Ortlieb Fork Packs – Convenient Mini Panniers
Packing your gear and loading up your bike for an adventure requires a mix of experience, restraint and experimentation. It also takes the right combination of bikepacking bags. I consider a set of fork-mounted bikepacking bags like the Ortlieb Fork Packs to be essential equipment for any multi-day bikepacking trip.
Fork-mounted bags are smaller than traditional panniers, don’t require a rack and typically serve up a total of eight to 10 liters of storage per pair. They’re ideal for smaller, heavy items as they keep the weight low on the bike, making for better stability in rough terrain.
While many fork bags follow the versatile approach of the Salsa Anything Cages that let you strap on different types of bags or bottles, the Ortlieb Fork Packs are more like mini panniers. They offer clean, waterproof storage with a streamlined and easy-to-use mounting system.
Simple, Effective Mounting System
In typical Ortlieb style, the fork packs feature a totally waterproof roll-top bag paired with a unique quick-release mounting system. The mounting system is slick. The design mounts easily to almost any fork. For those with built-in fork mounts, it simply bolts on with two (or three) included mounting bolts. For suspension forks and forks without eyelets, Ortlieb includes band clamps and all the hardware you need to get the job done. Either way, the mounting plate creates a solid attachment to the bike.
With the mounting plates in place, the packs simply slide and lock into place. Releasing the pack is a snap and makes for easy removal and remounting. The whole system, including the bags, stands up to Ortlieb’s reputation for durability. They hold securely and safely over rough terrain without question.
4.1-liter Ortlieb Fork Packs and mounting system
Why We Like the Ortlieb Fork Bags – Easy Access and Quick-Release
One of the limitations of a classic bikepacking bag setup is the lack of easy on-the-go access to your gear. Handlebar and seat bags require careful packing and aren’t designed for quick-grab access. That leaves a top tube or frame bag for easy access. Depending on your frame, that often means limited storage. Fork bags add easy-access storage to your bikepacking setup.
My approach with fork bags is to pack smaller, heavier items in the bottom. This leaves the upper space for stuff I might need easy access to during the day, like rain gear, lunch food, swim shorts and my water filter.
A second great thing about the Ortlieb Fork Packs is their quick-release mounting system. Cage systems like the Salsa Anything Cages are great because they let you use any variety of dry bags you already own, but the strapping system can be cumbersome and is not exactly quick-release. The Ortlieb quick-release system makes accessing your stuff more convenient. They just pop off with the slide of the release lever. The lack of straps means there are no loose parts to keep track of.
Two Fork Pack Sizes to Match Your Packing Needs
The Ortlieb Fork Packs are available in two sizes: 4.1-liter and 5.8-liter. We tested the 4.1-liter bags, and they worked great. They offer enough space to pack an MSR Pocket Rocket cook kit, spare fuel canisters and rain gear. Anyone looking for more storage can look to the 5.8-liter bags for 30 percent more packing space.
The 4.1-liter fork pack comfortably stows an MSR Pocket Rocket cook set, Sawyer mini water filter, plus a rain jacket and pants.
Quick-Release Mini Panniers, Ortlieb Quality Standards
While there are a handful of versatile fork bag options for bikepacking, the Ortlieb Fork Packs check all of the important boxes for bikepacking. They are waterproof, lightweight, durable, easy to use, offer quick access to your stuff and are compatible with most forks. Whether you ride a mountain bike, gravel bike or endurance touring rig, you can count on high-quality Ortlieb construction and design, plus a versatile and easy-to-mount system that’s built to last.
Ortlieb Fork Packs – $65 each 4.1-liter / $75 each 5.8-liter
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