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Ortlieb Panniers and Packs 101 . . . Ortlieb Packs Comparisons
If you understand how Ortlieb has named their different pannier models, you will find it easier to tell them apart. Here are some basic facts about the Ortlieb panniers that will help you make your choices. Once you have read this page, please go back to the Ortlieb Packs Home Page and click on the individual photos and links for more thorough descriptions of each model. I have answered the most common questions below. I am sure there are others I haven't answered. You are welcome to contact me if you have questions this page doesn't answer. Thanks, Wayne
Ortlieb makes two basic pannier styles - Packers and Rollers. The names Packer and Roller refer to the methods used to close the panniers.
Roller panniers have extra fabric at the top of the bag. To close the Roller panniers, simply squeeze the two sides of the top of the bag together, then roll them down a couple of turns and buckle the ends to the shoulder strap. The shoulder strap attaches in a "V" to a hook near the bottom on the front of the pannier.
Packer panniers have a double drawstring collar at the top of the bag - and a lid. To close the pannier, tighten the drawstrings, and pull the lid over the top of the bag, and then Buckle the lid to the vertical load compression straps.
The larger Bike Packer and Back Roller panniers are generally used as rear panniers. All Bike Packer and Back Roller panniers have the same rated volume, 40 liters (2451 cubic inches). Some tandem cyclist will use them as large front panniers, because they need to carry gear for two riders but only have one bike.
The smaller Sport Packer and Front Roller panniers are generally used as front panniers, but also work perfectly as smaller rear panniers. Sport Packers are rated at 30 liters (1831 cubic inches), and Front Rollers are a bit smaller at 25 liters (1526 cubic inches).
All Classic panniers are made of the Classic PVC fabric that looks and feels like the fabric you will find on a river raft, or a rafters "dry bag."
All Plus panniers are made of the Plus "Cordura" fabric that has a more cloth-like appearance. It is a laminated fabric with a highly waterproof inner layer that adds strength to the Cordura. The Plus fabric is a bit lighter in weight than the Classic fabric, but easily as waterproof, and equal in durability. Most think it looks a little better than the classic fabric. Hey! Looks are important!
All Plus panniers use the updated, more adjustable QL-2 upper mounting system. The QL-2 top hooks can be adjusted without using any tools. QL-2 Top Hooks are especially nice if you have racks on more than one bicycle, and are often swapping your bags from one bike to another. You can quickly move the hooks from one set of positions to another. Like the QL-1 hooks, QL-2 top hooks grasp the top rails on your rack, so they will never fall off of your rack while riding.
All Plus and Classic panniers use QL-2 Lower Hooks. QL-2 Lower Hooks can be adjusted without tools by means of a knob that can be turned with your fingers. The QL-2 lower hooks can be pointed right or left - or down. They slide along one of two elliptical rails, and provide many more mounting positions than the old QL-1 hooks, and will fit a wider variety of racks.
All Ortlieb panniers are made with waterproof construction. High Frequency Welded seams and highly waterproof fabrics make them watertight and dustproof -- so watertight that some tourists have been known to do their laundry in their Ortlieb panniers!
The Roller pannier design provides the ultimate in waterproofing. The rolled closure may keep a mountain biker's gear dry, even if the packs get momentarily submerged during stream crossings. Roller panniers might be the best choice for someone who will be riding offroad or through the rainy season in the tropics. And if they fit your budget, Roller panniers are a great choice for any bicycle tour.
Packer panniers are effectively waterproof in rain, and for splash from passing vehicles -- in other words, they are equal to the rollers in any situation other than submerging your panniers! Water could get in under the lids if the bags were submerged, but otherwise, your gear will stay dry. The lidded design is easier to load and unload, and should provide easier access to your gear during your ride.
Packer Plus panniers have an additional feature that is not on any other Ortlieb panniers. The Bike & Sport Packer Plus panniers each have outside Mesh Drying Pockets. They are great for drying out items while you ride, such as washcloths or clean socks. They can also be quite handy for carrying small items you would like to access easily during your ride. The pockets are pleated, which creates more volume than you realize from looking at the photos. To give you an idea about their capacity, I have placed 3 medium-sized bananas in one of the mesh pockets on a Bike Packer Plus pannier.
Knowing the above facts should help you recognize each pair of panniers from its name. For example, I know from the name Bike Packer Plus that they are large rear panniers with lidded closures over drawstring tops. The have vertical compression straps, mesh pockets, QL-2 hooks and the Plus Cordura fabric. Bike Packer Classic panniers are the same basic design as the Bike Packer Plus, but have the Classic PVC fabric, QL-1 upper hooks, and no mesh outside pockets.
Here is an important additional fact about all Ortlieb panniers. The laterally adjustable top hooks can help provide additional heel clearance for folks who need it. If you move the pannier top hooks toward the rider while placing the hooks toward the back of the rack, you have just moved the panniers away from the rider's heels. Let me know if you need a more detailed explanation about this feature.
Ortlieb Ultimate 5 Handlebar Bags are made to match both Classic and Plus Panniers.
The Ultimate 5 Plus Handlebar Bag is a match for any of the Plus panniers. The Ultimate 4 Plus MEDIUM is made in the same Plus fabric and in the same colors. The Ultimate 4 Plus Large is also made from Plus fabric, but is only available in black.
The Ultimate 5 Classic Handlebar Bag matches the Classic panniers.
The smaller Ultimate 5 Compact Handlebar Bag has a more limited choice of colors.
All Ultimate 5 Handlebar Bags have the same beautifully made Mounting Bracket with a Locking Release Lever. The Ultimate 5 brackets can fit any size handlebar, including the new 31.8mm over-sized handlebar diameter. A Bracket Extender is available for set-ups where you may need to have the handlebar sit a couple of inches farther forward from the handlebar. An optional Map Case or GPS Case can be added to any Ultimate 5 Handlebar Bag.
What is my favorite Ortlieb touring set?
Without a doubt my favorite combination for most tours is the Bike & Sport Packer Plus panniers plus the Ultimate 5 Plus Handlebar Bag with a Map Case. If I need more room on a fully self-supported tour, I will add a Classic Rack Pack - usually in the size Medium. See this combination on my Ortlieb Matched Sets page.
Once you have read this page, please go back to the Ortlieb Packs Home Page and click on the individual photos and links for more thorough descriptions of each model.
Questions? Ready to purchase? CONTACT WAYNE at TheTouringStore.com by Phone . . . Call TOLL FREE 1-800-747-0588 and ask for Wayne. You are encouraged to call any day, including weekends, between 9:00 AM and 6:30 PM, Mountain Time in Colorado. If I miss your call, leave your phone number and I WILL get back to you as soon as possible. If you get voice mail, I may be on the line, so keep trying, or leave a message. Contact Wayne by E-mail: I usually respond quickly to e-mail sent to wayne@TheTouringStore.com. If you attempt to contact me on a weekend, please don't EXPECT a really quick response, as I often take time off on those days. I usually take Sundays off, but you are welcome to try. If I am working, I may answer -- if not, leave a message, and I'll call back ASAP. I look forward to hearing from you! CLICK HERE for More Detailed CONTACT INFORMATION.
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