Ortlieb Hike & Camp

Frequently Asked Questions

• Are Ortlieb dry bags truly waterproof for multiday hiking and river crossings?

  Ortlieb uses high-frequency welded seams and roll-top closures and rates many hike/camp pieces up to IP67 or roughly 100,000 mm hydrostatic head, so interiors stay dry in heavy rain, splashes, or short submersion. That level of sealing makes them suitable for protecting electronics, clothes, and sleeping bags on multiday hikes and when crossing rivers, though you should still stow air pockets to avoid buoyancy issues.
• How does the Dry Bag PS10 compare to larger Ortlieb expedition bags like the PS620 for hiking and camping?

  The Dry Bag PS10 is an ultralight internal dry sack (the 12L PS10 weighs around 70 g) designed for packing and organizing layers or electronics inside a pack, prioritizing minimal weight. Larger expedition bags such as the PS620 use heavier-duty materials and construction for primary waterproof storage or basecamp hauling, offering greater abrasion resistance and volume but at higher weight and bulk.
• Which Ortlieb pack is best if I need a day-hike pack that doubles as a laptop-friendly commuter bag?

  The Daypack Metrosphere (21L) is built as an urban‑outdoor hybrid with a padded laptop sleeve, contoured straps, and ventilation, making it a solid choice for day hikes that also require office commute capability. If you need more carrying capacity for longer hikes or heavier loads, the Atrack 34L offers a roomier, more hiking‑oriented chassis.
• What materials and construction should I look for if my pack will face heavy abrasion (bikepacking, bushwhacking)?

  Choose models that use Cordura or reinforced PS33/TPU fabrics and look for reinforced bases and high‑frequency welded seams—these combinations deliver the best abrasion resistance while maintaining Ortlieb’s waterproofness. Packs and panniers built with Cordura panels or PS21/PS33 reinforcements will outlast thinner PU‑coated fabrics when dragged or brushed against rocks and branches.
• How do I size an Ortlieb backpack and when should I choose a Short Torso (ST) variant?

  Measure your torso length (C7 vertebra to iliac crest) and compare it to the pack’s listed torso fit; choose an ST variant if your torso measurement is shorter than the standard fit or if you have narrower shoulders and need shorter hip wings. ST models provide a better shoulder strap placement and hip-belt alignment for smaller frames, improving comfort and load transfer on hikes.