Arkel Orca vs Orlieb Back Roller: Which Panniers to Choose

Or why I changed my 40,000 km old Ortlieb panniers for Arkels.

40 km with the Ortlieb Back Roller Plus.

For 4 years I toured the world with Ortlieb Back and Front Roller Plus. Like me, almost all the travelers I met on the road had one Ortlieb model or another. But in bicycle touring, there's often a fashion effect. Everyone has a particular piece of equipment, not necessarily because it's the best, but because of a ripple effect.

For the past year, Arkel has sent me a few saddlebags that I use in Quebec, including the Orca 35 model. They didn't ask me for a review, but I wanted to share with you why I now recommend this model rather than the ubiquitous Ortlieb. You will find the answer in the (French) video here and in the text and photos below. 

If you are interested in getting Arkel products, I have some affiliate links for Orca 25, Orca 35 et Orca 45.

 Similarities 

First, the similarities. Both are a pair of panniers that attach to a luggage rack on either side of the rear wheel. These are typical bicycle touring models, which can be used for grocery shopping, day camping or touring the world.

Prices and sizes are quite similar. Arkel has Orca 25, 35 and 45 models. The 35 L are $235, the 45 L are $260. At Ortlieb, it's 40 liters in the back and 25 in the front. The 40 L is $270.

Other nearly identical points include:

• Reflectors on both sides of each saddlebag.

• There is no seam.

• A completely waterproof fabric. We never need to cover them with a protective layer, and it is possible to wash them with a hose or even in the shower.

Holes can be created if what is in the inner sleeve is too heavy, such as a computer.

Another common feature is the pockets inside, large enough to carry papers, a tablet, a computer or kitchen items that compress.

Both seem to have the same problem of a screw rubbing on the pocket inside. On my Ortliebs, the bag where I put my computer tore over time, while the other where I put my saucepan remained much more intact. For a long trip, I'd cover the screws inside with thick tape to prevent abrasion.

The Two Brands

Orlieb is a German company and their factory is also located there.

Arkel is a company from Sherbrooke, Quebec, where the bags are designed and assembled. More specifically, their CAM-LOCK attachment system is assembled at Arkel's workshop by the group of the CRDITED Estrie, (the Rehabilitation Center for Intellectual Disability and Pervasive Developmental Disorders).

Attachment System

At Ortlieb, the system is called QL 2.1, and comes with three spacers of 8, 10 and 12 mm to adapt it to different brackets. As an example, a good-quality bracket like the tubus logo Evo is 10 mm in diameter. The cam-lock mounting system I mentioned automatically adapts to tubes from 8 to 15 mm. Another set of hooks can be purchased for tubes from 15 to 21 mm. 

Two 10 mm spacers.

The plastic retaining the spacers will eventually expand over time.

At first glance, Ortieb's system looks more stable and adaptable. But that's where my 40 km experience with these panniers comes in! The problem with these spacers is that, after a while, they expand and fall off quite easily.

With so much weight on the support, the plastic holding them tight eventually expands and the spacers slip. Even if you're excessively careful to make sure they stay in place, you end up losing them, especially when someone wants to help you and grabs them by the handle.

The same goes for taking the bus or plane with panniers. You have to remove them beforehand so you don't end up with fewer pieces on the other side. There aren't that many solutions to this problem. I'd thought of using electrical tape to hold them in place, but it blocked the anchoring system. So I was dragging around spare pieces to change when I lost some. I've seen several people with the same problem, and they've used a few dozen thicknesses of electrical tape to increase the diameter of the tube enough so that the bag doesn't balloon.

Arkel's Cam-Lock attachment system, with its metal hooks.

I was really surprised by Arkel's universal system. I expected the big holes to make them move more. But the little rubbers on the hook and the removable part hold it firmly in place. It's also worth noting that the hooks are metal rather than plastic.

Finally, in both cases, you can adjust the position of the hooks to suit your luggage rack. Personally, I try to position them towards the rear of the bike, to free up the back of the foot.

Glide prevention system

There are hooks on which the pannier rests, but also different hook systems that keep it glued to the luggage rack. It doesn't seem so much on asphalt, but as soon as the road gets a little bumpier, it's very important to keep the pannier from flying off, as happened to me on a few occasions.

The piece is plastic from Ortlieb and it bends a bit. Even trying different combinations, it's never really tight enough to hold it in place. They've recently added the Gravel Pack, a smaller 25-liter model to their bikepacking collection. This one has two hooks instead of one, which should help hold it in place. Maybe it also helps take some pressure off the middle screws, which often need tightening. I lost a few on the road and had to replace them with the ones in the middle at the bottom, which are less necessary. To avoid losing any, it's possible to replace the plastic washer and screw system on the outside with a screw on the inside and a bolt on the outside. This does, however, impair the seal a little, and I suggest putting a large washer or piece of rubber or something else that crushes inside.

