Thule Pack n’ Pedal Shield Pannier Review

November 3, 2016
Thule Pack n’ Pedal Shield Pannier
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Thule Pack n’ Pedal Shield Pannier Thule_Pack-n-Pedal_Shield_00.jpg Thule_Pack-n-Pedal_Shield_02 Thule_Pack-n-Pedal_Shield_21
GEAR INSTITUTE RATINGS
81
Ease of Use
6
Versatility
5
Durability
7
Weather Resisitance
8
Features
5

The Good

  • Durable
  • Lightweight
  • Sturdy, padded handle
  • Outstanding reflectivity
  • Easy on/off

The Bad

  • No organization
  • No laptop compartment
THE VERDICT

The Thule Pack n’ Pedal Shield Pannier is a waterproof durable pannier with outstanding reflectivity. It comes as a pair providing up to 48 liters of cargo capacity making it the most accommodating for bike commuting and shopping. However, the shoulder straps are narrow and thin and the panniers lack internal organization. 

FULL REVIEW

EASE OF USE
The Thule Pack ‘n Pedal Shield pannier’s rack mounting system uses two spring-loaded cams that attach the pannier to the rack. Using the weight of the pannier and its contents, pull upward on the grab handle to release the hooks to a horizontal position. Once the hooks are aligned with the rack, release and the pannier is locked onto the rack. The spring tension in the cams is somewhat stiff making attachment/detachment a two handed affair; one hand pulling on grab handle and one pushing on top of pannier. To remove, simply lift the pannier by its grab handle to release. A bottom attachment that mounts on the rack has a strong magnet that sticks to the base of the pannier and helps prevent it from bouncing up when riding.

VERSATILITY
The Thule Pack ‘n Pedal Shield pannier fit equally well on a Civia Hyland and Trek District racks and works well for both general commuting and shopping runs. The mounting system hooks are adjustable forward and aft and will fit most any rack.

It comes with a detachable shoulder strap to carry from bike to office.

DURABILITY
The Thule Pack ‘n Pedal Shield pannier is made with a durable waterproof-coated fabric. Cleaning requires only a damp or wet washcloth. The Thule Pack ‘n Pedal mounting system is made of a heavy and durable plastic. The clip that secures the roll-top flap is made of a heavy plastic.

WEATHER RESISTANCE
The Thule Pack ‘n Pedal Shield pannier is made with an IP64-level waterproof and dust resistant fabric. Welded seams and a dry bag style closure that is secured in place with a smart quick-release buckle strap, keeps it waterproof even in downpours. 

While our tester did not encounter rain during her testing period, she did drench it with a garden hose to confirm the waterproofness. 

FEATURES
The Thule Pack ‘n Pedal Shield pannier is very simplistic in design. Its roll-top style and sturdy plastic clip with adjustable webbing compression straps allows for flexibility in cargo capacity. It comes as a pair which, when used, increases cargo capacity to forty-eight liters. When using only one pannier with 24 liters of capacity, our tester successfully carried her lunch, clothing, shoes and a 15-inch IBM ThinkPad inside the main compartment. However the Thule Pack ‘n Pedal Shield pannier does not have a separate laptop sleeve. 

The Thule Pack ‘n Pedal Shield pannier comes with a detachable shoulder strap to carry from bike to office but it is narrow and lacks a shoulder pad, making it uncomfortable to carry heavier loads for longer distances. However, the grab-handle is padded in rubber and is plenty comfortable for carrying heavier loads. 

A small mesh organizer pocket inside the main compartment holds small items like keys, phone, or wallet but does not secure closed.  

The roll-top design closure system closes with a single plastic clip ensuring that all items inside the pannier remain dry. On the outside of the Thule Pack ‘n Pedal Shield pannier is a handy light clip. Light is included/sold separately.  

Reflective elements are generous and include a highly-reflective pattern on the front and side of the pannier. 

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