Ortlieb X-Tremer — a serious alternative to rigid transport cases

The X-Tremer exists for situations where a standard dry bag lacks volume and a rigid case is too cumbersome to carry. Available in four sizes from 35 to 150 litres, it covers everything from a day trip on the water to a multi-week overland expedition. When empty, it compresses to a fraction of its volume. When loaded and sealed, nothing gets in.

The construction is the same as the rest of the Ortlieb waterproof range: PVC-coated polyester (PD620) and PVC-coated Cordura (PS620C) at contact points, welded seams throughout, and an IP64-rated roll closure that creates an absolute seal with three to four rolls and a single buckle click. No zips, no membranes, nothing to fail in the field.

Waterproofing

Rated IP64 — fully dustproof and protected against water jets from all directions. In practice: impervious to sustained rain, safe in the spray zone of a kayak or motorboat. The roll closure is the sole sealing mechanism — no electronics, no moving parts. Ortlieb welds every seam junction rather than stitching, making each bond at least as strong as the shell material itself.

Carrying system

Anatomical padded shoulder straps with a removable chest strap allow the X-Tremer to be worn as a backpack when terrain demands it. The straps detach completely when using the bag as a transport container on vehicles, boats or luggage racks. A single carrying handle at the top provides a grab point for quick transfers.

Sizes and use cases

• 35 L (H 60 cm × W 27 cm × D 27 cm, 640 g) — day trips, climbing, motorcycle day kit, supplementary bag
• 59 L (780 g) — multi-day motorcycle touring, kayak touring, week-long expeditions
• 113 L (1060 g) — caving, extended boat travel, overland kit transport
• 150 L (1320 g) — full expedition kit, inflatable kayak transport, bulk gear protection

Specifications

• Volumes: 35 L / 59 L / 113 L / 150 L
• Dimensions (35L): H 60 cm × W 27 cm × D 27 cm
• Weight: 640 g (35L) — 780 g (59L) — 1060 g (113L) — 1320 g (150L)
• Waterproofing: IP64
• Material: PVC-coated polyester PD620 + PVC-coated Cordura PS620C
• Closure: Roll closure with snap buckle
• Carrying system: Padded shoulder straps + chest strap (detachable)
• Warranty: 5 years — repairable, Made in Germany (Heilsbronn)

Frequently asked questions

Can the X-Tremer be fully submerged?
IP64 certifies protection against water jets from all directions, not full submersion. It handles heavy rain, spray and shallow splashes without issue. For prolonged submersion, Ortlieb's PS seam-sealed dry bags are the appropriate choice.

How does it compare to a rigid transport case?
The X-Tremer is lighter, compressible when empty, and wearable as a backpack. It does not offer crush resistance but outperforms on weight, packability and versatility. For gear requiring impact protection, rigid cases remain the choice.

Which size suits which use?
35L covers a full day's kit or a compact supplementary bag. 59L handles a week's gear for motorcycle or kayak touring. 113–150L is expedition territory — caving, extended boat travel, overland journeys where bulk kit must stay dry.

Can it be used as a travel bag?
Yes. It works well as a holdall for air or rail travel, particularly for gear that would be damaged by luggage handling. The shoulder straps make it carriable as a backpack through airports or stations.

Can it be repaired?
Yes — straps, buckles and closures are all replaceable. Shell punctures can be resealed by Ortlieb's service centre in Heilsbronn or by authorised dealers. Spare parts remain available for a minimum of ten years after discontinuation.

Where is it made?
In Heilsbronn, Germany. All four sizes of the X-Tremer are stocked at L'Hirondelle Bike Shop in Meppel.