Review – Ortlieb Waterproof Bikepacking Seat Pack 11L

Review Ortlieb Waterproof Bikepacking Seat Pack When Ortlieb released the Back Roller Classic Rear Pannier they set the standard for waterproof bike bags; it has always seemed like other brands are playing catch-up in their wake. With the phenomenal growth of bikepacking in recent years, the German brand has turned their attention to the rack-less (not reckless) world of adventure cycling.

The Ortlieb Seat Pack brings to bikepacking what the Back Roller Classic did for cycle touring; it is a faultlessly designed, fully waterproof, yet beautifully simple product.

Over the last year I have been testing the Ortlieb Seat Pack on everything from shopping errand runs to multi-day bikepacking adventures. It has performed superbly, time and time again.

While other brands have integrated metal frames and complex strap systems into their bikepacking seat packs, Ortlieb have adopted the KISS (Keep It Simply Stupid) approach to the Seat Pack. Rugged webbing strap and clamp-close buckles do not slip or break, but hold the bag securely under the saddle without sway or rattle. The straps have a huge amount of adjustment too, so they should fit any saddle and seat post system.

The bag is made of a rugged PVC-free waterproof polyester, and as with most Ortlieb products it is completely watertight. It is so air-tight in fact that Ortlieb have added an air-release value to the bag—so you can squeeze out that inevitable balloon of air you get in roll-top waterproof bags. Neat.

The model I have been testing is 11 litres capacity, but it will roll down to 7 litres with ease. 11 litres is enough to hold my Nordisk Lofoten 1 tent, sleeping mat, and sleeping bag. There is also a larger 16 litre Seat Pack bag within the Ortlieb bikepacking range.

Out on the trails the Ortlieb Seat Pack excels. You can ride through puddles and downpours without fear that your kit is getting soaked by back wheel spray; as well as gaining the bonus of the bag acting as a rear mudguard and saving your buttocks from a soaking too.

Packing and unpacking is simple, and the rubber bungee cord spider on the top of the bag is great for stashing damp waterproofs or overflowing ride snacks. On the rear of the bag there are reflective patches and a webbing system to take a rear light—both great aids to visibility.

100 percent waterproof, built to last decades, and impressively adaptable and functional. The Ortlieb Seat Pack is a fully waterproof bikepacking seat pack for all your rack-less adventures.


Review Ortlieb Waterproof Bikepacking Seat Pack

Review Ortlieb Waterproof Bikepacking Seat Pack

Review Ortlieb Waterproof Bikepacking Seat Pack

Disclaimer: Ortlieb UK supplied a Ortlieb Waterproof Bikepacking Seat Pack 11L for test and review
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Comments

  1. Jeremy30 November 2021 at 21:00

    Hello,
    How would you compare this to the restrap saddle bag you’ve tested before?

    ReplyDelete

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