Ortlieb Bikepacking Bags
If you love going for long distance adventurer trips and packing everything in your bike, you probably know the importance of having quality bikepacking bags. The focus of this article is to review one of the bestselling bikepacking bags on the market today: Ortlieb bikepacking bags.
Since their launch, these bags have quickly become some of the bestselling bikepacking bags on the market.
So, what makes the Ortlieb bikepacking bags unique?
What are the features that make Ortlieb bikepacking bags stand out from the others?
In this review, we will tell you everything you need to know about these bikepacking bags to help you make an informed decision.
*Note: Ortlieb refers to their bags as packs so to stay cohesive with Ortliebs marketing I will refer to them as such.
Ortlieb is a German company that was founded way back in 1982 by Hartmut Ortlieb. The first Ortlieb bike pannier was created out of the increased need for waterproof equipment that was not available during the time. In fact, their first panniers were handmade on a sewing machine. Today the company has grown and now employs over 230 people and has over 500 products.
The cycling products that this company has built since its launch over four decades are far above its nearest competitor. Ortlieb products are characterized by tightly sealed closure systems such as waterproof zippers, roll closures, and sliding seal closures.
All of their products are backed by a five-year warranty against any manufacturer defects in material and manufacturing. The company has remained consistent in producing high-quality outdoor equipment for all terrain, all weather, and all demands. That explains why their products are always top-rated in the market.
Ortlieb products are very well known among the cycling community due to their incredible features and uniqueness. Ortlieb has earned the trust of many cyclists because of its consistency in launching cycling products that are reliable, unique, and durable.
There is no doubt that Ortlieb is an industry leader when it comes to manufacturing high-quality bags for cyclists, and the Ortlieb bikepacking bags are their latest addition to their vast collection of cycling bags.
The new Ortlieb bikepacking bags include 2 frame packs, 2 handlebar packs, an accessory pack, 2 seat packs, top tube pack, and the gravel pack panniers. All the available sets are made of a PU coated waterproof nylon fabric, lightweight PVC free (no petroleum used), and abrasion resistant.
You can find more info on all these packs by clicking here.
Ortlieb offers their seat packs in two different sizes, a 16.6L and a 11L. The two packs are virtually the same. The only difference aside from the size is that the larger of the two has some webbing on the top to strap a few easy access items like a rain jacket or some camp sandals.
Due to their waterproof nature they are not breathable, so the two seat packs feature an air valve that allows you to squeeze the air out of the bag while compressing it. This reduces the overall size of the seat pack to avoid having a balloon sit underneath your saddle.
The seat packs are easy to attach, thanks to the wide, thick, strong, durable Velcro straps that they are equipped with. The Velcro straps are easy to adjust and tighten and make a super tight connection when combined with the clips that connect to the saddle rails.
The packs also serve as a nice makeshift mud guard. Depending on how much space you need, you can conveniently adjust the seat pack volume from 8L to 16.5L or from 7L to 11L by twisting the roll closures on the sides.
The two seat packs are made of PS21R material that is lightweight, abrasion-resistant, durable, and 100% waterproof. Giving you peace of mind so you don’t have to worry about your gear when it starts raining.
Seat pack features
- Compact and lightweight
- 100% waterproof
- Air valves that allows better and tighter packing
- Reinforced designed on the front that eliminates sag
- Includes reflective printed triangles
- Rugged double strap system and internal reinforcements help to eliminate sag and keep it slim
Gravel Pack Panniers
The gravel pack panniers were designed with bikepackers in mind. The Ortlieb gravel panniers provide a combined space of about 25 liters, sufficient for storing additional gear like food, cooking kit, and many other items.
Gravel pack panniers are usually mounted on a lower rider rack, which allows you to maintain a lower center of gravity for a smooth ride even when you’re carrying an extra heavy load.
The smaller gravel pack panniers streamlined design ensures that any wind turbulence doesn’t slow you down while riding, but who’s actually going to be racing with these?
The gravel pack is made of PS21R material that is lightweight, resistant to abrasion, durable, and waterproof. This material can withstand even the harshest weather that you will encounter along your bikepacking adventures.
