Ortlieb Commuter-Daypack High-Vis 21L reflective waterproof backpack

Ortlieb Commuter-Daypack High-Vis — Waterproof, Reflective, Visible From Every Angle

The Ortlieb Commuter-Daypack High-Vis is the commuter backpack for cyclists who ride in the dark. It takes the fully waterproof 21-litre Commuter-Daypack platform and rebuilds it entirely in PVC-free reflective Cordura — a fabric where high-luminosity reflective yarn is woven directly into the material, not printed on top of it. When headlights hit the bag, the entire surface reflects back. Including the shoulder straps. The result is genuine 360° visibility at night and in low-light conditions, from every angle a driver might approach.

Everything else that makes the Commuter-Daypack the reference cycling daypack is here: the IP64-rated roll-top closure, the padded laptop sleeve, the TPU back panel with ventilation channels, the hip belt and chest strap. The High-Vis adds the reflectivity, a loop for a rear light and a U-lock holder — the commute-specific details that make it the most complete urban cycling backpack in the Ortlieb range.

360° Reflective Construction

The defining feature of the High-Vis is its interwoven reflective yarn. Unlike reflective prints or strips applied to the exterior of a bag, the reflective yarn is woven throughout the PVC-free Cordura fabric itself — making the entire bag surface, including the ergonomic shoulder straps, highly reflective when struck by light. The effect is full 360° visibility: a driver approaching from behind, from the side or from an angle all see the same reflective response. The Black Reflective colourway means the bag looks entirely black in daylight and transforms under artificial light at night.

IP64 Waterproofing

The High-Vis carries a full IP64 waterproof rating — completely dustproof and protected against water jets from all directions. Roll the closure three to four times and clip the metal hooks to the TPU loops to achieve IP64 — the contents stay completely dry in sustained commuting rain and road spray. The front pocket is not waterproof and is intended for quick-access items; everything requiring dry protection goes in the main roll-top compartment.

Ergonomics and Back System

The welded TPU back panel with ventilation channels keeps the bag stable against the back and reduces heat build-up on longer rides. The ergonomic shoulder straps are made from the same high-visibility reflective material as the bag body, adding to the 360° reflective profile while maintaining carrying comfort. A removable chest strap and hip belt allow the load to be distributed precisely on longer or heavier commutes.

Commuter-Specific Features

A dedicated loop for an optional rear light positions a light at the ideal height on the bag without requiring frame or seatpost mounting — useful on bikes where light attachment is awkward or restricted. A U-lock holder on the front panel keeps a U-lock accessible and secure without putting the weight inside the bag. A non-waterproof front pocket provides fast access to transit cards, keys and a phone without opening the main compartment.

Organisation

The main roll-top compartment includes a padded laptop and tablet sleeve (39 × 27 × 2.5 cm) sized for laptops up to approximately 15 inches, and an internal organiser panel with pockets and a key clip. A reinforced base protects the bag when set down on wet or rough surfaces. A top carry handle allows hand carry when the bag is taken off.

Technical Specifications

• Volume: 21 L
• Dimensions: H 50 cm × W 30 cm × D 15.5 cm
• Weight: 860 g
• Max load: 8 kg
• Waterproofing: IP64 (roll closure 3–4 turns + metal hooks)
• Material: PVC-free PU-coated Cordura with interwoven reflective yarn
• Visibility: 360° reflective — full bag surface including shoulder straps
• Back panel: welded TPU with ventilation channels
• Laptop sleeve: padded, 39 × 27 × 2.5 cm (approx. 15")
• Front pocket: not waterproof — quick access
• Commuter features: rear light loop + U-lock holder
• Carry: shoulder straps + chest strap (removable) + hip belt (removable) + top handle
• Colour: Black Reflective
• Warranty: 5 years — Made in Germany, Heilsbronn

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the reflective material work?

The reflective yarn is woven directly into the PVC-free Cordura fabric — not printed or glued on the surface. This means the entire bag surface, including the shoulder straps, becomes reflective when struck by a light source such as car headlights. The effect is activated at the yarn level: the high-luminosity fibres catch and reflect light from any angle, giving the bag its 360° reflective profile. In daylight the bag reads as plain black; at night under artificial light it transforms completely.

Is the front pocket waterproof?

No — the front pocket is not waterproof and is designed for quick access to items you want without opening the main compartment: transit cards, keys, a phone, earphones. For full waterproof protection, use the main roll-top compartment. Roll the closure a minimum of three to four times and clip the metal hooks to the TPU loops to achieve IP64 protection.

What laptop size fits in the High-Vis?

The padded laptop sleeve measures 39 × 27 × 2.5 cm, accommodating most laptops up to approximately 15 inches. A separate padded area is available for a tablet. Both are padded on all sides and sit against the back panel for ergonomic weight placement and drop protection.

What is the rear light loop for?

The loop on the back of the bag is designed to hold a standard clip-on rear light — the kind that clips to a seatpost or saddlebag but can also clip to a loop. This positions the light at the ideal height on the bag, which is useful on bikes where mounting a light to the frame or seatpost is not possible or practical. The light is sold separately and is not included with the bag.

Is the Ortlieb Commuter-Daypack High-Vis repairable?

Yes. All Ortlieb products are manufactured in Germany to exacting repairability standards. The reflective Cordura construction does not affect repairability — replacement shoulder straps, hip belts, chest straps and roll-top closure components are available through Ortlieb or your local dealer. L'Hirondelle Bike Shop in Meppel can advise on spare parts and repairs for the Commuter-Daypack High-Vis.