SHORT VERSION

This is the go to bag for most long distance cyclists.

Good volume – waterproof and durable – my stuff stays dry always.

They just work.

If I lost these bags today, I’d go buy the exact same ones tomorrow.

Ortliebs are not cheap ($160 – $180 per pair), but worth the cash because they do the job and they last.

Fully Recommended.

BEST FOR 

Touring, commuting, any bike transport where you carry stuff and want it to stay dry.

FULL REVIEW

2011 was the year I geared up to become a bike tourer.

These bags were the first thing I bought.  Got ‘em at REI** and haven’t looked back.

I use one the left side rear bag as my everyday commuter.  It’s seen the worst of New England weather and after 13,600 miles it’s still going strong.  The right side is used when I need to carry more stuff like groceries or my camping kit when setting off for a short tour.

Both the rears and a pair of red ones I bought for the front racks were used for the 4,000 mile cross country ride in 2013.

I had exactly zero issues with them the whole way.

That’s a 63 day continuous test people!

The total weight distributed amongst the 4 bags was around 45 pounds average for most days on the trip.  The scales tipped a little further after a big grocery shop – maybe 50 pounds.

Two notes here:

1) I poked around the web and couldn’t find what the maximum carrying weight is per bag.  I’ve had 30 pounds in one bag for short grocery runs – no problem.

2) I use back rollers on the front racks.  I tried the front specific bags, but didn’t like how much smaller they were.  I needed the volume and the backs, for me, work fine up front.  They sit a bit lower to the ground, but it’s of no hinderance.

Construction

Ortleibs are made out of PVC coated Polyester.  That sounds like plumbing material doesn’t it?

It’s tough and you can feel the heavy quality of this stuff when you handle it.

The seams on these bags are not sewn.  They are high frequency welded which you could compare to metal parts that were bolted or welded – one can come apart and there’s no way the other is coming apart.

The clips and rack attachment mechanism are plastic – durable as well.  Though I just had a strap clasp fail on my everyday bag this month.

I can excuse this because of the age and daily use it gets.  Plus, replacement clips are easily available where the bags are sold.  I got mine online ’cause I was too lazy to ride to REI.

Using the bag  

This is a Spartan bag.  No zippers.  No external pockets.  Just one large compartment, a sleeve inside to slip in some narrow stuff, and a mesh pocket that hangs off that – all inside.

This might seem like a pain at first.  Having to open the whole bag just to get your wallet or whatever might feel cumbersome.  But, I got used to it and appreciate the simple design.

Whattya mean no zippers?  How does it close?

This is a roll top bag.  Meaning after you load it up, the top closes by rolling it down on itself like a lunch bag.

The whole shootin’ match is then cinched down with an attached compression strap over the top.  That description may sound sucky – like there’s no way this bag is keeping water out.  But, trust me it works.  Plus, that top strap locks in the load so there’s no sway at all during the ride.

The spring loaded latching clips that mount the bag to the rack are operated with a soft handle.

When you pull the handle up, the latching clips open allowing the bag to be put on or taken off the rack.  Releasing the handle closes the clips.

The bottom of the bag is secured with a clip that slips around the rack.

With a little practice, you can put the bag on one handed – which is, aaah, handy – duhhh.

This whole attachment system (called QL2.1) is adjustable and adaptable to just about any full rack that mounts to the seat and chain stays.  I use Salsa Racks – Bags attach easily.

Bonus:  Each bag comes with a detachable shoulder strap to help slog your gear from the bike to the house.

Okay, looks good.  But, how much stuff can I put into that sucka?

The spec. sheet from Ortlieb says 20 liters or 1220.5 cubic inches per bag*.

Let’s put those numbers into practical terms.  You are going to use this to commute to work so let’s load it up with the essentials.

• 15” laptop
• Work clothes (pants, shirt, undershirt, deodorant – leave your good shoes at work).
• Bike stuff (spare tubes, pump, multi-tool, tire levers)
• Rain gear (shoe covers, waterproof pants and gloves – you ride in the jacket).
• Groceries you picked up on the way home (Beer & Frozen Dinner).

Here it all is laid out:

Here it all is in the bag:

Total weight = 21 pounds (old school laptop is a clunker)

Annnnnnnd…Here it is on the bike:

I know you’re thinking that the bike will feel tippy toward the left.  Maybe at first, but you won’t even notice it after a mile or two.

Final Words

These bags rock the house.  Fully functional, German manufactured quality, durable, waterproof, slop-proof, don’t hold any odors, easy to use.  Top marks from me.

Fully Recommended by the staff (me) at Five Bag Fit Enterprises.

*See Spec. sheet PDF HERE

**REI is a good place to buy stuff.  They have 20% off sales 3-4 times a year.  These bags retail for $180 so you’d save $36 bucks at sale time.

I am not affiliated with REI and get no kick back for recommending them.  I just like to save money and their return policy is painless.