Ortlieb 2.1 vs 3.1. What is it and why does it matter?

Whatever the weather, wherever the journey. Ortlieb feels made for New Zealand conditions. From backpacks to panniers, Ortlieb have set the standard for bike-packers and commuters alike. In this blog we will break down Ortlieb’s Quick Lock system to help you understand what all the fuss is about and why we think they are number one when it comes to panniers.

What the heck is a pannier? Yeh, yeh, I hear you say it's those bags that hang over the back wheel. And you would be… correct! But what’s more important is the defined utility of the pannier. Coming from the French term for basket, a pannier – in the bike world, must have generous storage, protection from the elements, and the ability to quickly lock and release from your bike rack so you can take your gear with you. Ortlieb don’t just make bags that hang off your bike – they make panniers.

Recently Ortlieb released version 3.1 of their Quick Lock system. If you already own an Ortlieb pannier we are not saying you need to upgrade. They are all amazing products. But there are two significant functional upgrade that could pique your interest.

With the older QL 2.1 the rack mounts are fastened to the bag whereas with the QL 3.1 the mounting components are fixed to the rack – this change allows for a pannier that is clear of protruding hooks to improve the bag’s carrying comfort when off the bike. Secondly, with the removal of the lower hook, the QL 3.1 latches solidly to the rack, so if you are riding on rough terrain the pannier will no longer rattle! A perfect upgrade for adventure and commuters' alike.