The Ortlieb Bike-Packer & Sport-Packer Plus Panniers are really the very best bicycle touring panniers on this planet. On this overview, I’ll clarify why these costly, German-made bike luggage are so well-liked amongst commuters and bicycle vacationers alike and I’ll provide you with numerous causes as to why Ortlieb bike panniers are the one panniers to personal in case you are desirous about having the perfect bike luggage for on-road use.
Ortlieb Bike-Packer Plus (Rear) Panniers – Ortlieb Sport-Packer Plus (Entrance) Panniers
Ortlieb Bike-Packer Plus (Rear) Panniers – Ortlieb Sport-Packer Plus (Entrance) Panniers
What Is A Bicycle Pannier?
Earlier than we will even start to debate the intricacies of the Ortlieb Bike-Packer and Sport-Packer Plus panniers, it will be significant that you just first perceive what a “pannier” is.
A pannier is a bag that attaches to your bicycle (by way of your bicycle’s entrance or rear rack) and is used to retailer and transport your private belongings with you in your bike as your experience.
Panniers are often offered in units of two (one for the left aspect of your bike and one for the appropriate) though these wishing to conduct a self-supported bicycle tour could buy two units of panniers for his or her bicycle (one pair for use on the bicycle’s rear rack, and the opposite for use on the entrance rack).
The principle profit to utilizing a set of panniers for bicycle touring (or commuting) is that the load of your gear (meals, clothes, bike instruments, and so forth) is positioned onto the body of your bicycle and never onto your again, neck, shoulders or physique (which tends to trigger ache, redness, sweating and discomfort). Different main advantages embrace a low heart of gravity (which makes controlling your bicycle simpler) and a compact technique of transporting your gear (compared to a trailer, as an illustration, which may double the size of your bicycle). In essence, you probably have one thing you need to carry with you in your bicycle as you experience, one or two units of panniers is a good way to do it!
Whereas there are different strategies of carrying your private belongings in your bike (equivalent to with a trailer, backpack, or basket), panniers are the preferred technique of transporting your issues on a bicycle tour – whether or not that be a brief bicycle tour close to your private home or a long-distance bicycle touring journey on the opposite aspect of the world.
Ortlieb Bike-Packer Plus (REAR)– Fundamental Measurements
On this overview we shall be two totally different units of motorbike panniers from a Germany firm known as Ortlieb.
The primary set of panniers is known as the Bike-Packer Plus. That is the bigger of the 2 panniers mentioned on this overview and it’s meant for use on the rear rack of your bicycle.
The measurements for the Bike-Packer Plus panniers are:
Peak = 16.5 inches
Width = 12.6 inches
Depth = 8.7 inches
Weight = 77.7 ounces/pair
Quantity = 3,051 cubic inches/pair (50 Liters/pair)
In the event you select to, you’ll be able to add a pair of small outer pockets to those panniers. These small pockets on these Ortlieb bike panniers will add roughly 220 cubic inches (3.6 Liters) per pair to the amount talked about above, thereby rising the overall pannier capability to three,271 cubic inches/pair (53.6 Liters/pair).
Ortlieb Sport-Packer Plus (FRONT) – Fundamental Measurements
The Ortlieb Sport-Packer Plus panniers, on the other-hand, are a lot smaller and whereas they’re typically meant for use on the entrance of a fully-loaded touring bicycle, they may also be used as a small set of panniers carried in your bicycle’s rear rack.
The measurements for the Ortlieb Bike-Packer Plus panniers are:
Peak = 15.7 inches
Width = 9.8 inches
Depth = 5.5 inches
Weight = 59.3 ounces/pair
Quantity = 1,831 cubic inches/pair (30 Liters/pair)
As soon as once more, you will have the choice (though I wouldn’t suggest it) of including a pair of small outer pockets to your Sport-Packer panniers, thereby including an additional 220 cubic inches (3.6 Liters) per pair, and rising your whole pannier capability to 2,051 cubic inches (33.6 Liters/pair).
