Ortlieb Vario PS QL2.1 bicycle bag / backpack
One bag. Two lives. Zero compromise.
The Ortlieb Vario 26L QL2.1 is the definitive answer for the urban cyclist who refuses to choose between a high-performance pannier and a comfortable backpack. In a matter of seconds, this convertible bag shifts from secured rack-mount to ergonomic backpack — no tools, no fuss, just pure versatility engineered in Germany.
A reversible flap conceals whichever mode you're not using, keeping the silhouette clean and the ride uncluttered. On one side, the proven Quick-Lock 2.1 system locks onto your rear rack with a single motion. Flip it over, and padded shoulder straps with a sternum strap take over for the commute on foot.
Built for the city. Ready for the day.
At 26 litres, the Vario holds everything your day demands: a laptop up to 15" in the dedicated padded sleeve, documents in A4 format, daily essentials accessible via the external zip pocket, and overflow capacity managed by the signature roll-top closure. Two mesh outer pockets add quick-access storage — water bottle, U-lock, or folded rain cover, your call.
The shell is PVC-free nylon with a polyurethane coating, rated IP64 for genuine waterproofing. Rain over the Netherlands, cobblestones in Berlin, a sudden downpour in Lyon — your gear stays dry. Reflective 3M strips on both sides keep you visible when the light drops.
Technical specifications
- Volume: 26 L
- Dimensions: H 47 cm × W 35 cm × D 26 cm
- Weight: 1,550 g
- Maximum load: 9 kg
- Waterproofing: IP64 (PVC-free PU-coated nylon)
- Mounting system: Quick-Lock 2.1 — compatible with all standard rear racks
- Tube diameter compatibility: 8–20 mm (reducers for 8, 10, 12 mm included)
- Laptop compartment: padded, up to 15"
- Closure: roll-top
- Reflectors: 3M, bilateral
- 5-year manufacturer warranty
- Made in Germany
Quick-Lock 2.1 mounting system
The QL2.1 is Ortlieb's most widely adopted rack system — trusted by millions of cyclists worldwide. Hook onto any standard rear rack in one fluid movement. Adjustable without tools across tube diameters from 8 to 20 mm. Three sets of reducers (8, 10, 12 mm) included. No rattling, no wobble, no second thoughts.
Frequently asked questions
- How quickly does the Vario convert between pannier and backpack?
The conversion takes just a few seconds. Unclip the QL2.1 hooks from your rack, fold the mounting flap over to reveal the padded shoulder straps, and clip the sternum strap. The reversible flap neatly covers whichever system is not in use.
- Is the Ortlieb Vario 26L truly waterproof?
Yes. The bag is rated IP64 — meaning it is protected against water splashes from any direction. The PU-coated nylon shell and roll-top closure combine to keep your contents fully dry in heavy rain. The two mesh outer pockets are not waterproof, so keep rain-sensitive items inside.
- What size laptop fits in the Vario 26L?
The padded internal sleeve accommodates laptops up to 15 inches and documents in A4 format.
- Is the QL2.1 compatible with my rear rack?
The Quick-Lock 2.1 system is compatible with all standard rear racks with tube diameters between 8 and 20 mm. Three pairs of reducers (8, 10, and 12 mm) are included in the box. If you need a higher load capacity or faster single-handed mounting, the Vario is also available with the QL3.1 system.
- What is the maximum load the QL2.1 can carry?
The QL2.1 system supports a maximum load of 9 kg — sufficient for a full day's kit, laptop, and daily essentials.
- Is the Vario 26L available in other colours?
Yes. The Vario QL2.1 is available in multiple colourways including Black, Petrol, Rooibos, Dark Sand, Cyber Blue, and Dark Chili. Select your preferred colour and volume (20L or 26L) using the variant selector above.
- Where is the Ortlieb Vario made?
The Vario is manufactured in Germany using a sustainable production process and is free of PVC. It carries a 5-year manufacturer warranty.
