Vario 20L

£178

Rear pannier or backpack? With the versatile Vario, you don’t have to choose. Designed for seamless transitions, it converts from a comfortable bike bag to a practical backpack—and back again—with just one hand. One side features the trusted Quick-Lock mounting system for a secure fit on your bike, while the other side includes a padded shoulder harness and chest strap for maximum carrying comfort. A smartly designed flap with an integrated pocket neatly covers the side not in use, ensuring a sleek look.
The zippered outer pocket keeps essentials within quick reach, while the spacious main compartment is easily accessible via the roll-top closure. A padded laptop compartment provides extra protection for sensitive devices.
Constructed from durable, waterproof material, the Vario is built to withstand the elements. Like all ORTLIEB products, it is proudly made in Germany—an ideal choice for demanding commuters and outdoor adventurers alike.

Specifications

Height

45 cm

Width

31 cm

Depth

25 cm

Volume

20 L

Load

9 kg

Weight

1360 g

SKU

F7717

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 20L meets the IP64 protection rating:

Even in very heavy rain and splashing water, the contents stay perfectly dry. The Vario 20L 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 nylon (ps33)

Mounting System

Quick-Lock2.1

Downloads

Instruction
Datasheet

Scope of delivery

1x pannier/backpack-hybrid with QL2.1 mounting system
1x chest strap
1x set of reduction inserts (8 mm, 10 mm, and 12 mm; one pair each)

Spare parts

QL2.1 Mounting Hooks

Inserts for QL2.1 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 straps! Secure loose straps before driving off.
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 9 kg. If necessary, weigh your load to ensure that you do not exceed the maximum payload.

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

Our mounting systems compared

The QL mounting systems on ORTLIEB panniers allow fast and secure mounting on racks. They are referred to as self-locking fixing systems, for the panniers provided with this system can be mounted to the racks in an easy and safe manner. In case of damage all components can be replaced easily.

To the detailed overview of the mounting systems

Current variant Current variantQuick-Lock2.1

Quick-Lock2.2

Quick-Lock3.1

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

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

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

Feature

Tool-free adjustment

Quick, tool-free adjustment without reducer inserts

Back of bag is free of protruding hooks

Maximum load

9 kg

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 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 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 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

On inserts (upper hooks) & lower hook rail

On upper hooks, lower hook & lower hook rail

Not required

All individual parts available as spare parts

View all Quick-Lock2.1 products

View all Quick-Lock2.2 products

View all Quick-Lock3.1 products

Compare similar products

Compare all bike bags

QL2.2

Hybrid of backpack and pannier, intuitively and flexibly convertible

A lightweight hybrid of a backpack and a bicycle bag

Born from courier culture. Refined for everyday life.

178 – £200

£155

105 – £155

Single/Pair Bag

Single bag

—

Volume

20 L

22 L

17 L, 23 L, 29 L

Mounting System

Quick-Lock2.1
Quick-Lock2.2
Quick-Lock3.1

Quick-Lock2.1

—

Weight

1310 – 1390 g

1180 g

730 – 1070 g

Material

Nylon PS33, Urban

Nylon PS33

TIDURA® strong, Classic, High-Vis

Weather protection & closure

Closure

Roll-top closure

Roll-top with hook-and-loop fastener

Waterproof

100 % Waterproof

IP Rating

IP64
The product is dust-tight and protected against splashing water from all directions.

Mounting and carrying options

2-in-1 Bag

Bike bag and Backpack

Mounted on

Rear rack

Rear rack

—

Carry Options

Handle
Backpack straps

Handle
Backpack straps

Backpack straps
Handle

Back Padding

TPU padding

Foam padding

Chest Strap

Waist Strap

Self-Standing

Storage & organization

Inner Pockets

Laptop Compartment

36 cm × 24.5 cm × 2.5 cm

External Pockets

Zip pocket

Zip pocket

—

Clear Pocket

Features & adjustment

External Attachment Points

—

Attachment loops

Compression Options

—

Hydration Tube Port

Reflective Elements

Dimensions

Height

45 cm

49 cm

45 – 50 cm

Width

31 cm

32 cm

28 – 33 cm

Depth

17 – 25 cm

24 cm

14 – 21 cm

Diameter

—

Length

—

Max. Load

9 – 12.5 kg

9 kg

10 kg

View product page

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 20L waterproof?

The Vario 20L 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 20L is therefore ideal for longer outdoor adventures in stormy conditions.

More about waterproofness

Can the Vario 20L 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 20L 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 20L manufactured?

The Vario 20L 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 20L 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 20L 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 20L worth the price?

ORTLIEB products stand for durability and repairability. The Vario 20L 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.