Are Ortlieb Bike Panniers Actually As Good As They Say They Are?
Over time I’ve personally used and examined a number of totally different units of bicycle panniers (and written critiques for among the higher ones right here at Bicycle Touring Professional). For instance:
After testing out dozens of various panniers, nonetheless, the Ortlieb Bike-Packer and Sport-Packer panniers are those I select to make use of myself… and they’re those I have a tendency to return again to time and time once more. Right here’s why…
Ortlieb Panniers – Qualities & Traits
The next is an in depth breakdown of every of the traits discovered on the Ortlieb Bike-Packer and Sport-Packer panniers. Learn by way of this listing after which proceed studying for extra data on what I consider to be the very best and worst design traits of those unbelievable commuter and cycle touring luggage.
Constructed of sturdy Cordura® material – Some panniers crumble after just some months of use. However I’ve had my Ortlieb panniers for greater than 5 years and have used them for greater than three years of demanding round-the-world bicycle touring… they usually nonetheless look as if they had been model new. In the event you don’t completely abuse them, they are going to final a lifetime! The standard is prime notch.
Waterproof – The Bike-Packer and Sport-Packer panniers are made out of a Polyurethane-coated Cordura® nylon, which not solely makes these bike luggage sturdy, but additionally makes them waterproof – thus eliminating the necessity for a further set of rain covers (one thing that different bicycle touring panniers want to be able to hold your belongings dry in moist circumstances). This attribute reduces the general weight of your bike (since you don’t should pack a set of extra rain covers) and it offers you peace of thoughts in figuring out that even in essentially the most extreme rain, hail or snow, the objects inside your panniers will keep dry. Whereas Ortlieb’s Basic roll-top panniers have a plastic water-proof look to them, the Bike-Packer and Sport-Packer Plus panniers don’t look waterproof from the skin. Nonetheless, in case you take a look at them from the within you will note that they’re totally waterproof. (Word: see my feedback on simply how waterproof these panniers are on the finish of this overview.)
High-loading lid – The lid design discovered on each the Bike-Packer and Sport-Packer Plus panniers lets you shortly and simply entry the gear inside your luggage (one thing you’ll do dozens, perhaps even lots of or hundreds of instances over the size of your tour). Not like different panniers which might be designed with a water-resistant roll-top (which is troublesome to get out and in of), the top-loading lids on the Bike-Packer and Sport-Packer Plus panniers makes accessing your belongings that a lot simpler.
Inside drawstring closure – On the prime of every pannier are two separate drawstrings which let you shortly and simply shut off the highest of your panniers to be able to defend your valuables towards mud, humidity and snow. I personally by no means use the decrease drawstring (and due to this fact assume it may very well be eradicated totally), however am positive that some cyclists do.
Perfect measurement for brief or lengthy bike excursions – The Bike-Packer Plus panniers (that are greater than the Sport-Packers and are meant for use on the rear rack of your bicycle) are the right measurement for mild touring, that means that in case you had been involved with packing mild, you possibly can use solely this one pair of panniers and nonetheless match every thing you would wish for a long-distance self-supported bicycle tour into them. Nonetheless, they aren’t so large that they make your bicycle troublesome to handle. The Sport-Packer Plus panniers (that are smaller and are meant for use on the entrance rack of your bicycle) are once more ideally sized. They’re large enough to retailer a major quantity of drugs, but not so large that they make steering your bicycle troublesome or harmful. I’ve used the Bike/Sport-Packer Plus panniers on each fully-loaded touring bicycles and on folding bicycles, and their measurement is right no matter what sort of bike you’re driving.
Bag form eliminates heel contact throughout pedal stroke – That is an apparent design attribute discovered on nearly all bicycle touring panniers. It’s simpler to establish in some manufacturers of panniers than in others, however this can be a primary design trait that makes the highest of the rear (Bike-Packer) pannier wider than its backside. This permits the heel of your foot to slip previous the pannier with out hitting it as you pedal. With out this straightforward attribute, the heel of your footwear would possibly hit the entrance a part of your rear pannier each time you made a revolution of the pedals, inflicting injury to each your footwear and your panniers, whereas on the similar time slowly driving you insane.
