The amount of excitement that I had for the new Old Man Mountain basket that I teased about last year, might be considered a bit “crazy”. But if you read any of my stuff, you know that I love the utility of a bike with a basket on it, and Old Man Mountian’s new aluminum basket looks awesome.
But, upon visiting Old Man Mountain’s booth at the Sea Otter Classic last week, I was excited to see some other new bikepacking-specific panniers, a trunk bag, a headlight mount, and a pizza rack added to the “new things to see” list.
The Ponderosa Panniers
These panniers are well thought out and purpose-built for some serious adventure. To start, they are 100% waterproof using TPU fabric with welded seams and Hypalon reinforcements.
They use camming velcro straps that loop through the rack to help keep your pannier tight to the rack. All of the Ponderosa Panniers compression straps are replaceable and easy to swap out if need be.
Photo c. Erik FennerPhoto c. Erik Fenner
On the inside of the pannier, the side next to the rack, you’ll see that there is the typical frame sheet. But, on the front side of the pannier, there is another frame sheet. This second one helps the bag compress evenly to give you the slimmest profile bag possible with what you are carrying.
One thing I noticed, and am a huge fan of, is the new pannier’s subtle branding. The Old Man Mountian logo is on a patch that can be completely removed if you like, leaving room for the patch of your choice.
Ponderosa Pannier Features
13 Liter capacity per pannier
Fully welded and waterproof construction
Dual frame sheets; front and back of the bag
Roll top enclosure (secure down the side or to itself at the top)
Removable and replaceable straps
Minimal branding on velcro patches
Lower attachment/compression strap stays under load to prevent the flapping of the bag
Hypalon reinforcements at all attachment points that are abrasion resistant
Clip light slots on back
Lightweight (0.8096 lbs)
Great fitment on all racks designed for panniers (perfect on OMM pannier racks)
Available in June or July ’23
Juniper Trunk
This unique rear (or front) bag is also geared up for some adventuring. It uses the same 100% waterproof construction as the Ponderosa Pannier. It uses TPU fabric and welded seams with Hypalon reinforcements.
The Juniper Trunk is held in place on the top of your rack with four cam lock strapped buckle, so it stays put on the rough stuff. It’s got a waterproof zipper pocket on the outside and a roll-top main closure.
Again, Old Man Mountian uses the same branding as on the Ponderosa Panniers, with minimal banded velcro patches.
Juniper Trunk Features
10 Liter capacity per bag
Fully welded and waterproof construction
Roll top enclosure
Waterproof zipper pocket on the outside
Minimal branding on velcro patches
Hypalon reinforcements at all attachment points that are abrasion resistant
Clip light slots on back
Great fitment on all racks with a deck (perfect on OMM pannier racks)
Available in June or July ’23
The OMM Basket
This aluminum basket is hardy. It’s powder-coated black and looks very rugged. Even though it looks super tough, Old Man Mountain says that it’s still lighter than the alternatives.
The OMM Basket is made to be bolted directly to Old Man Mountian racks to eliminate any rattling or chatter. The Basket is Molle compatible allowing for the attachment of your fave accessory pouches.
OMM Basket with Take a Trip To Go Box closed … and open
The OMM Basket is designed purposefully in the size of the uber-popular Wald 137 basket, making it compatible with all of the basket bags on the market designed to fit the Wald 137.
If you haven’t tried “basket packing” or were thinking of running a rack and basket on your bike, the OMM Basket would be a great place to start.
OMM Basket Features
Stamped and welded aluminum construction is corrosion proof
Molle compatible
Compatible with all “137” basket bags
Bolts directly to OMM racks
Hardware included for attaching to all current OMM racks
Durable black powder-coated
Weight 499 grams 17.6 oz
Backed by Old Man Mountain’s Lifetime warranty
Retail: $80 (available in June or July ’23)
This small unsuspecting little piece of 6061 aluminum gear is immensely useful. The OMM Headlight Mount is purposely wider than similar offerings from other component brands.
The extra width helps accommodate larger and wider lights. The mounting hole is big enough to fit a 6mm screw through it making it a snap to mount seamlessly onto OMM racks.
OMM Headlight Mount
Fits all OMM racks: Divide, Elkhorn, Pizza Rack, and Classic Racks
Will likely fit other brand bike racks
Made of 6061 aluminum
Powder-coated black
Longer than alternatives to fit larger lights
Comes with 5mm and 6mm hardware
Retail $20 on backorder
The OMM Headlight Mount is available now, although the site says”on backorder”. All other above products will be available in June or July ’23. Go to the link below to sign up for their newsletter to get a heads-up when they’re in stock.
