Ortlieb Rack-Pack Urban 24L waterproof rack bag

Ortlieb Rack-Pack Urban — The Waterproof Rack Bag With Urban Character

The Ortlieb Rack-Pack Urban is the lifestyle version of the Rack-Pack — a 24-litre waterproof bag that sits on the rear rack and carries everything a day in the city demands, without looking like outdoor equipment. Built from a PVC-free Cordura blend with a soft-touch textile finish and detailed with aluminium-look hardware, it moves naturally from the bike rack to the office to the gym without changing character. In Ink and Pine.

The Rack-Pack Urban is not a pannier. It has no QL clips and mounts to the rack by resting on it, held in place by the rack surface and its own compression straps — the same way you would load a bag onto a motorcycle rack or into a bike trailer. Once off the bike, the padded microfibre shoulder strap and comfortable carry handles turn it into a conventional holdall. The ultimate bag for those who want Ortlieb's waterproofing without the sports-bag aesthetic.

IP64 Waterproofing and PVC-Free Cordura

The Rack-Pack Urban is rated IP64 — completely dustproof and protected against water jets from all directions. The PVC-free Cordura blend achieves this waterproofing through a polyurethane coating on the interior face of the fabric rather than the PVC tarpaulin used in conventional Ortlieb touring bags. The result is a soft-touch, textile-look exterior that is fully weatherproof and highly abrasion-resistant. The easy-to-clean smooth interior means the bag can be wiped out after wet or muddy loads.

Roll-Top Closure

The roll-top closure with stiffening bar seals the main compartment entirely without zips. Roll the top three to five times, cinch the compression straps to stabilise the load and clip the side buckles to close. The stiffening bar keeps the roll-top even and the closure secure even when the bag is not full. Volume adjusts progressively with the compression straps — the bag does not look half-empty when lightly loaded.

Organisation

Two interior pockets keep a smartphone, keys, cards and small valuables organised within the main compartment. The interior surface is smooth and easy to wipe clean. Aluminium-look details — buckles, hardware and strap fittings — give the bag a contemporary urban aesthetic that sets it apart from conventional rack bags.

Off-Bike Carry

The detachable padded microfibre shoulder strap clips to the bag's D-rings for comfortable single-shoulder or cross-body carry. Two padded carry handles — positioned for comfortable hand carry and double as over-shoulder carry on the short walk from rack to door. The bag stands independently on its base when set down.

Technical Specifications

• Volume: 24 L
• Dimensions: H 30 cm × W 54 cm × D 27 cm
• Weight: 710 g
• Waterproofing: IP64
• Material: PVC-free PU-coated Cordura blend (soft-touch finish)
• Closure: roll-top with stiffening bar + compression straps
• Interior: 2 pockets (smartphone, keys), easy-clean surface
• Carry: detachable microfibre shoulder strap + padded carry handles
• Details: aluminium-look hardware
• Rack use: rests on rear rack — no QL clips — compatible alongside Back-Roller/Sport-Roller
• Colours: Ink, Pine
• Warranty: 5 years — Made in Germany, Heilsbronn

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Rack-Pack Urban attach to the rack with clips or a QL system?

No — the Rack-Pack Urban does not use Ortlieb's QL mounting system. It rests directly on the rear rack platform and is secured by its compression straps, which cinch around the rack or through it depending on your rack's configuration. This is the same approach used for luggage on a motorcycle carrier or items lashed into a bike trailer. It is compatible with the vast majority of standard rear racks. For clip-on pannier mounting with a QL system, see the Ortlieb Back-Roller Urban or Vario range.

Can the Rack-Pack Urban be combined with panniers on the rack?

Yes — the Rack-Pack Urban 24L sits centrally on the rack top and can be combined with Back-Roller or Sport-Roller panniers on the same rack. The compression straps keep it centred and the panniers hang on either side as normal. This is a popular setup for touring cyclists who want a top bag plus side panniers, and for urban riders who want extra capacity on errand days.

What is the difference between the Rack-Pack Urban and the Rack-Pack Classic?

The Rack-Pack Classic uses Ortlieb's standard PVC-coated tarpaulin material in a functional touring aesthetic with QL2.1 side hooks for rack attachment. The Rack-Pack Urban uses a PVC-free Cordura blend with a soft textile finish and aluminium-look hardware — it is designed for an urban lifestyle look and rests on the rack without clips. Both are IP64 waterproof and use a roll-top closure. The Urban is the choice for those who prioritise aesthetics and off-bike versatility; the Classic for those who need the security of QL clips and a more functional look.

Is the soft-touch Cordura as waterproof as conventional Ortlieb tarpaulin?

Yes — both achieve IP64. The PVC-free Cordura blend uses a PU coating on the interior face of the fabric to create the waterproof barrier. The exterior has the soft-touch textile finish rather than the shiny tarpaulin look. Performance in rain and sustained wet conditions is equivalent; the material is also highly abrasion-resistant and will hold its appearance through hard urban use.

Is the Ortlieb Rack-Pack Urban repairable?

Yes. All Ortlieb products are manufactured in Germany to exacting repairability standards. Replacement shoulder straps, buckles, compression 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 Rack-Pack Urban.