Ortlieb Back-Roller Plus QL2.2 20+3L bicycle pannier

Ortlieb Back-Roller Plus QL2.2 20+3L — the original, with somewhere to put the small things

The Back-Roller has been the reference rear pannier since 1987, and the case against it was always the same: one enormous roll-top compartment, and nowhere to keep the things you need at a red light. This version answers that. A second waterproof pocket sits on the front face, closed by its own roll-top, adding three litres that stay dry and stay reachable.

The body is PU-coated Cordura with a matte textile hand rather than the glossy tarpaulin look of the Classic. It resists abrasion, sheds dust as readily as rain, and is free of both PVC and PFC.

Quick-Lock2.2

QL2.2 is the current generation of Ortlieb's mounting system. The upper hooks and the lower sliding hook adjust tool-free across tube diameters from 8 to 16 mm with no reducer inserts to lose, and the lower hook rail carries scratch protection for your rack tube. Self-locking on the way down, one-handed on the way off. Moving the bag between a touring bike and a city bike takes seconds rather than a workshop session.

What you get for the space

• 20 L main compartment with roll-top closure, volume adjustable by how far you roll
• 3 L waterproof outer pocket with its own roll-top — dry and quick to reach
• Inner organiser pocket for small items
• Symmetrical body: the same bag works on the left or the right of the rack
• Shoulder strap included, with two attachment points for a better carry off the bike
• Two lateral 3M Scotchlite reflectors
• Interior wipes clean
• Stacks under a Rack-Pack 24 L or 31 L on the same rear rack

Waterproofing, precisely

Rated IP64: dust-tight and protected against splashing water from all directions. That covers sustained rain and road spray. Unusually for a pannier at this price, the outer pocket is inside the waterproof envelope too — it has its own roll closure rather than a zip. Roll both closures three to four times and tension them to reach the rating.

Specifications

• Volume: 20 L main compartment + 3 L outer pocket, 23 L total
• Dimensions: 42 × 23/32 × 17 cm (H × W × D) — the width tapers toward the top
• Weight: approximately 910 g
• Maximum load: 9 kg as recommended by Ortlieb
• Material: PU-coated Cordura, PVC-free and PFC-free
• Closure: roll-top on both compartments
• Mounting: Quick-Lock2.2, tool-free, 8–16 mm tubes without reducers
• Waterproofing: IP64
• Included: one pannier and one shoulder strap
• Country of manufacture: Germany
• Warranty: 5 years

Frequently asked questions

Is this sold as a pair?
No. One bag per unit, with its shoulder strap. Order two if you want a matched set — the body is symmetrical, so the same reference works on either side of the rack.

How is this different from the Back-Roller Classic?
Two things: the 3 L waterproof outer pocket, which the Classic does not have, and the fabric. The Plus uses PU-coated Cordura with a matte textile finish; the Classic uses Ortlieb's glossy PD620 tarpaulin. Same volume in the main compartment, same mounting.

Will it fit my rack?
QL2.2 adjusts tool-free from 8 to 16 mm without reducer inserts, which covers almost every rear rack. For 18 or 20 mm tubes you will need the QL2.1 hook sets (E211 or E193), sold separately.

What does IP64 mean in practice?
Dust-tight and protected against splashing water from every direction. Contents stay dry through heavy rain and road spray provided both roll closures are rolled three to four times and tensioned. It is not rated for submersion.

Can it be locked to the bike?
The QL2 Lock (F3913) fits the upper rail of the QL2.2 mounting and secures the bag to the rack, and Ortlieb's anti-theft devices E124 and E125 are the alternative. All are available from us.

Can it be repaired?
Yes. Hooks, rails, buckles and straps are supplied as individual spare parts and the bag carries a five-year warranty. Our workshop at L'Hirondelle Bike Shop in Meppel can fit replacement hardware for you.

Where is it made?
Germany. Every step from cutting to final inspection happens at Ortlieb's own facility in Heilsbronn.