45L or 37L Panniers
 

Morning All,

I am thinking of hard case panniers (something like Trax or H&B), but I am not sure about the size ??

As the XT660Z has very slim rear end don't know if 2 x 45L will not be a bit too wide and OTT ??

Does anybody have 45L panniers on XT660Z ? How does it look like ?

Was also thinking about a mix 37L + 45L but it might look even more silly ??

IS 2 x 37L enough to accommodate stuff for weekend away for two people ?? (yeah I know it depends how much stuff you want to take)

Many thanks

Chris

I've always worked on the rule - buy the smallest you can get away with. If you get big ones "just in case" you might carry more stuff, you will end up carrying more stuff! You can always stick a dry back on the top of each if you need extra space.

Also be careful with the width. I would strongly advise against getting anything that is going to be wider than the width of the handlebars. Most 40L+ cases will be wider than the Tenere's bars. I have Holan 38L cases and they are about the same width as the stock bars, and a little under if you include the extra width of the Barkbuster handguards. Do some measuring before you hit the buy button.

This thread sounds like a good excuse to dig out the old pannier disaster video! Makes me laugh every time/cringe every time I watch it...

Thanks for the hard laugh @pleiades:038:

Got myself a pair of 37L Panniers

Excellent choice! You would only have filled the larger ones with unnecessary kit and clothing.

It surprised me how little of the stuff I took on a big trip last year that I actually used/needed.

You can always get away with less clothes than you think. You learn to pack better with less space and you will trim down what you do need to the essentials.

Happy trails!!

Yep, Im glad I didnt buy a 42L version. I think 2 x 37L is still slightly narrower than the handlebar, so you feel more confident when filtering.