Internal pocket and extra inner zippered mesh pocket – Inside every pannier is a big, skinny pocket, which can be utilized to retailer flat objects, equivalent to maps… in addition to a small, envelope-sized mesh pocket, which can be utilized to retailer small objects which may in any other case get misplaced within the backside of your luggage. I hardly use these two inside pockets and marvel if different cyclists use them both. Personally, I feel they may very well be eradicated, or on the very least, gotten smaller. Nonetheless, they’re there for these people who want to use them.
Waterproof exterior pocket or mesh breathable pocket – There are two totally different designs seen on new and older variations of the Bike-Packer and Sport-Packer Plus panniers. The older design (which is what I’ve) comes with a light-weight mesh pocket on the outside aspect of the panniers. This mesh pocket can be utilized to retailer small objects or used to dry moist articles of clothes as you experience. The newer model of the Biker-Packer and Sport-Packer panniers (launched in 2009) comes with a heavier, waterproof pocket, which be me faraway from the pannier if desired and is helpful for storing smaller objects which may in any other case giggle lose inside your luggage. Remember to take note of which panniers you’re getting once you make your order. Each the mesh and waterproof pocketed panniers are nonetheless accessible, so know what you’re getting earlier than you will have your panniers delivered.
QL2 rotating mounting system – The mounting system on Ortlieb panniers is likely one of the finest within the trade. The mount options two adjustable hooks on the prime and a single adjustable plastic hook on the backside, which will be adjusted to suit virtually any entrance or rear bicycle rack ever made. The panniers connect to the racks with out requiring any instruments and will be positioned on the bike or taken off the entrance or rear racks with only one hand after slightly observe. The Ortlieb pannier hooks are mounted on rails, and may slide back and forth on the again of the panniers, so you’ll be able to select the right place to place the hooks relying on the kind of racks you’re utilizing and the best place of the panniers in your bike. In the event you want slightly further heel clearance for a big shoe measurement, you’ll be able to merely slide the panniers again on the rails. And the hook mechanisms are operated by the carrying deal with. Whenever you need to take the panniers off the bike, you merely carry the panniers by the deal with. They arrive off so simply that you’ll marvel how they stayed on the bike within the first place! However relaxation assured, when they’re mounted on the rack, they’re locked in place across the prime of your rack and are fairly safe.
Deal with on prime for simple carrying – On the prime of every bag is a material deal with that makes lifting the pannier on and off the bike a complete breeze. This deal with may also be used to hold the panniers off the bike (equivalent to right into a grocery store, lodge or close by automobile). As soon as your panniers are in your bicycle, the deal with on the prime of every pannier capabilities as the discharge for the locking two locking mounts. To take away the pannier out of your rack, merely carry the pannier by its carrying deal with and the locks are disengaged.
Alternate attachment hooks included to accommodate numerous rack diameters – The hooks on the prime of the mounts on the again of every pannier come designed to suit 8mm, 10mm, and 16mm racks, so it doesn’t matter what measurement racks you’re utilizing on the entrance or rear of your bicycle, you’ll be able to relaxation assured that your Ortlieb panniers will match – it doesn’t matter what!
Reflective accents for improved visibility – Each the Sport-Packer and Bike-Packer Plus panniers characteristic two lateral 3M Scotchlite™ reflector patches, thereby enhancing your bicycle’s visibility in low mild. These high-visibility reflectors make it simpler for vehicles, pedestrians and different cyclists to see you on the street.
Compression straps – Two massive straps on the prime of every pannier make it simpler to move much less gear when wanted and scale back the general measurement and wind-drag of your luggage. For my part, the straps are much less helpful at lowering the dimensions of your panniers, however are extra helpful when attaching extra objects (equivalent to a rain jacket, water bottle, and so forth) to the tops of your panniers when wanted.
