Arkel Bike Bags Cordura Red / 18 L GT-18BP Classic - Convertible Backpack Pannier
Arkel Bike Bags Cordura Black / 18 L GT-18BP Classic - Convertible Backpack Pannier
Arkel Bike Bags GT-18 Classic - Touring Pannier
Arkel Bike Bags GT-18BP Classic - Convertible Backpack Pannier
Arkel Bike Bags GT-18 Classic - Touring Pannier
Arkel Bike Bags GT-18BP Classic - Convertible Backpack Pannier
Arkel Bike Bags GT-18 Classic - Touring Pannier

GT-18 Classic - Touring Pannier

Regular price$229.99
/
Shipping calculated at checkout.

Color
Size
Kit
  • In stock, ready to ship

We offer many shipping options to suit your needs. Orders ship on Tuesday thru Friday

If you are not satisfied with your purchase you can return it for a refund within 30 days of receipt of your order. Read more in our returns policy

Arkel Bike Bags GT-18BP Classic - Convertible Backpack Pannier

"Superb build quality. Canadian made."

-Mark

More reviews
Features

- 18L capacity per pannier (36L for pair)
- Hand-sewn in Canada with premium materials
- Full-length dual zippers for complete access
- Multiple organizational pockets
- Front mesh pocket for wet gear or quick access
- Aluminum internal frame prevents sagging
- Rectangular shape for packing versatility
- Patented Cam-Lock® attachment system
- Designed for front or rear rack use
- Available as single unit or pair
- Made with North American components
- Also available as the GT-18BP convertible backpack pannier

Equipped with the Rock solid Cam-Lock®

The Cam-Lock® is our patented attachment system. It allows you to securely attach or quickly remove your bike bag from your rack in a matter of seconds.

Easily Organize Your Gear

With its awesome pockets and the full-length dual zippers, the GT-18 helps keep your stuff organized. The rectangular shape offers the most versatility in terms of storage capacity. Stash a rain jacket, a first layer, or any other quick-access items in the front mesh pocket.

Arkel Bike Bags GT-18BP Classic - Convertible Backpack Pannier
Made In Canada

Every GT-18 is cut and sewn by our own team in Sherbrooke, QC, from Cordura 1000D and full-length YKK zippers. We've been building bags this way for over 35 years, in-house, where we can stand behind every stitch.

Integrated Waterproof Liner

The GT-18 comes with a fully waterproof integrated liner bag inside the main compartment.

Arkel Bike Bags GT-18BP Classic - Convertible Backpack Pannier

Why this bag is perfect for you

The GT-18 is built to earn its spot on any rack, front or rear. Its rectangular shape holds more usable gear than 18 litres suggests, and full-length dual zippers open the bag wide so you're not excavating to reach the bottom. Multiple pockets keep your kit sorted, while the exterior mesh pocket takes a damp rain jacket without soaking everything else. Inside the main compartment, a fully waterproof integrated liner protects what matters. And the patented Cam-Lock® system holds everything rock-steady over washboard gravel and broken pavement. Run a pair up front alongside GT-54 rear panniers for fully loaded expedition touring, or mount a single unit on the back for weekend trips. Hand-sewn in Quebec, built to outlast the bike it's bolted to.

Verify that you have the right size of Cam-Lock Attachment for your rack

To add another layer of waterproof protection, increase visibility and keep grime off your bags, buy an Arkel rain cover.

FAQs

The GT-18 is the standard pannier-only version. The GT-18BP (backpack version) adds backpack straps that let you convert the pannier into a backpack for off-bike carrying‚ perfect for hostels, hike-a-bike sections, or any time you need to carry the bag away from your bike. The GT-18BP costs slightly more but provides conversion flexibility. You can also buy one standard GT-18 and one GT-18BP to have one convertible bag while saving cost on the other side.

Both are versatile front/rear touring panniers at similar capacity (GT-18 = 36L pair, T-28 = 28L pair). GT-18 (18L each) includes waterproof internal liner and is designed to complement GT-54 rear bags as a system. T-28 (14L each) features newer fabric choices (Cordura or X-Pac) and suitcase-style front opening. Choose GT-18 for waterproof liner and as part of GT touring system; choose T-28 for fabric options and slightly smaller individual bags.

Yes, GT-18 panniers (36L total for pair) provide sufficient capacity for lightweight touring, credit-card touring, summer trips with minimal gear, or bikepacking-style setups where you supplement with frame bags and handlebar bags. They're not ideal as the sole panniers for long expeditions requiring maximum gear, cold-weather tours with bulky sleeping systems, or extended remote touring. But for many touring scenarios, GT-18 alone handles your needs excellently.

Technical Specifications

Positions: front or rear racks
Sold as a unit.
Weight: 1.2 kg (2.7 lbs)
Volume: 18 L (1100 cu. in.) for 1 unit.

- Available in Cordura 1000D fabric.
- Regular version of the backpack GT-18BP.
- Designed as front panniers to compliment our GT-54 for fully loaded touring.
- The rectangular shape offers the most versatility in terms of lodging capacity.
- Comes with a fully waterproof integrated liner bag inside the main compartment.
- The exterior mesh pocket is great for stashing that rain jacket after a summer shower.
- Comes as a single unit or as a pair.
- Made in Canada.
- The Cam-Lock® Attachment System is very strong and can hold the pannier firmly on the rack.

Arkel Bike Bags GT-18BP Classic - Convertible Backpack Pannier

Recently viewed