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There was a lot of resistance in me when I thought about Ortlieb bikepacking bags. Sure, they're supposed to be waterproof and as a long-standing bike bag specialist, the company has certainly considered a lot of things. What always bothered me was the orange colour. Orange just doesn't suit me. At some point, a project led me to a set of these bikepacking bags. And lo and behold: the 11-litre version of the "Arschrakete" has managed to become my favourite saddle bag, who would have thought it? In the meantime I have Tried and tested countless other bikepacking bagsbut the Ortlieb Seat-Pack is still my personal number 1.
What is your current favourite test product?
The Ortlieb Seat-Pack 11 litre saddle bag. Admittedly, the bag is my own and not a test product.
Why do you particularly like it?
It's certainly not the orange colour. I like the size, the large opening and what I particularly like is that I can also pack it well on the bike - as long as I don't have to stuff it to the brim.
What else can it do?
It is 100% waterproof, at least so far. After 1000s of kilometres, countless bikepacking tours and other uses, it broke at one point. I will soon be sending it to Ortlieb for repair. Large reflectors on the back of the bag ensure visibility.
What did you experience with it? Where did you test it?
I took part in my first ultra race with the bag in 2021. I took part in the debut event of the Seven Serpents. It went from Ljubljana via the Croatian islands of Krk and Cres to Trieste. There were a good 800 kilometres and 15,000 metres of altitude to cover. I was faster than I ever thought possible and amazed countless people, but above all myself. This year, the Ortlieb arse rocket was able to prove its waterproofness once again at the Bright Midnight in Norway. 1000 kilometres, 14,000 metres of altitude with lots and lots of rain.
How much does it cost and where can I get it?
The Ortlieb Seat-Pack 11 litres is available, for example, from Rosebikes or Mountain time and it costs 155 euros (RRP). If 11 litres is not enough, the bag is also available in a larger version. However, you should definitely use the Seat-Pack Support Strap.
What would be a good alternative?
A good alternative... Bikepacking bags are now almost a dime a dozen. I've tested many models, but the latest bags from Apidura are not yet part of my experience. The Apidura Expedition Saddle Pack is available in 9, 14 and 17 litre versions. And what was it that put me off buying this bag? Right, once again the colour: grey-yellow. I wanted my bag to be black and reflective. But in the end, it's the function and not the look that counts.
Sandra Schuberth
Editor
