Altura Thunderstorm City Waterproof Cycling Pannier

The Altura Thunderstorm City Cycling Pannier is sold singularly and is designed to carry a 10kg payload and to cope with the worst the weather can throw at it. I’ve been impressed by its user-friendly design and impressive weatherproofing, though I found the opening a little narrower than some and the lack of a carry strap is a strange omission for a commuting bag.

> Buy now: Altura Thunderstorm City Cycling Pannier for £75 from Altura

For other options, check out our best pannier bags and pannier racks buyer’s guide.

Specification

The bag’s 20-litre capacity should be enough for most commuters. The main fabric is a TPU-coated polyester with welded seams and a roll-top closure, which is pretty much what you’d expect from a waterproof design.

The top edge of the bag is folded to enhance weatherproofing around the roll-top closure, and its IPX6 rating means it will resist powerful jets of water from any direction but not submersion in water.

You get a choice of black or fluro yellow and black. The reflective detailing is quite subtle, but it covers a huge surface area on the pannier’s three exposed sides. The mounts for fitting LEDs are welcome, as panniers can obscure seatstay-mounted lights.

Internally, a sold ‘wall’ offers rigidity and protection and there are two open pouches and a zippered one with a key loop. There’s also a sleeve for a 13in laptop, though it will just about swallow a 15in laptop albeit with some of it protruding, and all sections are padded to offer some protection.

The 864g weight is typical for a pannier and its 10kg maximum load is reassuring. That’s enough for a couple of weighty locks and a change of clothes, and it also means you could use it for longer adventures.

Mount

The mount is a Rixen & Kaul Klickfix unit, which features an innovative quick-release button for effortless removal, and it’s as reliable as you’d expect from the German company. A Phillips screw lets you adjust it to fit different rack diameters, and there’s a rubberised shim you can remove for larger diameter racks.

Testing

I tested this on my rough-stuff tourer and fixed-gear trainer, both of which sport Topeak racks, one two-tier for disc brakes and one traditional.

There was some very minor rattling on farm tracks and railway crossings but nothing more serious than vibration from the bottom hook, and this is common to Rixen & Kaul and similar mounts. There was no rubbing of the pannier frame or the powder-coated finish of the racks.

Some smaller frames, such as my tourer, can create heel clearance hassles. I typically loaded ours with five or six kilos and took to dirt roads without issue. I snugged the screws a a turn or so tighter after a few rides, not unexpectedly, and the Rixen & Kaul hardware clung on like a limpet.

Performance

The Altura pannier worked well. Its sturdy polyester/TPU construction means it holds its shape very well for efficient packing and retrieval.

I found that when I loaded it close to its 10kg limit and with bulkier cargo, it took me around 20 minutes to adjust to the extra load and its impact on handling, which was most notable when cornering. It’s not really an issue, just something to be aware of.

The roll-top ‘envelope’-type design, welded construction and the fabric promises belt and braces waterproofing – and it delivers. It not only kept out rain, but also a three-minute blast from my high-pressure garden hose.

The contents stayed bone dry as they did during an unplanned stream crossing. I’d personally still probably pack clothing and valuables in a dry sack as a precaution, but for commuting and weekend tours it’s more than enough.

Durability

While perhaps not literally bombproof, the Altura is reassuringly solid. In my experience it’s the mounting hardware that fails first on a pannier, but not only is Rixen & Kaul’s kit tough, replacements are also readily available.

There were no issues during testing, though I’d keep an eye on the screws and tighten them if necessary. Riding through foliage caused no marking and the black is easy to look after – just clean it with a damp cloth. For more stubborn stains you could use a bike wash with a medium-soft brush and warm water.

I would like to have seen some external reinforcement around the base to help with its long-term durability, but the fabric itself is very tough.

Value

Altura’s Thunderstorm City Pannier is well engineered and executed, though it is quite pricey for a single pannier.

For example, the Oxford Evo Aqua V20 Single Quick Release Pannier costs just £44.99. It also has a 20L capacity, it’s made from 500 denier UPVC with welded seams and Rixen & Kaul hardware, though it’s a little heavier than the Altura and the roll-top closure is a little trickier than some.

If you are planning to venture off road, I’d recommend a model with Rixen & Kaul hardware for the extra security and the widespread availability of replacement parts.

The Lomo Zephyr is great value at just £34.95. It has a 24L capacity, features welded TPU coated fabric, scuff plates, internal compartments, carry strap and a secure quick-release mounting system.

But the Altura isn’t the only one at this sort of price. The UPSO Potters Pannier also costs £75, it has a 21-litre capacity and is made from recycled lorry tarpaulin. Though its seams aren’t welded so it’s more water resistant than waterproof.

Vaude’s Aquaback panniers are £120 a pair. Made from recycled materials, they’re waterproof, have a roll-top closure, but they’re high-quality panniers for commuting and beyond.

Conclusion

There’s a lot to like about the Altura, which is tough, well made and fully waterproof. And its replaceable Rixen & Kaul hardware should also give it long-term durability. And though it is more expensive than some of the alternatives, if you are looking for a pannier for commuting and perhaps for bigger adventures, the Altura is certainly worth considering.

Verdict

Well-made and waterproof but it is pricey, and I’d have liked external base reinforcement and a carry strap

> Buy now: Altura Thunderstorm City Cycling Pannier for £75 from Altura

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