Trike Panniers

You can see my panniers in the pic above (the big black things hanging off the rear of the seat).

I always used rear racks and panniers on my bikes. So naturally enough on my first trike I went this route also. But I found the rear rack added weight in the wrong place, and also tended to hide my head from the back so that an oncoming driver could not see that there was a human ahead of him rather than just some strange looking piece of metal.

So I purchased two Radical bags from ICE which are made to fit the shape and size of the seat (take another look at the picture). I can easily reach inside them while seated on the trike. They hold rainwear, camera, medical kit,  a snack, extra water bottles, tool kit, and whatever else seems appropriate.  The bags are contoured to the seat and so cause no noticeable wind resistance at speed. Since they are not completely waterproof however, I just use plastic freezer bags in the panniers. These come a plethora of sizes, last forever, are easy to open, and seal, and are totally waterproof. Not to mention very inexpensive.

I also put outer side pockets on each pannier, by purchasing some cordura from the local sailing shop ($3) and sowing/glueing (with fabric glue) onto the panniers. This is where I keep, ear plugs for the highway, and some homemade cookies for the engine.

Although the QNT does very will with a BOB or similar trailer, I have stopped using these for long rides. Instead the extra large Radical (or similar) side bags carry everything I need, keep the weight very low, and in my opinion are much safer than an out-of-control trailer during a sudden emergency stop. For extended touring, I also attach a small rear rack which holds tent and poles. I really do not see the need for a trailer.