If you’re someone who likes riding your bike around town and running errands, you know the joys and the downsides. There are many wonderful things about riding a bike.
Firstly, it will greatly improve your health, both physically and mentally. You will shed pounds, have a healthier heart, and just feel more in shape and better in about every way. But you will also be happier, more energetic, and engaged in your day to day life. There are many people who remark that they do better at their work and personal life when they ride their bikes often.
But of course, riding your bike often also has challenges. For instance, if you wish to go to the store and run errands while using your bike, you will soon find that you’ll have a difficult time bringing everything home. You can only fit so much in a backpack or messenger bag. And carrying items in your hands or arms while riding is downright dangerous.
That is where bike panniers come into play. They have become increasingly popular over the years – with good reasons. These things can make your life so much easier, more productive, and safer too.
What Are Bike Panniers?
A pannier is a bag that sits on your bike and stores all of your stuff. These wonderful creations are typically mounted over the wheels of your ride, either in the front or the back, sometimes both. They are usually used for long-distance rides but you can definitely use them as you cruise around town, pick up your groceries, and much more.
Can Groceries Fit in a Bike Pannier?
Speaking of groceries, a bike pannier is great for them! Of course, a bike compared to a car for groceries is much different so do not fill up your grocery cart expecting to squeeze it all in your pannier. You may need to visualize a bit here; just look at your pannier size and consider what will fit.
You will have no worries fitting groceries for a single person, you can even get away with groceries for 2 people, but you likely would need a few trips if buying groceries for the entire family. Of course, what pannier you own will also determine what you can buy.
The average size of a bike pannier is anywhere from 15 to 35 liters, but grocery panniers can be even larger to hold your load, some over 60L.
Keep in mind that biking can get bumpy and providing cushion to things like eggs may be required to prevent damages to your food.
10 Best Panniers for Groceries
If you are wishing to use a very resourceful, reliable, strong, and affordable pannier, you need to make sure you are only investing in the best one. Thankfully, we have compiled a list of the best panniers for you to sink your money into.
1. Bushwhacker Omaha – Bicycle Grocery Pannier
There are few panniers better than the Bushwhakcer Omaha for grocery shopping. In fact, this is probably the very best one on the market! Measuring 14 by 9 and 11.5 inches, this pannier fits six 2L of soda/pop per basket, so it has a lot of space for a load of groceries.
You can assemble and use it in seconds, as both panniers attach to the top of the rack with secure metal hooks that will not break or wear down over time. Each bag can hold up to 15 pounds, which means you can really load up at the store. Additionally, the bags are made with mesh material, which is lightweight and easy for storage when not using them.
With the Bushwhacker, you have panniers that are easy to put together, easy to attach, easy to fill, and easy to disassemble too. Plus, the amount of weight they can easily hold is just remarkable. I highky recommend the Bushwacker Omaha for grocery shopping.
I give the Bushwacker Omaha a 9.7/10 overall grocery shopping rating.
2. Ortlieb Back Roller Classic Red-Black Panniers
The Ortlieb Back Roller Classic Red-Black Pannier has so many attractive features, you’d be silly to not pick it up as a grocery option. First of all, it’s quite literally easy to pick up because it is built with multiple handles and straps. In fact, it can double as a backpack, which means it is versatile as well as incredibly spacious.
This pannier is 20L and you can buy 2 for each side of your rear tire. With 40L you can get a good load of groceries.
Inside, there is a mesh pocket for bags, a notebook sleeve so you can keep your books at the ready, and a bottle cage too. Great to separate groceries from other items.
The pannier is crafted with polyester fabric that ensures the bag stays strong and safe even if you get caught in a little rain storm. It’s hard to find a reliable bag that is truly waterproof but that is what you get with the Ortlieb Back Roller Red-Black Pannier.
I give the Ortlieb Back Roller Classic Pannier a 9.6/10 overall grocery shopping rating.
3. Banjo Brothers Market Pannier
The Banjo Brothers Market Pannier is about the same size of a grocery store paper bag, which shows just how ideal it is for going to the supermarket. However, it’s much stronger than that. It is constructed with reinforcement panels inside that keep it tough and able to withstand a bike ride home.
A cinch-down flap ensures that the bag will remain sealed and secure through even the longest, roughest bike rides. This is a great pannier that is made with thick material and is incredibly easy to assemble and use again and again.
I give the Banjo Brother Market Pannier a 9.4/10 overall grocery shopping rating.
4. The Shopper Urban Pannier
Built with a patented Cam-Lock mounting system, there is no chance of the Shopper Urban Pannier ever falling off your bike or being anything short of totally reliable and strong. It comes in two different colors, and is building with zipper pockets inside so you can carry your groceries and purchases but also your keys and wallet too.
