Cycling UK Forum

for a winter week in belgium and then general touring, ortlieb or altura - what's in it?

Ortlieb = waterproof...and just about every tourer I saw in germany had those. I have carradice overlanders with an internal plastic liner...= cheaper and waterproof with the liner but not without. I reckon the canvass bags might last longer though. JMHO.

Price is a serious difference! If you've got the money get the Orliebs but if you don't then get the Alturas (but get some bin bags as well!).

I have Altura Arrans and I've had then 4 years and they are actually really good. Tough as old boots, flexible, easy to get on and off, secure, quite shower resistant despite no claims to be waterproof (fine for an hours rain but would probably get wet for longer). If I knew how much I was going to use them when I bought them I might have bought more expensive ones but for the money they're great.

I've been using Ortliebs (classic rollers) for the past year or so and can't fault them, have stayed waterproof in all weathers and would probably stay dry even if fully submerged!

Having said that, I've heard nothing but good reviews about the newer Alturas (the Fusion range at least). Apparently these are on a par with Ortlieb for waterproofness (is that a word?). Not sure about the longevity of them, more because they're quite a new addition to the range, rather than any concerns about material and build quality.

So basically, there both good! That's really not that helpful is it...

...sorry!

I've been using Ortliebs for a couple of years now and I'm not keen. Yes, they are light, waterproof, and fairly robust, but I don't like the clips. The main problem is that the little inserts you use to adjust for different size racks just won't stay in if you use the panniers like you are supposed to (this might be worse because the bags are regularly used on two different sized racks). Once lost, the pannier rattles around and doesn't stay in place well. I have Carradice Carradry front panniers, which I much prefer - I would certainly replace the Ortliebs with these for the rear too. The fittings are much more secure, and only take a second or two longer to use. I'd also recommend the lidded panners over the roll-up ones - both are fully warterproof, but the lidded ones much easier to use.