Ortlieb Vario Backpack Pannier - Single
With the Quick-Lock attachment system on one side and a padded carrying system with shoulder straps on the other, the 26 L Ortlieb Vario transforms from backpack to pannier faster than ever before.




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- Waterproof bag with roll closure and Quick-Lock2.1 mounting system
- Flap with an integrated pocket covers the side that is not in use
- Zippered outer pocket allows quick access to items; pocket is not waterproof
- Inside pocket with laptop compartment measures 14.1 x 9.6 x 1 in. (36 x 24.5 x 2.5 cm)
- Side mesh outer pocket
- Comfortable carrying system has an adjustable sternum strap
- PVC-free
Imported.
View all Ortlieb PanniersBest Use | Bike Commuting |
---|---|
Gear Capacity (L) | 26 liters |
Gear Capacity (cu. in.) | 1,587 cubic inches |
Backpack Straps | Yes |
Waterproof | Yes |
Sold As | Single |
Material(s) | Polyurethane-coated nylon |
Dimensions | 18.5 x 12.2 x 8.7 inches |
Weight | 3 lbs. 6.7 oz. |
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Most Helpful Critical Review
excellent convertible bag
Just bought one a couple weeks ago. I've been looking for a convertible backpack/pannier, and this is the first one I've found that actually does both well. As a pannier, it hangs on the rack exactly like any other Ortlieb, and as a backpack, it's perfectly comfortable and functional. The wrapping mechanism to make the switch is easy to do. It is a little heavy, but I think that's kinda unavoidable for something that's performing two functions. If I have a concern, it's over durability; the buckles are made of nylon, and the loops they attach to appear to be the same material as the bag. So probably not going to last forever, but so far, so good.
Perfect Backpack Pannier
I picked this up at another shop last year when it first came out. This has been the absolute best backpack pannier I've ever owned. It's gone through heavy rain and kept everything dry. It's perfect for the street festivals in Chicago where you never know how much stuff you're going to buy, or to commute into the office. I've yet to hit any snag with this. The conversion from pannier to backpack is incredibly simple. Just unhook a flap, turn the bag over, and hook it back up on the other side.
Very heavy, awkward, broke and fell off bike
As a female rider, I found the backpack to be incredibly uncomfortable from day 1. I carry my computer, a giant lunch, and my martial arts uniform, and there was room for more stuff, so that was nice, but it was just way to heavy (even when empty). I also did not like that there was not a good place to have keys accessible from either setting or a good place to put the helmet. At exactly one year of light use, (I usually use my 20-year old-re-patched many times paneers) the plastic on the back broke while riding and the bag fell off into the street. The fact that the bag is heavy and has the plastic bits to hold it on to the bike is a bad combo and I was glad I was just able to return it to REI and get my money back.
As good as it gets for daily on/off the bike
I had a much earlier (unsatisfactory)version of this bag, and must say that the improvements are significant. It is the usual 'black hole' of an Ortlieb pannier, but the waterproofness, superior quality and ease of mounting out weighs this characteristic. Plus, inserts are now available to help with organization. For those having mounting problems- this bag comes standard to fit a rack with tubing diameter of 16mm. Spacers are available for other sizes. Also pay attention to how the mounting system works, which takes a little research.
awesome!
I’ve been using this bag for maybe a month now but it’s so useful. This was exactly what I was looking for and it’s roomy to fit my work stuff, laptop, lunch, clothes to change in etc. feels like a great quality product
Happy customer
Great bag! Ive been using this for daily commuting for a few months and have been totally satisfied. I was concerned my 17" laptop wouldnt fit in the sleeve but no issues. Its kept items dry in rain. Its quick and easy to transition between backpack and pannier mode. It has been worth the money imo
great for commuters
I bought this Pannier for biking to work. I love how large it is, I am able to fit change of clothes and shoes plus lot of other odds and ends. I rarely utilize the backpack side of the bag but it is a nice option. Only small gripe would be on the rare occasion I use the backpack side it can be a pain to switch over depending on what’s in my bag.
Comfortable, quality, and world's best pannier.
The highest quality backpack I've seen and also your standard Ortlieb pannier, aka the highest quality pannier available in the world. The backpack was a fantastic companion on my 8-day trip to China, purely used as a backpack and supremely comfortable. And it is equally home commuting to work on my bicycle.
Overly expensive & incomplete
This backpack pannier, despite how expensive it is, does not come with the gear required to attach it to a bike. The instructions are very unclear, the photos don't show that you need to separately buy a rack. Beware - this is a >$350 system in total.
Very much a medium experience for me.
The bag you get from making an online delivery purchase is different than the bag that you get when you pick it up in stores. I had one delivered. It worked great and I loved it, but I didn’t realize REI failed to provide adapter pieces so it fell off and was damaged. I returned it thinking I could simply pick up the same bag in store on my way home. But unfortunately the bag they sell in the store has replaced the hard rubberized connection pieces with soft fabric one, and it seems some of the smaller metal highlights were swapped with plastic. REI customer service assured me this was the newer and better model. But I am very confused and would just like some consistency in the product. Overall solid bag. I like the metal version better as it feels much more solid, but the plastic version is likely a little lighter. Having the adapter pieces to fit to a frame is also crucial for proper use. I’ve used for commuting to work about 100 miles so far, besides the one fall due to incorrect adapter, no issues since replacing bar adapter with correct size. Fits computer, snacks, small pump, layers very comfortably. Doesn’t jangle around too much if packed correctly.