My experience with bike packs is that Less is More. The simpler the better. The fewer zippers and pockets the less that can go wrong This is based on bike touring for 50 years. But more important everyone has to pick packs that meet their needs and how they organize. If I have laundry that is still wet in the morning. I bungie it on top of my rear bags and sun dry. I never put wet items in plastic in my pack.
When I heard 48L panniers my jaw actually dropped!!! That is absolutely huge! I had no idea they came that big! But that's per set! Both of your old and new set's look fabulous although the new set does look very wide. But they are designed for what you need them for and not for just about town. I have two sets of 20L (each) roll top pannier bags myself which I use pretty much for shopping and transport. One really cheap 5 years old pair starting to fall apart and a little bit more expensive new set hardly used yet. I never go anywhere without at least one with me even if I have no plans to actually use it when I set out. Better looking at it than looking for it is my motto. Although because I use a trailer regularly now, I use pannier bags less often for carrying bigger or heavier loads on the bike than I used to. And if it's not inappropriate to ask here, does anyone who might read this have any recommendations for something like a really strong tape that would hold together factory taped seams on a pannier bag that are coming apart on my old set? I hate to give up on anything when there's still lots of use left in it with a repair.
Yes, that's 24L per bag. 48L would be huge to carry on one side. 😂 Regarding your question, someone in the comments recommended the use of T-Rex tape for using on panniers. Maybe there'll be others who reply with additional ideas.
@@WheelsonaBike I have seen bigger than single 48’s for electric cargo bikes but that's a completely different beast. My 20's fully unfolded hold about 40L each. It's ok for groceries if it's not lashing rain. Plus more on the carrier in between. The lazy man's load! Yes, I read that comment about T-Rex tape too. I was going to look it up. I've never heard of it before. Appreciate your reply. And I noticed a mistake in my comment above which I'll correct. Always read through before submitting!
Great comprehensive review and comparison Agnieszka. Love all the functionality and storage options. I appreciate all the b-roll and supporting graphics throughout.
Congratulations on reaching 1000 subs! My main focus with my bags is definitely organization. I use Ortlieb but have always thought the Arkel brand looked like a quality product. :)
Thank you very much! Now to the watch time hours. :) I look forward to your review video of the new bags. You never know when this info may come in handy. :)
I am toying with upgrading my panniers this year as well. This one is certainly going to be one of the ones I will consider. Very good video, very descriptive and informative.
Thanks for watching! Arkel has so many panniers to choose from. I think these will work for me perfectly. When you decide on yours, would love to get your thoughts on whatever you end up with.
I just recently purchased the Dolphin bags and my husband uses the Orca bags. I absolutely love my bags for organization. There are so many different little places on the bags to store items. Once I've dialed in where everything is going to go and then remember where everything is located, it's going to be an excellent setup. Cheers.
Excellent to know. Thank you for sharing this. I've just started riding with the panniers, but find them a bit too big for daily commuting. They'll be perfect for touring.
As a concern for sagging with the Dolphin , I use the cradle from my Orka 25 front paniers , and although there are no velcro retainers for the cradle , they do keep my Dolphin upright when unpacking and repacking the panier
I've always been looking for a much bigger pannier than the 27 liter one's I use to go biking with. Glad I found your channel. I'm always going shopping and the 27 liter one will often fill up rather quickly and I only had one.
I think one disadvantage of Dolphin 48 is that their are much wider than common rear panniers, which will result in lack of clearance in busy roads and narrow trails. Personally, I prefer the combination of Dolphin 32 and Orca 45 on my touring bike.
I used the Dolphins for 7 years and recently switched to the Orcas. Yes, they do sag after all the use I.oit them through. So unless they're completely full, they sagged. I opted for the Orcas
This video was very helpful. I just ordered a pair of the Dolphins to use as my first touring bags on my new bike. How have they done with respect to the “sharper objects like the tripod? Thanks again. I love your content. I want to be you some day. 😂
Bonjour . Merci pour la vidéo très bien réalisé comme d'habitude . Oui les sacoches Arkel sont de bonne qualité , mais j'ai changé pour des sacoches Vaude Aqua Back qui sont plus résistante car mes Arkel se sont toutes déchirés en dessous assez rapidement au bout de 5000 km , alors que mes nouvelles sacoches Vaude n'ont toujours aucun problème après 12500 km , donc il faut faire très attention avec les sacoches Arkel . A bientôt sur la route ensoleillé 🚴♂🌍🌞.
