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review

dhb Waterproof Pannier 22L

7
£34.99

VERDICT:

7
10
A budget commuter pannier that does the job perfectly well
Weight: 
840g

At road.cc every product is thoroughly tested for as long as it takes to get a proper insight into how well it works. Our reviewers are experienced cyclists that we trust to be objective. While we strive to ensure that opinions expressed are backed up by facts, reviews are by their nature an informed opinion, not a definitive verdict. We don't intentionally try to break anything (except locks) but we do try to look for weak points in any design. The overall score is not just an average of the other scores: it reflects both a product's function and value – with value determined by how a product compares with items of similar spec, quality, and price.

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The dhb Waterproof Pannier 22L is aimed at the daily commuter who wants a waterproof yet stylish rear pannier that doesn't cost a fortune, and it ticks all those boxes.

  • Pros: Waterproof, capacious, secure mounting, easy to adjust fit
  • Cons: Long, flimsy backplate

Like many waterproof panniers, it features welded seams and a roll-top closure system. The outer has a matt fabric finish with a waterproof coating on the inside, except for the sides which are smooth PVC-style material. It still wipes clean fairly easily though. The material is pretty robust but noticeably thinner than that of the Altura Sonic 25L pannier I've also been testing (review to come), although this is designed for touring rather than commuting. I did have an Avenir pannier made from similar material to the dhb and it endured a good two years of regular use before it wore thin at the top corners.

dhb Waterproof Pannier 22L - side.jpg

The first thing that strikes you about the dhb pannier is its capacious size – its 22 litres swallows shoes, coats, laptops, clothes and more with ease. It's over 10cm taller than the Altura Sonic 25L, for instance, and fits just as much. I like the adjustable webbing side straps with reflective stitching and Velcro strap tidy. Another neat feature is an extra strap that fastens over the top of the bag – I often used it instead of the side straps in dry weather. When securely fastened, the pannier kept the contents bone dry through rain and a hose test.

dhb Waterproof Pannier 22L - clip 2.jpg

It's crucial that a pannier has a secure mounting mechanism to prevent it jumping off when going over bumps in the road. The dhb's system is pretty good, and allows you to lift the pannier off the rack one-handed using the grab handle that opens the hooks. These clips are designed to fit rack tubing from 8-16mm diameter – because my rack has fairly thin tubes the top clips don't clasp it that securely (I could use a rubber shim maybe) and rattle a bit, but they never threatened to come free.

dhb Waterproof Pannier 22L - back detail 1.jpg

The lower clip is a simple 'slide and lock' T-bar which, over time, can loosen as you remove the pannier (I had the same system on my Avenir), meaning you need to reposition and lock it when you put the pannier back on. However, this doesn't affect it in use. The fact that both upper and lower mounts are quick-release makes them quick and easy to adjust as no screwdrivers or tools are needed.

dhb Waterproof Pannier 22L - back detail 2.jpg

Because the pannier is very long at 45cm, be sure to check it will fit your rack without fouling your rear mech. The inner plastic backplate is flimsier than the Altura's and bends a bit, which means the pannier doesn't sit as proud, so check it won't touch your wheel. Also, the bag isn't tapered to be narrower at the base, so I found my heel scuffed it at times.

> Buyer's Guide: Racks and panniers

Plastic corner reinforcements at the base protect it when you stand it on the ground, it has a comfy plastic carry handle, reflectives on the side and front, slits to attach a light on the sides, and it will fit on either side of your rack. So, lots of features, but a key omission for me is there's no pocket for storing keys and the like with easy access. Plus, for a commuter pannier it's not particularly visible, being grey – some bright colour options would be good. One more niggle is that the internal metal nuts (which secure the mounting mechanisms) can scratch or snag on items inside the pannier.

Overall, though, it's a decent quality pannier at a good price, and should last several years.

Verdict

A budget commuter pannier that does the job perfectly well

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road.cc test report

Make and model: dhb Waterproof Pannier 22L

Size tested: 22 litres

Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

dhb says: "Your perfect commuting companion. The dhb Waterproof Pannier is a high quality, feature packed, uncomplicated pannier designed to withstand the toughest of commutes and protect its contents even in wet weather"

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

dhb lists:

Welded seam construction with a secure roll-top closure

Dimensions:

Depth – 17cm

Width – 30cm

Top Open/Unrolled Height - 64cm

Roll-Top Closed height (as small as possible) – 45cm

Weight limit: 10kg

Waterproof fabrics are high quality and durable

Adjustable quick-release rack mounting system designed to work with any rack-tube size (from 8mm to 16mm)

High-viz reflective printed logos and reflective webbing detail

Adjustable straps at side and on top

Light attachment loops on side panels

Plastic handle cover for comfortable carrying off the bike

Hook and loop-fastened strap tidy on all straps

Reinforced bottom corners

22L capacity

Can be mounted on either side of rack

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
6/10

Rack clips don't feel overly strong and lower clip can move; material is thinner than some panniers from Altura, Vaude and Ortlieb, backplate is a bit flimsy, and internal metal bolt heads aren't covered. It's also very long so might not fit all racks (it almost fouls my rear mech).

Rate the product for performance:
 
7/10

Easy to fit and remove, fits absolutely loads and is waterproof, but the clips move around a little on my rack and I've caught my heel on it occasionally as it's not tapered at the bottom.

Rate the product for durability:
 
7/10

Plastic corner reinforcements help protect the bottom of the pannier but the material isn't as tough as that on more expensive panniers, though it's still perfectly adequate for commuting. Some users reported on Wiggle they had issues with the clips breaking.

Rate the product for weight (if applicable)
 
9/10
Rate the product for value:
 
8/10

Although it obviously isn't quite the same quality as top-notch panniers, it does cost considerably less – just over half the RRP of the Altura Sonic 25L and Ortlieb Back-Roller Urban, for example – so it's pretty good value. Just check it'll fit your rack because of its length.

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

Pretty well: it's waterproof, fits a ton of gear and is easy to use, but lack of pockets is a minus. Also, as a commuter pannier some bigger reflectives and a high-vis option would be good, although dhb describes it as "stylish" so that's probably why it's only available in grey.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Its voluminous capacity, the adjustable side straps and extra top strap.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Didn't attach to my rack all that securely, heel strike issues, lack of pocket for keys, phone etc.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? Maybe

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes, if it fitted their rack well.

Use this box to explain your score

This is a perfectly good pannier for its price. More stable rack clips, a pocket or two, shaping to prevent heel rub and more commuter-friendly colours would have raised the score.

Overall rating: 7/10

About the tester

Age: 45  Height: 170cm  Weight: 62kg

I usually ride: Marin Point Reyes 29er  My best bike is: Whyte T-130 RS

I've been riding for: 10-20 years  I ride: Most days  I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: commuting, touring, club rides, mountain biking, audax

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