Ensuring a smooth sailing journey can be fun and frustrating. One needs to carefully plan everything to make sure that every detail is covered. Traveling using bicycles is one journey commonly done by friends and families which involves preparation of necessary supplies needed throughout the journey. Panniers are common items seen during this type of trip which can make or break the journey.

Attached at the bikes side or back, the pannier is a bag or basket used to store all supplies needed throughout the journey. Its name is derived from Latin word “panarium” which literally means a basket of bread. This type of compartment is originally used for animal transport wherein it is placed at the animals back. A carefully packed pannier was then used to ensure the weight of the items is evenly distributed. For the modern people, this type of basket is used to hold different items such as hold supplies, files and folders as well as lunches for office workers.

Selecting the right type of pannier to be used for a specific journey is quite easy given the proper guidance. First and foremost, one needs to know exactly what type of material the basket should be made of. Materials used can either be heavy, durable, or waterproof depending on the type of journey one will go through. Attachments used in the pannier should also be considered since a number of the ones usually installed are below quality. Quick and easy stripping from the bike is one of the things that should be looked upon. The number of compartments is another condition to consider. There are others who prefer more pockets as they feel they can be more organized while others prefer one big compartment in order that all supplies can be placed at once. Finally, do not forget to consider the panniers weight as this might affect the pedaling of the biker which can caused accidents.

Packing bike panniers can be really confusing especially during the first time as there are many things that you would want to put in. The first things that need to be remembered when are packing organization and categorization. Sort your things into categories with the food and other cooking gears in one bag while your clothes in another pile. Using multi colored bags or zip locks can also help in further distinguishing the items. Make sure to balance the weight of the bicycle both from side to side and from front to back. A lopsided bike will be difficult to steer and dangerous to ride.

The top most items in the pannier should be the most important items in the bunch. Remember that the most important items are also the most used which denoted that they need to be retrieved from the bag every now and then. Thus, by placing them on top, one can easily access them when needed. Items which can leak or cause damage to other materials or supplies in the pannier need to be stored in stronger containers so as to avoid spilling especially when traveling in bumpy roads. Lastly, ensure that an extra space is left inside the bag as there will be a number of items that will definitely purchased along the way.

A perfectly made and packed pannier is the key to a smooth bicycle journey. Thus, start packing your basket and keep moving.

Morrison Ludwig enjoys travelling. Morrison sometimes travels with his mountain bike with all his supplies packed in his pannier (a Haberland Fahrradtaschen).