Price: $135.00

Ortlieb Vario Commuter Backpack Pannier

Stock status: Ships in approx. 1-2 weeks

Overview
Features
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Waterproof Backpack and Pannier in One

Quickly transition between a pannier and a backpack with the Ortlieb Vario Bag. The Vario comes equipped with a removable backpack carry system, as well as the patented, adjustable Ortlieb QL3 pannier top mounting system for ultimate versatility. The roll top closure, waterproof fabric, and organization pockets make this bag great for turning day rides into day hikes, or for just commuting to the office.

Ride with the Vario as a waterproof pannier by folding up the carry system and rolling it into the front, vertical neoprene pocket for storage. The bottom of the bag is reinforced with a tough plate to protect the bag while riding, and to prevent scuffs on your rack. For added pannier stability, the Vario's fastening strap secures the bottom of the pannier.

When you hop off the bike, use the heavy-duty backpack version of the Vario. The QL3 system on the Vario has added buckles which the top of the shoulder straps buckle into. The back portion of the system is secured to the bag with U-clips which snap to the bag, while the bottom portion is secured with Velcro straps. This system is specific to the Vario, and is intended to fit snug on the bag so you don't have added movement when using the Vario in backpack form. The carry system has padding for your back, and is adjustable by your shoulders and at your hips. A chest strap is also included to offer better posture and support for hiking, or just walking downtown.

Waterproof, weatherproof, and great for your daily commute, reach for the Vario Backpack Pannier!

Sold as a single pannier

Available colors: black, red or lime
Made of waterproof, PS33 Polyurethane coated nylon fabric
Includes removable, adjustable carrying system for converting between a pannier and a backpack
Roll top, velcro closure
Outer neoprene zipper pocket to hold carry system when not in use
Two outer neoprene pockets
Inner mesh zipper pocket
Includes helmet holder and fastening loops
Reflective elements on sides of bag
Utilizes QL2 top mounting system & Ortlieb Vario Fixation Strap lower mounting
Fits on racks 8mm-16mm in diameter; 8mm and 11mm inserts included for a more snug fit

Dimensions: 19.7" x 11" x 7.9" (H x W x D)
Volume: 20L / 1220 cu.in.
Weight: 1200g / 42.3 oz

All ORTLIEB products are backed by a 5 year warranty against defects in material and manufacturing.

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Price: $135.00

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ASD* : Available Ship Date.

Product Reviews

2011-11-29 13:09:02

David R says...

This is the best investment I've done on my bike, no more punishment for my back when riding. At college I simple mount the straps on an ready to walk around campus. It's very comfortable as a back pack too. I tough it would be bigger, but it's ok, that way I a forced to carry only the necesary.

Rated 5 out of 5 Stars

2011-09-18 19:22:58

Georgina R says...

Purchased this to hold my laptop, school gear and lunch for the commute. It's a little less roomy than I would like, but I think that keeps me in check regarding weight and necessities. More interior organization would be nice - the mesh pocket is fairly useless for anything more than pens/pencils. The conversion to pack is quick and easy, as is attaching to the bike rack. I did purchase the fixation strap per the suggestion of previous reviews, and was a little bummed to find that one was included with the bag. So now I have a backup. Good bag, seems durable.

Rated 5 out of 5 Stars

2011-09-09 13:30:28

Kirsten P says...

Used two of these for a recent off-road bike camping and hiking trip. As panniers, they stayed securely attached my bike's rack, despite getting knocked around by roots, bushes, etc. Also, they kept everything dry and clean when I crossed a stream. As backpacks, the sternum and waist straps make these quite comfortable over many miles. Granted, the backpack straps aren't easily or quickly tucked into their storage compartment, but this is a small price to pay for the versatility. Unfortunately, one of the lower pannier attachment straps became snagged on a branch, tearing open one of the strap slots on the rear of the pannier. This likely falls outside the "normal use" for this pannier, and I shouldn't have run the strap through the slot for off-roading anyway. For me, this will not affect future performance, but it's something to be aware of if you use this off-road.

Rated 5 out of 5 Stars

2011-07-06 08:00:32

Micah M says...

