BEST Backpack/Pannier Convertible ORTLIEB VARIO PS Review (New For 2022!)

[@PedalWithPower]

This bag just got released, Ortlieb is supposed to be getting these in stock in July!

[@jochenkraus7016]

Great that you mention at 5:35 the idea to add a second hook. They are available as spare parts and Ortlieb also uses two hooks on their Gravel Packs which are basically Front Rollers that fit their bikepacking products.

[@rosiekiwi]

Thanks for the video - a lot more helpful than Ortlieb’s video for the product!

[@rosiekiwi]

Btw I ended up buying the bag after seeing your video - and I LOVE it!

[@zelinfu2219]

Is this 20l or 26l?

[@Cyantre92]

This is the 26l

[@VinnieCunha-i4u]

How does the backpack shoulder straps handle the rain. Do they soak up in that pouch while you riding?

[@ItsMeHammie]

I'm struggling with paying $200 for a single bag. But you're right this is one of the only options on the market for this type. Most of the others have quality or just bad design reviews.

[@PedalWithPower]

I've been using this for over a month now and it's fantastic! It is a bit pricey, but you'll have it for decades

[@BullzOfSteel]

bagortlieb has it (and nearly every other ortlieb bag) for a huge discount right now. currently this one is only 95 for the QL2.1 version

[@dozyaustin]

Banjo Brothers has a similar design of Backpack-Pannier for about 98USD - I have had mine for nearly 8 years and it's great. This looks neat, but not enough of a upgrade from the BB.

[@myyyybbbb]

​@@BullzOfSteel veteran on a tight budget, I am not familiar with that site. I tried Googling Bagortlieb and got nothing. Can you post a link or the full site name? Hand injury and I dislike having to carry around my pannier with me each time I get off the bike. I don't have a car so the bike is both my muse and transportation. I live in an urban area where I don't feel comfortable leaving my panniers attached when I pop in a store. I have an older used Ortlied backpack but when summer comes it is too hot to have all that material blocking the heat radiating off my back. I have a knock of brand of regular panniers but the on and off mechanism is horrible compared to Ortlieb's genius design.

[@PeerensClement]

It is expensive for sure, but it is Ortlieb, so it will survive nuclear winter. I've had my Ortlieb panniers (not these) for about 7 years. I use them every single day for commuting, they take a lot of abuse, and they are like new, + 100% waterproof.

[@waltersumofan]

I had an old MEC bag that has one side with a hard plate that connects as the pannier, takes all the knocks and weather, then zips off the bag to release and reveal the straps for a backpack. Wish I bought a second one at the time not made anymore. Ideas are always out there for pannier backpacks so nice to see this design. I like the flip around material. The ORTLIEB material looks a lot more waterproof and much larger interior space so certainly worth considering. Next evolution of the pannier backpack would be zippered pass-through luggage cart handle holes on the bottom and top. See that popup once in while but never combined with a good backpack

[@jamesdewitt84]

Very nice, I have an Eastpak Maclo and it is a good backpack and pannier but the transition between modes is clunky. This looks much better.

[@gumballbreath9818]

I got my 2.0 today it's a beast pedal assist 3 is all you need I might change the freeweel but I doubt it. I'm in no rush anymore! 🤕 I call them saddlebags

[@PedalWithPower]

That's awesome! Have a blast on it. If the stock freewheel is working for you, no need to change it 👍

[@baracoder]

Why have the flap at all?

[@johnmartin2597]

Excellent review thaks

[@ukrytykrytyk8477]

Hi. That is really nice product! Is it genuine dedicated Hibike rack on the bike or some aftermarket one?

[@isabellam1936]

Great review!

[@roelofkoelewijn9462]

Just ordered one for in office use. Hoping h commuter insert I have also fits in there.

[@taemergaith5748]

Did your inserts fit? Considering buying this bag

[@-delilahlin-1598]

@@taemergaith5748I have the 26L & the commuter insert fits easily. I’d imagine it’d fit in the 20L as well.

[@patriciahoke4722]

What size is the one he's using? I think there are two sizes available. Wondering if his is the larger or smaller one. I'm trying to decide what to get as a pannier. I will be using it mostly for grocery shopping, but there will be times (say a cold winter day) when I want to walk to get my groceries and therefore want a backpack. But I need it to be fairly large. Not jumbo, but bigger than my standard size I carry now.

[@jochenkraus7016]

Afaik only the bigger one has the plate he describes at 3:58

[@earthroam4246]

Hello, nice video. Be kind to send me information about your rear rack that you have installed on your full suspended bike. Thanks

[@juliaselby274]

Why don’t you like the 3.1?… I just ordered the 3.1 version!

[@PedalWithPower]

I just prefer the traditional pannier clips. Easier to use on different bikes

[@icas80]

3.0 is where it's at. Bit proprietary to stock as a business though.

[@fredhem]

I like 3.1 best! More secure, and I have 3.1 intrgrated on by rear rack

[@_chip]

Is there a laptop pouch?

[@PedalWithPower]

Yep

[@DavidMiller-ss3nb]

Link for bag gives error message

[@PedalWithPower]

Thanks for the heads up. I'll get it fixed. Try this one -- bit.ly/3xP3RWG These are currently out of stock through Ortlieb but they should have them back in July. These guys seem to have some though -- www.biketiresdirect.com/product/ortlieb-vario-ps-backpack-ql21

[@JTChi]

@@PedalWithPower Thank you I just bought the red one.. 😃

[@siwi666]

this looks good but needs a more critical review. Lots of questions

[@frodar48]

IMO, I stopped this at 4.21 time stamp.If it's less than 40 bucks (per side) it might be worth it. Now wait and see what the cost really is. I just bought my second ebike a week ago as my main transportation and I'm all about value. I wish I could include photos, but I can load twice as much in my cheap setup as two of these bags on an Lectric 2.0

[@isabellam1936]

Amazon has a bunch of backpack panniers for under $50 if anyone wants one that’s more affordable.

[@Ade2bee]

Let’s be honest, they should’ve got it right a long time ago and they were too busy selling expensive accessories