There are plenty of options for carrying extra gear on your bike these days. But if you have accessory mounts on the side of your fork legs (or not), you may be wondering what to use to put those mounts in use. Well, something like the Ortlieb Fork Pack would do the trick.
I finally installed them on the Jamis Renegade C3 I’m reviewing at the moment. I don’t have any bikepacking trips planned, as it’s getting really cold where I live. So, I will mostly be packing them up for some #coffeeoutside adventures, as well as packing some mid-ride lunch/snacks and packing along some layers. I will have more pics of that craziness later, in the full review.
Let’s get to my first impressions.
The 4.1L Ortlieb Fork Pack
The Ortlieb Fork pack comes in two sizes, the 5.8L and the 4.1L (tested). They also come in two colors, Black Matte, and Dark Sand (tested). The 4.1-liter packs are super lightweight at 290g (315g for the 5.8L) with the adaptor.
With Ortlieb’s Quick-Lock S (QLS) adapter, they can be taken on or off your bike in seconds. They mount like a small pannier but without the need for a front rack.
I love that they provide 8.2 liters (combined) of 100% waterproof storage on the bike. They can be mounted on any fork with accessory mounts on the legs with the supplied adaptor as long as the legs are untapered and between 30 and 42mm. The Fork pack can also be mounted to any tube within those diameters using the included adapter for round tubes without integrated mounts.
They use the tried and trued roll-top closure and are constructed using PVC-free nylon fabric that is sustainably produced in Germany. With the included QLS adapter, you can flip a lever and attach and detach the Fork Pack in seconds.
The Fork Pack has two large front and rear reflective triangles and a reflective logo on the side.
Fork Pack Retail and Detail
Retail: $65 (single 4.1L), $75 (single 5.8L)
Colors: Black Matt and Dark Sand
- Height: 28cm (11″)
- Depth: 11cm (4.3″)
- Max Load: 3kg (6.6lbs)
- Material: PS21R, PS33
- Adapter: Quick-Lock S
- Weight: 290g
- Width: 17.5cm (6.9″)
- Volume: 4.1L
Fork Pack Installation
The installation of the Fork Pack using the fork mounts went easy and without issue. The directions were clear and concise, with pictures. They arrived with all of the pieces needed to complete the installation.
For my application on the Jamis Renegade C3, which has a carbon fork, I used the included Carbon Fiber Protective Inserts. They provide a “buffer” between the fork and the QLS adapter when securing it to the fork. To use the Carbon Fiber Protective Inserts, just insert them in the designated spots behind the adapter, hold them to the fork, and install the included screws.
Once the adapters are installed, just slide the two bottom tongues into the bottom slots until you hear a “click”. And there you have it, the packs are installed. To remove the Packs, simply press on the lever and pull down. Boom, it’s that easy.
First Impressions
First impressions indicate that this pack system is easy to install and is high quality. The packs themselves are sturdy and well-built like we’ve come to expect from Ortlieb. I think the size choices are good for something that attaches to the fork of a bicycle. That being said, I don’t think I would like the 5.8-liter size. The 4.1-liter size seems the perfect size for my usage.
I’ve ridden them loaded and empty on a handful of rides, I like how small-ish they are. They are light and so easy to take on and off of the Renegade. They are surprisingly quiet, even on the rough stuff. Very impressed so far.
The price is spot-on for a fully waterproof, high-quality bag that happens to come with a very clever mounting adapter. There is a very good chance that these Packs will last a very long time, and I would recommend them to anyone who is looking for a fork pack.
I’ll be back here with my final review in the next few months.
Check out all of the neat stuff Ortlieb is doing by hitting the link below.