This is very good to know, thank you. Your experience with the bags speaks to one of my concerns. So it really would be best for me to reinforce the bottom of the pannier, especially when going long distance. I've seen Vaude panniers on other riders' bikes and am glad to hear they are working out for you.
@@WheelsonaBike Oui je suis très content des sacoches Vaude . Pour les Arkel tu peux les renforcer avec du T-REX Ruban adhésif qui est le plus résistant du commerce . Pour les sacoches Arkel le service après vente ne fonctionne pas pour les déchirures dommage ! A bientôt .
@@WheelsonaBike Il est préférable d'installer du ruban adhésif à l'intérieur et à l'extérieur pour plus d’efficacité , je te conseil aussi de chauffer un peu le ruban une foie installé à l'aide d'un sèche cheveux pour finaliser le collage , si tu as d'autres questions je suis à ta disposition .
Great side by side review to two excellent touring panniers. I like the 2 compartment Dolphins but what I do not like as you mentioned was the lack of bottom support of the main compartment. A possible solution would be to put a thin foam mat at the bottom to repel sharp objects and could double as a padded/insulated seat when off the bike.
Love my Orka's and they will take forever to wear out before I upgrade. Would like to come out east and tour Toronto to Montreal, recommend a route? maybe via Ottawa and Mont Tremblant. I like the idea of canal camping, campground costs seem high in Ontario and more geared towards RV's. Maybe I'll watch more Steve Wallis vids and go stealth.
Orcas are great panniers, no doubt about that. Regarding the tour question - I think the Waterfront Trail would work for at least part of the journey from Toronto to Montreal. If you like canal camping, because YES, camping prices are way too expensive in Ontario, look up the Trent Severn Waterway and the Rideau Canal - they both offer camping at the lock stations. I've stayed at a number of locks on the Trent Severn Waterway. CJ Hoyle, a local UA-camr has recently showcased a trip along the Rideau Canal. Here's the playlist: ua-cam.com/play/PL0a5DXVTM1Gug_91_B5JgJqV47gww7SvX.html. Great idea to do some stealth camping. Steve is a pro at it!
Thanks for the idea. Was thinking of doing a follow up on the Dolphins but it's a bit complicated as a ran into a few issues with them. But all good info I think that might be beneficial to share.
I would not recommend the Dolphins after my prolonged use of them. I had multiple issues, and while Arkel addressed them, there were too many of them. I'd go with the 45L Orcas.
Excellent review and comparison. Personally I feel that other than the better organization potential with the Dolphins the Orcas seem like a better design. The rigid lining along the bottom of the Orca is a big one for me.
How are these holding up? Are these the ones that got ruined from that car hitting you? I love commuting and some over nights, extra pockets are a must!
Yes. One of them got smashed up in the collision and I got a replacement. One of them leaked and Arkel replaced it, and then I had some seam tape issues with another, also replaced by Arkel. I see that they now have version 2 available. These are good panniers. I utilized the pockets to their full extent. The attachment system was exceptional. Never any problems with it.
Great video nicely done I made one on Panniers last year as well, any type of rider is always looking to get best options to pack on adventure. That's quite a bit of weight for a bicycle 48 l is this per side or total 48L? I use 45l one side 41l on the other side on a motorcycle that's why i question it?
Thanks for watching and for the question. It looks like I wasn't clear enough in the video. So the capacity is 48L for the pair, 24L each. Depending on whether I put the 35L or 25L panniers on the front, I may have a 82/72L in total, which sounds like a lot, but I'd like to not load them fully, but have some extra space, just in case. And you're right! I love watching these types of videos, because it's good to know what's out there in terms of gear.
been enjoying your videos a lot as i am planning on doing a 670km trip to germany next year on my scott ebike, still need to get most of the things for the trip tho
@selfaware4352 They definitely held up well, although I did have some leaking issues, which Arkel sent me replacements for. They've also updated the panniers recently. I loved the organization they offered, some pockets but not too many. I do recommend them.
Hmm. Not quite. The Dolphins don't have that internal cradle at the bottom of the pocket, and also have the full external back plate, in addition to the pockets. But if that's close enough to make them similar, then...
Hmmm. That's tough. I like the Orcas because they have the insert at the bottom, but I like the Dolphins because they have the pockets. I'd most likely buy the Dolphins and get a plastic insert for the main pocket. I am currently using the plastic insert from the Orcas.
