Vario 26L

230 €

Backpack or pannier? With the versatile and innovative Vario, you no longer have to ask yourself this question. Featuring our Quick-Lock attachment systems on one side and a padded carrying system with chest strap and ergonomic shoulder straps on the other, The Vario transforms from backpack to pannier faster than ever before. A so-called Flap with an integrated pocket covers the side that is not in use. And for any items that you need quick access to, there is a zippered outer pocket. Everything else can be accessed via the practical and proven roll closure, including your laptop for which a padded compartment is provided. This waterproof hybrid bag is PVC-free and sustainably manufactured in Germany.

Specifications

Height

47 cm

Width

35 cm

Depth

26 cm

Volume

26 L

Load

12.5 kg

Weight

1620 g

SKU

F7757

Waterproof

Yes ()

IP Ratings

The IP rating is an international standard that indicates how well a product is protected against dust and water.

The Vario 26L meets the IP64 protection rating:

Even in very heavy rain and splashing water, the contents stay perfectly dry. The Vario 26L is therefore ideal for longer outdoor adventures in stormy conditions.

All protection ratings at a glance

IP67

The product is dust-tight and protected against temporary immersion (up to 1 m for 30 min.).

IP64

The product is dust-tight and protected against splashing water from all directions.

IP54

The product is dust-protected and protected against splashing water from all directions.

IP53

The product is dust-protected and protected against spraying water up to 60° from vertical.

Material

PU-coated Cordura (ps36c)

Mounting System

Quick-Lock2.2

Downloads

Instruction
Datasheet

Scope of delivery

1x pannier/backpack-hybrid with QL2.2 mounting system
1x chest strap

Spare parts

Bike-rack abrasion guards

QL2.1 Mounting Hooks

Semi-elliptical bracket for lower QL2.1 anchoring hook

Screw set

Chest strap Daypack

Hip belt Vario, Velocity, Messenger Bag

QL2.2 Hooks

QL1/2/2.1/2.2 Anchoring hook

Warnings and safety information

Risk of injury due to incorrectly attached products! Before riding, check that the product is securely fastened.
Risk of injury due to loose components on the product. Screws can loosen over time due to vibrations. Therefore, check the screws after 100 km, 500 km, 1000 km and 1500 km and retighten them if necessary.
Risk of injury due to material breakage if overloaded! Do not exceed the maximum payload of 12,5 kg. If necessary, weigh your load to ensure that you do not exceed the maximum payload.
Risk of injury due to loose straps! Secure loose straps before driving off.

Care and usage instructions

Wipe clean with a damp cloth or clean with warm water and a mild soap solution. Remove heavier soiling carefully using a soft brush and gall soap.
Allow the bag to dry completely before storage.
To achieve protection class IP64 (6 = dust-tight, 4 = protected against water splashes from all directions), the closure must be rolled down 3–4 times and secured downward.
Keep free of coarse dirt.
Do not store the bag rolled up or folded, as this may cause the coating to crack.
Store protected from UV radiation to prevent the material from fading.
Reproofing is not necessary. The fabrics have a waterproof coating and therefore do not require any additional chemical treatment.
As signs of wear cannot be completely ruled out, it is recommended to protect all contact points between the bag mounting system and the luggage rack or bicycle frame with paint protection film.

Manufacturer information

ORTLIEB Sportartikel GmbH
Rainstraße 6
91560 Heilsbronn
Germany
deinservice@ortlieb.com

Frequently Asked Questions

How easy is it to switch between backpack and bike bag?

Switching takes just a few simple steps and only seconds. Thanks to the reversible flap that covers either the Quick-Lock system or the carrying system, the Vario can be converted from a bike bag to a backpack in no time. Shoulder straps and hooks are completely covered in each mode, ensuring comfort and a clean look.

Which mounting system is right for me?

That depends on how you want to use your bag.
All ORTLIEB mounting systems sit securely on the bike and can be operated comfortably with one hand.

The Quick-Lock2 systems are ideal if you frequently attach your bag to different luggage racks. The hooks lock securely onto the rack tube and hold reliably. The Quick-Lock2.2 system also offers higher load capacity and can be flexibly adjusted to different tube diameters.

If you prefer a bag without visible hooks on the back, the Quick-Lock3.1 system is the right choice. The bag clicks into special mounting points on the rack or into a permanently installed bracket and locks securely in place.

You can find more information and an overview of all systems on our Quick-Lock overview page.

To the Quick-Lock overvi

Is the Vario 26L waterproof?

