The Ortlieb Gravel Packs pannier bag pair are a lightweight, waterproof set of panniers that offer a somewhat limited 12.5-litres of capacity (per bag) but come with great functionality and durability. Read on to see how they fared and whether they have what it takes to earn a place among the best pannier bags.

Ortlieb Gravel Pack Pannier Bag – Technical details

Ortlieb has streamlined the design on these bags – they have no inside pockets or a shoulder-strap pad, making them better suited to bikepackers than commuters. 

> Buy now: Ortlieb Gravel Pack Pannier Bag from Evans Cycles for £115.00

Weighing in at 1,160g, these are a lightweight pair of panniers. The main material on the bags is a sturdy-but-lightweight PU-laminated rip-stop nylon fabric, featuring a reflective 3M design on both sides for front and rear visibility. The packs attach to your rack with automatically locking QL2.1 hooks that have a 16mm diameter. These hooks (which are attached to a handle) come with changeable inserts in 8, 10 and 12mm sizes so you can get the bag fit without rattle. 

Ortlieb Gravel pack pannier bag rack attachment.jpg
Ortlieb Gravel pack pannier bag rack attachment (Image Credit: Suvi loponen)
Ortlieb Gravel pack pannier bag rack attachment.jpg, by Suvi loponen

The packs feature a roll-closure which is secured by a buckles on each side. The maximum load per pannier is 9kg and they can hold 12.5-litres each. 

Ortlieb Gravel Pack – Performance

With great adjustability comes greater setting up time. While the four-way adjustment on the Ortlieb Gravel Packs is great for getting the pack absolutely rattle-free and secure, setting these bags up took a little longer than with some other panniers. That being said, the adjustability is one of the advantages of these packs, as well, as once set up, they don’t clatter against the rack. 

Ortlieb Gravel pack pannier bag rear 2.jpg
Ortlieb Gravel pack pannier bag rear 2 (Image Credit: Suvi loponen)
Ortlieb Gravel pack pannier bag rear 2.jpg, by Suvi loponen

These packs are designed for bikepackers (and those with low weight in mind) and utilise a very minimalistic design with a single, large compartment. Although I don’t think this is really an issue per se, I know it will be a negative for some, especially commuters. If you don’t fully pack the bag, things will rattle about because of the rigid plate inserted inside to hold the structure and attachments. 

Ortlieb Gravel pack pannier bag rear.jpg
Ortlieb Gravel pack pannier bag rear (Image Credit: Suvi loponen)
Ortlieb Gravel pack pannier bag rear.jpg, by Suvi loponen

Another thing that will not please everyone is the size of these bags. Each can hold 12.5-litres in volume and 9kg in weight. This is not much when you think that some saddle bags can hold 18-litres. However, I found this storage space to be more than enough for storing gear for a few days – considering you can also load more at the front of your bike. I could easily fit my 13-inch laptop but I think anything bigger could prove to be a struggle – although the roll-top closure also allows a lot of adjustability in the bag size. 

2022 Ortlieb Quick Rack-with two bags.jpg
2022 Ortlieb Quick Rack-with two bags (Image Credit: Suvi loponen)
2022 Ortlieb Quick Rack-with two bags.jpg, by Suvi loponen

Construction-wise, this bag is really solid and it remained unscathed on multiple trips with me. Even though it got scratched and scuffed, the ripstop did not tear and kept everything dry, which is impressive considering some of the downpours endured during the testing period. 

Ortlieb Gravel pack pannier bag roll top.jpg
Ortlieb Gravel pack pannier bag roll top (Image Credit: Suvi loponen)
Ortlieb Gravel pack pannier bag roll top.jpg, by Suvi loponen

The buckles are solid yet lightweight and I found these worked well given the size and load of the bags. I am slightly disappointed that the bag doesn’t come with a shoulder strap – even though one can be purchased as an extra accessory – it would’ve made it a lot easier to carry one of the bags for example when boarding trains. 

Ortlieb Gravel Pack Pannier Bag – Verdict

I’ve been really impressed by these bags and, although I first thought they are too small, I didn’t once have the need for more space. They worked brilliantly with the Ortlieb Quick Rack on small bikepacking trips, but also for shopping. 

Value-wise I think these panniers are good – yes the volume they can hold is less than some other rival pannier bags, but these are made with speed and lightweight packing in mind and definitely hold enough for multi-day adventures. Compared to the main rival in the best pannier bags category, Tailfin’s 22L Ultra Durable pannier bag retails for £119 (for one) and weighs 740g (but is a lot larger in volume). Tailfin does make 10l mini panniers but those are a lot narrower in design and cost £80 a piece.

In conclusion, Ortlieb Gravel Pack Pannier Bags are great quality, lightweight pannier bags that will endure even the roughest bikepacking trips and won’t slow you down.

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Test report Ortlieb Gravel Pack pannier bag pair review £125.00

Bags

Product purpose: 

Ortlieb says: “Ideal for multiday tours and self-supported races, the ORTLIEB Gravel-Pack duo offers you a combined payload of 25 litres for additional gear such as mess kits, food and other “luxury” items. Mounting the Pack to your lowrider bike rack allows you to maintain a low center of gravity and undiminished off-road agility despite your extra gear.”

Build extra: 

Ortlieb says: “While the Pack’s streamlined design – without inside pockets and a shoulder-strap pad – helps to keep it in the featherweight class, its lightweight, wear-resistant material withstands even the harshest of rock and gravel conditions you encounter on your way. And no matter how wet the weather, your things will stay dry thanks to the proven ORTLIEB-waterproof quality and roll closure. With the QL2.1 system and two mounting hooks, the Gravel-Pack remains tightly attached to your bike rack while you ride over hill and dale on your gravel grinder, mountain bike or fatbike.
The bags have reflectors and strap-buckle closure.”

Product construction 


Product performance 


Product durability 


Product weight 


Product weight extra: 

The pair weighs 1160g which is a very lightweight for a pair of panniers – for comparison one Ortlieb Back Roller weighs more (although they also hold 35l each). Tailfin’s 22L Ultra Durable pack weighs 740g, making it also a heavier, albeit roomier, option.

product value 


Product value extra: 

This pair retails for £125 and I think it’s good value when compared to other lightweight, fast bikepacking panniers. Tailfin’s 22L Ultra Durable pannier bag retails for £119 meaning a pair would cost double to the Ortlieb gravel packs. Tailfins Mini Panniers that hold 10l cost £80 each making them more costly as well.

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Overall performance: 

These bags are lightweight, hold a good amount of cargo and once set up properly, they stay safely secured to a rack.

Product likes: 

Light weight, waterproof and durable construction.

Product dislikes: 

Stuff rattling inside the bag if it’s not filled full or haven’t packed anything soft to cushion the bag.

Enjoy: 

Yes

Buy: 

If I wanted a pannier-set up for bikepacking, yes.

Recommend: 

Yes

Conclusion: 

These are a versatile, robust and lightweight pannier bag solution that will excel on any off-road or road adventure. They fit any pannier rack and once adjusted properly don’t rattle around and keep your stuff dry even in a downpour. The only downside of these bags is the fact they don’t have any compartments inside, they don’t come with a shoulder strap and the 12.5l size might be too small for some.