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ORTLIEB Guide — Bike Bags, Bikepacking & Backpacks
ORTLIEB is a German brand founded in 1982 in Heilsbronn (Bavaria) by Hartmut Ortlieb. A pioneer in waterproofing for bike bags, ORTLIEB manufactures all its products in Germany with over 70 % of local materials. Its high-frequency welded seams ensure waterproofing up to 100 000 mm water column. 5-year manufacturer warranty, lifetime repairable products.
Sources : ORTLIEB (ortlieb.com/fr). All volumes in liters. Weight for one bag unless indicated " the pair ".
Alpinstore Tips — Choosing ORTLIEB Bags
- Rear rack (bike touring) : prefer the Back-Roller or Bike-Packer. The capacity per bag is 20 L — plan for a pair for a complete trip.
- Bikepacking (without rack) : combination of Handlebar-Pack (handlebar) + Frame-Pack (frame) + Seat-Pack (seat) = between 28 and 43 L total for a complete setup.
- Quick-Lock system : do not confuse QL2.1, QL3.1 and QL3. The bags and supports must be compatible. See the system table in section 5.
- Lowrider rack (front) : prefer the Front-Roller or Sport-Roller whose hooks adapt to the low geometry. Max load: 5 kg per bag.
- Waterproofing IP64 vs IP67 : IP64 = total protection against dust + splash resistance from all directions. IP67 = complete waterproofing (immersion 1 m / 30 min). Roll-top bags reach IP64 when the closure is rolled 3–4 times.
1. Rack Bags — Complete Range
Bags for rear or front lowrider racks. Quick-Lock 2.1 system on most models. The indicated volumes are per bag.
| Model | Volume / bag | Weight / bag | Attachment | IP | Ideal use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Back-Roller Classic | 20 L | ~600 g | QL2.1 | IP64 | Bike touring, robust PVC, classic |
| Back-Roller Plus | 20 L | ~840 g | QL2.1 | IP64 | Premium bike touring, Cordura + PU, external pocket |
| Back-Roller Plus CR | 23 L | ~895 g | QL2.1 | IP64 | PVC-free version, recycled Cordura, eco |
| Back-Roller XL | 30 L | ~730 g | QL3.1 | IP64 | Large size, long trip, max load 12 kg |
| Front-Roller Classic | 12.5 L | ~460 g | QL2.1 | IP64 | Front lowrider rack, PVC |
| Front-Roller Plus | 12.5 L | ~540 g | QL2.1 | IP64 | Front lowrider, Cordura + PU, dimensions 30×25×14 cm |
| Sport-Roller Classic | 14.5 L | ~480 g | QL2.1 | IP64 | Front lowrider or child bike |
| Bike-Packer | 20 L | ~730 g | QL2.1 | IP64 | Flap closure, structured organization |
| Sport-Packer | 15 L | ~540 g | QL2.1 | IP64 | Compact, flap closure, child bike / front |
| Gravel-Pack | 14.5 L | ~540 g | QL2.1 | IP64 | Bikepacking + lowrider, lightweight nylon, off-road |
Dimensions Back-Roller Plus : 42 × 32 × 17 cm / bag. Dimensions Front-Roller Plus : 30 × 25 × 14 cm / bag. Max load per bag : 9 kg (Back-Roller), 5 kg (Front, Sport, Gravel).
2. Bikepacking Range — Without Rack
Solutions for bikes without racks (gravel, MTB, road, equipped touring bike; travel bike without rack). Adjustable volume = the bag compresses to fit the load.
| Model | Volume | Adjustable Volume | Weight | Position | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seat-Pack M | 11 L | 4.5–11 L | 325 g | Seat | MTB, telescopic seat post, min. space 6 cm |
| Seat-Pack L | 16.5 L | 8–16.5 L | 325 g | Seat | Gravel / road, min. space 15 cm, dimensions 30×22×64 cm |
| Seat-Pack QR | 11–16.5 L | Yes | ~400 g | Seat | Seat-Lock system, quick release in one gesture |
| Handlebar-Pack 9 L | 9 L | Yes (rollable) | ~290 g | Handlebar | Narrow handlebars (gravel, road), width 40 cm |
| Handlebar-Pack 15 L | 15 L | Yes (rollable) | ~450 g | Handlebar | MTB and wide handlebars, width 57 cm, max load 5 kg |
| Handlebar-Pack QR 11 L | 11 L | Yes | 530 g | Handlebar | Bar-Lock system, quick release, width 32 cm |
| Frame-Pack 4 L | 4 L | No | ~190 g | Frame (triangle) | Small frames, compact MTB |
| Frame-Pack 6 L | 6 L | No | ~220 g | Frame (triangle) | Large triangles, gravel, touring road |
| Frame-Pack RC Toptube | 3–6 L | Depending on tube | ~160 g | Top tube | Leaves space for bottle holder in the triangle |
| Fork-Pack 4.1 L | 4.1 L | No | ~284 g | Fork | Unit, Quick-Lock S, max. 4 bags on fork |
3. Handlebar Bags — Daily Use
For urban cyclists, commuters, and bike travelers who want to keep essentials at hand (phone, map, snacks, keys).
