We created the Backcountry Pannier because we were tired of over-the-seat soft panniers that flop around in rough terrain, have no external pockets or stash spots, disintegrate after a couple crashes, and are a total pain in the ass to get on and off the bike. We wanted something like a backpacking frame pack, but that mounts on your bike, and that stays connected to the bike and stays waterproof no matter how many times you lay the bike down.

The Backcountry's are super easy to click on and off the bike, and because the waterproofing is accomplished inside the bag (thanks to the two-bag system), minor external crashes and scuffs won’t faze your panniers at all. Thanks to the thick, welded seam internal liner, you’re also protected from internal abrasion: for example tools, or a camp stove, or some other hard piece of gear vibrating and rubbing against the inner surface over a long period of time.

Backcountry panniers will mount seamlessly on most OEM and aftermarket pannier rack systems. If you don't already have racks, we recommend Outback Motortek Standard Frame pannier racks, available in the Racks & Adapters section of our website. 

Rolling Updates to Version 2.1:

• We introduced the Speed-Pin latch system, replacing the rotary draw latch we used before, for an ‘always-on’ attachment to the bike.
• We upgraded the interior liner material from welded PVC to welded PU with a lighter cyan interior color to make things easier to find. The new PU is more environmentally friendly, more malleable 
• We reintroduced the 25L size, and also the option of an offset kit for bikes with asymmetrical pannier racks to accommodate exhaust.
• We added an aluminum locking bar at the top of the bag, to accommodate our Compact or Heavy Duty ADV Locks, and a stash pocket inside the beavertail for lock storage.
• We replaced the sewn-on rear pocket in the prior version with the new Dry Pocket system – a harness and drybag - which can be bolted to the front or rear of the pannier (or both), or removed entirely.
• We molded a new custom removable aluminum ladderlock buckle for the front beavertail, replacing the old stamped aluminum ones. The new buckle is as tough as the old one, but easier to adjust.
• We added MOLLE webbing behind the beavertail, and also a handy tool holder for larger items like a hatchet, knife, or saw.
• We added an extra layer of Hypalon armor on the outside of the beavertail and reflective panels on the sides.

Want to protect your panniers and gear from thieves? Add our Compact or Heavy Duty ADV Locks, which store conveniently in the pouch on the back of the beavertail, and integrate with the aluminum Locking Bar on top of the pannier to both a) lock the bag to the bike and b) lock the bag closed.

Backcountry Weight Note: The Backcountry is heavier than the Scouts, and it’s also heavier than a traditional over-the-seat saddlebag. What you get for that weight is bomb-proof construction and materials, a completely stable mounting system (no flopping), and lots of stash spots. Lighter is not always better if it comes at the price of functionality or durability. If weight is your primary concern but you want to stick with a rack system, check out the Scout 25L Panniers. If you’re really serious about weight, take off your racks (shaving 8-10 pounds off the bike) and get a Reckless 80L instead.

Wedge-Mount Compatibility Note: In July 2016, we switched the backcountry pannier wedge and frame from machined HDPE to molded glass-filled nylon. The new wedge/frame are not compatible with the old version. To determine which wedge/frame you have, check on the back of the wedge. If it is flat & smooth, that's HDPE. If it has an inset honeycomb pattern, that's molded nylon. We have extra wedges and frames of both materials in stock available for order by special request.

Cutout Pannier Rack Note: Bikes with stock racks and a pannier exhaust cutout (like the R1250GSA, R1200GSA, 850GSA, or F800GSA for example) require an additional adapter. Check the 'Hardware & Parts' section of our site, or email us with questions.

Check out the Backcountry Brush Guards, designed to provide additional protection from brush and extend the life of your bags.