The Vario 26L is waterproof according to protection class IP64. This rating indicates:

The product is dust-tight and protected against splashing water from all directions. Even in very heavy rain and splashing water, the contents stay perfectly dry. The Vario 26L is therefore ideal for longer outdoor adventures in stormy conditions.

More about waterproofness

Can the Vario 26L be locked securely to the bike?

That depends on the mounting system used. Our Quick-Lock2.1 and Quick-Lock2.2 bags can be secured directly to the luggage rack using the optional QL2-Lock. The lock is attached to the upper rail of the mounting system and reliably secures the bag to the bike. However, the bag itself is not locked.

With Quick-Lock3.1, locking the bag is not possible.

To the QL2-Lock

Does my laptop fit into the bag?

The Vario 26L has a laptop compartment measuring 36 cm × 24.5 cm × 2.5 cm, so you can safely transport your laptop.

How comfortable is the Vario to wear as a backpack?

The Vario offers high wearing comfort. Padded shoulder straps, a chest strap and the ergonomically shaped back panel ensure a pleasant carrying experience even on longer routes. Thanks to even weight distribution and breathable material, the backpack remains comfortable even on warm days.

Where is the Vario 26L manufactured?

The Vario 26L is manufactured in Heilsbronn, Germany, standing for genuine “Made in Germany” quality. Every production step, from material cutting to final inspection, takes place in our own facilities. Materials are sourced locally, regionally, or internationally according to strict requirements. Our high standards for raw materials extend the product’s lifespan and conserve resources.

More about Made in Germany

How long is my warranty?

The Vario 26L is designed for longevity and often accompanies you for decades. To give you peace of mind regarding durability, we offer a five-year warranty on materials and workmanship. If the Vario 26L does get damaged, almost every component from straps to buckles can be repaired. Even if a model is no longer produced, spare parts remain available for at least ten years.

Our warranty terms
How ORTLIEB products can be repaired

Is the Vario 26L worth the price?

ORTLIEB products stand for durability and repairability. The Vario 26L is manufactured in our factory in Heilsbronn, Germany. We source materials locally, regionally, or internationally depending on what meets our high standards. We invest time in development to ensure the functionality of every detail.
Thanks to long-lasting materials, the bag is a reliable companion. Its lifespan puts the purchase price into perspective, especially since we offer a five-year warranty on our products. A wide range of repair and upgrade options further improves the price-performance ratio.
Repair before replacement: Every product is designed to be easy to repair and can, in most cases, be serviced by our Customer Service team in Heilsbronn. This extends its lifespan and conserves resources.

Our mounting systems compared

The Quick-Lock mounting systems on ORTLIEB bike bags allow the bags to be attached to bike racks quickly and securely. They are also known as self-locking mounting systems, because bike bags equipped with this system can be hooked onto the rack easily and securely. All mounting components are very easy to replace in the event of damage.

To the detailed overview of the mounting systems

Current variant Current variantQuick-Lock2.2

Quick-Lock2.1

Quick-Lock3.1

The evolution of the QL2.1 system, with higher payload and quick switching between different bikes.

ORTLIEB’s most proven mounting system, trusted by millions of satisfied cyclists.

The QL3.1 system secures the bag to the rack particularly quickly and easily and offers excellent carrying comfort away from the bike.

Feature

Quick, tool-free adjustment without reducer inserts

Tool-free adjustment

Back of bag is free of protruding hooks

Maximum payload

12.5 kg

9 kg

Compatible racks

Compatible with all conventional luggage racks

For racks with QL3.1-compatible mounting points. Can also be retrofitted with the QL3.1 Mounting Set.

Compatible tube diameters

8–20 mm

8–16 mm (with QL3.1 Mounting Set)

The hooks can be adjusted tool-free between 10 and 16 mm in 1 mm increments. With the QL2.1 hooks, 18 or 20 mm tubes can also be used.

The 16 mm hooks can be adjusted to 8, 10 and 12 mm using the included reducer inserts. With the QL2.1 hooks and anchoring hooks, 18 or 20 mm tubes can also be used.

The QL3.1 Mounting Set can be attached to racks with a tube diameter of up to 16 mm. For tube diameters from 11 to 16 mm, the adapter clamps are also required.

More features

Lockable

with the QL2-Lock or the anti-theft device

(not included)

with the QL2-Lock or the anti-theft device

(not included)

—

One-handed operation possible

Mounting components

On the bag

On the rack

Anti-scratch coating