At first glance, Arkel's system looks less elaborate, but it holds better. The hook is placed at the bottom of the rack, and the elastic at the top can be reknotted to make it tighter. There are three possible positions for the bottom metal hook, to adapt it to different luggage racks.

It is possible to tighten the elastic of the Arkel by making new knots.

Three positions for the hooks at the bottom of the Arkel.

I wrote to Arkel to find out if they'd ever had any claims for detachment of this strip of fabric. They replied "no".

I also asked if, as with Ortlieb, the screws on the back of the pannier should be retightened often. I was told:

“Never or very rarely, the nuts inside are molded from a rubber washer that completely seals the bag and prevents the bolt from unscrewing. "

Weight

Internal structure placed at the bottom of the Arkel.

In terms of weight, Orlieb's Back Roller Plus is a little lighter than the Arkel. We're talking about 1,68 kg per pair, or 3,7 lbs, for the 40-liter. The Arkel is just under a pound heavier. However, this weight includes a small internal plastic structure, which can be removed, bringing the difference down to less than half a pound.

The internal structure is an interesting option. It gives the bag a better hold and can perhaps prevent sharp objects from making holes in the bottom of the bag. Is it necessary? Not really. But with the panniers filled, you don't really notice the slight difference in weight.

Fabric

The Orca's slightly heavier weight can be explained by its thicker, stiffer-to-the-touch fabric. As a matter of fact, Ortlieb's classic PVC model is closer to the Orca's weight. 

Numerous repairs to the fabric of the Ortlieb.

Perhaps the weight difference is a good thing here, as I had abrasion problems with my Orlieb. Right at the start of my round-the-world trip, I rubbed against a cement wall on a bridge, which caused a hole in the side. Over time, other holes formed at the seams: at the base, and on the top where I turned the fabric most often. Also on the sides where the bag touched the ground after flying through the air. I repaired my holes with Tenacious Tape inside and out.

For the classic Orlieb model, I've seen several people with large tears repaired with Duct Tape, rather than small holes. I have the impression that the holes are harder to make, but that once they open, they open longer.  

Closing the Pannier

Folding the bag to close it is a little more difficult on the Orca than on the Ortlieb. Not least because of the stiffness of the fabric, but also because of the thicker double plastic strip. I don't like it as much, but at the same time it gives me a handle to lift the bag when it's open.

When closed, the bag can be lifted by one of the side straps, or by the handle of the attachment system. 

Ortlieb recommends not lifting the pannier by its handle, but rather using the strap on top. This strap works extremely well until the plastic fasteners break with long use. Before that, however, I used it not only to close the bag at different fill levels, but also to carry wet clothes or keep a coat close at hand. It's also handy for attaching sandals for stops, which I find a little lacking on the Arkel.

Double thick plastic band at the top of the Arkel.

Broken tie on the top of the Ortlieb.

Shoulder Bags 

Closing the Ortlieb with the top strap leaves the two side straps free. These can be attached to the top, or after a shoulder strap, which is quite handy in hotels or at the airport. The shoulder strap can be attached at the bottom when driving.

The Arkel doesn't come with a shoulder strap, but it does have D-rings that allow you to add one, sold separately. Arkel writes on its website that a single strap allows two panniers to be carried together. When riding, however, there's no place to attach it so it doesn't hang down. My impression is that it's a useful airport accessory that can be removed afterwards.

Other Accessories

The Arkel may not have a shoulder strap, but it does have several other interesting accessories. 

• A small strip where you can attach a light.

• Reflective materials on the side of the bag but also on the front. So on the side of the bike.

• A small pocket on the outside with holes to drain water. To choose the pouch, however, I would probably have preferred a small net to dry a towel or a bathing suit.

Guarantee

We are talking of 5 years at Ortlieb, and for life at Arkel. 

Conclusion and Wishes 

Both are quality products, and there are things I like about both panniers. But as I mentioned in the introduction, my preferred choice for a round-the-world or weekend trip is the Orca.

The Ortlieb allows you to attach clothes with its strap on top, and it's easier to transport to the destination. But at the same time I lost several spacers despite my best efforts to keep them in place. The Ortlieb also rolls a little better, but perhaps at the cost of the fabric's durability.

My main reason for choosing the Arkel is stability. The pannier is glued to the rack, at the top and on the side, and there's less risk of it flying off after a speed bump taken too quickly.

The Ortlieb is available in several different colors. Blue, green, red and grey. The Arkel just comes in grey and red. At the same time, I've taken the gray model twice, so it's not much of an advantage as far as I'm concerned.

On the Arkel, I would have liked to see the logo reversed on both panniers. For easy left/right differentiation, and for symmetry in the photos.

Size-wise: for a long trip, I'd personally choose the 45-liter in the back and the 25-liter in the front, but the 35-liter model can also be carried in the front. For a shorter trip where less food or warm clothes are needed, just the 35-liter is perfect in the back.

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If you are interested in getting Arkel panniers, I have some affiliate links for Orca 25, Orca 35 et Orca 45.

Do not hesitate write to me if you have any products you would like me to talk about!