around town, nothing can match the convenience and speed of a zippered bag. When I started my research, I just assumed that anyone designing a commuting pannier would "get" this. I couldn't have been more wrong. I had almost given up when I discovered Arkel's line of commuting panniers, all of which offer the convenience of zippered entry. Arkel's designers really understand how their products will be used. The Commuter is practical, convenient, and sized right for the commuter. The locking mechanism is robust and latches securely onto my rear rack in seconds. The zippers are sturdy and open and close smoothly. The protective laptop sleeve is ingenious and simple to use. My only quibbles are the absence of an inside zippered compartment (for a wallet, for instance) and an inside hook (for keys). These truly are quibbles, however, because this is a superior pannier in every way. I've been using the Commuter for about a week, and it's been an absolutely terrific purchase. For anyone hesitating because of the price, yes, these bags cost more than others, but you really do get what you pay for. One more thing: my research into panniers took me to many web sites, and I have to give credit to the folks at Arkel. The wealth of product information that they provide on their website was possibly the most important factor in my decision to purchase one of their bags. After studying the multiple photographs, detailed measurements, and written explanations of the features, I almost felt as if I had inspected the bag in person. No other manufacturer of panniers takes the time to provide this amount of product information for their customers, and I think it's the smartest thing Arkel could have done (aside from making great bags). It earned them an enormous amount of good will from this customer, and it made shelling out the money a lot less painful because I felt satisfied in advance that what I was ordering was worth the purchase price. Great bag, great company. I look forward to becoming a repeat customer (if the Commuter ever wears out!).

(Posted on 9/18/10)

I'm a fan! Review by Tully Mars

I've been using the commuter now for 3 years of daily urban commuting between April and November. I couldn't be happier with it. After about 2 years, one of the plastic clips, holding the shoulder strap, broke. Arkel, true to their word however paid for the repair, including shipping, which is unusual now-a-days. The hardboard laptop holder is great and makes me feel secure taking my laptop with me. I typically hold my laptop, 2-4 books, my lunch, and can fit in a few extra bits of clothes without a problem. This is definitely worth your money if you're looking for a great way to transport things on your urban commute!

(Posted on 6/15/10)

Top Quality, Lasting Value Review by Milwaukee-Mark

I bought the Commuter when I started a new job in 2006 that allowed me to bicycle commute. I live in Wisconsin and I ride year-round unless the snow is too deep and hasn't been plowed yet. I've been through 4 winters now with this pack and it nearly looks as good as the day I got it. It hasn't lost a stitch and nothing has broken on it. And this bag holds a lot, too. Here's an inventory of what is typically in the bag: My bag's rain cover and my rain gear live in the bottom. Then there's my laptop, lunch, pants, socks, belt, pump, and sometimes a book, shoes, or other item. And I always find room to stuff other items in, including my jacket when it's too warm to wear it home. The top pocket always has my work badges, keys, Kleenex, etc. I don't usually use the side pockets but they've been handy for those one-off things you need to tuck in. I'm a true believer in Arkel quality!

(Posted on 5/1/10)