Detachable shoulder strap – Every Ortlieb pannier additionally comes with an adjustable shoulder strap, which lets you carry your panniers round on foot when you step off the bike. That is yet one more characteristic of those panniers that I’ve by no means used, however am positive that different cyclists really do – relying on the kind of bicycle tour being performed and, after all, private choice.
All units embrace each left and proper luggage – You will need to observe that once you buy a set of Ortlieb panniers, you aren’t simply buying a single bag, however are as a substitute buying a left and proper mixture. Because of this the value you’re seeing on your Ortlieb panniers isn’t just for one pannier, however for 2! Panniers are offered in units of two as a result of you will need to hold the load on the edges of your bicycle as equal as potential once you experience, as utilizing unequal masses could cause injury to your bicycle’s racks and/or body.
Symmetrical form – One other genius design attribute of those panniers is that every bag is symmetrical, permitting the panniers for use on both the left or proper aspect of your bicycle.
Out there in a number of colours – Whereas the colour decisions for all of Ortlieb’s merchandise are severely restricted, the Bike-Packer and Sport-Packer Plus panniers can be found in numerous totally different colours. The preferred coloration mixtures are Crimson/Black, Graphite/Black, Black/Black, Yellow/Black, and White/Black (though a couple of different coloration choices do exist and collector’s editions can be found in restricted portions).
Made in Germany – Lastly, all of Ortlieb’s merchandise are made in Germany. This won’t be a attribute of the panniers themselves, however it’s a signifier of top of the range. Ortlieb has acquired numerous high quality awards for his or her merchandise, which fits to indicate that once you buy a set of Ortlieb panniers, you actually are getting the perfect.
Non-compulsory Product Extras
Along with the paniers themselves, there are a selection of extras accessible. A number of of those add-ons embrace:
Mesh or waterproof exterior pockets – As I discussed beforehand, you’ll be able to select so as to add an non-compulsory mesh or waterproof pocket to the skin of your panniers. These small pockets enhance your total carrying quantity and assist you to retailer small objects which may in any other case get misplaced within the massive bucket-style pannier.
Water bottle carriers – If you’re touring by way of an space the place further water should be carried, you would possibly take into account attaching a set of water bottle carries to your Ortlieb panniers.
Inside laptop computer case – The trendy bicycle traveler would possibly profit from Ortlieb’s padded laptop computer case, designed solely to be used with the corporate’s pannier merchandise. I’m undecided if the Ortlieb laptop computer case is any higher than among the different laptop computer instances available on the market, however if you need an identical set of Ortlieb gear, right here is your alternative.
Ortlieb Bike-Packer Plus day pack – If you’re searching for a technique to carry your belongings not solely on the bike, however off the bike as nicely (which is a typical factor to do when bicycle touring), you would possibly think about using the harness system designed to transform certainly one of your rear Bike-Packer Plus panniers into a cushty to hold backpack.
Anti-theft gadget – This easy cable lock safety system will be built-in into the higher mounting rail of your panniers so as to add a further layer of safety to your bike once you depart it locked on the road for brief or lengthy intervals of time.
The Finest Factor About These Ortlieb Panniers
High-notch high quality and design – The standard of the Ortlieb Bike-Packer and Sport-Packer panniers is actually prime notch. The panniers will (with correct care) final a lifetime. They’re useful, well-designed, and completely sized for each brief and long-distance bicycle excursions (and even for native commuting). The lid-top design is simple to make use of and makes life on the street a lot simpler, as accessing your belongings day by day is a breeze. These panniers have been designed by specialists who’ve clearly carried out their homework and got down to create the very best bicycle touring pannier. Frankly, I feel they’ve carried out simply that.
Trendy, non-plastic look – I just like the Bike-Packer and Sport-Packer Plus panniers as a result of their pure Cordura material exteriors makes them look fashionable and approachable, not like some or Ortlieb’s different panniers (and panniers made by different corporations), which have a chilly, plastic or sterile medical wanting exterior to them.
