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Ortlieb Seat-Pack QR
£155 | Top quality bag for foolproof bikepacking
The Good
Totally waterproof; robust; sagand sway-free
The Bad
Compatibility limitations; smaller capacity for most set-ups
WHILE ORTLIEB’S SEATPACK range has previously used Velcro straps and buckles to attach to the seatpost and saddle rails, this new one uses a quickrelease rigid composite attachment, as the bag’s name indicates. It takes a short while to fit the hooked rail in the optimum position according to your seatpost and saddle-rail angles, but once that’s done, fitting and removing the seatpack from the bike is quick and easy. The clamp also keeps the bag in a very secure position with absolutely no swaying. Depending on your saddle rail-to-seatpost angle and the hook position, the 13Lcapacity bag will hold a maximum of 3 or 5kg. On all the bikes I tested it with, I could only get 3kg capacity – you’ll likely need a layback seatpost to unlock the full 5kg potential.
The seatpack is supplied with an adapter for a dropper post, so you can use it with your mountain bike or dropper-enabled gravel bike. However, due to the clamp design, it’s not rated for use with carbon seatposts, saddles with carbon fibre rails or electronic dropper posts. While the dropper adapter works effectively, the added weight has an impact on rebound time, and I’d have concerns about extra wear with long-term use.
Further updates include a plastic guard on the underside of the pack, which protects it from tyre buzz, and a more rigid internal structure that prevents the dreaded bag sag, so there’s less need to pack thoughtfully. These extra features do come at the cost of more weight, though, with this 625g bag weighing 280g more than the 11L strap-on model. Other handy features include an airlock valve to expel air as you squeeze down the pack size, a bungee on top for stowing quick-access gear such as a waterproof jacket, reflective patches and a light-attachment point. And of course, being Ortlieb, the pack is waterproof (IP64-rated).
A closer look…
Ortlieb
A German cycling-luggage and accessories manufacturer with 40 years of heritage, Ortlieb is one of the leading brands in bikepacking equipment. Waterproofing has been a key focus since its inception, with welded-seam technology developed in 1984 replacing taped seams for ultimate protection against the elements. From brightly coloured panniers for touring and commuting to high-tech bikepacking bags, and packable dry bags to waterproof bucket hats, Ortlieb’s products are all made in-house in Heilsbronn, Germany, with a strong focus on sustainability and the environment. Ortlieb’s dedicated bikepacking range was first released in early 2016. Since then it has updated its offering with improvements to both the attachment and closure designs, as well as expanding the range to include fork packs, mini panniers and more bag sizes.