One bag. Two lives. Zero compromise.
The Ortlieb Vario 26L QL2.1 is the definitive answer for the urban cyclist who refuses to choose between a high-performance pannier and a comfortable backpack. In a matter of seconds, this convertible bag shifts from secured rack-mount to ergonomic backpack — no tools, no fuss, just pure versatility engineered in Germany.
A reversible flap conceals whichever mode you're not using, keeping the silhouette clean and the ride uncluttered. On one side, the proven Quick-Lock 2.1 system locks onto your rear rack with a single motion. Flip it over, and padded shoulder straps with a sternum strap take over for the commute on foot.
Built for the city. Ready for the day.
At 26 litres, the Vario holds everything your day demands: a laptop up to 15" in the dedicated padded sleeve, documents in A4 format, daily essentials accessible via the external zip pocket, and overflow capacity managed by the signature roll-top closure. Two mesh outer pockets add quick-access storage — water bottle, U-lock, or folded rain cover, your call.
The shell is PVC-free nylon with a polyurethane coating, rated IP64 for genuine waterproofing. Rain over the Netherlands, cobblestones in Berlin, a sudden downpour in Lyon — your gear stays dry. Reflective 3M strips on both sides keep you visible when the light drops.
Technical specifications
- Volume: 26 L
- Dimensions: H 47 cm × W 35 cm × D 26 cm
- Weight: 1,550 g
- Maximum load: 9 kg
- Waterproofing: IP64 (PVC-free PU-coated nylon)
- Mounting system: Quick-Lock 2.1 — compatible with all standard rear racks
- Tube diameter compatibility: 8–20 mm (reducers for 8, 10, 12 mm included)
- Laptop compartment: padded, up to 15"
- Closure: roll-top
- Reflectors: 3M, bilateral
- 5-year manufacturer warranty
- Made in Germany
Quick-Lock 2.1 mounting system
The QL2.1 is Ortlieb's most widely adopted rack system — trusted by millions of cyclists worldwide. Hook onto any standard rear rack in one fluid movement. Adjustable without tools across tube diameters from 8 to 20 mm. Three sets of reducers (8, 10, 12 mm) included. No rattling, no wobble, no second thoughts.
Frequently asked questions
- How quickly does the Vario convert between pannier and backpack?
The conversion takes just a few seconds. Unclip the QL2.1 hooks from your rack, fold the mounting flap over to reveal the padded shoulder straps, and clip the sternum strap. The reversible flap neatly covers whichever system is not in use.
- Is the Ortlieb Vario 26L truly waterproof?
Yes. The bag is rated IP64 — meaning it is protected against water splashes from any direction. The PU-coated nylon shell and roll-top closure combine to keep your contents fully dry in heavy rain. The two mesh outer pockets are not waterproof, so keep rain-sensitive items inside.
- What size laptop fits in the Vario 26L?
The padded internal sleeve accommodates laptops up to 15 inches and documents in A4 format.
- Is the QL2.1 compatible with my rear rack?
The Quick-Lock 2.1 system is compatible with all standard rear racks with tube diameters between 8 and 20 mm. Three pairs of reducers (8, 10, and 12 mm) are included in the box. If you need a higher load capacity or faster single-handed mounting, the Vario is also available with the QL3.1 system.
- What is the maximum load the QL2.1 can carry?
The QL2.1 system supports a maximum load of 9 kg — sufficient for a full day's kit, laptop, and daily essentials.
- Is the Vario 26L available in other colours?
Yes. The Vario QL2.1 is available in multiple colourways including Black, Petrol, Rooibos, Dark Sand, Cyber Blue, and Dark Chili. Select your preferred colour and volume (20L or 26L) using the variant selector above.
- Where is the Ortlieb Vario made?
The Vario is manufactured in Germany using a sustainable production process and is free of PVC. It carries a 5-year manufacturer warranty.
