Ortleib Bike Packer Plus Panniers

Price:

$235.00USD/pair

Website:

http://www.ortliebusa.com/prodInfo.asp?pid=7&cid=2

Description:

The spacious Ortlieb Bike Packer Plus panniers are large, secure, robust and perfect for extended trips.

• Polyurethane-coated Cordura® nylon makes panniers durable and waterproof; edge protectors prevent contact with spokes and abrasion
• Zippered outside mesh pockets hold wet gear and allow easy-access to essential gear; also includes an inner stash pocket
• 2 lateral 3M Scotchlite™ reflector patches enhance visibility in low light
• Contents are held secure with 2 buckle closures and compression straps; cinch-down gasket under the lid protects contents from dust and snow
• Abrasion-resistant recesses on the rear side of the panniers allow the use of additional compression straps, sold separately
• Convenient handle on top for easy carrying; shoulder strap included
• QL2 hook mounting system makes mounting and removing panniers a snap; no tools necessary
• Suitable for racks with a diameter up to 16mm
• Symmetrical shape allows the pannier to be used on either the left or right side of the bike
• Sold as a pair

Intended Usage:

These are intended to be used primarily as rear panniers on Amanda’s bike, at least that is how we started the tour.  When Amanda switched out the front roller classics initially she moved the rear roller classics to the front of her bike.  After about a year Andrew wanted to try roller classics on the back instead of these so that he could utilize the strapping system to attach his Rack Pack to the panniers.  When that happened Amanda moved these bike packer plus panniers to the front.  We have seen a couple of touring cyclists who use them on the front and Amanda enjoys them up front very much.  Amanda is 5’2″ tall and has a very small frame.  She was concerned that her feet may hit the bags with the small cock-pit on her bike.  They have been no problem at all.

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly:

I like these bags because you really can stuff them full right to the brim.  Sometimes I find with the roller bags by Ortlieb that I’m trying so hard to ensure that I can roll it a couple of times to ensure water proofness that I lose some space.  With these bike packer panniers I can stuff them and then often times I’ll put my jacket under the hood for easy access.  I also like the outer pocket to stuff extra things in.  One caution with the outer pocket is that when you stuff it really full it doesn’t close as well sometimes and then you compromise the water proofness.  That of course can be prevented with good packing skills (which by the way I still have yet to learn).

Final Verdict:

Ortlieb doesn’t disappoint.  These panniers are great and easy to stuff full with things and easier to close than the roller panniers.  Highly recommend them.