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The Ortlieb Atrack Backpack is a completely waterproof pack that’s fully adjustable and available in 25, 35 and 45L variants. Its staggeringly well made and has outside pouches as well as internal storage zipped pouches. Zip entry is against your back and it fully opens up like a travel bag.

In Depth Review

Imagine a backpack that is so waterproof you can keep it underwater for 30 mins and everything still stays dry.

We’ve all been caught out in the rain when backpacking. In my gear review blog I usually recommend keeping all your gear inside a dry bag inside your backpack or using a cover to keep things dry. Even this wont work if you are wading across streams or put the bag down carelessly. The Atrack Backpack from Ortlieb does away with all these issues by being completely waterproof, and I do mean ‘absolutely underwater for 30 minutes and everything still dry’ kind of waterproof.

This isn’t just a great backpack because its waterproof. Its a great backpack AND its waterproof.

Fabric

The Atrack backpack is made from a PVC free waterproof nylon. and has various straps round the sides, top and bottom to adjust its size depending on how much you are carrying. The outside back also has daisy chain attachment points for anything extra you want to attach. The bag is designed to be put down on its back so your straps and harness doesn’t get dirty.

Compartment

This backpack opens like a travel bag. Normally packs open from the top but this one slips open all the way along so you can open it up like a taco and see everything laid out easily and quickly.

Inner Pockets

Once inside the main compartment has 4 zipped pouches to help keep smaller items tidy. I used them for things like wash kits, first aid kit, batteries etc. There is also a larger bungee clip through the middle to help keep clothing and equipment stowed without moving around too much.

Clips and Straps

I opted for the largest 45L version but they do a smaller 25 and 35L size too. The outside allows you to close down the size of the pack from the top and bottom with straps so its easy to make the large backpack smaller when you aren’t using it to full capacity. My advice is to opt for the larger one as you can always make it smaller but you cant make a smaller one bigger !

Outer Pouches

Outside the waterproof bag are two large bungee pockets on the sides that can easily fit large water bottles in. I would also use this outer compartment to hold things that I might need quickly like hat, gloves etc on a dry day, or opt for just the waterproof items I need quickly on a wet day like waterproof jacket and pants, headlamp etc.

There are also zipped mesh pockets on each side of the waist belt which are great for storing things like snacks, sun cream, small bug spray etc.

Harness

The harness on the Ortleib Atrack is adjustable for both height and width which means it can comfortably fit all shapes and sizes. The shoulder and waist portions are mesh padded for extra comfort and the front also has a sternum strap with elasticity to make the bag more secure. Its very comfortable to wear and it gives good back support without being intrusive to your movement.

Zips

I’ve never seen a zip quite like the one on the pack. I expected it to be like a heavy duty diving drysuit zip but its somehow lighter and easier to use while still being waterproof enough that you could literally swim across a river with this and nothing would get wet.

Hydration

Despite being a completely waterproof backpack if you want to use bladder hydration you can unscrew a small discreet waterproof plug near the top right shoulder that leaves a space to pass the drinking tube through.

Submarine Levels of Waterproof

The Ortleib Atrack is rated to be fully waterproof to 1m for 30 minutes of full immersion. This is epic levels of waterproof and means your gear inside will remain dry no matter how much rain is thrown at it. I also think this makes the bag for people that do a lot of watersports and want somewhere to stow waterproof gear in the way home without making the car wet.

Gripes

The quality of the material used does have a tradeoff with weight and the backpack will be a bit clammy against your back in the Summer, but the harness padding does a good job of keeping it off your back.

Closest Competitor

None. I honestly cant think of anything I’ve ever tested that comes close to how awesome this bag is.

Verdict

The Ortlieb Atrack Backpack is a completely waterproof pack that’s fully adjustable and available in 25, 35 and 45L variants. Its staggeringly well made and has outside pouches as well as internal storage zipped pouches. The Zip entry is against your back for security in a crowd and it fully opens up like a travel bag.

PURCHASE $290

I would recommend opting for the largest 45L option because the straps on it allow you to make it smaller when you don’t need the full capacity. This isn’t just a great backpack because its waterproof, its a great backpack that is ALSO waterproof.

Ortlieb also offer its Dry Bags to first responders and medical professionals at a heavy discount via ExpertVoice.com — a website that offers “pro deals” for first responders.

Specs

+ Wear and tear resistant nylon fabric
+ 4 zippered inside pockets
+ continuously adjustable back panel to accommodate different heights
+ ergonomic shoulder straps
+ wide, padded hip belt with zippered side mesh pockets
+ two outside net pockets (e.g. for water bottles)
+ daisy chains on the front allow you to attach additional gear
+ 4 compression belts
+ hermetic seal for drinking tube exit

About Ortlieb

Independent opinion makers and the international specialty media supported the development of the brand ORTLIEB from the very beginnings with enthusiasm. Every month, on average, an ORTLIEB product is awarded with a “Best Buy” or “Recommendation”. This is definitely a permanent incentive for the 130 employees to commit themselves for maintaining the high quality and innovative power of ORTLIEB.

The truck tarps of the first years were replaced by new materials which are custom designed according to ORTLIEB’s specifications. These are followed by new technologies which have been used for several years. As always, all products in the high frequency welding process are exclusively manufactured at the company head quarters in Heilsbronn: “Made in Germany”, it’s a matter of honour. This is also reflected by constantly rising numbers of employees, a fact for which Hartmut ORTLIEB was awarded with the “Jobstar” in 2005 by institutions of the region Nuremberg.

For more than 30 years, ORTLIEB has been providing momentum in the bike and outdoor market and has set standards in the field of high functional equipment.The target has always remained the same: individuals who actively spend their leisure time in nature should feel independent from all facts they cannot influence, in other words: from the weather.