Original: $182.36
-65%$182.36
$63.83Description
One bag. Two lives. Zero compromise.
The Ortlieb Vario 26L QL2.1 is the definitive answer for the urban cyclist who refuses to choose between a high-performance pannier and a comfortable backpack. In a matter of seconds, this convertible bag shifts from secured rack-mount to ergonomic backpack — no tools, no fuss, just pure versatility engineered in Germany.
A reversible flap conceals whichever mode you're not using, keeping the silhouette clean and the ride uncluttered. On one side, the proven Quick-Lock 2.1 system locks onto your rear rack with a single motion. Flip it over, and padded shoulder straps with a sternum strap take over for the commute on foot.
Built for the city. Ready for the day.
At 26 litres, the Vario holds everything your day demands: a laptop up to 15" in the dedicated padded sleeve, documents in A4 format, daily essentials accessible via the external zip pocket, and overflow capacity managed by the signature roll-top closure. Two mesh outer pockets add quick-access storage — water bottle, U-lock, or folded rain cover, your call.
The shell is PVC-free nylon with a polyurethane coating, rated IP64 for genuine waterproofing. Rain over the Netherlands, cobblestones in Berlin, a sudden downpour in Lyon — your gear stays dry. Reflective 3M strips on both sides keep you visible when the light drops.
Technical specifications
- Volume: 26 L
- Dimensions: H 47 cm × W 35 cm × D 26 cm
- Weight: 1,550 g
- Maximum load: 9 kg
- Waterproofing: IP64 (PVC-free PU-coated nylon)
- Mounting system: Quick-Lock 2.1 — compatible with all standard rear racks
- Tube diameter compatibility: 8–20 mm (reducers for 8, 10, 12 mm included)
- Laptop compartment: padded, up to 15"
- Closure: roll-top
- Reflectors: 3M, bilateral
- 5-year manufacturer warranty
- Made in Germany
Quick-Lock 2.1 mounting system
The QL2.1 is Ortlieb's most widely adopted rack system — trusted by millions of cyclists worldwide. Hook onto any standard rear rack in one fluid movement. Adjustable without tools across tube diameters from 8 to 20 mm. Three sets of reducers (8, 10, 12 mm) included. No rattling, no wobble, no second thoughts.
Frequently asked questions
- How quickly does the Vario convert between pannier and backpack?
The conversion takes just a few seconds. Unclip the QL2.1 hooks from your rack, fold the mounting flap over to reveal the padded shoulder straps, and clip the sternum strap. The reversible flap neatly covers whichever system is not in use.
- Is the Ortlieb Vario 26L truly waterproof?
Yes. The bag is rated IP64 — meaning it is protected against water splashes from any direction. The PU-coated nylon shell and roll-top closure combine to keep your contents fully dry in heavy rain. The two mesh outer pockets are not waterproof, so keep rain-sensitive items inside.
- What size laptop fits in the Vario 26L?
The padded internal sleeve accommodates laptops up to 15 inches and documents in A4 format.
- Is the QL2.1 compatible with my rear rack?
The Quick-Lock 2.1 system is compatible with all standard rear racks with tube diameters between 8 and 20 mm. Three pairs of reducers (8, 10, and 12 mm) are included in the box. If you need a higher load capacity or faster single-handed mounting, the Vario is also available with the QL3.1 system.
- What is the maximum load the QL2.1 can carry?
The QL2.1 system supports a maximum load of 9 kg — sufficient for a full day's kit, laptop, and daily essentials.
- Is the Vario 26L available in other colours?
Yes. The Vario QL2.1 is available in multiple colourways including Black, Petrol, Rooibos, Dark Sand, Cyber Blue, and Dark Chili. Select your preferred colour and volume (20L or 26L) using the variant selector above.
- Where is the Ortlieb Vario made?
The Vario is manufactured in Germany using a sustainable production process and is free of PVC. It carries a 5-year manufacturer warranty.
