Aquaback panniers £120 (pair) Road II bar bag £75

Vaude’s 48-litre symmetrical rear panniers are ‘climate neutrally manufactured’ in Germany from PVC-free polyester tarpaulin. The welded waterproof panniers lived up to the claims, as when sealed down tightly these proved impervious to even a direct garden hose. In a further example of Vaude’s thinking, even the waterproofing has been achieved in an ‘environmentally-friendly way without fluorocarbons’. At 987g each they’re a little lighter than the Ortlieb equivalents.

The Aquabacks are very easy to use. The top clips are adjustable across a wide horizontal range, using small plastic inserts to adjust to different rack diameters. The lower fitting, which secures the bag to the rack’s vertical straps, is adjustable through 360 degrees and has a wide range of vertical and horizontal adjustment. There is an inner mesh pocket, and if you want more storage Vaude also makes the 51-litre Aquaback Plus, which has a buckledown external pocket.

The Vaude panniers are tough, have all the features you need, carrying straps, reflectives on three sides and their capacity is adequate for the majority of your touring needs. You can buy them singly for £65.

It takes five to 10 minutes to fit the KlickFix mount for the bar bag, once sorted the bag clicks securely into place. It has a top and front pocket, and while it is water resistant, there’s a separate rain cover for heavy rain. It weighs 825g with fittings, has an eight-litre volume and can carry 7kg, which is more than enough for camera, phone, waterproof and other small riding essentials. It also proved secure and stable, though it’s best when packed out to stop stuff rattling around over rougher surfaces.