| Model | Volume | Weight | IP | Specifications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ultimate Classic | 5–8.5 L | ~390 g | IP54 | PVC, magnetic closure, map window, shoulder strap |
| Ultimate Plus (Cordura) | 5–8.5 L | ~350 g | IP54 | Lightweight Cordura + PU, textile look, same functions |
| Ultimate Free (PVC-free) | 5–8.5 L | ~350 g | IP54 | PVC-free, recycled nylon, eco version |
| Ultimate E (electric bike) | 5–8.5 L | ~390 g | IP54 | Special cut for electric bike screen |
4. Waterproof Backpacks
| Model | Available Volumes | IP | Usage / Specifications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atrack | 25, 35, 45 L | IP64 | Hiking, trekking, kayaking. Front opening like a suitcase (TIZIP closure), adjustable back, belt |
| Atrack Bike | 25 L | IP64 | Bikepacking version, reduced belt, helmet attachment, adjustable back |
| Velocity | 17, 23, 29 L | IP64 | Commuter, urban, laptop cover. Rollable closure, Cordura side panels |
| Packman | 25 L | IP64 | Bike touring + hiking, helmet holder, hydration, back pocket |
| City-Biker | 20 L | IP64 | Urban, commuter, rollable closure, reflective panels |
| Commuter-Bag | 19.5 L | IP64 | Hybrid backpack / bike bag, Quick-Lock 3.1 + shoulder straps |
5. ORTLIEB Fixation Systems
The right fixation system is as important as the bag itself. Always check compatibility between rack / Quick-Lock system.
Quick-Lock 2.1
Classic proven system, compatible with almost all racks. Attachment/removal with one hand. Upper hooks on tube ø 8–16 mm + lower anti-sway hook. Includes : reducers 8, 10, 12 mm.
Quick-Lock 3.1
Improved version of QL3, higher payload, quick transition from one bike to another. Used on Back-Roller XL and premium models. Requires rack with QL3.1 points.
Seat-Lock (bikepacking)
Quick-Release system for Seat-Pack QR. Adapter collar for round seat posts up to ø 34.9 mm. Compatible with telescopic posts. Removal in one gesture.
Bar-Lock (bikepacking handlebar)
System for Handlebar-Pack QR. Mounting plate on handlebars (flat, drop, cyclocross). Compatible with carbon handlebars with included protective caps. Bag width : 32 cm max.
Straps + Velcro (Seat-Pack M/L)
Traditional system for Seat-Pack M and L. 2–3 high-strength Velcro straps on seat post. 1 strap on saddle rail. Required free space : 6 cm (M) or 15 cm (L) on the post.
QL3.1 + straps (Commuter-Bag)
Unique hybrid : QL3.1 on rack + retractable straps for carrying on back. Transition from bike to pedestrian without removing items. Perfect for commuters.
6. ORTLIEB Technologies and Materials
High-Frequency Welding
All ORTLIEB seams are welded, not stitched. Welding eliminates needle holes that create weak waterproof points. Resists up to 100 000 mm water column.
Rollable Closure
Roll 3–4 times + tension down = IP64. Advantage : adjustable volume according to content. Disadvantage : less quick access than a zip. Welding on all edges of the closure.
PVC vs Cordura
PVC (Classic range) : robust, easy to clean, very abrasion resistant. Heavy. Cordura (Plus/CR range) : lighter, textile look, PU coating inside also waterproof. Nylon (bikepacking) : the lightest, reinforced ripstop.
Lifetime Repairability
ORTLIEB offers all spare parts for its products (hooks, straps, buckles, welds). A damaged ORTLIEB product can be repaired, not replaced. Repair workshop available in Germany and at some retailers.
7. ORTLIEB FAQ
Back-Roller Classic or Plus — what’s the real difference?
The Classic is made from PVC-coated polyester fabric on both sides : very robust, abrasion-resistant, easy to clean, but heavier and stiffer. The Plus uses PU-coated Cordura inside : lighter, more pleasant textile look, separate rollable closure external pocket for quick access. Both have the same volume (20 L) and the same IP64 level. The Plus CR is the 23 L PVC-free version, made from recycled Cordura, to reduce environmental impact. For a classic bike trip on paved roads, the Plus is the reference. For difficult terrains with a risk of ground contact, the Classic.
Which Seat-Pack to choose: M (11 L) or L (16.5 L)?
The choice depends on your bike and your need. Seat-Pack M (11 L) : requires only 6 cm of free space on the seat post — compatible with MTB with telescopic post and compact frames. Ideal for day trips to one night. Seat-Pack L (16.5 L) : requires 15 cm of free space — suitable for gravel and road bikes with fixed post. Can fit compressible sleeping bag + clothes. For a telescopic post, the M is highly recommended to avoid interference.
Are ORTLIEB bags really waterproof to immersion?
IP64 (most bags) = splash resistance from all directions, heavy rain, splashes. Not designed for immersion. IP67 (Atrack bag) = waterproof up to 1 m for 30 min. For the rollable closure, IP64 waterproofing is achieved with 3–4 complete rolls. The brand specifies that welded seams withstand up to 100 000 mm water column. In practice, your belongings will stay dry during a shallow creek crossing and a day of heavy rain.
Is my rack compatible with ORTLIEB bags?
The vast majority of standard racks (tubes up to 16 mm in diameter) are compatible with Quick-Lock 2.1. ORTLIEB provides reducers for diameters 8, 10, and 12 mm with its bags. Racks with crossbars at 16 mm are directly compatible. Lowrider racks accept Front-Roller and Sport-Roller bags with their specific hooks. For QL3.1 (Back-Roller XL), the rack must have QL3.1 attachment points. In case of doubt, ORTLIEB has a compatibility guide on ortlieb.com.
ORTLIEB data based on official product sheets (ortlieb.com/fr). Volumes and weights are indicative values for standard sizes ; some models exist in multiple sizes or colors with slightly different weights. ORTLIEB manufacturer warranty : 5 years, valid worldwide, for material and manufacturing defects.
