More Details: The pictures below describes all the features of the XM-28. The images were taken with a previous version of the XM-28, the features are still current but the cosmetic look of the bag has since change. For current model refer to main product pictures above.
Waterproof zippered liner
The main compartment is equipped with an internal zippered liner that keeps its content totally dry, and separate from any wet or dirty stuff you may need to carry in the main compartment.
Waterproof box-cut hood
No matter how much you load the pannier, the hood and it’s waterproof lining will always fully cover the body of the bag (thanks to a cut that works like a box top).
Side zipper for huge access
Reaching and searching in top loading panniers has always been a chore. Many years ago we innovated with our TFL® side-zipper (Total Front Loading) that "slices" the whole bag from top to bottom, giving an amazing access to the content - in a way that other bag can’t match.
Access from the top
Thanks to Arkel's TFL® zipper, it's now possible to gain access to the inside of the bag without having to unclip all the webbing and buckles. It may sound trivial, but believe us it's a god-send when it's pouring rain and the very idea of opening the top of the bag is risky. It avoids opening a funnel to the inside of the pannier, and gives instant access to the content.
Access the bottom in a cinch
The TFL® zipper has a two-way slider system - in other words you can access the bottom of the panniers at any time, just by opening the lower zipper. We all know that small items tend to sink in Top-Loading panniers, so this seemingly simplistic feature takes a whole new meaning - and appreciation - in this case.
Front mesh panel
Why is it that every smaller panniers from Arkel has a mesh panel? Because they make sense: use the mesh to store a wet rain jacket or beach towel and use the compression strap to secure it in place. The object will stay put no matter the road and it'll drain and dry naturally in the mesh. Since the XM-28's are also front panniers if you need, the mesh is perfect for a road map and is accessible even as you ride.
Stabilized webbing
Top loading panniers are great because they can easily compress or expand depending on the load, but sometimes the compression straps may end up being a liability. At Arkel we take great care in making sure that even when unclipped, the webbing will not fall anywhere near the wheel.
Centered compression point
The X shape compression straps of the XM-28’s will help keep the load tight and close to the bike. A single cinch on the strap compresses the whole bag, pulling everything towards the center of the bag for the ultimate in load control.
Skid plate against abrasion
Using a panniers on a lowrider rack can lead to some damage on the side of a pannier should the bike gets too close to a concrete curb. It is particularly true if the bags are used on a mountain bike (smaller wheels). The XM-28's have a HDPE skid-plate that will slide on a curb, protecting the mesh panel against rips. Still, be careful please!!!
Highly stabilized webbing
Every corner where the webbing goes has a loop-lock - a "ring" in which the webbing is fed. Those loop-locks stabilize the webbing making sure that it'll never fall in the spokes of the wheel, and that it'll always align with where they should be. Oh! Note the reflective stripe as well. Safety is very important to Arkel!
Top pocket with diagonal zipper
On top of the hood there's a pocket. The usefulness of it is self-explanatory: keys, wallet, glasses, sunscreen, etc; there's no better place to store those things. But what we did different is that the pocket is on "top" of the hood, not "inside" it. Loading the pocket will not steal space from the hood, insuring a good hood coverage at all time. The diagonal zipper is also a big plus for a great access.
Handle for easy carrying
Every Arkel pannier has a handle for off the bike convenience. The handle is long enough for a good grip but never so long that it will flap down and rub on the bike wheel. We make sure that this is never an option, as safety has no price.
D-Rings for a shoulder strap
You can carry your XM-28 panniers with a shoulder strap (optional). The panniers have D-rings at the back just for that. But moreover the D-rings of both panniers are located in such a way that they'll align side by side when the panniers are back-to-back. What it means is that with a single shoulder strap you can carry both panniers! How brilliant is that?!
