Cargo Hold 28 Pannier vs. Cargo Hold 37 Panniers: How to Choose

If you are considering getting either the Cargo Hold 28 Pannier or Cargo Hold 37 Panniers, you’re on the right page.

The Cargo Hold 28 and Cargo Hold 37s are quite similar: they are sturdy bike bags that help you carry your stuff throughout the day. But which one should you pick?

In this article, we’ll explain what their similarities and differences are, which bike models they are compatible with, whether you can use them when carrying a passenger, and which pannier type might suit you best.

Contents

1. What are the similarities?
2. What are the differences?
3. Which pannier is compatible with my bike?
4. What if I need to carry a kid?
5. Which one should I choose?

1. What are the similarities?

Built to Last (And to Be Seen)

Both the Cargo Hold 28 and Cargo Hold 37 Panniers are made of durable and sustainable Bluesign© 1000D nylon fabric, so they can handle a few bumps and scratches. Their exterior is weather-resistant and helps you carry stuff rain or shine. The panniers’ interior is brightly colored so you can see the contents clearly, and the exterior’s reflective decal helps you stay visible on the road.

Heavy-Duty for Everyday Use

Considering its size and sturdy design, the Cargo Hold 28 is great for everyday use. It is suitable for your daily work commute, or for when you forgot to get a few items at the shops. At the same time, the Cargo Hold 28 is great for bringing some snacks and toys for a fun afternoon in the park with your kid.

The Cargo Hold 37 Panniers are also suitable for everyday use, but really are more of a heavy-duty trunk for bulkier items. Picnic necessities or your sports gear—ranging from tennis rackets to skates—will fit comfortably. The Cargo Hold 37s are therefore also super convenient for weekly shopping or holding your kid’s backpack on school runs, along with your own bag.

Cargo Hold 28 Pannier (sold individually) on an NBD	Cargo Hold 37 Panniers (sold in pairs) on an HSD

Versatile Design

Thanks to their versatile design, you can use the Cargo Hold 28 and Cargo Hold 37s in three modes: FlatFold for when you’re not hauling anything; Pannier Mode to keep away dirt and rainwater, and Bucket Mode for when you need to carry oversized items or when you’re in a bit of a hurry.

FlatFold	Bucket Mode	Pannier Mode

Easy to Use and Adjust

Zero-fuss opening and closing. Both the Cargo Hold 28 and Cargo Hold 37s are outfitted with a Fidlock© magnetic buckle that helps you open and close them using just one hand. Use the adjustable strap to secure your stuff and make sure everything fits snugly.

2. What are the differences?

The Cargo Hold 37 is Bigger—But the Cargo Hold 28 Still Holds Plenty

The Cargo Hold 28 may be smaller than a Cargo Hold 37, but its 28 liters or 9 kg (20 lb) capacity is still plenty for daily runs.

The Cargo Hold 37s are a set of two panniers and have a combined capacity of 74 liters, or 30 kg (66 lb). This means they can handle a total of 18 L more than a pair of Cargo Hold 28s. To help you visualize it a bit, 18 L is about the same as 20 soda cans!

The Cargo Hold 28 Is Waterproof

The Cargo Hold 28 has a waterproof liner that helps you keep your stuff clean and dry when you need to cycle through really bad downpours. The Cargo Hold 37s are weather-resistant, meaning that they can handle all sorts of weather except serious rainstorms.

3. Which pannier is compatible with my bike?

*The Cargo Hold 28 fits on the Vektron, but please note that you won’t be able to keep the bike folded as the pannier will interfere with the magnets.

In short, if you have a Tern cargo bike, you'll be happy to know that both panniers are compatible. But if you have an NBD, then your best and only choice is the Cargo Hold 28. Due to their size, the Cargo Hold 37 Panniers are not compatible with the NBD.

To find out more, check out the Compatibility Checker for a precise match for your bike model.

4. What if I need to carry a passenger?

No problem, you can use both pannier types with a child seat or other passenger seating accessories.

Using a Child Seat

A big advantage of having the Cargo Hold 28 Pannier on the GSD, HSD, Quick Haul, or Short Haul is that you can close it when you place it behind a child seat. If you are an NBD rider, please note that you can only use the Cargo Hold 28 in Bucket Mode as the child seat’s footrests will extend into the pannier.

When using a child seat on the HSD, Quick Haul, or Short Haul, the Cargo Hold 37s can only work in Bucket Mode.

But if you have a GSD and would like to use smaller panniers with child seats, check out these articles about the GSD Gen 1 and the GSD Gen 2.

Cargo Hold 28 and a child seat on a Quick Haul	Cargo Hold 28 and a child seat on an NBD

Using Passenger Seating Accessories

Accessories such as the Clubhouse Mini or Captain’s Chair also make a great combo with the Cargo Hold 28 or 37s.

Since the Cargo Hold 28 is pretty compact, it can give the passenger more legroom if you’re riding an HSD, Quick Haul, or Short Haul. This could be especially convenient for bigger kids or adult passengers. On these bikes and the GSD, the Cargo Hold 37s can be used as foot and leg protection if you are carrying a child passenger.

Cargo Hold 28 with the Captain’s Chair on an HSD	Cargo Hold 37s with a child seat, seat pad, and Clubhouse+ on a GSD

5. Which one should I choose?

You might find that both types of panniers fit your bike, but we recommend asking yourself what you prioritize. Are you more concerned about space? Are you going to use a child seat and/or passenger seating accessories? Or do you live in a pretty rainy area and really need to properly shield your stuff from the rain?

When it comes to volume, the Cargo Hold 37 Panniers can simply carry more than the Cargo Hold 28. If you frequently need to carry groceries, your work bag, your kid, and their stuff (!), then the Cargo Hold 37 Panniers is best for you.

If you are going to carry a passenger, volume and the passenger’s size can play a role.

When using a child seat, the Cargo Hold 28 is sufficient if you are going to the playground and bring your kid’s favorite toy or diaper bag. But if you are planning on taking your child to school every day and need space for their stuff and your own bag, then the Cargo Hold 37s might be better.

Finally, if you live in a rainy area, then the Cargo Hold 28’s waterproof capabilities will come in handy—and you might even choose to keep your pannier entirely closed behind a child seat. Not only will your groceries remain dry, but your passenger will also have more legroom.