Sometimes you crash and break a latch.  Our latches and keepers are easy to replace. The Latch Sak includes everything you need.  In the meantime, those two little slots at the top of the bag frame below the latch are there so if you break a latch, you can run a zip tie through the bag frame to keep it attached for the rest of the trip.  The latch itself isn't load-bearing, it just keeps the bag from bouncing off the wedge in rough terrain.  A zip tie or piece of wire/string will get you home.

Note: If you have original V1.0 panniers with HDPE mounting frames please contact our Customer Support team to help with retrofit options.