ortlieb bag...roll top...question please

[lucydad]

All,

Ok, Aerostich rapidly shipped the Ortlieb rack pack bag, in large.  Got a good price, on sale.  Anyway, I have never seen an open, non-zipper roll top closure.  There are no meaningful instructions.  I went to the web site.  Best I can figure, the way to close this bag is to roll it, and then use the two top snap straps to keep it closed.  This bag is supposed to be water proof?  Can I ask an owner to perhaps comment on the best way to pack and close this bag?

I am hoping I can use the Ortlieb on the V7R rack and pack everything I need for up to a week long camping riding trip. 

May I ask suggestions on straps?  I need some that are high quality. 

One step at a time.  I need to get out for a ride in the worst way, hope to do that tomorrow.

thanks!

[Jim Rich]

You got the right idea, stuff in your stuff, roll down the closure one turn and squeeze the excess air out of it.  Then roll down the closure several more times and clip the side clips and the handle clips.  Pull in the slack on the straps.  Attach it to your bike using nylon straps that are commonly sold (I think Aerostich sells these and Rick and Karen - RAK) are also good.  I have been using the large Ortlieb for years and it works very well.  When you are done attaching it tuck in the loose straps so they don't beat up your paint doing 70 on the highway.

[Daniel Kalal]

I've been using a small size Ortlieb as my exclusive packing method for quite a few years and have used nothing but that bag for weeks at a time.  Yeah; just fold it over and cinch the side straps tight, then the two top straps.  I use a pair of nylon straps with a quick-release latch (I hate and fear bungee cords).  The bag has never been anything but waterproof and I've been in some serious downpours.  But; by the nature of the overlap flap, it would probably work best when you've packed it full.



I notice I didn't do it in this photograph, but do try to remember to tuck the straps under the bag to prevent them from flapping.

One last note:  I have all three size bags (for different uses than this small one) and have had the top straps lengthened by a luggage repair man on all three.  They come just a bit too short for real convenience.

[Gino]

I've been using the same roll top ortlieb for 10 years  , Europe , Ukraine, parts of Asia, North Africa, South, Central and North Ameriica, brilliant kit, never leaked or let me down. 

[Guzzidad]

   I've used my large size Ortlieb bag for the better part of 20 years. I pack my air mattress, sleeping bag, and pillow in it. It has never leaked a drop.

[rboe]

I've got the Ortlieb roll top saddlebags - waterproof. Roll top Wolfman duffle - waterproof.

[leafman60]

I've been using these for 10-15 years.  Never had a leak. I even travel with them when not camping or on a bike.

[wyrtyr2]

Totally waterproof.  Look at Rok Straps for solid tiedown.  Also found thru AeroStitch

[nunzio]

Take a look at these straps.

http://www.niteize.com/product/KnotBone-Flat-Bungee.asp


Niteize... makes some Excellent products

[malik]

Thus is how I do it - Fill the bag. Line up the top evenly by pulling the end buckles outward & fold over once loosely. Press down on the bag to expel most of the air. I'll often use a couple of knees & press more. Roll over at least another couple of times tightly, so now the air doesn't go back in. Connect the buckles near the handles & cinch tight. Then clip in the end straps & cinch them tightly too. Tuck the ends under - so they don't flap in the breeze. You'll probably find that after a day or too on the trip, you wont have to lean on the bag much at all, the stuff inside has learned to behave & is packed compactly. Three folds is enough to keep the water out, but the bag seems to work better the tighter it's packed, so if you can roll more, do so.

Strapping the bag on the rack, I've used ROK straps, Andy Strapz straps, webbing with quick-release buckles satisfactorily. Avoid bungees & anything with hooks if you value your eyes. If you have to use them, do so with care.

Here's the medium ortlieb on the V7S tied on with piggyback straps.



Here's the 1100 Sport with the ortlieb on the rack (piggyback straps again), but with Givi's version of the ortlieb tied on with the large ROK straps crossed over in an X pattern.



I had previously used Andy Strapz' smart straps to tie the bag on the seat, but found the Rok straps more convenient.



Mal

[BMCMOTO]

Bungee cords are dangerous on a bike!  I use them, but not often and not for critical loads, usually just to cinch loads that are strapped with flat nylon straps from any of several outdoor suppliers.
 
If I recall correctly there was a story here about two fellas that had a very bad accident that was blamed on load shift from a broken bungee.

Brian

[Mayor_of_BBQ]

these roll top bags are based on whitewater rafting dry bags....  it's not going to leak. 1000x more waterproof than any other box or bag design that exists