This fully waterproof top tube bag lives on my touring bike. It has a generous volume that’s perfect for tools, and snacks, an extra layer, and whatever else I need to carry. It’s the only bag that’s always on my bike. Even when overstuffed I don’t have problems with leg rub.. It stays securely attached even on rough terrain. It’s very durable. If you want to put bottle cages in your frame but also want to add some waterproof carrying capacity, this is a great option.
Hey Ortlieb thank you so very much for this superbly engineered and constructed backpack.
It is without a doubt the best backpack I have ever used or owned.
It is not cheap but it is worth every penny.
Many thanks
I used this product with the ORTLIEB Handlebar Pack Flex bag. In the bag I had a sleeping bag, hammock, lining, towel, clothes. I weighed it all and it came out exactly 2002 grams + the weight of the bag. The mount was not able to hold the bag. After each hole in the road, the gray rope had to be pulled up because the bag was lowering slightly. I absolutely do not recommend this mount for this application. I really do not know what load this mount can hold (unless only even asphalt). The idea for this product is great but unfortunately it does not work
I purchased the 20L Vario 2.1. This is the perfect bag for the urban commuter. Pannier converts into backpack with ease, and I can rest easy knowing that my electronics are safe in the interior pouch. The little card from Ortlieb warning me that the outside swing-around pouch is not waterproof was also very much appreciated! 10/10. Great bag.
Absolutely LOVE the feeling of more weight forward, I come from MTB, so am quite comfortable on a bike -- so none of the steering-dampened feeling is bad at all, and took minutes to get used to. Now I can spread the load, and don't feel like I'm going to wheelie over every bump, or wash the front end out cornering... like was the feeling with only rear panniers.
Haven't had a ton of riding time with these yet, but mounted up super easily, and seem really really solid on road, gravel bike paths, and even lumpy wooden trestles. Usual Ortlieb quality, so far haven't found a single weak point that I'd be concerned about!
TBD on how much wiggle they get offroad (like real singletrack) -- but I'll update this in a bit if they are anything but a 5/5.
Wiggle-wise, definetly works best with an evenly sized/mass fill... eg: my 2.8kg chain in the bottom of one, hangs the bag a bit below the rigid support, but it still doesn't touch the fork or cause any issues at all, just flops around a little bit vs. two 1L waterbottles, that are taller, and were surprisingly rock solid. So I bet will be fantastic to stuff with a tent, sleeping bag, etc.
The 5.8L size (vs the non-plus 4.1L) is actually still quite small, I was worried they'd look giant and bloated on my bike... but they are super proportional. (2023 Rocky Solo C50, L frame)
These are also really easy on/off, and the brackets are overall subtle, so I'll probably leave them on the bike between trips... then take them off when no trips are in my future.
Still going strong after 12 years. Too bad Ortlieb dropped this color though.
Very happy with this rack. The install with seat stay adapters is solid and easy. The rack is just the right size and sufficiently adjustable to fit perfectly. Lightweight and easy to remove when I don't need it.
I paired it walith the gravel pack panniers. The smaller size is perfect for me. They mount onto the lower rail as if they were designed to fit together. This leaves the top of the rack open to strap my seat pad and tent on top.
Perfection.
Overall great -- only -1star as the bottom hook (when on the new QuickRack Large) needs to be far to one side of the bag, so when you hit a bump the other lower corner of the bag can flex out, and then it'll pull the lower hook off the rail. This placement is due to needing the bag to clear my heels (it's within 1" as-is so still can bump it if I have my foot a little back on the pedal). Also using the new rear-axle kit, as the frame doesn't have any rack mounts.
Large, Rocky Mountain Solo 2023 C50
Not a problem on wood trestles, or pavement, but there is one construction bump on my route that reliably bucks both bags, and they both come down with the lower hooks now outside of the rack.
