Hi all, has anyone got experience with securing the ortlieb saddlebags (26 l each)? I'm also looking for a solution to secure an ortlieb rackpack large (49 l). I've been looking at pacsafe, but what size would be best: 2x 35 l and 1x 50 l? However I read in another post that 50 l would be too tight for a 50 l bag? All tips are welcome!
Thanks, Karolien

Hi Karolien,

Sorry, can't help you with the ortlieb saddle bags, but I do have the XL ortlieb bag and use the 140 pacsafe mesth with it and it fits just right. My bag is the 89L size.

I started out with one medium ortlieb bag, but found it was not big enough to hold my tent, ground sheet, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, plus some other kit, so I picked up a second one. Then found it awkard (although possible) fastening and unfastening two bags all the time, and needing too many straps.

I only mention that as I am not sure if you were thinking of going with two 35L bags versus one 50L bag. I would suggest the one 50L for the above reasons.

That is why I have now gone with the XL bag and 140 pacsame mesh, and I just use one bag when I travel now. Makes it much simpler.

I do have another pacsafe mesh at the office to send back (as it was too small for my XL ortlieb bag. I will bring it home tomorrow and see what size it is and how it would fit the medium ortlieb bag I have, and let you know.

Just realized you might also be the Karolien from Belgium on the HU German meeting thread. If so, hope to see you there, and I can show you the setup I have as noted above.

All the best, and will get the other information to you as soon as I can.

Cheers,

Ian

Hi Karolien,

Am out in the garage now, and just stuffed my Large 50L size Ortlieb Rackpack bag full, and the 85L Pacsafe bag covers it. It has a little extra in girth to spare, and cinched up tight, just covers it length wise.

Cheers, and happy riding.

Ian

Ian,

is each version of PacSafe a fixed size and thus only tight-fit around the cargo if the cargo bag is really full, or is there a way to tighten them e.g. if the Ortlieb bag is not filled completely (i.e. on day trips). What´s your experience with the PacSafe so far - is it easy to handle or rather a nuisance every morning and evening?

Thanks, cheers
Chris

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Hi Chris,

The Pacsafe mesh (I believe) are meant more for backpack security, but do work for the ortlieb bags. The Pacsafe (from experience with my two bags) is that they are designed with more girth (diameter) in respect to height (length) to fit a backpack that has similar dimensions or volume to an ortlieb bag, but has bulky strapping and padded waistbelts that must also be enclosed.

Thus the need to have the size of the Pacsafe in a larger volume than the ortlieb bag.

If the Ortlieb bag is not filled up completely, you will still be able to cinch the enclosure wiring of the Pacsafe, there will just be a bit more slop in the Pacsafe mesh.

It just takes (and for me this is a big leap) reading the "how to pack" instructions once for the Pacsafe and then it is pretty straightforward to putting the Ortlieb bag inside it and cinching it up. I then just use the extra length of the cinching strap to wrap around my rear rack (in and out two holes), lock it in place, and then use my Roc Straps to tie it down.

As for the nuisance factor, I am sure you, and everybody here on HU realizes, if folks want to get at my stuff, they will. I just use it for certain trips for perhaps a little bit of peace of mind in certain situations. So I just use it when I feel I wish it to be one, but it is not a big deal using it or removing it. Takes a few minutes at each end really.

Cheers,

Ian

I got the PacSafe 85l which takes the Ortlieb Rack-Pack L without any problems.

Only issue I have is that the lock from PacSafe is a pile of , a bit of rain and it will lock up, best to travel with some WD40....


Casper

One advice,
if you use the pac safe (and put your roll on your seat) then just put a towel or something between your backseat and the pacsafe (ortlieb pack inside). Or the mesh will damage your seat).
Blitz

Hi Ian

You're right and I would love to check out your setup at the German meeting :-)

Thanks to all for the advice!

take care
Karolien

I've also stumbled upon this thread. Might be useful for those coming here hoping to find answers :-) Sorry if this means I shouldn't have started this thread.

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...security-53440