Aerostich Tank Panniers

From the start we were always afraid to tell our customers these were sized specifically for carrying two one gallon cans of gasoline, because we thought recommending this would be dangerous, so they were never presented this way in any Aerostich catalog. We never ended up using them for that ourselves. They were introduced in 1988, because back then nobody else made anything like them, and we did think someday we occasionally might want to be able to carry some extra gas.

Sales were low at first but later they became more popular and others began making similar ones. One company even made an exact ‘reverse engineered’ copy after taking the pattern from one of ours. What made this especially funny was that company not only stole the design stitch-for-stich, but also lifted the product description word-for-word from our catalog directly to theirs.

Today there are lots of different tank pannier choices, but these remain popular. Their simplicity, many functional details, high quality and general versatility are why. People have hauled just about everything in them, all over the world. They fit a lot of different bikes well, and have become a minor classic.

In the Chinook trading language here in the Pacific Northwest, skookum means strong and good.

That fits the Aerostitch tank panniers. Their simplicity makes them very practical in use and appearance. What a breath of fresh air to have a product that is totally utilitarian without the clutter of goofy graphics and busy, unnecessary pockets, straps, etc.

What you get with the standard panniers are huge cargo areas each side that keep touring weight low and forward. Water, fuel, tools, parts, camp stove, etc. Not only does it keep touring handling to a naked bike feel, but it takes lots of weight stress off the rear sub-frame of my venerable BMW R60/6. In position, these bags hold firmly, resting against the tank sides on large sheets of dense, black foam rubber and secured at the bottom by adjustable, fabric bungi cords.

I had some question as to whether the panniers would hang down to the airhead cylinders and whether they would give enough room for my knees, for a six-footer. The over-the-tank two straps are extra long, but in my case I had to take up most of the slack via the Velcro adjustments and the panniers are well above the cylinders and forward of my knees. I could cut off the excess strap ends, and they are cross-sewed every inch for that purpose, but I wish to retain future options for use on other machines, or for the use by friends.

The construction and material quality is outstanding. These panniers are evidence of what a small, dedicated group of people can accomplish when allowed to do what is right. These are well engineered and thought out.

You could find cheaper tank panniers, but for the cost of lunch you can have what to me seems to be the best. These bags are the black standard size, better than the 'competition' size for touring. If you were 'uncool before uncool was cool' then these bags are you. They give my R60/6 a nerdly, mule look. El Rodento is now ready for the deserts of Southeast Oregon, if only the man will give me some time off!

-- Review by Brian