Description
Our front or rear waterproof bike panniers ORCA 35 comes equipped with Arkel’s patented Cam-Lock® mounting system. Our welded seam technology ensures that the bag will stay dry no matter the conditions you ride in and our patented Cam-Lock® mounting system will keep the bags on the rack, regardless of the load or road conditions. No one else offers such a solid and reliable mounting system for bike panniers. Many smaller details make this bag unique, an internal organizer for easy access to documents, maps, tablet, wallet, etc. This means you won’t have to empty half the bag to reach these. A plastic protector at the bottom backside of the pannier adds protection between the bag and the rack and will avoid any premature wear caused by friction against the rack. We also added D-rings for an optional shoulder strap, This is very practical when travelling at the airport or simply carrying your panniers around at the end of a long ride. Many small details make these panniers functional, durable and most importantly fun to use.
- Fully Waterproof RF welded seams.
- Patented Cam-Lock® mounting system.
- Front exterior zippered pocket.
- Internal organizer for important papers, tablet, etc…
- Tabs to mount blinker lights.
- Reflective material on all sides.
- Will fit front or rear racks.
- Quality(5)
- Price(5)
- Value(5)
Outstanding durable pannier
We purchased the Orca 35’s for a rear set of panniers a couple years ago. We’ve Ridden the Carterra Austral in Chile (regular roads and then 500+ miles of gravel/rough to very rough roads), a more traditional road ride tour from Seattle to eastern UT, some backroads fat bike touring in CO and UT (rear rack with the Orca’s), etc.
The cam system is the best out there. I own the ‘big’ brand as well and Arkel outperform them in every way. On the Austral, 500 miles of “rapido” (washboard) trashed the plastic bits on the other panniers, while the Orca 35’s still looked and performed as new. They performed exceptionally well in hours of sideways rain, dust, etc.
The only thing I’d change, and this is not a biggie, is removal of the super small zippered pocket on the side of each pannier. They seem to likely add some costs, and a tiny bit (grams) of unnecessary weight, but add practically no value in terms of storage.
Arkel is a top, no nonsense brand made for serious touring…. buy them and you’ll be happy!
Favorite pannier
I’ve been using my Arkel Orcas for over 2 years. Most of my rides are a.week or less but I’ve had the bags in all conditions including a solid 6 hours of cold pouring rain. My down quilt and spare clothing were dry when I setup camp. My wife and I are planning a Trans America ride within the next 4 years. Arkel Orcas will be on our bikes.
Update after another 3000km: Still great!
Since my last review I’ve taken these panniers on two more tours and they are still going strong. Just got back from 5 weeks in Scotland – where it rains everyday – and never had any water inside the panniers. The fabric has a couple surface scuffs, but no tears, as can be expected after more than 2 months touring and 4000km. And the panniers have never fallen off the rack no matter how bad the bumps, even though other things have rattled loose of the bike. In summary, absolutely fantastic panniers and I love them!
Great waterproof panniers for touring
I used these panniers on a 2 week trip through Europe this spring and they were perfect. I had pretty wet weather including downpours and snow/rain mix, and the panniers remained completely dry inside. I like the sleeve inside against the back-plate for storing my iPad, maps and other papers that should remain flat. The attachment system is easy to use and completely secure; I’ve never had a pannier come loose. The side cinch straps are good for compressing the pannier to secure the contents and allow a variable amount of gear to be carried (my contents varied depending on how much rain gear I was wearing and how much food I had). The red colour and reflective elements made me more visible. Thanks for making great panniers!
Best pannier out there
I’ve used my Orca Panniers for 1 year. Probably got close to 500 miles on them. They are very well made, simple to operate, and durable. I like simple no frills design in my gear. I use gear hard but treat it with respect. I ride Rails To Trails and single track where panniers are subject to abrasions etc. The 35’s are the perfect size to stuff all of my gear minus my small 1 or 2 man tents. Never had a concern with rain and I’ve been in some horrendous weather on a few trips. Gear stayed dry….and I mean dry! Get a pair, you won’t be sorry.
Great bike bags
I love the pair of 35 Orca panniers I have. I just rode home from work in an hour of pouring icy rain and everything stayed completely dry. Not only that, once I brought them inside, it was as though they hadn’t been rained on at all, the fabric is super tough and completely repels water. Very satisfied!