e3 pannier bags - anyone have pictures of them on the stroller?

[caleymama]

I have an e3v1 that we are currently using as a single until #2 is born, at which point it will be our double. Storage is not an issue now, but I realize that it will be soon. I am interested in the pannier bags and have read all the great things about them on here, but I am really curious to actually see what they look like. I bought the ones from WalMart that I can modify to work, but I'd really like to see the Phil & Ted's version before I make up my mind about what to use. If anyone has or would take pictures of them on the stroller, or can point me in the direction of some already posted, I would really appreciate it.

Thanks!

[cimberdog]

My buckles aren't buckled so they look a little sloppy, but here ya go!



http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/14039.jpg

[chrissyhowie]

I'm so glad someone else posted a picture of their pannier bags because I hadn't had time to take pics of mine yet, and I was feeling guilty :)!

I have the Phil & Ted panniers. Basically they are just relatively unstructured backpack-type nylon bags with a drawstring closure top and a flap that buckles, that has velcro straps to secure it onto the stroller. They also have mesh pockets on the side where you can put a water bottle or sippy cup.

Honestly, I don't think they are anything special! Yes, they definitely are great for storage and hold a lot. But personally I would like them more if they had a compartment or two in there. This would prevent the bags from "poofing" out, especially when there are only one or two items in there, and keep the stroller looking more streamlined.

Since you have the Walmart bags already, I say go ahead and use them. But if you are planning on carrying things like groceries and bulkier items like that in there often, then the panniers are probably better.

Definitely JMHO, but instead of the panniers, I would spend the money on the handlebar extender for your v1 and splurge for a BOB handlebar console to hold your drinks and sippy cups. I've found the console to be one of the more useful accessories that I have gotten for my e3.

[MamaKath]

This is the Explorer (earlier version) with them on-http://pages.ivillage.com/mamakath/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/.pond/toddlerpicskiwi_01.JPG.w180h167.jpg
These show the outside, the interior pocket, the back zipper pocket-
http://pages.ivillage.com/mamakath/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/.pond/kiwicompare22.jpg.w180h256.jpg
http://pages.ivillage.com/mamakath/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/.pond/kiwicompare23.jpg.w180h224.jpg
http://pages.ivillage.com/mamakath/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/panier01.jpg
This shows the blue ones next to the newer ones from Phil and Ted's-
http://pages.ivillage.com/mamakath/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/kiwicompare15.jpg
I think there are a few pics on my site in various spots besides just these, but figured this could give you a good start. The first photo, they were loaded up!!! They hold a ton!!!
HTH~

[caleymama]

Thank you all who have replied! I have a much better idea now of what they are. The photo on kiwi-kid.com doesn't really give a good idea of what they are like on the stroller. I ordered the handlebar extender (saving it until we're in doubles mode - the regular one is fine for now) and the BOB console (LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it - and it works fine on the regular handlebar), so we've got both of those covered. My concern with the WalMart bags is that although they would provide extra storage, they're very structured and not terribly big. The panniers look like they would be more flexible and maybe more what I am looking for. I never seem to have enough hands when out with a stroller so the panniers are probably the better option for us.

[kec2003]

What are the ones from Walmart called? Do they have a brand? I have to order from Walmart online -- there isn't one near us -- as I'd rather not spend $50 on the pannier bags from Phil & Ted's. (I've seen them IRL and wasn't wowed.)

Thanks!

[caleymama]

The ones I have right here in front of me are the EASTSPORT brand. The bag is called the "Daisy Chain Front Gear Bag" and they retailed for $6.67 each. I've seen them pictured in one of the posts about Walmart "pannier" bags. They're black and have one main section and then a smaller front section that has some organizer pockets and a ring to clip keys to. There is a slip pocket on the back that's the width of the bag and closes with velcro. There is a cell phone pocket on one side and the other side has a narrow pocket that might fit a pen or something really narrow. They're nice little bags, but I just can't decide if they're what I want for this purpose or not. I have seen several other styles of bag that are similar but different colors and/or trim that I think would work. I think they were also Eastsport and about the same price.

I checked online at walmart.com and didn't see these particular bags. If you would like, I would be happy to pick you up some of the WalMart ones and send them to you. PM me if you are interested and we can work out the details.

HTH :)

[dylansnan]

Kath,
I wish the blue ones were available when I got my Explorer :( Oh, well- the Walmart Eastsport bags are working for us now, but I am keeping my eye out for something slightly bigger.

[MamaKath]

http://eastsport.com/backtoschool2004/details.asp?styleno=318190
Is the one I think you are mentioning. I couldn't find those at mine, however they did have these:
http://eastsport.com/backtoschool2004/details.asp?styleno=321041 which were really kind of neat since they have the reflective tape. I thought they might be really good for adding visibility as well, but returned them due to size.
http://eastsport.com/backtoschool2004/details.asp?styleno=321040 I have also seen these.

My only complaint was that 2 of them only held about what I could put in 1 of the paniers. The price was right, I liked some of the extra features, but am not sure it would be worth it for what I use them for. I actually did contemplate keeping them though to add to other strollers just for added storage. The narrower styling might have worked well for a more traditional buggy, but I didn't think to try it.

HTH~

[caleymama]

D'oh - I didn't even think to look at eastsport.com! The first link is to the bags I was describing. I've seen all three at various times at my WalMart, but most recently they've only had the ones in the 1st and 3rd links. I got the first ones because I thought they matched the stroller better. Like you, I'm just not sure they're quite right for what I want. I'm really looking for someplace to stash jackets, hats, toys, snacks, blankets, and other misc things that have the potential to take up more room than these bags would have. Thanks for the input on what one of these would hold vs. a pannier bag. That's exactly the kind of info that's helpful (in addition to the pictures to actually SEE what the panniers look like).