Ortlieb Rack Pack size suggestion

[Boopop]

I have a couple of Ortlieb Classic Back Rollers for my Triban 3 road bike - what Ortlieb rackpack size would be best suited to go on a bike? The child in me says extra large because of course bigger is better but I figure that's probably not really correct, so it's either large or medium. What do people think?

As for uses in the short term it'll be additional grocery space, long term I'd like to perhaps start doing some light touring, so there's the possibility I'd end up sticking a tent in it.

Thanks.

 

[andym]

20ish litres. A pair of normal-size rear pannier bags hold between 44 and 48 litres in total, so a 49-litre bag on the top seems way too much. Even the medium-size at 31 litres seems too much. Heaven only knows how big the extra-large one is.

 

[Bodhbh]

I would go the front panniers route before getting one of those if you want to carry more. They can hold plenty, but they hog a space ontop of the rack that the tent can sit (and it doesn't need a bag).

 

[Boopop]

20ish litres. A pair of normal-size rear pannier bags hold between 44 and 48 litres in total, so a 49-litre bag on the top seems way too much. Even the medium-size at 31 litres seems too much. Heaven only knows how big the extra-large one is.

20-ish litres...hmm. It'd be really nice if there was a place that stocked all the different sizes so I could try them. Thanks for the tip.

I would go the front panniers route before getting one of those if you want to carry more. They can hold plenty, but they hog a space ontop of the rack that the tent can sit (and it doesn't need a bag).

Sadly the T3 doesn't have lugs for front panniers what with it having a carbon fork, so that's not an option. Front panniers would be next on the list (after I'd bought a proper touring bike that is!).

Thanks both.

 

[andym]

The 24-litre will hold your tent plus a whole bunch of other stuff. I have a 20-litre Alpkit drybag in which I carried:

- a tent
- groundsheet protector
- poncho
- mallet
- 2m hook-up cable
- spare tent pole
- pair of shoes
- pair of flip-flops

You can always return the bag if you really believe it is too small

You don't need front panniers - a lot of people do without - 70 litres of luggage space really is quite a lot, unless you use it for light-but-bulky items the weight will add up to a lot.

 

[Bodhbh]

Sorry I was a bit refreshed last night I'll try and be more informative.

The medium size Orlieb rack top back is perfect for sitting directly on top of 2 full size rear panniers sideways. It is already plenty large enough and any bigger it will probably overhang. As Andym says abouve it will easily hold a tent + including poles + alot of other stuff. I used one for some early tours and looking at the photos I notice it was always bungeed flat as it was always at least half empty. It got used for sitting on as much as anything. I think it's worth trying to fit everything into 2 panniers first, and whatever overflow that doesn't need to stay out the weather can get bungeed the top of the rack (tent, poles, groundsheet, etc). If that's not enough room, then maybe the racktop bag is an option, but I'd get a medium one tops. You don't really want massive amounts of weight sat high up above the panniers either as it's not so stable.

 

[steveindenmark]

In my opinion the bigger the packs, the more gear you will find to stick in them, whether you need it or not. I have been there and done that. The better idea is to scale the gear you need down. Having smaller packs help.

 

[Boopop]

Ended up getting a medium bag, as I came across 2 seperate blog posts where people mentioned their 31L rackpack, and I've now ended up watching a video where they're using a 31L bag too. Was tempted to go get it @ Evans tomorrow but then decided I can be patient and give it a few days with free delivery from Wiggle Anyway thanks for the help everyone!

 

[andym]

Was tempted to go get it @ Evans tomorrow but then decided I can be patient and give it a few days with free delivery from Wiggle

Too late, I know, but the handy thing about Evans ship-to-store is that you can order one of each size and then get an instant refund on the one you don't want.

 

[Boopop]

Too late, I know, but the handy thing about Evans ship-to-store is that you can order one of each size and then get an instant refund on the one you don't want.

Yeah I did consider that, it's just if everyone else seems to be using the 31L bag then I'm sure it'll suit me too

 

[Blue Hills]

Too late, I know, but the handy thing about Evans ship-to-store is that you can order one of each size and then get an instant refund on the one you don't want.

And doesn't Evans price match Wiggle?

They definitely price match a fair few online operations - some not so big.

Evans opened a shop near me and so far I've only ever used it for picking up stuff price matched. Ship to Store is free.

 

[TomB]

Google has found me this really helpful thread. Thanks, everyone!
Boopop, are you happy with your 31-litre bag, 7 months later?