@@extraHERO Justin here from marketing. Not only do we love Agnieszka's content, but every piece of feedback is duly noted and shared with the team. Keep up the great work, ride on!
My experience with bike packs is that Less is More. The simpler the better. The fewer zippers and pockets the less that can go wrong This is based on bike touring for 50 years. But more important everyone has to pick packs that meet their needs and how they organize. If I have laundry that is still wet in the morning. I bungie it on top of my rear bags and sun dry. I never put wet items in plastic in my pack.
I use square aluminum baking pan in the bottom of the panniers holds shape and side protect to ,
Thanks for sharing. I've not considered that!
@@WheelsonaBike the aluminum baking pan will bend over time slightly to the bottom shape of the panniers ,
When I heard 48L panniers my jaw actually dropped!!!
That is absolutely huge! I had no idea they came that big!
But that's per set!
Both of your old and new set's look fabulous although the new set does look very wide. But they are designed for what you need them for and not for just about town.
I have two sets of 20L (each) roll top pannier bags myself which I use pretty much for shopping and transport. One really cheap 5 years old pair starting to fall apart and a little bit more expensive new set hardly used yet.
I never go anywhere without at least one with me even if I have no plans to actually use it when I set out.
Better looking at it than looking for it is my motto.
Although because I use a trailer regularly now, I use pannier bags less often for carrying bigger or heavier loads on the bike than I used to.
And if it's not inappropriate to ask here, does anyone who might read this have any recommendations for something like a really strong tape that would hold together factory taped seams on a pannier bag that are coming apart on my old set?
I hate to give up on anything when there's still lots of use left in it with a repair.
Yes, that's 24L per bag. 48L would be huge to carry on one side. 😂
Regarding your question, someone in the comments recommended the use of T-Rex tape for using on panniers. Maybe there'll be others who reply with additional ideas.
@@WheelsonaBike I have seen bigger than single 48’s for electric cargo bikes but that's a completely different beast. My 20's fully unfolded hold about 40L each. It's ok for groceries if it's not lashing rain. Plus more on the carrier in between. The lazy man's load!
Yes, I read that comment about T-Rex tape too. I was going to look it up. I've never heard of it before.
Appreciate your reply.
And I noticed a mistake in my comment above which I'll correct.
Always read through before submitting!
Great comprehensive review and comparison Agnieszka. Love all the functionality and storage options. I appreciate all the b-roll and supporting graphics throughout.
Thank you for watching! I appreciate the feedback.
Congratulations on reaching 1000 subs! My main focus with my bags is definitely organization. I use Ortlieb but have always thought the Arkel brand looked like a quality product. :)
Thank you very much! Now to the watch time hours. :) I look forward to your review video of the new bags. You never know when this info may come in handy. :)
I am toying with upgrading my panniers this year as well. This one is certainly going to be one of the ones I will consider. Very good video, very descriptive and informative.
Thanks for watching! Arkel has so many panniers to choose from. I think these will work for me perfectly. When you decide on yours, would love to get your thoughts on whatever you end up with.
I just recently purchased the Dolphin bags and my husband uses the Orca bags. I absolutely love my bags for organization. There are so many different little places on the bags to store items. Once I've dialed in where everything is going to go and then remember where everything is located, it's going to be an excellent setup. Cheers.
Excellent to know. Thank you for sharing this. I've just started riding with the panniers, but find them a bit too big for daily commuting. They'll be perfect for touring.
As a concern for sagging with the Dolphin , I use the cradle from my Orka 25 front paniers , and although there are no velcro retainers for the cradle , they do keep my Dolphin upright when unpacking and repacking the panier
Thanks for this suggestion. I also thought of doing the same and am glad to hear that this works.
Looking forward to more cycling expeditions from you!
Thank you! I can't wait for spring to arrive!
I've always been looking for a much bigger pannier than the 27 liter one's I use to go biking with. Glad I found your channel. I'm always going shopping and the 27 liter one will often fill up rather quickly and I only had one.
Glad you found the channel and that the video was helpful. Thanks for watching.
I think one disadvantage of Dolphin 48 is that their are much wider than common rear panniers, which will result in lack of clearance in busy roads and narrow trails. Personally, I prefer the combination of Dolphin 32 and Orca 45 on my touring bike.
Yes, that's a good point. The external pocket does make them considerably wider than the Orcas.
This is my first time checking out your vids. Ill definitely be back for more. Subscribed!
