Review: ORTLIEB Atrack BP Backpack

That ORTLIEB makes backpacks isn't in itself new. But the Atrack is different. Internally, it was given the working title "Ruffle" – a hybrid of backpack and duffle. Simply put: Where "normal" backpacks have a back panel or a mesh back, there runs the waterproof Tizip zipper, all the way down the back. 

ORTLIEB Atrack BP - the details 

• Material: "PS21R" (sides) and "PS33" (front), PU-coated nylon, PVC- and PFOA-free 
• Water and dustproof according to IP 67 
• Waterproof Tizip zipper 
• Volume: 25 liters 
• Weight: 1300 g 
• Dimensions: Height 56 cm, Width 26 cm, Depth 25 cm 
• Hydration system compatible including adapter and still waterproof 
• Optional accessories: Hydration System including thermo sleeve, Attachment Kit, Helmet Mount 
• Infinitely adjustable back length 
• Two side mesh pockets 
• Load control straps 
• Made in Germany 
• 5 years manufacturer warranty 

What's different about the Atrack BP? 

How does the "BP" version differ from the regular Atrack? Clearly, the color scheme is phenotypically a clear indicator of ORTLIEB’s highly successful bikepacking series, the size with a volume of 25 liters is equivalent to the smallest Atrack regular version. However, the material is a mix of two different, PU-coated nylon fabrics. The side and back parts are made of the slightly lighter RS21R ripstop material, the front due to more frequent ground contact is made of the somewhat stronger PS33 fabric. A sensible mix – both functionally and visually. The large hip flaps have been swapped for smaller contact pads, matching the angled posture of bikers. The silhouette is slim, the backpack overall pleasantly compact. The subtly integrated numerous material loops (Daisy Chains) in combination with the supplied compression straps and the Helmet Mount or the optionally available accessories like Attachment Kit set scarcely any limits to your mounting desires. Flexible mesh pockets are also provided on both sides for more storage space and quick access. 

TIZIP – World leader as an "in-house" solution 

The heart of the Atrack is the access. A looong zipper, running between the padded back supports and the shoulder straps, opens the entire body lengthwise. The zipper is from Tizip, meaning: completely waterproof. Here too, thinker and poet Hartmut Ortlieb made his mark. Not only did he, out of dissatisfaction with the waterproof zipper solutions available on the market in 1998, invent his own, actually functioning variant and founded the brand Tizip (which is now the world leader for waterproof zippers and resides in the same building as ORTLIEB, tinkering away).  

Also, the zipper for the Atrack is the best version there has ever been – specially for this model. Smoother and yet 100% reliable. So, if you prefer leaving your bike in Calais and swimming across the English Channel to Dover, the Atrack – BP or not – would absolutely manage it. And the towel would be guaranteed dry on the British coast. Should the extreme version of bikepacking someday become "Bikeswimming," there would already be equipment for it. 

At first glance, the strap construction on the front side might seem a bit complex. The orange straps keep the pointed duffle ends in tension. This design trick is needed to, on one hand, please the eye with a compact form and on the other hand, to stow away annoying material. But once you've figured out how the system works, it's a piece of cake: Using your index and middle finger, loosen the straps at the zipper ends and pull straight, lay the Atrack "on its back" and open the zipper as desired, ideally completely, then access to the interior is maximized. 

A look into the guaranteed bone-dry interior 

Speaking of internals: There are four zipper pockets waiting to be filled with snacks, phones, wallets, repair kits, and the likes. Below them – and this sometimes requires a bit of patience – is where the internal compression strap is located. Using it makes sense especially when a) items like tents or clothing need to be neatly secured in the backpack, and b) when the backpack is fully loaded, as it helps ease the zipper's closure by providing some pull. 

For your keys, Hartmut has conveniently placed a clip "on the top left". Why isn't it in a small zippered pocket like in regular backpacks? We asked ourselves the same thing. But since you usually only need to quickly grab or store your keys, just cracking open the main back zipper a bit is enough. So, it makes sense. 

There's also a specially designed, optional hydration system available for the Atrack - including a thermal protective pouch to keep water cool on hot bike days even after hours. The kicker: A sealing adapter comes standard with the Atrack. Even with the hose threaded through, the backpack remains waterproof. Just don't lose that adapter... 

Real backpack or just a dry bag with straps? 

Now, if you think the Atrack BP is just a dry bag with shoulder straps, you're sorely mistaken. First off, ORTLIEB entered the backpack market with the Atrack series to seriously snatch some market share from the established names – and anyone familiar with the folks from Franconia knows that Hartmut & Co. approach such projects very sensibly. The carrying system is a well-balanced mix of comfort (large-volume, breathable, and thus very comfortable padding) and minimalism. The ergonomic design of the strap placement is also very comfortable. With load control straps, the center of gravity and back distance can be adjusted according to needs and situation, while hip and adjustable chest straps are a given. Another trick: The back length can be adjusted continuously with a simple pull of a strap – which is absolutely not the norm for 25-liter backpacks. 

How does the Atrack BP perform in practice? 

If you can imagine wearing a backpack on longer bikepacking trips and wouldn't mind having a really good all-rounder, water-proof bag for traveling to riding, then you really should go for the Atrack BP. Once you've got the hang of the strap system (FSK 6 or younger), access is easy, quick, and comfortable. Sure, the backpack will mostly lay on the ground, there's no classic lid compartment. But the combination of water resistance and maximum access à la travel bag convincingly counteract that. Just one more note: People with short backs might feel the backpack at the back of their head with very low handlebar setups and head tilted back. But that shouldn't be a bother when swimming across the English Channel…