San Util Mini Panniers Review: When Simplicity Wins

When folks think of bikepacking bags, the svelte seat pack usually comes to mind, which speaks to carrying just the bare essentials. However, small panniers have evolved, and as we’ve covered in our Mini Panniers Index, they’re becoming quite popular among the minimalist dirt-touring set. Bag makers have moved away from traditional rigid, plastic hardware, hooks, and bungees, relying on oversized velcro and rubberized straps instead. I can only assume the intention is to limit rattling and movement between the rack and panniers—a combination that, over time, has the potential to fail. Some modern systems have proven more reliable than others, like the Ortlieb Gravel-Pack panniers and the Tailfin Mini Panniers, which are perfectly suited to off-road use. Despite this, I’m generally trending toward less hardware when possible. Thankfully, a growing number of hardware-free options are available from reputable bag makers.

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Skis ‘n’ Bikes

Founded in 2021, San Util Design is owned and operated by Adam Nicholson in Winter Park, Colorado. The brand’s product lineup includes readymade and sewn-to-order frame bags, top tube bags, hip packs, and more. In the cold months, Adam shifts his focus to his winter lineup, which includes custom ski packs and gear-hauling totes. According to Adam, San Util is one of the only companies offering truly custom US-made ski packs. In the winter, Adam skis around five times a week, so it’s safe to say it has become a big part of his life and identity. I asked Adam if he felt there was any crossover between the summer and winter products, and he explained he approaches all of his designs (including the bike bags) from a ski mountaineering perspective. They have as few zippers as possible and are as simple as possible for the use case. Adam said his hip packs and panniers are probably the most similar to the winter gear lineup.

The San Util Panniers come in two sizes with an identical design. The Lightweight Panniers hold 7.5L, expand to 12L, and measure out to 10″ x 12″ x 3″. The Mini Panniers I’ve been using hold 4.5L when rolled, expand to 7L, and measure out to 8″ x 11″ x 3″. The Ecopak EPX200 version weighs under 230 grams, and the waxed canvas Mini Panniers weigh 335 grams per bag with Voile Straps. Adam made a set of 12-ounce grey/tan waxed canvas Mini Panniers for me sometime last year, and Emily and I have been taking turns using them, swapping them between several bikes.

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The Mini Panniers are a scaled-down version of San Util’s longer-running Lightweight Panniers. They are designed with rugged, off-road use in mind, with no hardware, fancy mounting systems, or real frills at all. They use a simple roll-top closure with side-release buckles on either side. There’s also a horizontal length of daisy chain on the back for two upper attachment points and a vertical length of webbing with several spots to attach a lower strap. San Util includes three Voile Micro Straps with each pannier, and there are D-hooks on each side of the roll-top for an optional shoulder strap. Compared to some of the more technical panniers we’ve tested, the San Util Mini Pannier might be the simplest option.

San Util vs. The Rest

The added weight of a waxed canvas construction adds durability and ruggedness, but it also adds weight. For the sake of this comparison, I’ll use the Ecopak version compared against other lightweight and minimal mini panniers. Their 4.5L rolled capacity is smaller than most “small panniers” but right on track with popular “mini panniers” we’ve tested. This size range tends to be better suited for technical riding and hike-a-bike as it keeps the total weight lower, generally bulges out less compared to bigger panniers, and stays out of the way while pushing alongside the bike or riding tight and twisty trails.

Looking at the comparison chart above, the price of the San Util Mini Panniers is the first thing that jumps out. They are among some of the most expensive panniers in the list. San Util’s panniers are also among the simplest and likely have the lowest production cost because of this, so the price is slightly surprising. They are also some of the smallest panniers we’ve seen, nearly verging on cargo cage bag capacity, contributing to their lower-than-average total weight. The Paper Roads Trail Panniers and Stealth Mountain Panniers (both happen to be made in New Zealand) are some of the most comparable panniers as far as design go, but the San Util Mini Panniers are a touch smaller and still weigh less. The Mountain Laurel Designs Poco Panniers, which have undergone a few redesigns over the years, are some of the lightest panniers we’ve come across, are seam-sealed for a waterproof construction, and use an equally minimal design as San Util’s. They pack a lot of punch for $215.

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I purposely left the Rockgeist Microwave Panniers from this comparison as they are a touch bigger than the rest at 13L per pannier and weigh over 900 grams/set. However, they use a durable and waterproof welded construction and a holster-style design with a cult-like following for bikepackers looking for a dependable and fool-proof pannier setup for off-road riding. The yet-to-be-released Revelate Designs holster panniers appear to fall into a similar category, but they’ll have multiple size options available, and the smallest of the three looks like it could compete with other lightweight mini panniers.

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Setup and In Use

The San Util Mini Panniers are easy to install on a rack. It’s just a matter of strapping the panniers onto your rack of choice using the included Voile straps. They work equally well on front and rear racks, but I have found they work better on racks with multiple vertical struts or braces rather than minimal racks with single vertical struts. The reason is that the panniers have no structure or rigidity on the back panel, and if packed loosely or when emptied, they can sometimes fold/bend around the rack leg toward the wheel.

It’s also helpful to have a rack with a lower pannier attachment hook or loop, but it’s not completely necessary. With that said, I’ve used the Mini Panniers on both the Tumbleweed T-Rack and my ultra-minimal Mica Rack with no issues, but I made sure to spend extra time packing them tight. With the panniers packed well and rolled down a few times, the contents help provide structure. I can’t help but think a lightweight HDPE panel on the backside of the panniers would provide some useful structure without adding much weight, but I could see this not aligning with Adam’s design philosophy.

The only real drawback of such a minimal design is that the 1″ (25mm) webbing daisy chain is much larger than the ~12mm rack tubes. Because of this, it was sometimes awkward to get a tight install. I found using longer Voile Micro Straps and wrapping them around the pannier and through the daisy chain twice (see photos below) was extra-secure, and I’ve also read some folks are beefing their rack tubes up with a chunk of inner tube to increase the diameter where the straps attach.

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The Mini Panniers strike the perfect balance between too small and not quite small enough. When used as a pair, they are bigger than most seat packs but position the weight lower on the bike. Because they work best with a consistent load, I have generally been packing them with the gear I don’t need during the day, like sleeping bags, camp layers, and food. However, the roll-top closure is easy to access when you need to. Due to their stitched construction, they aren’t waterproof, but San Util includes a ripstop liner, and the seams are finished with non-waterproof seam tape, making them highly weather-resistant. I’ve used them in light rain and ridden through mud and dirt, and my contents have yet to get dirty or wet. I can only imagine the lack of seams aids in this, but the design still allows for a primary and secondary color/fabric, which is a bonus for those ordering made-to-order panniers.

While riding, the San Util Mini Panniers are easy to forget about. The simple Voile strap attachment means no rattling or chance of hardware loosening, and the roll-top closure is simple and fuss-free. When packed, they only bulge a little more than three inches wide, which means they sit nice and close to the bike and are easy to walk beside during hike-a-bikes. On bigger panniers, the bulging would likely annoy me, and I would miss some sort of horizontal compress system like the latest Revelate Designs Nano Panniers, but because the Mini Panniers are already quite small, it hasn’t been an issue.

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• Capacity: 4.5L-7L
• Material (as tested): Waxed Canvas
• Weight: 339 grams
• Place of Manufacture: Colorado, USA
• Price: $125 USD/per pannier
• Manufacturer’s Details: SanUtilDesign.com

Further Reading

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