Ortlieb Duffle RC 49L waterproof travel and sports bag

Ortlieb Duffle RC 49L — a dry bag that learned to behave like luggage

Ortlieb built its reputation on dry bags, and the Duffle RC is what happens when that expertise is pointed at a travel bag. There is no zip along the top, because a zip is the first thing to fail and the first place water gets in. Instead the whole opening rolls closed, the way a river bag does, and the contents stay dry through weather that would soak a conventional holdall.

Where it differs from an actual dry bag is everything else: two zipped interior pockets so your documents are not at the bottom, a mesh pocket outside for wet kit, and padded shoulder straps that make the whole thing a backpack when the walk from the station turns out to be longer than advertised.

Carrying it

The padded shoulder straps detach completely and double as the bag's handles. Joined together with their hook-and-loop fastening they make a single carrying strap; left separate, they turn the duffle into a rucksack. Two auxiliary closures with webbing support sit at each end of the bag for lifting it fully loaded.

On a cargo bike

Daisy chains run along the top and at the bottom corners, which is what makes this bag a common sight in cargo bike boxes. The optional Cargo Straps hold it down firmly enough that an enthusiastic rider will not rearrange the load. We stock those separately.

Waterproofing, precisely

Rated IP64: dust-tight and protected against splashing water from all directions. Roll the closure down three to four times and secure it downward to reach the rating. One caveat worth knowing before you pack: the exterior mesh pocket is outside the sealed volume and is not waterproof. It is for a wet towel, not a passport.

Specifications

• Volume: 49 litres
• Dimensions: 61 × 34 × 32 cm (W × H × D)
• Weight: approximately 1,000 g
• Material: PD620, abrasion and tear-resistant polyester fabric
• Closure: full-length roll-top with four clip buckles
• Waterproofing: IP64
• Two zipped interior pockets
• One exterior mesh pocket with zip, not waterproof
• Padded detachable shoulder straps, also usable as handles or joined into one carrying strap
• Daisy chains on the top and at the bottom
• Country of manufacture: Germany, Heilsbronn
• Warranty: 5 years

Frequently asked questions

Will it take cabin luggage duty?
At 61 × 34 × 32 cm it exceeds most airlines' cabin limits when full. Rolled down with a light load it compresses, but do not count on it — this is a hold bag or a car and train bag.

Can I really wear it as a backpack?
Yes, and comfortably for a station transfer or a walk to a campsite. It is a duffle carried on the back rather than a designed rucksack, so a full 49 litres on a long hike will be less pleasant than a proper pack.

What does IP64 mean in practice?
Dust-tight and protected against splashing water from all directions. Heavy rain, spray and a wet deck are all fine, provided the roll-top is closed three to four times and tensioned downward. It is not rated for submersion.

Which size should I choose?
49 litres covers a week for one person, or kit for two for a weekend. The 89-litre version is the one for expedition loads and family trips, and we stock that too.

How do I clean it?
A damp cloth, or warm water with mild soap. For heavier dirt, a soft brush and gall soap. Let it dry completely before storing it rolled.

Can it be repaired?
Yes. Ortlieb offers a five-year warranty along with a broad range of repairs and replacement parts. Bring it to our workshop at L'Hirondelle Bike Shop in Meppel and we will handle it.