ORTLIEB Seat-Pack

97/100
BikeRide Score
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Summary of Reviews

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

9 reasons to buy

  • The Seat-Pack comes in two versions: regular (11L or 16.5L) and QR (13L). The latter has a quick-release mount.
  • Long-term testers and owners praise the quality of the Seat-Pack, with some using it for up to five years.
  • Experts say both mounting systems effectively prevent side-to-side sway.
  • Testing shows that the bag remains stable over rough off-road terrain.
  • Reviewers appreciate the ease of use of the Seat-Pack QR.
  • In testing, the bag endures prolonged exposure to heavy rain without water ingress.
  • The Seat-Pack has an air-release valve for better compression when packing.
  • The QR version comes with adapters that render it compatible with dropper posts.
  • ORTLIEB sells replacement parts for this bag.

3 reasons not to buy

  • Determining saddle compatibility with the QR mount is tricky, and it's not compatible with carbon saddle rails or sprung saddles.
  • Testers say the 16.5L size sags when “stuffed” full, and the support strap costs extra.
  • At 1.38lb, the Seat-Pack QR is heavy for a 13L saddle bag.

Bottom line

ORTLIEB’s Seat-Pack is a roll-top saddle bag offered with a standard hook-and-loop mount (11L or 16.5L) or a heavier quick-release mount (13L). Both are praised for their stable, saddle-hugging fit, long-term durability, and reliable waterproofing. The QR model is easiest to remove but has reduced saddle compatibility. Dropper posts are fine, though both versions require adequate seatpost clearance. The 16.5L size can sag, so the optional support strap is recommended. Overall, experts and owners find few flaws in the ORTLIEB Seat-Pack and consider it a solid investment.
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Facts

Bag Type
Brand
Capacity
11, 16.5, 13 Liters
Water Resistance Level
Weight
0.76, 1.08, 1.38 lb
Color
Material
PU-coated Ripstop Nylon

Expert Reviews

88/100 based on 9 rated expert reviews
80
The Bikepacking Dad

ORTLIEB Bikepacking Bags Review! 6 Months of Use – How Are They?!

If they put some sort of reinforcement or some firm strip of plastic up the inside to help it hold its shape and rigidity when it was on the bike, that would be perfect.

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80
Bike Perfect

ORTLIEB Seat-Pack QR Review – An Easy On/off Storage Solution

Apidura and Alpkit’s seat packs are even lighter and cheaper too, so the QR convenience comes at a serious weight and cost penalty if you don’t need it.

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90

ORTLIEB Seat-Pack QR

Really well-thought-out and well-made seatpack that’s easy to use and simple to fit and remove.

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100
Bike Perfect

ORTLIEB Seat-Pack Review: A Bombproof Piece of Bikepacking Kit

Out of all the bags I’ve used since I got my first canvas and leather Carradice 40 years ago…ORTLIEB’s new Seat-Pack is without doubt the best I’ve used for bombproof, guaranteed waterproof, and generally bother-free cargo carrying.

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90
off-road.cc

ORTLIEB Seat-Pack QR Review

While not the lightest or the cheapest, the ORTLIEB Seat-Pack QR is very impressive, being both incredibly stable and a doddle to fit. The only downside is that it doesn’t fit all saddles…

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80
Mountain Bike Action

Review: ORTLIEB Seat-Pack and Frame-Pack RC Waterproof Bikepacking Bags

Bottom line, the Seat-Pack is not for everyone, given the clearance limitations and weight distribution, but it does hold an advantage of utilizing available space somewhere besides the frame or handlebars.

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88
Michal Ozogán | Bikepacking

ORTLIEB Seat-Pack 11 Litres

I’ve owned the ORTLIEB Seat-Pack bag since 2019 (five years at the time of writing this review), so I can share long-term experience. I’ve taken it on numerous rides, and it has never let me down.

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100
BASE Magazine

Review: ORTLIEB Seat-Pack 16.5L and Frame-Pack RC Top Tube 4L

Overall, the bags performed as brilliantly as I had expected from such a well-established and respected company. I only wish the seat pack could be used in conjunction with a dropper post…

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86
Kampeermeneer

Review: ORTLIEB Seat-Pack QR, the Saddlebag for the Adventurous Cyclist [Dutch]

The bag stays securely in place, so you can easily conquer even challenging singletrack trails. And with its 13-liter capacity, you can store a lot of gear.

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Bikepacking.com

ORTLIEB Seat-Pack QR Review

All in all, I’m extremely impressed with the ORTLIEB Seat-Pack QR. They nailed the feature set, and it’s as stable as any other seat pack on the market. It’s also easy to remove and attach.

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Human on the Loose

Popular Bikepacking Seat Packs ORTLIEB vs. Moosetreks vs. Revelate Spinelock vs. ROCKBROS

ORTLIEB was the winner. I mean, these are strong suckers…

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Treeline Review

Best Bike Saddle Bags and Seat Packs of 2025

The ORTLIEB Seat-Pack QR had the least side-to-side sway of any bikepacking-sized saddle bag we tested, making it our winner for best saddle bag for bikepacking… The ORTLIEB Seat-Pack is the lightest full-sized seat bag we tested.

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Bikepacking Adventures - Michael Luplow

ORTLIEB Seat-Pack 11L or 16.5L? Which Ortlieb Saddlebag Is Right for You? [German]

For short tours, the small ORTLIEB Seat-Pack M [11 liters] is best, and for long tours, the ORTLIEB Seat-Pack L [16.5 liters] is the best option for your bicycle.

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riding - adventure cycling

ORTLIEB Seat-Pack 16.5L Saddle Bag, an Unsinkable Expedition Bag [Polish]

And after the water test, we’ll see what it looks like inside… nothing is wet…

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En roue libre

ORTLIEB Seat-Pack 11L – Review & Test – Saddlebag [French]

The ORTLIEB Seat-Pack 11L ticks all the boxes for an excellent bikepacking saddlebag: compact, stable, waterproof, practical, and incredibly well-designed.

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User Ratings

92/100 based on 424 ratings
  • 5 star
    76%
  • 4 star
    15%
  • 3 star
    4%
  • 2 star
    2%
  • 1 star
    2%

Bike Bag Comparison

ORTLIEB Seat-Pack in comparison to averages

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