You can carry anything you want in a pannier — or panniers, as they are usually found in pairs — but you’ll be most authentic if you fill it with bread. If you remember your high school French lessons, “pain” means “bread,” and “panier” in Old French referred to a bread basket. Modern-day panniers — usually made with nylon or another waterproof fabric — can be found strapped to the back of a bicycle. Early panniers were just a pair of baskets strapped to either side of a horse, donkey, or other pack animal.