I had the earlier versions of these with side pockets. They were good. They just wore out as I used them everyday for about 8 years. I got another pair like yours but they changed the fabric, buckles and securing straps to save costs. Result was they are not as good not as robust. Mine failed quite quickly within 6 months but I got another pair under warranty. Vaude Germany were difficult to deal with. They said it was my fault which it wasn't, but UK distributor replaced them for me. Anyway I sold them and then bought Ortlieb bags which are better. However I missed the solid hard backs of the Vaude Aqua bags as this part is very robust meaning they do not bend so much and the overall shape and size of the Vaude bags are larger than the Ortleib bags meaning you can carry more. Also the older pannier locking hooks were better much more robust than they are now. But the fabrics ortlieb uses is better in every way - lighter and it doesn't makes holes in fabric at the ends when you roll it to close the panniers as Vaude fabric did with my panniers. Also Ortlieb do very good rack packs and dry bags to go with their panniers. Ortlieb warranty is 5 years, Vaude is 3 years. I used to be Vaude fan until they changed the design for worse and now I use Ortlieb bags.

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