Solution: order a set of extra hooks (like the "gravel" packs come with!), then orient them to it holds both lower corners of the bag to the rack. Should work great, so not too concerned about giving this 4/5 in the meantime. Annoying it needs extra piece to be ordered, but seems like if you can set it up with the lower hook in the middle, this wouldn't be an issue for you.
These panniers have a super handy inner laptop sleeve, and a little mesh zipper pocket, which is super handy to store a U lock upright so it's easy to pull out with the rest of the bag still packed.
Bet these will last 20+ years, based on all the past Ortlieb stuff I know and have seen/used. Amazing warranty support according to my local bike shop too.
Waterproof, great design and extremely durable. What more could a cyclist ask for?
Love the size. Keeps the weight down but still able to pack what is needed. Love the color and easy to get on and off. Went on some very rough trails nothing came lose or bounced off .
300$ for a backpack that fall down on the shoulder each time I try to adjust the hight of the backpack..
I wanted a little bag to attach to my big roll bag and it’s perfect. It attaches on 4 points and is secure and stable. I want it to carry a full water bladder with hose coming out so I can drink on the fly without wearing a hydration pack and not taking up space for bottles on the frame. A full bladder fits perfectly!
Remplace très bien mes vieux modèles de crochets. S'adapte très bien a mes vieux sacs de vélo.
The aluminum rails for the handles are incredibly weak. The first time using the bag they had heavy damage after one flight. The main zipper constantly gets hung up on what is in the bag, the bag needs some materials to keep the zipper away from the clothes. You can use the bag never going over 3/4 full to prevent this.
I use this backpack since 2017, wear it everyday, in every condition and it is my favourite bag of all time. Don't waste you time trying other brands. I also switched this bag for a new one three years ago and the new one is as good as the old one. I hope Ortlieb will continue making this model, it's the best. In love with the quality, the durability, the style, the comfort, everything. I also have the ortlieb paniers for my bike and they are just as durable.
no wonder why there are spare parts,.. it breaks all the time, i had to replace every plastic parts of almost all my panniers.
The promise is good, carry essencial small items safely, under your view ! but the reality is that the soft bag, with no support structure in the back of it, just hangs skewed in the handle bar, looking awful like a pillow in the front of the bike! Also the hard plastic to help the fold is too wide, consequently one can fold only half a turn making the bag even smaller than it seems! Disappointed, I would like to return it, and WOULD APPRECIATE BEING CONTACTED BY ORTLIEB ON RESPECT TO THIS! I have two panniers and they are very good, well engineered, but the bag is terrible!
I'm very disappointed in this product. There's hardware missing and there's a small glob of what is probably glue marring the cover. Moreover, the hardware was not enclosed, just strewn in the bottom of the bag, there were two allen keys and there were no instructions, leading me to suspect that you sent me a customer return, not the real deal which I paid $131 for. Then when I asked for the missing hardware I was told to return it instead. Just wow! Bought a bag from MEC instead.
After 7 years of ownership and 1 year of daily full time use, one latch on one clip on one bag finally broke. I ordered 2 sets to fully replace them all and they slid on easily, came with the rail size adapters and appear to be the same construction as the original. I am very glad I could replace the wearable component without needing a whole new bag.
Note the picture on this product is for the handle version which is not what it is in the description and I wish I paid more attention ordering as this is the adjustable handle version and looks worse but is functionally the same. As the handles were in good shape I just swapped the band by taking out some screws, very easy process.
Fantastic product. Ortlieb is the way to go for a waterproof bag with ease of packing and easy attachment to seat post. And the bag is very light.
Build quality is fantastic. The closure is great, easily adjustable, and far more durable than a plastic clip. The pads along the back help prevent irregular shaped objects from pushing into your back and the small side zip pouch is great for storing your id or other small items so that you don't need to empty the pack to get at it. The removable laptop sleave adds to its versatility. I've been using it for weeks with zero complains. Would highly recommend.
J’adore pouvoir utiliser mon vélo pour une course rapide en ville. Le système de verrouillage est solide tout en permettant d’accrocher et décrocher le panier en 2 secondes.