Name: ORTLIEB Frame-Pack Toptube
Brand: ORTLIEB
Rating: 92 (111 reviews)

92/100

BikeRide Score

Users (98 ratings)

Experts (3 reviews)

Summary of Reviews

We have read all expert and user reviews on the ORTLIEB Frame-Pack Toptube. In summary, this is what cyclists think.

5 reasons to buy

An owner says their Frame-Pack Toptube bag shows no signs of wear after five years.
This bag has an IP67 rating, meaning it’s fully waterproof and submersible.
Installing the bag is easy.
Experts and owners say the Frame-Pack Toptube remains secure over rough terrain.
ORTLIEB provides a printable template for determining compatibility before purchase.

4 reasons not to buy

The rugged zipper teeth easily catch on fine, delicate fabrics. This results in torn belongings for two users.
Several reviewers report their knees striking the bag or their clothes catching on the long Velcro straps while pedaling.
Testers and owners find the stiff waterproof zipper difficult to use.
The Frame-Pack Toptube is expensive.

Bottom line

The ORTLIEB Frame-Pack Toptube is a frame bag with a weight capacity of 6.6lb. The 4L bag is for frames 55cm and larger; the 3L bag is for anything smaller. ORTLIEB provides a printable template to test compatibility. Inserting the straps upon initial use can be tricky, but most find the bag easy to install. The zipper's waterproofing means it's stiff and the teeth can gobble up delicate fabrics, so pack cautiously. Knee rubbing is also an issue for some, but overall, experts and owners consider the rugged ORTLIEB Frame-Pack Toptube an excellent, albeit pricey, frame bag.

Where to buy

$45.50 Amazon See it $149.99 Campfire Cycling See it $150.00 Jenson USA See it $150.00 Backcountry See it $150.00 Competitive Cyclist See it $150.00 Propel See it $150.00 Performance Bicycle See it $150.00 eBay See it $165.00 ORTLIEB See it $165.00 REI.com See it

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Facts

Bag Type

Frame

Brand

ORTLIEB

Bike Type

Adventure, Bikepacking, Commuting, Electric, Mountain, Road, Touring

Capacity

3, 4 Liters

Water Resistance Level

Waterproof

Weight

0.38, 0.44 lb

Color

Dark Sand, Black

Material

PU-laminated Ripstop Nylon

Expert Reviews

87/100 based on 3 rated expert reviews

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Bikepacking.com

Level 5 expert

ORTLIEB Toptube Frame-Pack Review: Waterproof With a Zip

Level 5 expert

… it is a little on the pricey side, but if you appreciate the fully waterproof construction and ethically manufactured products, this is a great option.

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off-road.cc

Level 5 expert

ORTLIEB Frame-Pack Toptube Review

Level 5 expert

I have not seen or used anything that beats it. If you’re planning for the biggest, toughest, and wettest adventures, this is the bag to have.

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ADVNTR

Level 3 expert

ORTLIEB Frame-Pack Toptube Bags Review: Zip vs. Roll Closure

Level 3 expert

Overall, if I were to pick just one of these frame packs, it would be the original zip closure version without a doubt. These are not cheap bags… but the quality of the design means that [they’re] a solid investment…

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Clint Gibbs

Level 3 expert

ORTLIEB Bikepacking Bag Setup & Test

Level 3 expert

I’m actually a little concerned right now about my knees rubbing this frame bag…. This isn’t as bad because it sits below the toptube, [but] we’re going to have to give this some consideration.

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Life In The Saddle

Level 1 expert

Review – ORTLIEB Frame-Pack Toptube Bikepacking Frame Bag

Level 1 expert

Solid, secure, built to last, and completely waterproof. The ORTLIEB Frame-Pack Toptube ticks all the boxes and will keep your kit safe and dry, so you can ride the distance and adventure you choose.

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The Radavist

Level 5 expert

An In-Depth Look at ORTLIEB’s 2021 Waterproof Bikepacking Lineup

Level 5 expert

I’ve been using the smaller 4-liter Top Tube Frame-Pack, and it fits nearly perfectly on my 56cm Kona Sutra frame with straps furthest out on each end of the pack.

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Wiener Verkehr

Level 1 expert

Too Heavy?! ORTLIEB Bikepacking Pocket Test and Review [German]

Level 1 expert

… you can tell that they really put a lot of emphasis on making the whole thing waterproof because it’s so incredibly difficult to open and close…

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En roue libre

Level 1 expert

ORTLIEB Frame-Pack Toptube Bag – Test & Review (2025) [French]

Level 1 expert

The ORTLIEB Frame-Pack Toptube 4L is a sturdy and well-designed frame bag… It’s not suitable for small frames, nor is it designed to be removed every night, but once installed, it becomes an invaluable companion for traveling light…

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Berge Aktiv

Level 1 expert

Test: Bikepacking Bags From ORTLIEB [German]

Level 1 expert

Attaching it to the frame triangle with the Velcro closure was incredibly easy. Beneath the Velcro straps are additional, slightly wider nylon straps that reduce the risk of chafing against the frame.

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GRAVELINGReview

Level 1 expert