IN BRIEF
Paper Roads, a small bag workshop that Bikepacking.com describes as based in Auckland, New Zealand, is launching the Traverse, rack panniers sold as a pair. Each holds 8 litres, plus 2 litres in its expandable pocket, making 20 litres for the pair. The waterproof bag slides into a rigid holster secured with Velcro straps, with an inner lining laminated with plastic film. Usually made to order in one to three weeks, the brand says, or available as ready-to-ship pairs, they start at €247.95 a pair on the brand’s website.
| Price | From €247.95 a pair |
| Volume | 8 L per pannier + 2 L pocket, 20 L per pair |
| Weight of the waterproof bag (each) | 120 g in ULTRA200X, 140 g in ULTRA400X, 165 g in EPLX400 |
| Weight of the holster (each) | 280 g in ULTRA400X, 290 g in EPLX400, 295 g in EPLX600 |
| Mounting | 2 fixed Velcro straps + 1 spare per pannier |
| Compatibility | Most racks, but not T-racks |
| Lead time | Made to order, usually 1 to 3 weeks (8+ weeks shown by the brand); a few ready-to-ship pairs |
The Traverse come in two parts. Each combines a rigid support, which Paper Roads calls a “holster”, with a roll-top waterproof bag that slides into it. Paper Roads says it designed them for bikepackers who take their bags off the rack to sleep indoors, away from their bike, unlike its Trail Panniers, whose mounting is hard to remove. The brand says it tested the latest version of their back plate over 1,800 km in the Australian Outback and on the trails of New Zealand’s North Island, in heavy rain.
Traverse panniers waterproof by construction
The waterproof bag is cut from a single piece, with one vertical seam and an origami-style folded bottom seam. Inside is a floating liner laminated with plastic film, and a triple ripstop for strength. The brand is upfront about it: few manufacturers dare to promise they will keep water out, it writes, and it does.
Several fabrics are offered. ULTRA200X is the lightest, and the brand considers it more durable than EPLX400: 120 g for the waterproof bag, against 165 g in EPLX400. The holster weighs 280 to 295 g each depending on the fabric.
Strap mounting, on most racks
The official product page lists two fixed Velcro straps per pannier, plus a spare strap to move it further back on the rack. Paper Roads says they are compatible with most racks, but not with T-racks, because of the load limits set by their manufacturers.
Sold only as a pair, the Traverse are mostly made to order: the official product page gives a usual lead time of one to three weeks, but also displays “Apologies, lead time is now 8+ weeks!”, and offers a few ready-to-ship pairs. The Paper Roads website lists them from €247.95 a pair.
