[Frostbite Fighter]

Hey fellow bikers! So, I recently got my hands on the Ortlieb Handlebar-Pack and took it for a spin on a weekend bikepacking trip. Thought I’d share my thoughts and hear what you all think about it too!

First off, let’s talk about the size. I opted for the 15-liter version because, well, I’m the sort of person who packs for the apocalypse even when heading out for a night. The pack’s capacity is pretty impressive. I managed to fit my tent (minus the poles, because, you know, minimalist wannabe), a lightweight sleeping bag, and a bunch of snacks—gummy bears included. Priorities, right?

Waterproofing? Oh boy, this thing handled rain like a pro. It’s like it scoffed at the water. My gear stayed bone dry, which was a relief given that a surprise rainstorm tried to ruin my fun. If Ortlieb made raincoats, I’d be first in line.

One thing I noticed is that the stability is quite remarkable. I was worried about my stuff bobbing around like a penguin on a pogo stick while tackling trails, but it stayed put. The only downside? The installation was a bit of a puzzle the first time around. I may or may not have sworn loudly enough to scare a squirrel or two. But once you get the hang of it, it’s smooth sailing!

Oh, and the adjustability! The straps allow for a snug fit on various bar setups, and as someone who’s attached more gadgets to my bike than Batman has in his utility belt, I appreciated this a lot.

If I had one gripe—and it’s a small one—it’s accessing stuff mid-ride. Stopping to get a snack out of it had me feeling like I was disarming a bomb. I’d love to know if any of you have tips for that. Or is it just a clever ploy by Ortlieb to keep me from snacking too much? 🤔

Anyway, I’m really interested in your experiences. Have you tried it out yet? What did you pack, how did it handle, and do you have a favorite snack that fits perfectly? Let me know!

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