Thank you for watching and subscribing. I appreciate it!
I used the Dolphins for 7 years and recently switched to the Orcas. Yes, they do sag after all the use I.oit them through. So unless they're completely full, they sagged. I opted for the Orcas
Thank you for sharing this. I just started using them on a multi month tour and will do a follow up review with my impressions.
This video was very helpful. I just ordered a pair of the Dolphins to use as my first touring bags on my new bike. How have they done with respect to the “sharper objects like the tripod? Thanks again. I love your content. I want to be you some day. 😂
Great page!! love your content!!
Thanks for finding my channel as well. I liked what I saw on yours!
Bonjour . Merci pour la vidéo très bien réalisé comme d'habitude . Oui les sacoches Arkel sont de bonne qualité , mais j'ai changé pour des sacoches Vaude Aqua Back qui sont plus résistante car mes Arkel se sont toutes déchirés en dessous assez rapidement au bout de 5000 km , alors que mes nouvelles sacoches Vaude n'ont toujours aucun problème après 12500 km , donc il faut faire très attention avec les sacoches Arkel . A bientôt sur la route ensoleillé 🚴♂🌍🌞.
This is very good to know, thank you. Your experience with the bags speaks to one of my concerns. So it really would be best for me to reinforce the bottom of the pannier, especially when going long distance. I've seen Vaude panniers on other riders' bikes and am glad to hear they are working out for you.
@@WheelsonaBike Oui je suis très content des sacoches Vaude . Pour les Arkel tu peux les renforcer avec du T-REX Ruban adhésif qui est le plus résistant du commerce .
Pour les sacoches Arkel le service après vente ne fonctionne pas pour les déchirures dommage ! A bientôt .
Thanks for that tip. And would you use the tape inside or outside? Inside is my thought.
@@WheelsonaBike Il est préférable d'installer du ruban adhésif à l'intérieur et à l'extérieur pour plus d’efficacité , je te conseil aussi de chauffer un peu le ruban une foie installé à l'aide d'un sèche cheveux pour finaliser le collage , si tu as d'autres questions je suis à ta disposition .
Thank you very much for this added info.
Insightful video! P.s coming from 1000th subscriber 🤞🏼
Thanks for subscribing! Interestingly, the public counter is at 1K, the YT Studio counter is at 998. Oh UA-cam.
@@WheelsonaBike focus on public 😅
😂😂😂 Will do! 👍
Colored ones are safer. Drivers tend to see you easier. That aside, these are excellent and many years of service will come out of the.
Hi, I like the way you do these content - up to the 1000 ab's - Sarah - Denmark
Thank you for the comment and thanks for watching! I appreciate it.
Great side by side review to two excellent touring panniers. I like the 2 compartment Dolphins but what I do not like as you mentioned was the lack of bottom support of the main compartment. A possible solution would be to put a thin foam mat at the bottom to repel sharp objects and could double as a padded/insulated seat when off the bike.
I ended up using the plastic insert from the 35L Orcas inside the Dolphins. It'd be ideal if the Dolphins had a bit of internal reinforcement.
Love my Orka's and they will take forever to wear out before I upgrade. Would like to come out east and tour Toronto to Montreal, recommend a route? maybe via Ottawa and Mont Tremblant. I like the idea of canal camping, campground costs seem high in Ontario and more geared towards RV's. Maybe I'll watch more Steve Wallis vids and go stealth.
Orcas are great panniers, no doubt about that.
Regarding the tour question - I think the Waterfront Trail would work for at least part of the journey from Toronto to Montreal. If you like canal camping, because YES, camping prices are way too expensive in Ontario, look up the Trent Severn Waterway and the Rideau Canal - they both offer camping at the lock stations. I've stayed at a number of locks on the Trent Severn Waterway. CJ Hoyle, a local UA-camr has recently showcased a trip along the Rideau Canal. Here's the playlist: ua-cam.com/play/PL0a5DXVTM1Gug_91_B5JgJqV47gww7SvX.html.
Great idea to do some stealth camping. Steve is a pro at it!
the reason i prefer my xm-45 is because the made in canada , in sherbrooke to be precise , these are made in asia
That's right. They are made in Asia.
Hi Agnieszka, I would love to see an updated review of them after crossing Canada with both sets of the panniers.
Thanks for the idea. Was thinking of doing a follow up on the Dolphins but it's a bit complicated as a ran into a few issues with them. But all good info I think that might be beneficial to share.
