First Ride: Continental Terra Adventure
Positioned at the edge of MTB, Continental introduces the new Terra Adventure: a gravel tire for tons of grip on trails, mud, and loose terrain.
Review: ORTLIEB Gravel-Pack - the truly waterproof pannier
Looking for a bike bag for long bikepacking tours that really put you to the test? Then you’re going to love the Ortlieb Gravel-Pack.
Relationships where one partner is too clingy usually end up going south. But that's not the case with your relationship with the Gravel-Pack by ORTLIEB. It clings hard – and yet, nothing goes wrong in the back. The bike bag combo from ORTLIEB’s bikepacking series is the perfect addition to Frame-, Handlebar-, and Seat-Pack for bikers aiming for longer tours on rough terrain. At first glance, the Gravel-Packs look like the Sport-Roller front panniers from the Franconian waterproofing specialist. Essentially, that's true, but the folks at ORTLIEB have once again shown they really know a thing or two about developing bike bags. The devil is in the details…
The ORTLIEB Gravel-Pack is the perfect addition for long, rugged bikepacking tours.
Even during fast cornering through trackless terrain, the ORTLIEB Gravel-Packs sit securely on the rack.
Long multi-day tours on various terrains - this is where the Gravel-Pack shines.
Lightweight – great for gravel and muddy uphills
If you want to blaze new trails with your bike, you occasionally experience those wonderful moments when you curse yourself – "Why am I even doing this?!?" – as you pedal and sometimes push your beloved vehicle over terrains that push both human and machine to their limits. In those situations, you're just grateful for every gram that doesn't make your bike heavier. Compared to its sibling model, the Sport-Roller Classic, the Gravel-Pack pair weighs about 400 grams less – saving you strength that you can use elsewhere. The material is a mix of two different PU-coated nylon fabrics. The grey parts are made of the somewhat lighter RS21R Ripstop material, the side parts of the slightly stronger PS33 fabric. A fine mix – both functional and visually.
Info about the ORTLIEB Gravel-Pack:
- Material: “PS21R” (sides) and “PS33” (front), PU-coated nylon, PVC- and PFOA-free
- Water and dustproof according to IP 64
- Volume: 25 liters (2x 12.5 L)
- Weight: 1106 g (per pair)
- Dimensions: Height 30 cm, Width 25 cm, Depth 14 cm
- Quick-Lock 2.1 attachment system
- fits racks up to 16 mm tube diameter
- Reduction pieces for tube diameters 8, 10, and 12 mm
- Two lower locking hooks
- Roll closure with two side click locks
- Edge protection
- Large reflectors
- Suitable for both lowrider and rear racks
- Maximum load 9 kg
- Made in Germany
- 5-year manufacturer warranty
Effective clinging onto the frame
Whether Lowrider – the front rack – or the rear rack, the Gravel-Pack fits both, depending on bike setup and personal preference. Fixing it on the Lowrider lowers the center of gravity but also changes the steering behavior slightly – and poses a collision risk on tight trails. The range of potentially fitting rack tube diameters is huge, from 8 to 12 millimeters; you can adjust the width of the “clamp grip” with the included reduction pieces. For the really thick tubes with 16 or even 20 millimeters diameter, the Quick-Lock system can be pimped with special accessories. The reliability of the QL2.1 system in terms of robustness and grip security is legendary, but the standard hook from the normal Sport-Roller would be too weak for hefty gravel use. That's why ORTLIEB equipped the Gravel-Pack with two locking hooks. This makes mounting a bit more complex, but to shake this clamp grip out of its anchor – that is, from its rest – takes a lot, a lot. A test team from bike-components was on the move with the Gravel-Pack for seven days on some pretty rough trails in the Romanian Carpathians – without ever being let down. The Gravel-Pack clung firmly despite massive shocks.
Trail-Patina: No matter the terrain, the Gravel-Pack holds...
Reducers for 8, 10, and 12 mm rack diameters are included, while 16 and 20 mm can be used as optional accessories.
Two individually adjustable locking hooks ensure a secure hold on the rack.
Four adjustable mounting points combine to create a waterproof trail case built for tough bikepacking adventures.
Closure with double click
The third major distinguishing feature of the Gravel-Pack compared to the normal Sport-Roller is the closure system. Here, too, a roll-top is used, which gives it protection class IP 64, making it dust and splash-proof from all directions. But unlike the other “rollers” from ORTLIEB, the ends are clicked directly into the side locks. This is a bit unusual at first because it takes away the variability of the strap system known from Back-Roller & Co. But the closure indeed fits much tighter. Plus: if you ever hit a log, a stubborn bush, or even kiss a rock afterwards, the side locks are much better protected than the clamping hook on the large, exposed wide side. Another strap secures the roll closure upwards.
Compact and secure. The roll-top closure of the Gravel-Pack ensures IP64 protection.
Unlike classic models such as the Back-Roller, the side ends of the roll-top closure on the Gravel-Pack are secured directly with side-mounted click fasteners.
The roll closure should be folded over at least four times to ensure reliable waterproofing.
The difference from classic touring cycling in bikepacking lies in the reduction to the essentials and the focus on a centered packing method. The closer to the frame and the less susceptible to wind, the better.
No frills
ORTLIEB deliberately opted out of the unique inner workings found in its "big brothers" knowing that no one here needs that. No frills, just full focus on reduction. With a total carrying volume of 25 liters - sold in a pair - the Gravel-Pack is the perfect addition to the standard bikepacking bag systems. Full respect to those who manage to fit their entire gear from sleeping bags and tents to stoves and food, as well as change of clothes and repair kits, exclusively into Frame-, Handlebar-, and Seat-Pack. Purists might refuse to bolt a luggage carrier to their steed, preferring instead to endure days of munching on cereal bars. But for those who relish a bit of extra comfort after a tough day on the trail, the Gravel-Pack offers ample space for cozy hours by the campfire and at camp.
Conclusion:
For extended gravel adventures with extra baggage, the ORTLIEB Gravel-Pack is a perfect complement to the standard bikepacking setup.
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