Ortlieb Seat-Pack 11 litres

I’ve owned the Ortlieb seat-pack bag since 2019 (5 years at the time of writing this review), so I can share long-term experience. I’ve taken it on numerous rides and it has never let me down.

Ortlieb has long been known for its quality among cycling adventurers. Most commonly, I see their bags mounted on classic racks, and they are famous for being completely waterproof. The 11-litre Seat-Pack is no exception and will keep your sleeping bag dry.

The whole construction looks sturdy at first glance, with reinforcements and screws. This, of course, contributes to the weight of the bag, which is 345 grams. On the sides, there are reflective elements and space at the rear to attach a light. The newer versions even have an elastic cord on top, while my older version lacks this. The price is around 140€.

The bag has an air valve that must be manually opened or closed. Without it, I can hardly imagine packing the bag. Since this seat bag is quite large, it doesn’t close with buckles at the end but is attached to the sides for extra stability.

Interestingly, the newer version of the bag has a cord near the valve. Cold fingers made it difficult to open, so I often used my teeth. With the cord, this problem disappears.

To attach the bag to the bike, your seat post needs to be extended by at least 6 centimetres.

Test of Time

Before I dive into the experiences, let’s first discuss how the material has withstood the test of time. I tested it in the shower, and the bag is still waterproof. It’s coated with laminate to enhance waterproofing, but in a few spots, this coating has worn off.

A few times, when not properly secured, the bag touched the tire, but there’s no visible damage. The only real issue arose when I lent it to my friend on long race. I’m not sure what he did, but he returned it with a hole 😉 near the top by the seat post. I had it repaired under warranty, and Ortlieb fixed it.

The saddle bag is still holding strong, so I’d say it was a good investment.

On the Bike

With a maximum capacity of 11 litres, this bag can hold a lot. That’s both an advantage and a drawback, as the more you pack, the more you have to think about it. It also affects the bike’s handling.

Be careful when placing heavy items toward the back, as the internal reinforcements might not hold up, causing the bag to sag and possibly come into contact with the tyre. It depends on how much space you have available.

Unlike the recently reviewed Apidura, this bag has a more traditional construction, attaching closely to the seat and rising just above it. This can get in the way during descents or when getting on and off the bike. However, it has its advantages. It pairs well with the Wolf Tooth accessory Valais-25 and can be used with a telescopic seat post. You won’t have any issues shifting your centre of gravity backwards. Just make sure there’s enough space between the bag and the tyre.

The air valve is “manual”, which has both advantages and disadvantages. The bag will likely survive brief submersion. The main risk is forgetting to close the valve.

Summary

The Ortlieb Seat-Pack is the ideal bag for someone who doesn’t want to cut their gear down to the bare minimum but also wants to avoid long “snake” that sway on the bike and ruin the riding experience. Since the bag can last for many years, the financial investment in a quality product is worth it. Just don’t forget to close that valve 😊.

Overall rating: 4.4/5

September 7, 2024 | #Bikepacking

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