@@WheelsonaBike I would be interested.
@@WheelsonaBike ooh I was more inclined towards the Dolphins, but this comment makes me doubt that!
I would not recommend the Dolphins after my prolonged use of them. I had multiple issues, and while Arkel addressed them, there were too many of them. I'd go with the 45L Orcas.
@@WheelsonaBike oh too bad. Thanks for sharing your experience.
Excellent review and comparison. Personally I feel that other than the better organization potential with the Dolphins the Orcas seem like a better design. The rigid lining along the bottom of the Orca is a big one for me.
I ended up taking the lining from the Orcas and putting it in the Dolphins.
How are these holding up? Are these the ones that got ruined from that car hitting you? I love commuting and some over nights, extra pockets are a must!
Yes. One of them got smashed up in the collision and I got a replacement. One of them leaked and Arkel replaced it, and then I had some seam tape issues with another, also replaced by Arkel. I see that they now have version 2 available. These are good panniers. I utilized the pockets to their full extent. The attachment system was exceptional. Never any problems with it.
Great video nicely done I made one on Panniers last year as well, any type of rider is always looking to get best options to pack on adventure. That's quite a bit of weight for a bicycle 48 l is this per side or total 48L? I use 45l one side 41l on the other side on a motorcycle that's why i question it?
Thanks for watching and for the question. It looks like I wasn't clear enough in the video. So the capacity is 48L for the pair, 24L each. Depending on whether I put the 35L or 25L panniers on the front, I may have a 82/72L in total, which sounds like a lot, but I'd like to not load them fully, but have some extra space, just in case.
And you're right! I love watching these types of videos, because it's good to know what's out there in terms of gear.
So cool movie💕 Fantastic♪🌼 Have a nice day♪✨
Thank you for watching and for the comment. Enjoy your day as well.
That's awesome! congrats!
Thanks for sharing.
been enjoying your videos a lot as i am planning on doing a 670km trip to germany next year on my scott ebike, still need to get most of the things for the trip tho
Excellent to know the videos have been helpful.
Great vid! You said you would do a review after 1000km, but I don't see it. (?)
Never did it, as I ended up riding over 8,000 KM with these and documented some issues in the cross Canada tour videos.
@@WheelsonaBike Thanks. Can I assume that - with 8000K - they held up well? I'm about to buy a pair (I think)...
@selfaware4352 They definitely held up well, although I did have some leaking issues, which Arkel sent me replacements for. They've also updated the panniers recently. I loved the organization they offered, some pockets but not too many. I do recommend them.
i Love so much thank you.
Could I ask you what you use for a trunk bag to lay across the to if your panniers?
I use a SealLine dry bag. www.seallinegear.com/ca/dry-bags/baja-dry-bag/baja-dry-bag.html
Hi. Do you feel that your heel rubs on one pannier more so than the other?
No, I have no heel rub, but if you add a bulky item to the pocket, there will be rub.
@@WheelsonaBike Thanks for the prompt reply.
Nuevo suscriptor dura
Thank you for subscribing. I appreciate it.
Is it safe to say that the Dolphin 48 is an Orca 48 with a front pouch added?
Hmm. Not quite. The Dolphins don't have that internal cradle at the bottom of the pocket, and also have the full external back plate, in addition to the pockets. But if that's close enough to make them similar, then...
Good, informative video, but I can't concentrate on the panniers.
If you could only buy either the orca or the dolphin front and rear which one would it be?
Hmmm. That's tough. I like the Orcas because they have the insert at the bottom, but I like the Dolphins because they have the pockets. I'd most likely buy the Dolphins and get a plastic insert for the main pocket. I am currently using the plastic insert from the Orcas.
@@WheelsonaBike That's clever if you can afford to own all of them.
Yes, that's true.
ARKEL HIRE HER TO HELP DESIGN YOUR PRODUCTS
😂😂😂 I'm sure I'd be promptly fired. :) I leave product design to the pros. But thanks for the compliment.
@@WheelsonaBike If they have one person on their staff who's biked with gear more than you I'll eat my shoe.
@@WheelsonaBike You take risks on them they can take a risk on you
@@extraHERO Justin here from marketing. Not only do we love Agnieszka's content, but every piece of feedback is duly noted and shared with the team. Keep up the great work, ride on!
Thank you for watching and for sharing with your community. Also, thanks for the amazing products.