ORTLIEB Velocity Waterproof Backpack 17L Review

The ORTLIEB Velocity Waterproof Backpack 17L is a streamlined courier-style backpack among ORTLIEB’s most popular products. As the little brother to the 23L version, this versatile pack excels in daily use, from urban commutes to school runs. What sets it apart is its durable and robust weatherproofing with welded seams and waterproof materials to provide ample protection in unpredictable weather.

The main compartment includes a removable laptop sleeve, while the durable construction and waterproof materials provide reliable protection from the elements. The pack is secured with a rolltop closure system utilizing hook-and-loop fasteners, ensuring your gear stays protected and dry. A comprehensive harness system includes a sternum strap and hip belt for stability.

Whether you are a bike commuter, outdoor enthusiast, or frequent traveler, the ORTLIEB Velocity Waterproof Backpack 17L provides plenty of capacity with excellent protection. ORTLIEB is a German manufacturer that has built its reputation on innovative waterproof designs that combine practical protection with modern aesthetics. It is best known for its cycling-focused gear, where its waterproof materials and intuitive designs have become widely recognized as top-tier when it comes to waterproof gear protection.

External Components

The ORTLIEB Velocity Waterproof Backpack 17L features a minimalist, streamlined design that prioritizes functionality. With an IP64 rating, this pack offers reliable protection against dust and light rain exposure. However, it is important to note that while the pack can handle light rain and splashes well, it is not designed for extended exposure to heavy downpours or submersion. According to ORTLIEB, to achieve optimal weather resistance with IP64 standards, it is essential you properly secure the rolltop closure by rolling it down at least 3-4 times.

This backpack’s exterior has two distinct materials for excellent durability and weather protection. The front face uses PD620, a PU-laminated polyester with a glossy-looking finish, while the sides and bottom are PS620C fabric with a more matte look that’s equally durable. One notable downside is that the side and bottom materials easily attract and hold onto hair. In our testing, simply placing the pack on a blanket normally home to a cat resulted in a nice coating of cat hair. Thanks to the durable and robust material, it is still easy to wipe off, but it is something to consider if you have pets.

The ORTLIEB Velocity Waterproof Backpack 17L has a reflective logo on the front, providing a nice degree of visibility for urban commuters and cyclists, especially with the all-black version. The top grab handle has an interesting design, attaching to the shoulder straps rather than the pack itself. This allows the rolltop closure to close more fully, though the thin and minimalist design of the handle is not ideal for extended carrying. In front of the rolltop closure is a dedicated attachment point for a bike light or helmet, which seems to be the only external attachment point on the pack.

The ORTLIEB Velocity Waterproof Backpack 17L has shoulder straps that feature an ergonomic S-curve design with robust padding. However, the shoulder straps are fairly stiff due to the padding, which may not be ideal for everybody. Each strap includes a single attachment loop for hooking on extra gear, although these are somewhat tight and require some effort. The shoulder straps have a breathable mesh design that helps with ventilation, as well as reflective threading on both the sternum strap and the ORTLIEB logo, enhancing visibility in low-light conditions. The shoulder straps feature permanently attached strap keepers at the ends to help organize and manage excess straps.

The back panel has a unique foam padding system with a dedicated air channel for comfort and ventilation. This ventilation proves particularly valuable since the pack’s waterproof materials can tend to cause excess sweating during extended wear. The foam padding, thanks to its design, helps mitigate this issue.

The sternum strap is both adjustable and fully removable, featuring a plastic buckle connection on one side and five adjustment points on each side for a customized fit tailored to your body. The sternum strap is particularly robust and secure once in place, with no concerns about it slipping during use. It includes an elastic component that provides some flexibility when connecting and wearing. While the sternum strap is easy to clip in, the unclipping process can be somewhat difficult, so once you find the preferred configuration, it might be best to keep it there.

The backpack includes a removable hip belt that connects in the middle with a sturdy, albeit chunky, plastic buckle. You can detach the hip belt by feeding the end through the plastic hardware built into the bottom corners of the pack. The hip belt provides extra valuable support during high-motion activities like cycling or hiking, though users who prefer a cleaner look or do not need it can easily remove it.

Fit Notes

The ORTLIEB Velocity Waterproof Backpack 17L has a streamlined, minimalist aesthetic and comes in two color options: an all-black version, which we have here, and one they call “Petrol,” which is like turquoise. While both options work well in casual settings, the all-black variant may be more suitable for professional environments, although its glossy face material can still sometimes draw attention. This 17L version was designed specifically for shorter individuals or those wanting a more streamlined, minimalistic carry.

Inside The Pack

The ORTLIEB Velocity Waterproof Backpack 17L features a minimalist design with a single main compartment. There are no additional external pockets or organizational features, so it takes a super streamlined approach to compartments. While this might be limiting for some users who prefer multiple pockets and compartments, it helps maintain the pack’s streamlined aesthetic and waterproof integrity. It is worth noting that while the 17L and 23L versions include this simplified design, the larger 29L version includes a zippered side pocket for additional storage.

The main compartment on the ORTLIEB Velocity Waterproof Backpack 17L features a rolltop closure design with a plastic lip at the top spanning side-to-side to help ensure a secure closing. For optimal protection against the elements, you have to roll the top down three to four times before securing it with the hook-and-loop closure. Inside, the main compartment has a spacious main area that can accommodate plenty of gear, either loosely or organized with packing cubes and pouches.

Built into the back of the compartment is a removable laptop sleeve that provides a nice degree of organization and protection. This padded sleeve can easily fit up to a 16-inch MacBook Pro and includes dedicated space for accessories like cables and hard drives. The sleeve can be secured at both top and bottom using hook-and-loop fasteners, keeping devices elevated and protected. For smaller items, the dedicated zippered compartment is perfect for USB drives, cables, and other accessories.

The ORTLIEB Velocity Waterproof Backpack 17L is a well-designed, highly functional, and streamlined protective backpack that excels as a backpack with weatherproof functionality. The minimalist design, while potentially limiting for those who prefer multiple compartments and extra pockets, still provides a nice degree of functionality. The robust and durable materials, combined with its unique construction, provide IP64 protection. With the addition of its thoughtful features, like the removable laptop sleeve, this pack is particularly appealing for bike commuters and urban professionals who may need reliable protection against unpredictable weather. This pack is an excellent choice for those looking for weatherproof protection in a clean and minimalist package.