Lone Peak Glacier Peak Review

The Lone Peak Glacier Peak has classic style, a simple to use mounting system, and durable yet lightweight construction, but it lacks the high-end waterproof materials and extra organizational features found on other models, and is on the smaller end of the lineup in terms of overall storage volume. Its backpack system is easy to use and stow away while not in use, and its classic style will appeal to many riders. Read on to see how it stacks up in each of our different rating categories!

Performance Comparison

The Glacier Peak transitions easily from your back to your rack, but has one of the smaller storage volumes in the whole lineup.

Photo: Nick Bruckbauer

Mounting System

Utilizing the classic hook-and-strap design, this pannier is very simple to attach and doesn't require any additional hardware. It may take a few tries and a bit of adjusting to get the perfect mounting spot on your rack, but we're confident that this bag is capable of staying secure on pretty much every setup out there. The plastic mounting hooks up top have a plastic collar that helps to keep them locked onto your rack, a very simple and surprisingly effective feature.

Perhaps the greatest strength of the mounting system on the Glacier Peak is how quickly it stows away when you transition into backpack mode. There are zippers on either side of the back panel that zip down to expose the backpack straps. This also allows you to roll down and clip away the back panel and mounting hardware so that it stays secure and out of the way while the pack is worn on your back.

Storage

Lone Peak claims that the Glacier Peak has a total storage capacity of 1000 cubic inches, but we think this may be a little off in the real world, based on comparing the storage capabilities with other similarly sized panniers. We were still able to fit a 13-inch laptop and a change of clothes in the main storage compartment, but the relatively small overall size of this bag makes it difficult to pull off a typical daily carry.

The padded laptop compartment and extra storage sleeves are a nice touch, but the overall storage volume is a little low.

Photo: Nick Bruckbauer

Because of several extra pockets and compression straps on the outside, the Glacier Peak isn't a total strikeout when it comes to storage. The external pockets are handy for holding keys, electronics, water, and other items that you may want to keep accessible. Additionally, the compression straps help you keep a low profile and can also help to secure extra items to the outside of the bag. We are also impressed by the attention to detail on the inside of the pannier which features a laptop sleeve that is padded on both sides.

Durability

Being a relatively small brand that is committed to quality and domestic production, Lone Peak exhibits a great deal of craftsmanship in their bags. Upon first inspection, you can instantly feel that the Glacier Peak is built with the very same scrupulous standards of construction. The Cordura nylon exterior is not only water-resistant but also capable of resisting abrasion. And if that isn't enough protection, certain areas like the top flap and bottom corners feature extra support in way of plastic inserts and tarpaulin coatings.

The heavy-duty materials and construction make it evident that the Glacier Peak is quite durable.

Photo: Nick Bruckbauer

Beyond burly materials, this bag also has meticulously sewn seams and quality hardware. Even on rough trails with lots of overgrowth, the Glacier Peak remained tough and resilient to the conditions we faced. One potential weakness in this area is that the plastic mounting hooks are pretty lightweight and seem like they could be worn down or damaged after extended use. If this bag doesn't stand up to your abuse, Lone Peak backs it up with a lifetime warranty that protects against manufacturing defects and failures in materials.

Weatherproofing

The Glacier Peak pannier provides just enough protection from rain and road spray to deem it a decent candidate for commuting in marginal weather but doesn't provide the protection of other models with roll-top closures and higher-end waterproof materials. It has a water-resistant liner that is capable of keeping the internal contents from getting completely soaked, but we did notice some moisture near the bottom of the bag after extended periods of wet riding. This was likely due to the external material becoming waterlogged and then coming in contact with the liner material.

While the internal contents are pretty well protected from the elements, this pack is not fully waterproof.

Photo: Nick Bruckbauer

The top flap that covers the drawstring-style closure helps to keep water from entering in the top part of the bag, but this material is unfortunately not waterproof, nor is the drawstring closure. When completely submerged, the contents of this bag will get completely soaked. Though, a bonus is that the bottom of the bag has some built-in tarpaulin reinforcements that help to keep water out, even if just for the ride home.

Ease of Use

This backpack-style pannier is remarkably easy to use. Of all the convertible panniers in this review, the Glacier Peak has the least amount of guesswork when it comes to installation, conversion, and daily use. Right out of the box, it becomes clear exactly how this bag is intended to function. Down to even the most minute details, it is clear that Lone Peak thought of user-friendliness when designing this pannier.

The Glacier Peak has an easy and intuitive transition from backpack to pannier, with the shoulder straps stowing away behind a zippered panel.

Photo: Nick Bruckbauer

The only reason the Glacier Peak doesn't receive a higher score in this category is due to its limited storage. While it may seem unfair to knock points from this category when storage is scored independently, we felt that the limited capacity of this bag might limit commuters from actually using this bag during their daily routines. Overall, we also scored backpack panniers slightly lower than traditional panniers because of the inevitable extra time required to transition between backpack and pannier.

Value

While it's slightly on the lower end of the lineup in terms of list price, the Glacier Peak ends of being a fairly expensive model when you consider the cost to capacity ratio. While it is cheaper than most of the other backpack style panniers, you can spend a little bit more money to get increased storage volume, more adjustability, and full waterproofing. Unless you really like the classic style or the easy to use design, we think there are likely better values out there.

The Glacier Peak is a high-quality pack, but falls behind in some performance metrics and has a high price tag.

Photo: Nick Bruckbauer

Conclusions