Ortlieb Features

Ortlieb’s amazing product line utilizes some aspects of their products across multiple products. We’ve put this page together as a reference for Ortlieb’s most commonly used features. Having a read through this page will give you a sense of the various technologies that Ortlieb deploys in their bag designs. Next to the individual features, click the “SEE ALL” link to see all Ortlieb products with that particular feature.

Pannier Closure SystemsDust & WaterproofnessPannier MountingOther Mounting

Fabrics

All Ortlieb Fabrics
  • Highly rated tear and abrasion resistance.
  • Use of high frequency welding to meet the highest of waterproofing specifications.
  • See Ortlieb’s published information on their materials:
PD620 – Polyester, PVC Coated “Classic” (see all products)
  • Used for colored panels on Ortlieb’s Classic bags.
  • As compared to the “Plus” fabric, this fabric is stiffer with a glossier outer finish.
  • Cleans off very easily.
  • Highly durable, pvc waterproof inner and outer layers.
PS490 – Polyester, PVC Coated “Classic” (see all products)
  • Used for black panels on Ortlieb’s Classic bags.
  • Highly durable, pvc waterproof inner layer.
PS36C – Cordura, PU Coated “Plus” (see all products)
  • As compared to the “Classic” PD620 fabric, it is lighter in weight and more flexible especially in cold weather, yet it is still very tough.
  • Not as easy to clean as the “Classic” PD620 fabric.
  • Highly durable, polyurethane waterproof inner layer.
PS21R – Cordura, PU Coated “Gravel” (see all products)
  • Used throughout Ortlieb’s bikepacking lineup.
  • As compared to the “Classic” PD620 fabric, it is lighter in weight and more flexible especially is cold weather, yet it is still very tough.
  • Includes a rip stop attribute for extra durability in off-road conditions.
  • Highly durable, polyurethane waterproof inner layer.
PS50CX – Cordura, PU Coated “Hi-Vis” (see all products)
  • Used throughout Ortlieb’s HI-VIS lineup.
  • Densely interwoven with high-luminosity reflective yarn, turning the entire bag into a highly visible reflector of automotive headlights.
  • As compared to the “Classic” fabric, it is lighter in weight and more flexible especially is cold weather, yet it is still very tough.
  • Highly durable, polyurethane waterproof inner layer.

Pannier Closure Systems

Roll-Top (see all products)
  • Simple, effective and highly versatile means of protecting contents against dust and spray water from all directions.
  • The roll closure gains its stability and waterproof quality from the thin plastic stiffener bars sewn into the upper end of the material.
  • The height of the panniers can be adjusted to accommodate different size loads
    • The unrolled material extends 28cm / 11″ from the upper hook rail.
    • For maximum capacity while maintaining waterproofness, a minimal 3 rolls leaves 18cm / 7″ of fabric extended.
    • OR all of the extended fabric above the upper hook rail can be rolled up for smaller loads
  • A center strap provides additional support for sealing the closure.
    • A Rack Pack Medium or Small can be mounted across the top of the pannier.
    • The center straps can connect to the Rack Pack’s straps to secure it in place (A strap over the center of the Rack Pack is also recommended).
  • The rolled closure straps integrate with a 69cm / 27″ shoulder strap.
    • A low strap hook secures the position of the shoulder strap for sealing the closure.
    • Utilizing the shoulder strap closure method allows for a flatter top-of-pannier surface for mounting a Rack Pack.
    • Alternatively, the shoulder strap closure doesn’t need to be used and the rolled closure straps can buckle to each other to seal the closure.
Lid Over Gasket  w/Drawstring (see all products)
  • Waterproof lid closes over the gasket and is sealed by tightening the vertical compression straps.
  • A drawstring closure on the gasket, beneath the lid, insures that no dust and moisture can get to your gear.
  • The closure system offers quick access to your gear with the release of two buckles and the opening of  the drawstring.

