Ortlieb Back Roller Classic 40L: https://rei.rockporch.com/prdlink/onAP7vDucl
Vaude Aqua Back Plus 51L: https://www.vaude.com/nl/en/45849-aqua-back-plus-bike-bags-recycled-main-material.html#?colour=451&size=13424
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VIDEO SUMMARY
I have used both the Ortlieb Back Roller Classic 40L and the Vaude Aqua Back Plus 51L for roughly the same amount of time. I really enjoyed both sets of panniers while using them, but ultimately there’s one I wouldn’t get again. In this video I’ll dig into the layouts, carrying capacities, durability, attachment styles, waterproofness and warranties of these bags. If you’re on the hunt for a good set of panniers, this video is for you!
CHAPTERS
0:00 Ortlieb Back Roller Classic 40L vs. Vaude Aqua Back Plus 51L
0:55 Ortlieb vs Vaude: Which has the better layout?
2:56 Can Ortlieb or Vaude panniers carry more?
4:45 Which is more durable – Ortlieb or Vaude panniers?
7:00 Are Vaude and Ortlieb panniers waterproof?
7:42 Attachment mechanisms – which is better?
9:26 The pannier I wouldn’t get again
12:52 Vaude Warranty vs. Ortlieb Warranty
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21 Comments
UPDATE: Thank you to those who shared helpful additional insights! I wanted to pin them here so anyone watching can take note of some things I missed:
– Because Ortlieb's lower rail is removable, it can be reversed, allowing for more lower hook positions
– Vaude's panniers come with optional straps. But they aren't part of the securing mechanism like Ortlieb, so you need to take them out and clip them in when you would like to use them. I, personally, found it too much of a nuisance to dig them out and install, so never really used them. But that is an option if having straps is important to you!
Well done, very useful content!
I do love my vaude bags for groceries.
Hi great video . I've had the vaude bags for 5 years and have used them every day to commute to work in all conditions. I don't regret as they are always dry and can carry a lot great value at 2 tanks of petrol! I've had the following issues. The release webing can get caught under the hooks and then its a kerfuffle to release the bag from the rack. The seams have started to come apart! The reflective logos disappeared after a year. If I forget to take the carry strap off and it ripped the mud guard off! Highly recommended!
Fun video. Are you still touring, and do you have the same bike?
I just bought a pair of panniers that resemble Ortleibs very closely at about half the price ! On AliExpress of course, brand is called Rhinowalk and having used a pair of Ortleibs that I borrowed from a friend last year they genuinely bear comparison very favorably, I am impressed !.
TYSM!
I have a ten year old pair of Ortlieb Back Roller Plus – I think the only difference is the outside texture of the material. Only issue I've had is the thing you described as the laptop pouch has a hole in the bottom on one bag but that's probably because I store a heavy D lock in it and often throw things like allen keys into it which have worn through. No signs of wear on the main outside fabric though.
Angon your making a difference between the sizes you have there the ortlieb does have bigger sizes you know?
I have a set of Thule bags and they have the most useless clamps in the world. For such a premium brand I can not understand why they use such insecure plastic. I expect that they just buy in some white label brand and label it as Thule .
The lower fixing is useless as well as it is just attached to the material and is floppy.
Being Black is also dumb as you can’t see them easily from the rear …..
I have been traveling throughout Europe by bike with full luggage for about 35 years. At first, I always used Ortlieb panniers, and I still really like using the Fork Pack as a front rack.
About three years ago, my old Ortlieb bags were getting old and I needed new ones. Then I discovered the Vaude aqua back plus. In addition to the large volume and absolute waterproofness, I particularly liked the following features. I wouldn't want to be without the smaller outer pockets. They provide quick access to first aid supplies, toiletries for cleaning your hands on the go, cutlery, small tools, or keys for locks—everything is quickly accessible without having to unpack anything. Now I can even find things quickly because everything has its place. The inner laptop bag is a real safe for sensitive electronic devices with a very sturdy protective plate at the back. There is also a small mesh pocket for valuables. But one thing always brings a smile to my face: once I've loaded up, I press the Vaude panniers against the luggage rack after attaching them and hear two distinct clicks confirming that everything is securely fastened. Click, click, and off you go. These are the kinds of things that stand out in use, and nothing appeals to me more than a mechanical sound as confirmation. All three attachment devices are also movable and individually adjustable. You only have to do this once at the very beginning and then you always have your fixed place…
Excellent. Thank you're
So grateful for your thoroughness in this review, thank you!
Vaude are definitely not better than Ortlieb, I think I have spent thousands on panniers for my bike, I’ve done over 5k miles this year alone and that’s a mix of cost and road. The only bags that fit the bill have been Ortlieb and yes I’ve had the Vaude bags. For every version of Vaude bag there is a better version of the Ortlieb bag. I’ve never heard Pannier pronounced the way you are saying it so I googled it, you are definitely pronouncing it incorrectly.
I agree, the whole "Provide us with proof of purchase" is ridiculous. A couple of companies which are the opposite are Wusthof and Zwilling- both are German chef knife companies. Lifetime guarantee, full replacement no questions asked 40 years after purchase (chipping/ cracking wooden handles on a knife, and a carcing fork). No demand for a receipt. Such AMAZING customer service.
I have literally just ordered Ortlieb Back-Rollers and Sport-Rollers, plus a 31 litre Rack-Pack for my brand new Bombtrack Arise Tour. Everywhere I look, I'm hearing they are the best out there so I'm really looking forward to receiving them.
Doris borrowed a pair or Vaude rear bags and they split along the vertical seam when she stuffed clothing into them. She's puny with stick-like arms. Poor design (the bags that is 😁) I have had my four Ortliebs for 12 years, and no problems.
Used Vaude Aquaback plus everyday since 2018 and it still rocks and givin me no problems.
I'm hoping to get back into bike touring this spring and recently bought a rear rack and 2 panniers, so like you that's how I'll start out, but I definitely see the drawback of putting too much weight on the back of the bike. The panniers I got were no-name Chinese knockoffs of the Ortliebs, and they're absolutely huge inside.
I already have all the camping gear that I'll need from camping and backpacking trips, and can't imagine needing all that space on the kind of weekend trips I intend to start out with. If I take to it and embark on week or weeks-long trips, then I'll have to start thinking about taking more gear and spreading some of the weight to the front.
But first I need to get my feet wet. Well, not literally. That would really suck riding a bike all day. 😁
Great video, i was thinking to which one to choose and this video gave many answers, thanks!
I dream of affording ortlieb, they are clearly great but oy such an investment