Axiom Champlain Panniers on a REI Novara Safari
November 22nd, 2009
This is in response to the number of inquires I received in regards to the panniers I use on my Novara Safari. I use the Axiom Champlain Panniers. The specs are as follows:
- Rear-specific double pannier
- Reinforced with 1000 Denier water resistant polyester fabric
- 3M reflective safety strip for increased night visibility
- Top mounted shock cord for extra storage
- 3mm Polystyrene Stiffener for rigid back panels
- 4 easy-access exterior pockets
- #5 self healing Nylon Zippers (with tassel to eliminate rattling zipper pulls)
- Compression strap system for larger loads
- Includes rain cover and spare hardware
- Dimensions: 50 x 44 x 16 cm ( 20″ x 17″ x 6″)
- Volume: 65L – 3667 cubic inches
Before I go any further you will see in most my pictures a third bag that sits behind my seat. That is a Topeak Trunk Bag so please just ignore it.
Axiom Champlain Panniers are well made and quite large. In fact so large that I do not require front panniers although for the sake of balance many riders would not recommend this. I believe each bag holds up to 30lbs. The large main compartment is entered through the top of the bag which exposes a drawl cord that keeps all your stuff nicely secured inside.
There are four exterior pockets on each bag. 2 small pockets one which is mesh. A 3rd one that most notable is located at the rear of the bag and will hold a 32 oz Nalgene bottle. 
The last is a zippered compartment located on the top and back of each bag where the included rain covers are stored.
At the bottom of each bag (facing the ground) has a rubberized lower splash plates for durability. There is also a 3 compression strap system for larger loads. One that runs horizontal to the bag and two that run vertical.
The bags secure to your rear rack rack using 2 hangers, a bungee cord that hooks to the bottom of your rack, and a rotating lock that keeps your bags securely attach to your rack even on the roughest roads.
If you have any questions just leave a comment and I will respond to it.
4 Responses to “Axiom Champlain Panniers on a REI Novara Safari”
Are you sure your rig only weighs 35 lbs? Looks a LOT heavier!
Just kidding, Steve! Looks great – glad you’re having fun!
Each bag will hold up to 30 lbs. Right now with all my equipment tent, stove, pots and pans etc… each bag weighs in at 15lbs.
So you’ve got 15lb for the bag, plus 30lb material in the bag, equals 45lb each side, eq. 90lb total weight possible on the rear rack? I’ve got a 28lb inflatable kayak that I want to put on top the rack plus the two panniers and wondering if it will hold it all up…..I’ve got a Safari as well with the rack that came with it. Any info, advice, etc?
What I was trying to say was this. With all my equipment loaded in to my bags each bag weighs in at 15 lbs each for a combined weight of 30lbs. According to Axiom each can hold up to 30 lbs each. So, lets say you loaded each bag to full capacity 30lbs for a total combined weight of 60 lbs. Adding in your kayak (28lbs) for a total weight on the rack of 88lbs. Even though I cannot find the specs on the rear rack I know enough to tell you this is way to much weight for any rear rack. This is where a front rack is need to evenly distribute the weight. If I may suggest… Place a call to REI and ask the for the maximum load that the rack can hold.