You don’t have to consider them – The benefit of use with these panniers is de facto to be counseled. Whereas different panniers require a number of arms to load and unload or lock into place, Ortlieb panniers can really be loaded onto the bike or eliminated totally with simply as soon as hand. This makes your day by day life as a bicycle traveler that a lot simpler… and is one other nice motive that Ortlieb panniers stand on the prime of the pack.
The Worst Factor About These Ortlieb Panniers
Not totally waterproof – It must be famous that the Bike-Packer and Sport-Packer Plus panniers aren’t totally waterproof. Whereas they’re waterproof from rain, hail and snow that falls from above, they don’t seem to be 100% waterproof within the context of dropping them into a big physique of water. As a result of the Bike/Sport-Packer Plus panniers characteristic a lid-top design, relatively than a roll-top, the panniers are vulnerable to water coming in by way of the highest in the event that they had been submerged underwater (or perhaps even blasted by a high-powered hose). If you’re planning to journey along with your bike on a ship, river or sea, or you probably have considerations about your belongings getting moist in any method, the extra waterproof roll-top Basic panniers that Ortlieb makes are in all probability going to be higher so that you can use.
Not excellent for off-road use – Whereas the design of Ortlieb’s mounting system must be counseled (it really is likely one of the finest pannier mounts on this planet), the underside latch, which is used to carry the rear portion of your panniers in place as you experience, tends to return free (and generally fall off utterly) in rougher terrain. That is usually no drawback in a street touring surroundings. You don’t actually even want that backside latch in most situations. Nonetheless, in an off-road surroundings (or on particularly bumpy roads), the truth that that backside latch comes free is lower than excellent. For this reason I like to recommend the Ortlieb Bike-Packer and Sport-Packer Plus panniers for street touring solely. If you’re planning an off-road bicycle touring journey, I feel the mounting system on Arkel and Lone Peak panniers is significantly better.
Some options/weight may very well be eradicated – Lastly, there are a couple of small issues that I might personally get rid of from the panniers if I had been in cost. I might eliminate (or drastically scale back the dimensions of) the panniers’ inside pockets and would take into account eliminating the outside pockets as nicely. I additionally assume that the dimensions of the luggage’ compression straps may very well be lowered (to be able to get rid of weight).
Would I Advocate The Ortlieb Bike-Packer & Sport-Packer Plus Panniers?
General, the Ortlieb Bike-Packer and Sport-Packer Plus panniers are really unbelievable bicycle touring luggage. Properly-designed, completely sized, colourful, light-weight, waterproof and classy. I might wholeheartedly suggest these panniers to anybody who’s critical about their bicycle touring exploits.
In order for you absolutely the High-of-the-Line panniers made wherever on this planet and don’t thoughts paying slightly further for them, then Ortlieb is the best way to go! So, in case you’ve been trying to find a high-quality pannier set, look no additional. The Ortlieb Bike-Packer and Sport-Packer Plus are really nearly as good because it will get!
Get Them Now:
Use the hyperlinks beneath to buy your very personal set of Ortlieb bicycle touring panniers:
Ortlieb Bike-Packer Plus (Rear) Panniers – Ortlieb Sport-Packer Plus (Entrance) Panniers
Ortlieb Bike-Packer Plus (Rear) Panniers – Ortlieb Sport-Packer Plus (Entrance) Panniers
Extra Pictures:
Beneath is a big collections of photographs of the Ortlieb Bike-Packer and Sport-Packer Plus panniers getting used on two of my touring bicycles in my travels world wide. The handlebar bag you see within the photographs is the matching Ortlieb Final 5 Plus handlebar bag.
Order A Set Of Ortlieb Bike Panniers Now:
Ortlieb Bike-Packer Plus (Rear) Panniers – Ortlieb Sport-Packer Plus (Entrance) Panniers
Ortlieb Bike-Packer Plus (Rear) Panniers – Ortlieb Sport-Packer Plus (Entrance) Panniers
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