The Epicurean Cyclist

The Swift Industries Mini Short Stack is the companion bag to their Roll Top Panniers. They’re smaller and meant to be used with front low rider racks. I’ve been testing them with a front Surly Nice Rack and they’re a perfect fit.

Build and Hardware
The material and construction of the mini short stacks is similar to the roll tops, which is to say they’re excellent. The stitching is nicely done and the material looks to be tough and durable, inspiring lots of confidence. This particular pair has the stock Swift Industries hardware (2 hooks and a bungee). I’ve ordered a pair of mini short stacks for myself and have requested the Arkel hardware so I’ll be able to show those soon.

Functionality
As the name suggests, these have very different closure system from the roll tops. Instead of rolling over itself like a large dry bag, these have a more traditional closure with a skirt and drawstring (think of the drawstring in a Carradice bag).

The “short stack” name comes from how the whole pannier closes together. There is a sort of floating top that you cinch down from front and the rear. It functions sort of like a sleeping bag compression sack with end caps.

There are pros and cons to the design. The main pro is that the bag is very over-stuffable. You’re not completely constrained by the dimensions of just the main compartment. This makes it a great S240 bag where just a regular small front pannier might not be enough. The main con is that since the closure may have a gap, it’s not as hermetically sealed and is therefore not as waterproof.

The bag itself has the main compartment, an exterior pocket, a zippered pocket in the “cap” (which can also detach and become transformed into a hip pouch). (NOTE: Hip pouch option is an extra upgrade that has to be requested.) These little compartments really make the bag super easy to get into. I really liked the zippered pouch on the cap because it seemed like a great logical place to put layers. Getting chilly? Just unzip the pouch and pull out a sweater. You don’t even have to dismount from the bike. Warming up? Stuff your arm warmers in there.

As far as volume, it was surprisingly roomy. I was able to fit both my sleeping bag (in a compression bag) and a sleeping pad into one bag. It was a tight fit, but I was able to squeeze both in there. The bag is also paella pan friendly (30cm), for those that are curious. I’m planning to use one side as the “bedroom” and the other to store food/kitchen supplies.

Conclusion
Both Laura and I were really impressed with the bags - so much so that Laura purchased the review sample and I ordered my own. We were in the market for some front panniers and were shopping around and these had some nice features that we liked as well as looked good without being so “matchy” with the rear bags.

Though not completely waterproof, we really liked the construction and placement of pockets. Touring clothing is all about layers and these panniers really make it easy to change attire for weather conditions.

Highly Recommend
Price - $170