Dust & Waterproofness Rating System

The IP Standard
  • Ortlieb products are rated and classified by the international IP standard.
  • The standard uses the following nomenclature: IP XY
    • The X digit stands for the degree of dustproofness.
    • The Y digit stands for the degree of waterproofness.
Digit X: Dustproofness Levels
  • IP 5Y = Protected against dust, slight penetration of dust possible.
  • IP 6Y = Dustproof, no penetration of dust.
Digit Y: Waterproofness Levels
  • IP X3 = Protected against spray water (max. 60 deg to the vertical)
  • IP X4 = Protected against splash water coming from all directions.
  • IP X7 = Protected against penetration of water during temporary immersion (depth of lower edge of product = 39″, duration 30 minutes).
Example & See All
  • Example: Ortlieb Back Roller Classic = IP 64 (dustproof level = 6, waterproof level = 4)
  • Sell all bags classified under each level: IP 53, IP 54, IP 57, IP 63, IP 64, IP 67

Pannier Mounting Systems

QL2.1 (see all products)
  • Features of both Upper & Lower Mounting
    • Manufactured from a fiber-reinforced high-tech, anti-scratch thermoplastic that is extremely strong and durable, and in many tests can be stronger than metal parts.
    • Fits rack rails from 8mm to 16mm diameter.
    • See the QL2.1 mounting instructions.
  • Upper Mounting
    • The hook positions are easily adjusted without tools for optimal placement on the rack’s upper rails.
      • More forward placement is better for weight distribution, but rearward positions may be necessary for heal clearance.
    • Quick-lock hooks open automatically by lifting the pannier handles for easy one-handed removal.
    • Includes anti-scratch hook inserts for 8mm, 10mm and 12mm rails.
    • Rails integrate with the Ortlieb Pannier Security Cables-Long or Ortlieb Pannier Security Cables-Short for locking to your cargo rack.
  • Lower Mounting
    • The semi-elliptical shape of the lower hook rail allows for optimal positioning for secure and easy attachment.
    • The lower hook position along the rail and orientation (in 15 deg steps) is easily adjusted without tools.
    • An additional lower mounting hook can be added on for extra security of the panniers in rough conditions.
QL1 (see all products)
  • Features of both Upper & Lower Mounting
    • Manufactured from a fiber-reinforced high-tech, anti-scratch thermoplastic that is extremely strong and durable, and in many tests can be stronger than metal parts.
    • Fits rack rails from 8mm to 16mm diameter.
  • Upper Mounting
    • The hook positions are adjustable with a 3mm allen key for optimal placement on the rack’s upper rails.
      • More forward placement is better for weight distribution, but rearward positions may be necessary for heal clearance.
    • Quick-lock hooks open automatically by lifting the pannier handles for easy one-handed removal.
    • Includes anti-scratch hook inserts for 8mm and 11mm rails.
  • Lower Mounting
    • The semi-elliptical shape of the lower hook rail allows for optimal positioning for secure and easy attachment.
    • The lower hook position along the rail and orientation (in 15 deg steps) is adjustable with a 3mm allen key.

Other Bicycle Bag Mounting Systems

Ultimate6 Handlebar Bag Mounts (see all products)
  • Manufactured from a fiber-reinforced high-tech, anti-scratch thermoplastic that is extremely strong and durable, and in many tests can be stronger than metal parts.
  • Incredibly rigid and strong attachment system that will not slip when correctly fitted.
  • Integrated lock mechanism for both locking the bag to the mount and locking the lid shut.
    • Includes two keys.
  • Allows for easy and quick removal of bag.
  • Compatible with handlebars up to 31.8mm in diameter.
    • Do not use with carbon handlebars.
  • Places the bag 2″ in front of the handlebars.
    • For forward curving handlebar, use the optional extender to place the bag 3.75″ in front of the handlebar.
  • Small front facing reflector for visibility when bag is not mounted.
  • To allow for easier devise and light mounting, compatible with the Ortlieb Ultimate 6 Extension for Devise Mounting.
  • Compatible with bags utilizing the Rixen & Kaul (aka Klick-Fix) mounting system.
Trunk Bag/Basket Rack-Lock Adapter
  • Manufactured from a fiber-reinforced high-tech, anti-scratch thermoplastic that is extremely strong and durable, and in many tests can be stronger than metal parts.
  • Integrated lock mechanism secures bag to the rack.
    • Includes two keys.
  • Allows for easy and quick removal of bag.
  • Mounts to rack rails from 8mm to 16mm diameter.
  • Compatible with all standard racks from 60mm to 160mm wide.
    • Requires rack with parallel top rails.
    • Mounting width is adjusted with a 3mm allen key.
Saddle Bag Mounts
  • Manufactured from a fiber-reinforced high-tech, anti-scratch thermoplastic that is extremely strong and durable, and in many tests can be stronger than metal parts.
  • Quick-release system allows for easy attaching or removal of bag with a single click.
  • Compatible with standard saddle rails.
    • Not compatible with Brooks B17 type saddle rails because of the wide flair to the rails at the back of the saddle.