The light aluminyum frame means that the bag will stay in shape and will always remain tough. Plus, it comes with shoulder straps too so this pannier can also act as a backpack too. Versatility is always a plus!
I give the Shopper Urban Pannier a 9.4/10 overall grocery shopping rating.
5. ROCKBROS Bike Trunk Pannier
The ROCKBROS Bike Trunk Pannier is built to last. It’s more compact than other panniers on our list but it makes up for that with some brilliant features. Also, it sits on top of the bike pannier carrier rack, so really you can have the ROCKBROS on top and 2 side panniers for ultimate space.
The ROCKBROS Bike trunk panniers size allows it to be portable. Secondly, it is made with a stable and strong construction so it will last a long time. But it is also built with reflective straps, which means it’ll keep you safe on your ride.
It’s maximum capacity is at 13 liters.
And while it might not be huge, it is built with fold-out pockets that will let you carry more items than you would think.
I give the ROCKBROS Bike Trunk Pannier a 9.1/10 overall grocery shopping rating.
6. Ibera Bicycle PakRak All Weather Single Pannier
The Ibera Bicycle PakRak All Weather Single Pannier will be comfortable on the back of your bike in just minutes but it can also be taken off in a second too. With a quick released, clip-on system, you can simply attach or detach this pannier in the blink of an eye.
It comes with multiple compartments, each of which are able to hold a great deal. In fact, you can carry up to 19.8 pounds in this pannier. But don’t worry about it fall off and receiving damage. The secure 3-point connection ensures the bag will stay sturdy and safe exactly where it always should be: on the back of your bike and not the side of the road.
I give the Ibera Bicycle PakRak Pannier a 9.0/10 overall grocery shopping rating.
7. Two Wheel Gear – Pannier 2-in-1 Bike Commuting and Travel Bag
The Two Wheel Gear Pannier looks a lot like a backpack and that’s one of its biggest benefits. It isn’t just a pannier. Instead, if can be slung over your shoulder like you’re back in high school. This waterproof bag is made with 100% recycled Poly Diamond Ripstop with doublesided waterproof coating too.
It holds up 25 liters with total ease and comes with laptop sleeves, multiple pockets, a phone tray, a bag for batteries and pockets, pens, and more! This pannier fits more standard bike racks measuring 6-16 mm.
I give the Two Wheel Gear Pannier a 9.0/10 overall grocery shopping rating.
8. Banjo Brothers Saddlebag Panniers
The Banjo Brother Saddle Bag Pannier is similar in style to their Market Pannier above, but instead it has 2 packs that saddle over your bike rack carrier.
It is one of the easiest panniers to install on a bike. The cinch straps make it effortlessly fit onto your ride with total ease. The design is simple but brilliant, with reflective material that keeps you safe, and buckles that will keep the bag sealed at all times. It weighs 3.13 pounds but can carry much more than that! It has a capacity of about 25 liters.
When people think of a classic pannier, they are imagining one just like this. It’s old-school and all the better because of that.
I give the Banjo Brothers Saddlebag Pannier a 8.6/10 overall grocery shopping rating.
9. FANWU 50L Bike Panniers Bicycle Commuting Bag
You can fit a whole lot in the FANWU 50L Pannier. It is waterproof and can withstand some serious rain and it looks like it’s built strongly, because it is. Its 50 liter capacity is more than enough for just about anything you need to carry around town, especially groceries.
The pannier is crafted with a top bundle belt that gives you more space but also security. And it won’t be moving at all because it is made with 4 fast install hooks and 4 fasten straps with buckles, making it easier to install and able to stay put through even the longest, roughest bike ride.
I give the FANWU 50L Bike Panniers Bicycle Commuting Bag a 9.1/10 overall grocery shopping rating.
10. Kolo Sports Bicycle Rear Rack Saddle Pannier
No matter if you’re riding in rain or shine, the Kolo Shorts Bicycle Rear Rack Saddle Pannier is going to get thejob done. It is built with a durable, strong construction inside so the walls of the pannier will never collapse or grow weak. Additionally, it comes with multiple compartments so you can carry so much more than simply your groceries. There is also a dedicate bottle case inside with a drawstring so bring your drink along for the ride!
You can convert this pannier into a tote bag too so you can use this on or off your bike.
I give the Kolo Sports Bicycle Rear Rack Saddle Pannier a 8.7/10 overall grocery shopping rating.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, there are many options for panniers that are ideal for grocery shopping. What’s most obvious is that you have no reason to not own a pannier. It will help your productivity, your healthy, and your overall happiness.
There is no reason to not ride your bike to the store and buy your groceries. These panniers will make the whole experience so much more enjoyable.
