Panniers - Racks - Bags - Bike Luggage

I've been on a quest for a few years to find the perfect bag for my riding, an obsession my partner calls it (and they're quite right I expect!) Requirements being:

• Front bag
  
• Accessible on the move
  
• Large but not too large
  
• Easily removable
  
• Nothing to complex (decaulers etc)
  
• Functional pockets etc inside
  
• As low as possible on the front (as I have quite high bars on the AWOL)
  
• Ideally on a small rack, so if i dont take a bag i've still got a rack for pastries etc.
  
  

My latest bag, and now my favourite is the Gramm Diamond bag paired with the Allygn rack. Like a rando bag, but maybe a little more modern shape / feature wise. Meets all of the above, is really well made etc. Very very pleased. Good capacity, internal pockets etc, can open on the go (magnets etc), bungees on the top to shove a jacket and all that.

Yes, it was insanely expensive for the pair, and I do feel a bit ill at the price paid for a bag. But, it will get used loads, and will be superb for overseas trips next year, so maybe that makes me feel a bit better....

Anyway, if anyone's interested, these are my personal findings over the last couple of years. All used from day rides to week long tours :

Best Current Overall Bag

• Gramm Diamond rando bag and Allygn Rack (as above)
  
  

Best Klick'n'fix Bar Bag

• Swift Paloma (good size, well made, sits relatively flush with bars, front pocket, map flap)
  
  

Best Rackless Bar Bag

• Bigxtop Rackless Rando Bar Bag (really liked this, loads of room, front pocket. Did find it needs foam spacers to get in a good location, velcro can be a bit sticky when opening on the move, could do with a mesh pocket on the 'top flap', not the easiest to remove quickly etc)
  
  

Best Big Rack Bag

• ILE Porteur Bag (loads of room, easy on/off, can expand size etc, looks nice)
  
  

Best Basket Bag

• Honestly, there isn't a single basket bag I'd recommend over just a backpack or a tote bag etc with a bungee net. They all have too many shortcomings in my opinion. If you made me, i'd probably say a sugarloaf is top of the pile.
  
  

Best other bag / saddle bag
Carradice Super C, or the long flap Super C if you can find one.