IBeing noticed on the road is vital for cyclists to survive, and yet vanity triumphs over the rationality of the reflective safety vest look for most cyclists. Ortlieb does away with these apparently irreconcilable opposites. The backpack commuter daypack, which we have come to appreciate in the so-called high-visibility version, is equally discreet and brightly eye-catching.
At 21 liters, the bag for the back is still quite compact and also weighs only 860 grams. It goes without saying that Ortlieb’s good piece is waterproof. The tried-and-tested roll-top closure is conveniently kept short and is fixed with a strap and aluminum hook. On the outside there is a small, non-waterproof zipped compartment that keeps your phone or keys safe and accessible without having to remove the backpack.
Hip belt easily detachable
There are also daisy chains and eyelets for the rear light and U-lock, which can be equipped with straps but can also be used for various accessories. The carrying system is simple with a narrow hip belt, adjustable chest strap and unpadded straps, but functional and absolutely comfortable – it’s not the first backpack from the Franconian manufacturer. The hip belt, which is used more for fixation than effective load control, can be easily removed if necessary. The same applies to the chest strap, which is also adjustable in height.
Inside the main compartment there is a large, laptop-compatible organizer, which on the one hand ensures order and on the other hand stabilizes the back part and serves as a cushion between the contents and the back. On the outside, robust rubber beads ensure ventilation of the back and in turn contribute to the wearing comfort. The floor is completely rubberized, which keeps dirt and abrasion away from the material, which looks like textiles.
The real highlight of the backpack is the Cordura
The usual good workmanship, which Ortlieb manifests with a five-year warranty, speaks for a long-lasting existence. In fact, after more than a year and a half of daily commuting, the commuter daypack shows little signs of wear and tear.
The real highlight of the backpack is the Cordura – outer material, which initially appears monochrome black and only reveals a kind of pinstripe pattern on closer inspection. This fine pattern – which adorns not only the backpack but also the carrying straps – is a reflective yarn that turns the commuter daypack into a cat’s eye that glows all around in the dark. The reflex effect is quite impressive. Depending on the angle of incidence of the light, the formerly black backpack suddenly appears bright white and does its job as a passive safety bonus. With the good feeling of having shouldered the lighting effect of an LED Christmas tree, driving in the dark is a little more carefree. Back in the light, the backpack is then again discreet.
The commuter daypack High Visibility is produced in Germany and costs just under 210 euros online at Ortlieb.