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Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



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  #1  
Old 25 Apr 2003
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cheap panniers
Looking for kit in army navy store I spotted metal army cases about the same size as alu- panniers and a lot lighter than I expected. They have h/d hinges with stays, 2 h/d latches with loop for padlocks, h/d side handles. I also guess more repairable as well as stronger?

They felt about the same weight as the new jerry cans. Certainly within one litre of liquid/few spanners of the high price alu- panniers.

The price for these...£11 each!

I reckon the money saved on these will more than pay for any extra fuel/tyre consumption if not fuel for the entire trip!

Anyone tried this route or know of an obvious reason I am missing not to go this way?

alan
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  #2  
Old 25 Apr 2003
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Actually, I know of at least two guys who use Army Ammo containers in lieu of real panniers, and they're pretty happy with them. If they're sturdy and can be fastened to the racks nicely, why the heck not?

Just be sure they're watertight - it can get really messy in there if you're splashing through mud or rain and you have extra clothes or other things that get messy when wet.
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  #3  
Old 26 Apr 2003
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Hi Guys

There are quite a few people who have used Army ammo type boxes as panniers, If you look at Ernies bike at overland Solutions he has swiss army panniers which look great and are very strong and watertight.

The downside is that they are really difficult to get hold of. The other thing to think about is how you'll mount them to the bike. They are a great alternative panniers though.

Cheers

Julio
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  #4  
Old 17 May 2003
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I used the army surplus food containers for my boxes. They work really well. I posted a How-to on another site with pictures. If interested in seeing it, email me.
John
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  #5  
Old 19 May 2003
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Friend chcek NATO plastic granade cases... The are buletproof and light!

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  #6  
Old 22 May 2003
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I went and bought the last four of these (they originally bought a batch of 100).

I asked the army surplus store (Ryders in Harborne Birmingham) to call me if they get hold of any more and I will call in/phone occasionally to check myself as they seem perfect ie. strong, weldable, repairable and cheap!
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Old 8 Jul 2003
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I read an article by Greg Frazer where he talks about alum panniers from Aerostich for USD 125, but I called and they do not seem to sell them anymore. The only other ones I see from happy trails or tourtech are several hundred dollars. Besides something homemade doesn't someone sell solid alum panniers for around 100?
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Old 8 Jul 2003
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Därr Expeditionsservice - http://www.daerr.de/

They sell a 31 ltr alu-box for 85 euros
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Old 8 Jul 2003
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My side boxes were 150GBP for the pair. They are waterproof (once sealed with Mastic) and plenty big enough.

They are also very strong, although I haven't left for my Africa trip yet, so I'm not sure exactly how strong.... They are made by xXx in Germany (I think).

The topcase cost as much as both side cases, so perhaps I was ripped off I have just bought French navy briefcases - totally waterproof with a combination lock in aluminium - bit small for long trips though.

My XR650L w/ cases fitted in rainy Brittany:




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Old 9 Jul 2003
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For cheap ammo cans check out cheaperthandirt.com I am not sure if they ship internationaly, but I have got stuff from them and they are pretty honest in there descriptions. Also the ammo cans from the US Army are water proof, however when I go backpacking I always wrap everything in garbage bags, that little extra security.

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