Cycling · Head-to-head
Arkel Dolphin 24L Waterproof Pannier vs North St. Bags Route Pannier 24L
Which should you buy? Our verdict on both, pulled from our full The Best Bike Panniers: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) comparison.
The Dolphin wins because it solves the mounting problem outright, with a Cam-Lock system and an oversized hook option quoted for tubing up to 21mm, on top of a genuinely waterproof twin roll-top design. The Route Pannier is the one to take if weight and heel clearance matter more than maximum rack compatibility.
Arkel Dolphin 24L Waterproof Pannier
Buy itA twin roll-top waterproof pannier whose Cam-Lock mount is offered with oversized hooks quoted for larger tubing, which is what makes it fit racks other bags will not.
- Two waterproof roll-top compartments rather than one, so gear can be separated on a long trip.
- Arkel describes the Cam-Lock system as fitting all racks, with oversized hooks available for larger tubing quoted at 15 to 21mm.
- Side pockets are broad and elastic enough for water bottles, and the compression webbing can run inside or outside the mesh pockets.
- The webbing can be passed under the light tabs to hold them in place, which is the kind of detail that stops straps flapping.
- Arkel quotes 1.1kg per bag but publishes no dimensions on the product page.
- At 24L per bag Arkel recommends it for rear use and points front-loading buyers to the 16L Dolphin instead.
- One of the more expensive options here.
North St. Bags Route Pannier 24L
Buy itThe most completely specified bag here and by far the lightest, with a tapered shape aimed squarely at heel strike and hook size chosen at purchase.
- Full dimensions published: 22 inches open, 16 closed, by 10 wide and 6.5 deep, at 24L capacity.
- 726 grams, or 1.6 pounds, which is about half what the convertible weighs.
- 1000d Cordura shell lined with waterproof recycled EcoPak sailcloth.
- Tapered build specifically to reduce heel strike, which is the complaint that makes people stop using panniers.
- Sold as a single bag, so a matched pair is two purchases.
- A lined bag keeps contents dry in a different way from a sealed roll-top, because the outer shell is left to get wet.
- Hooks come in fixed 9, 12 and 19mm sizes rather than one adjustable range, so the right one has to be picked at checkout.
Side by side
The 10 criteria below are the ones our full comparison judged every product on, narrowed to these two.
| Arkel Dolphin 24L Waterproof Pannier Our pick | North St. Bags Route Pannier 24L | |
|---|---|---|
| Our verdict | Buy | Buy |
| Best for | Touring and loaded commuting on any rack, including the thick-tubed racks that come on e-bikes and cargo bikes. | Commuters and light tourers who want a durable, light bag and have had heel-strike trouble with boxy panniers. |
| Price tier | $$$ · premium | $$ · mid-range |
| Stated capacity | 24L per bag | 24L |
| Rack tubing accepted | Cam-Lock stated to fit all racks; oversized hooks quoted for 15 to 21mm | Hooks sold in 9mm, 12mm or 19mm, chosen at purchase |
| Stated weight | 1.1kg per bag | 726g (1.6 lb) |
| Stated dimensions | Not published | 22in open, 16in closed, by 10in by 6.5in |
| Water protection | Two waterproof roll-top compartments, taped seams | Waterproof recycled EcoPak sailcloth liner |
| Shell material | 420D ripstop nylon, PU coated | 1000d Cordura |
| Carries as a backpack | No | No |
| Heel strike measure | Not stated | Tapered build, 10in wide at bottom |
| Sold as | Single or pair | Single bag |
| Made in | Vietnam, assembled in Canada | Portland, Oregon |
Which one is right for you?
Pick the Arkel Dolphin 24L Waterproof Pannier if
touring and loaded commuting on any rack, including the thick-tubed racks that come on e-bikes and cargo bikes.
Know before buying: arkel quotes 1.1kg per bag but publishes no dimensions on the product page.
Pick the North St. Bags Route Pannier 24L if
commuters and light tourers who want a durable, light bag and have had heel-strike trouble with boxy panniers.
Know before buying: sold as a single bag, so a matched pair is two purchases.
The bottom line
Our overall pick is the Arkel Dolphin 24L Waterproof Pannier - A twin roll-top waterproof pannier whose Cam-Lock mount is offered with oversized hooks quoted for larger tubing, which is what makes it fit racks other bags will not. Choose the North St. Bags Route Pannier 24L instead if commuters and light tourers who want a durable, light bag and have had heel-strike trouble with boxy panniers.
Want the full picture, including the other options we compared and the popular one we'd skip? Read the complete The Best Bike Panniers: 4 Compared (and One to Skip).