The fact that the Gravel pack panniers are 100% waterproof means that you don’t have to worry about your stuff getting wet in those hurricane-like downpours.
This pack is also equipped with two mounting hooks and the QL2.1 system that ensure that the gravel pack attaches tightly to your bike rack even on the roughest terrain.
Gravel pack pannier features
- 100% waterproof
- Combined space capacity of 25 liters
- Made of high-quality material that can withstand harsh weather conditions
- Two mounting hooks and QL2.1 system for tight fit
- Reflectors
- Strap buckle closure
The handlebar packs are an excellent choice for those looking for more space to store their supplies while bikepacking. The handlebar packs offer a total of either 9 or 15 liters of space, which is big enough to store your sleeping pad, sleeping bag, and small tent or bivy.
The Ortlieb handlebar packs are not only large capacity bag, but their location also enables a balanced distribution of weight across the bike, thus enabling a smooth ride. The roll closures that the bags are equipped with on both sides will allow you to access your gear from either end with ease.
The compression belt that it features on the outside allows you to attach an additional, smaller pack such as the Ortlieb accessory pack for a little extra storage space.
The handlebar pack is also comprised of two sturdy Velcro straps and spacers that secure to any type of handlebar. The Velcro straps are incredibly strong and can hold on tight regardless of how loaded your bag is. The handlebar bags reinforced interior provides additional stability, allowing you to enjoy a smooth ride.
Handlebar pack Features
- Hooks for attaching the Ortlieb accessory pack
- Compact and lightweight
- High luminosity 3M Scotch lite reflectors
- Suitable for any handlebar including carbon handlebars
- Strong Velcro closures for secure attachment
- Winner of the EUROBIKE awards in 2016
Ortliebs frame packs are available in two sizes. One is a 6-liter full-frame pack while the other is a half-frame pack with 4 liters of storage space. A frame pack is the ideal place for storing heavier items such as food and cooking equipment, among many others, due to its lower center of gravity.
The high-quality PS21R material that it is made of means that you don’t have to worry about the heavy items stored inside will damage the bag. The waterproof nylon fabric and the waterproof zipper ensures that your gear will remain dry.
The smaller 4-liter frame pack is an excellent pick for those who want to use their frame main triangle for storage without having to do away with the water bottles. It is also ideal for those with full-suspension mountain bikes with limited triangle space. The 4-liter storage space provides just enough room for storing both light and heavy equipment like food supplies or tent poles.
The frame packs are equipped with Velcro straps that are incredibly strong and ensure a secure attachment to your bikes seat tube, down tube, and top tube.
Features
- Available in two different sizes, 6L and 4L
- Ideal for storing heavier items due to low center of gravity
- Made of PS21R material that is incredibly strong and durable.
- 100% waterproof
Ortlieb accessory pack is ideal for storing important extras like your smartphone, rain jacket, snacks, and anything else you need easy access to throughout the day. The strategic location where the accessory pack is stored allows you to access items stores inside with ease, even while riding.
The accessory pack is attached to the handlebar bag using the four metal hooks. If you don’t plan to ride with your handlebar bag, you can use the accessory pack in the place of the handlebar bag. You can also use the carrying straps to convert it into a hip or shoulder bag.
Ortlieb accessory pack Features
- Ideal for carrying easy access items like your smartphone
- Compact and lightweight
- 100% waterproof
You need food to get the much-needed energy while on your bikepacking adventures. Weighing only 82 grams, the cockpit pack is designed to ensure that your fuel supply is easily accessible. You can easily access the 0.8L bag with one hand without needing to stop.
It’s ideal for storing stuff such as snacks, camera, smartphone, or any other item that you want to access easily without having to stop. The stiffened material on the inside helps the bag to remain in its original shape and also allows it to open and close easily.
The cockpit pack is 100% waterproof and attaches to the head tube and top tube via the extra-strong Velcro straps that it is equipped with.
Cockpit pack features
- 100% waterproof
- Compact ad lightweight
- Easy to access
- Strong Velcro traps
You can more information on these great packs and other Ortlieb gear by Clicking Here.
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