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Touring Panniers
ORTLIEB PANNIER TAXONOMY (scroll down to get to products)
Note that all touring pannier models are sold in pairs, so the price displayed on our site is for a pair of panniers.
Looking for a single pannier? Check out the Commuter Panniers
- Differences between the roller and packer models:
- The roller models have a roll down lid that provides a completely waterproof seal when closed, similar to dry bags used in rafting. The packer models have an inner drawstring to initially close the bag, and pull over waterproof lid that is secured with buckles. This is how most backpacking backpacks close. Essentially, the roller models offer maximum waterproof protection, while the packer models is easier to open.
- Differences between the classic and plus models:
- The classic model panniers are made of PVC fabric, while the plus model panniers are made of Cordura fabric. Cordura fabric is a little lighter, more durable, and more flexible than the PVC fabric. The manufacturing process for Cordura is also a more environmentally friendly process than for PVC.
- The classic model panniers use the QL1 mounting system, while the plus models use the QL2 mounting system. The difference is that the QL1 hooks that the panniers hang from require an allen wrench to adjust while the QL2 hooks do not. They panniers are equally secure to the rack with either system.
- Differences between bike packer/back roller and sport packer/front roller models:
- The bike packer/back roller panniers are designed for use as rear panniers, and have a volume of 40 L/2441 cu.in. per pair, while the sport packer/front roller panniers are designed for use as front panniers, with a volume of 30 L/1831 cu.in. per pair. However, you can easily use any of the models as front of rear panniers.
- Differences between packer plus panniers and all the other models:
- The packer plus panniers have the additional feature of a mesh pocket on the outside, to dry out small items or keep things really handy.
Saddles
There are many different opinions on what kind of saddle you should use. The most important element is comfort, and through some painful rides we’ve come to discover that leather saddles are the way to go! Its true that leather is heavy, it requires a break-in period, and it is not completely weather proof. However, if you’re going to be sitting down for an entire day on a seat, you’re going to want it to be as enjoyable as possible.
The reason why most bike tourists use leather saddles is the same reason why baseball players use leather gloves. Over time, it customizes itself to your rear-end. The leather is hard and tough at first, buy slowly you’ll work it in until you don’t even notice you’re sitting on a bike seat! They’re also incredibly durable, and will last you many many years.
Unlike a plastic saddle, a leather saddle is usually angled slightly backwards. Because the leather is slick, this forces you to slide backwards onto your sit bones, keeping pressure off your perineum and allowing your blood to circulate to where it needs to go, reducing numbness and saddle sores. You’ll see little indents on your bike seat after a few rides from where you sit bones have molded a place for themselves in the saddle.
Break-in time varies from person to person. Some people can never seem to get the saddle broken in, but this is most likely an artifact of the saddle not being adjusted correctly. For us, it takes about 100 miles of riding for it to get to the point of no discomfort whatsoever. This includes several treatments of proofide to work the leather in.
Handlebar Bags
Accessories
Pannier and saddle accessories.
Racks
Racks at a glance (scroll down for more details):
| Rack | Type | Weight | Capacity | Material |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tubus Airy | Rear | 230 g | 30 kg | Titanium |
| Tubus Cargo | Rear | 625 g | 40 kg | 25CrMo4 |
| Tubus Carry | Rear | 350 g | 30 kg | Titanium |
| Tubus Cosmo | Rear | 680 g | 40 kg | Stainless Steel |
| Tubus Disco | Rear | 658 g | 20 kg | 25CrMo4 |
| Tubus Duo | Front | 510 g | 15 kg | 25CrMo4 |
| Tubus Ergo | Front | 570 g | 15 kg | 25CrMo4 |
| Tubus Fly | Rear | 330 g | 18 kg | 25CrMo4 |
| Tubus Logo | Rear | 730 g | 40 kg | 25CrMo4 |
| Tubus Nova | Front | 535 g | 15 kg | Stainles Steel |
| Tubus Tara | Front | 500 g | 15 kg | 25CrMo4 |
| Tubus Vega | Rear | 510 g | 25 kg | 25CrMo4 |
| RackTime FoldIt | Rear | 700 g | 25 kg | Aluminum |
| RackTime AddIt | Rear | 733 g | 30 kg | Aluminum |
Some notes on rack materials:
- Aluminum is stiff, lightweight and cannot be welded. An extra stiff rack can be unforgiving on the rider when biking over potholes or rough dirt roads with a full load. If the tubes are bent, structured integrity can be compromised, vastly reducing the weight capacity.
- 25CrMo4 (aka “Chro-Moly” alloy) is a more flexible metal that can be welded or even bent into shape, but is heavier than other metals.
- Stainless Steel has all the benefits of 25CrMo4, plus is slightly stronger and has a shiny surface. Stainless Steel is the best rack material for remote touring expeditions.
- Titanium is by far the lightest and strongest metal that is more flexible than 25CrMo4/Stainless Steel. The only downside of Titanium is that it cannot easily be welded/bent into shape.
Notice that the Tubus steel/chro-moly racks weigh less than the RackTime Aluminum racks. Tubus makes performance-oriented racks and uses very high quality steel, while RackTime is an entry-level rack that uses lower grade aluminum.
Trunk Racks
Baskets
Commuter Panniers
Commuter panniers are typically not sold in pairs. If you would like to buy a pair, e-mail us and/or check out our Touring Panniers.
Pannier-Backpack Hybrids
Bags that work as both.
