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Ortlieb bags - which one?!? Ortlieb bags - which one?!?
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Photo by George Guille, It's going to be a long 300km... Bolivian Amazon

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by George Guille
It's going to be a long 300km...
Bolivian Amazon



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  #1  
Old 14 Mar 2011
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Ortlieb bags - which one?!?
I've found some useful info. on this and other sites about Ortlieb dry bags, and many people seem to recommend them. After doing some research, there seems to be a multitude of varieties from which to choose . . . .does anyone have any thoughts on the best choice to make, size / shape / fastening mechanism wise (I'm sure you do!)? I need one that is at least 27 inches wide (sleeping mat / bag).

Thanks in advance . . . .
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  #2  
Old 14 Mar 2011
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Buy the Rack Pack in whatever size you need. It is an excellent and robust product. I prefer the 49 litre model, but it depends on how much you carry.

I have used a number of different ortlieb dry bags for bike touring in recent years and found the horizontal wide roll opening on the Rack Pack the most practical.

Whilst models like the Explorer are possibly more flexible as you can roll them down tighter and use them as a conventional style backpack, you will eventually become frustrated by the vertical opening and the daily need to unpack everything to get to whatever is packed at the bottom.
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Old 15 Mar 2011
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Hi,
Are the ORTLIEB Rack-Packs robust ? - will they handle 6 months worth of heave-ho'ing from the bike onto rough campsite surfaces ?

Thanks
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Old 15 Mar 2011
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They are vey robust and will out live you and your bike. I've got a few and they are great. Every time I meet a biker who hasn't seen an Ortlieb before they are always impressed and wish they had one. They aren't cheap but that's because they are good. Get the largest one you think you'll need (its easier to have half filled one than stuffing one to the limit) and pick a colour that matches your bike!

The grey one has all my stuff in it. The black one has my tent.


























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Old 15 Mar 2011
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I am using the rack pack bags (size large) as side panniers.



More info on mounting here.

After 7.5 months on the road, still going strong. Great bags.

HTH
Sean
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Old 15 Mar 2011
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Overboard gear
plus one on the ortlieb roll pack 49 litres. However before you splash the dosh check these out and compare.
OB :: Waterproof Holdalls :: Waterproof Duffle Bag :: Sailing Bags
Bigger and a whole lot cheaper. I wish I had of seen these before I bought the ortlieb, however the ortlieb are tried and tested by many people.
Hope this helps
GM
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Old 16 Mar 2011
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It`s all said .... quality is

I use a rack pack size XL (89 liter) since about 10 years .... undestroyable

Thomas
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Old 16 Mar 2011
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Ortlieb is good. 49 L (Large) bag works for me.

I took this during a winter ride in New Mexico. I folded my thermarest pad and put it on the bottom, then loaded in a lightweight tent, tent poles, down sleeping bag, electric vest, pants liners, and other cold weather gear and 4 liters of water.





.........shu
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Old 16 Mar 2011
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+ 1 for the 49 litre jobs.

Also manageable to carry should you end up w/out your bike and have to resort to shanks' pony or public transport.
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Old 17 Mar 2011
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Loving the pics

Im using a giantloop soft pannier system, it is good but could do with a few more liters, especially in the lower regions. I will be buying one of your recommended Ortliebs. That should be enough packing space for everything.

Any suggestions where and in-what to put the tools, water and extra fuel ? - I fear my packing may become a little top heavy.

SeanF.....I like your soft luggage setup !
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Old 17 Mar 2011
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Well you pays for what you can afford & shop around is wise, I have otleib with roll down top direct from otleib (they have a flea bay site as well) however I have seen simler but things like the way the seems are sealed is different, so buyer beware.
btw i got a 2 man tent & mat in mine plus other bits & bobs like the kitchen sink well if i didnt hide it she would of had it in there!

Edited I did add a photo but not come up???
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Old 17 Mar 2011
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The Ortlieb Rackpack is the best imo.!! I've used the vertical opening ones and I reckon you can squeeze more into them BUT it's hard to rummage through and find what you need without emptying the whole thing.

The 89L rackpack is MASSIVE.. Way too big for an Enduro bike. The 49L will fit a decent size tent, sleeping bag, mat and plenty more.
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Old 18 Mar 2011
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mate if you want to look at differences

Ortlieb : Waterproof Outdoor Equipment

OverBoard :: Waterproof Bags :: Dry Bags :: Dry Sacks :: Boat Bags

Robin Hood Watersports Drybags and Storage Containers

Dry bags and dry boxes from Lomo UK

Les Madge - Traveldri-Plus - "Adventure Parts"

Touratech UK - new ideas for motorbikes - the latest Touratech and Touratech Streetline Catalogues - parts and accessories for BMW, KTM, HONDA, SUZUKI, YAMAHA, APRILIA, KAWASAKI, TRIUMPH and BUELL motorbikes, news, articles, newsletters, travel event

have fun but i would stilll suggest the otleib
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Old 18 Mar 2011
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I use Ortlieb's X-Tremer XL. It is huge at 109 liters and has straps for carrying like a backpack. But you can roll it up much smaller.
I like the extra available space for situations such as carrying food from market to the campsite.
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Old 18 Mar 2011
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Trichelia View Post
Loving the pics

Im using a giantloop soft pannier system, it is good but could do with a few more liters, especially in the lower regions. I will be buying one of your recommended Ortliebs. That should be enough packing space for everything.

Any suggestions where and in-what to put the tools, water and extra fuel ? - I fear my packing may become a little top heavy.

SeanF.....I like your soft luggage setup !
Thank you for the comment! I'm quite happy with it, and can live with the compromises. It is a bit more fiddly to get into (or attach/detach) compared to simple hard boxes or a "normal" set of soft panniers. Usually not a problem, since I keep my daily use items in a more accessible location.

To get an idea of what this size can hold: In one bag I have tent w/rain fly & groundcloth (but not poles), synth. sleeping bag, pillow, sleeping pad, 9' tarp with a few meters of cord, spare inner tube.

One distinct advantage is that once the bags are off the bike, I have two 8' adjustable cable locks, keyed alike, that I can use however needed.

Cheers
Sean
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