Excellent for commuters and college biking. The Vario has enough room to carry a small change of clothes as well as school or business supplies, a lunch, two water bottles, and bike tools. Perhaps the Vario's best feature is in its exclude design: unlike other panniers, the Vario was made to be both a backpack and a practical pannier. Clipping on the back straps for backpack use is easy and the pack fits well; I can see myself using it regularly. This feature makes it easy to take short stops, such as a cafe or a grocery, while taking your pannier with you. I wish the Vario had brighter colors--the green is not as luminescent as most bike wear--and reflectors. With that said, there's enough space to clip on lights or reflective strips. I purchased a fixation strap, an extra hooked strap that can attach to the lower end of your bike rack, but found that it was probably necessary. The Vario's lock system is sturdy enough not to keep it moving too much on my rides.

Rated 5 out of 5 Stars

2011-05-17 13:12:10

Darin F says...

I am happy with my purchase of this bag. The BBS price is the cheapest I could find anywhere, and the shipping and customer service was great. I would shop here again. The beauty of this bag is its waterproofing. I have gotten caught in the rain on my commutes more than once now with this bag, and I have never worried. The inside contents were bone dry. Another plus for a bag like this as opposed to other backpack panniers is that the backpack system is packed away while riding and not down near the rear wheel. That way, when you arrive at your destination soaking wet you can change, convert it to a backpack, and the road grime will not rub off onto your dry clothes. The one thing I regret is lack of pockets/organizational features. There is an inside document holder and small zipper pouch, both of which are handy, but I often find myself digging for keys, phone, pencils, etc... that have fallen to the bottom of the bag. Still, I wouldn't hesitate to buy another one if I keep commuting. I plan to go bike camping this summer and will use this as a dry bag for my sleeping sack, etc...

Rated 4 out of 5 Stars

2010-12-02 10:19:25

Janine P says...

Overall I can't say enough good about this as a Pannier. It is very durable, waterproof and even if gets stuck in the spokes comes out ok! I really love it and got the black one as I didn't want to worry about it looking dirty and having to wash frequently as I am commuting with it too work. If I'd pick a color I'd get the green tho. BUT! My problem with it came when using it as a backpack. I'm a short small person 5'2 1/2" tall and when I used it it was too tall, the rigid frame and hit me in the back of the head. While cycling I had trouble lifting my head and looking forward as I ride down in the drops. Very comfortable. I wanted a big bag but as a backpack this just didn't work so I really should have just got a pannier after all. The quick release feature is absolutely awesome as I *quick* have to get it off and pop the bike into the bike holder on the bus as everyone is waiting on me so time is of the essence. So I would of rated it tops if it would of worked for me as a backpack. Neat design for the helmet holder also!

Rated 4 out of 5 Stars

2010-04-16 18:16:39

Bunny C says...

Well,right off the bat, I'm quite peeved. I did not realize that strap that keeps the bag connected to the rack (so it doesn't wobble) is EXTRA. (For G*d sakes- add $10 and include it! It's a PANNIER-you NEED it!). Well, I've searched this website all over and can't even locate the damn thing! HEY Bikebagshop- how about a link to the proper accessory on the SAME PAGE as the item!! So now I'm rigging something from bungie cords. After dropping $270 for 2 bags, I did not plan to BUNGIE anything to make the bags work! The bags themselves seem very roomy- exactly what I need for my 17in macbook plus clothes,lunch, bike pump & tools. I ride 28mi roundtrip daily & wanted bags large enough to carry everything, and keep it all DRY. So far the size is amazing-I hope the waterproofing is as advertised!

Rated 4 out of 5 Stars

2010-03-19 09:59:39

Donald R says...

This is the first pannier I have ever used – and I love it! The bag has a nice sleek-looking design and attaching and removing the connection to the rack is incredibly easy. The Vario is very well made and seems cavernous inside while still a manageable size on the bike. I like the outside stuff pockets and the inner mesh pockets which are good for items that I don’t want falling around loose inside the bag. I use this for a 15 mile each way commute and am basically carrying a change of clothes, lunch and a few odds and ends. Still plenty of room left! The removable backpack harness is very interesting. I’m not certain that I will actually use that frequently, since I can park my bike close to my office and just use the regular carry handle. This would be more useful for someone who has a longer walk from where the bike is parked or is carrying several other items at the same time. But it’s a nice alternative if you need it. In my mind the accessory strap is a must. Not sure why Ortlieb did not include this as a base item, but it makes an already good connection rock solid. Overall I’m thrilled with the bag and also the staff at the BikeBagShop who answered many questions and helped me find something that works for me. Both highly recommended.

Rated 5 out of 5 Stars

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