ORTLIEB: Absolutely waterproof, total freedom

Discover the ORTLIEB brand

ORTLIEB: The Brand’s Origins and History

The storyof ORTLIEB begins in 1981, when its founder, Hartmut Ortlieb, returned soaked from a cycling trip to England. Inspired by the waterproof tarps he saw strapped to trucks, he crafted his first pair of bike panniers from a red truck tarp, sewing them together on his mother’s sewing machine. A year later, in 1982, he officially founded his company in Nuremberg.

From this founding adventure emerged the brand’s cardinal rule: all ORTLIEB products must be waterproof… truly waterproof. The brand’s fabrics are tested under a water column of 100,000 mm, which is five to ten times more resistant than what most outdoor activities require.

Today, all production is consolidated at a single site in Heilsbronn, Franconia (Germany). This “Made in Germany” label is a promise of premium quality, local jobs, environmentally friendly production, and a strong capacity for innovation. 90% of the processes, from design to distribution, are handled in-house.

Product Development and Innovations at ORTLIEB

From the very beginning, Hartmut Ortlieb understood that sewing alone was not enough to guarantee lasting waterproofing. The technical solution came in the form of high-frequency welding (HFW): instead of applying heat from the outside, this technique causes the molecules of the materials to vibrate from the inside, creating bonds as strong as the fabric itself. The welded seams can thus withstand a water column of 100,000 mm.

The roll-top closure, now widely copied throughout the bag industry, is a patented ORTLIEB invention, as are the waterproof TIZIP zippers, developed by Hartmut Ortlieb himself through a company founded right across from the Heilsbronn factory. The Quick-Lock system, meanwhile, allows you to attach or remove a bag in seconds without tools, on any rack up to 16 mm in diameter.

Products offered by the ORTLIEB brand

With over 500 products sold worldwide, ORTLIEB covers a wide range of outdoor uses:

• Bike panniers and bikepacking: the Back-Roller (rear) and Sport-Roller (front) are the brand’s iconic models. The complete bikepacking range includes saddle bags (up to 16.5 L), handlebar bags, frame bags, and top tube bags, all compressible and 100% waterproof.
• Outdoor backpacks: models like the Atrack or the Light-Pack are designed for hikers, climbers, and active travelers. The Light-Pack, a true embodiment of minimalism, weighs just 330 grams—less than a full water bottle—while offering complete waterproofing via a roll-top closure.
• Travel bags and dry bags: the Duffle (40–110 L) and the Rack Pack (21–89 L) are the go-to models for multi-adventure travel, designed to withstand submersion.
• Accessories: map holders, first-aid kits, covers, mesh bags, and Quick-Rack systems round out the lineup for demanding users.

ORTLIEB’s commitment to environmental responsibility

ORTLIEB sources 70% of its materialslocally, following a short-supply-chain approach that reduces the environmental impact at every stage of production. Over 70% of the range is already PVC-free. Durability is also a design philosophy: every product is designed to be easily repairable, with a five-year warranty and a repair service provided directly in Heilsbronn. Repair rather than throw away: a rare promise in the outdoor bag industry.

*Keep dry what you love = Protect your favorite belongings from moisture