Is a backpack not the only answer!? What kind of bag breaks the common sense of bicycle commuting?

Do you assume that a bag for bicycle commuting must be something you "carry on your back"?

A back damp with sweat, straps digging into your shoulders from the weight of your luggage,
the annoyance of having to adjust your bag position repeatedly when you stop...
It's a subtle stress, isn't it?

Actually, that problem can be solved by changing how you carry your luggage
when riding a bicycle, making it surprisingly comfortable.

Perhaps there are surprisingly many people who don't know
that there is "another option" when riding a bicycle.

Bicycle commuting in Germany

In Germany, a bicycle powerhouse, bicycles are part of the life infrastructure,
from commuting and shopping to picking up and dropping off children.

In urban areas, the environment is well-prepared with dedicated bicycle lanes,
so there are many cities where bicycles are more convenient than cars that cause traffic jams,
and there is a culture of "getting things done by bicycle."

In Germany, people often use "pannier bags," which are bags
that attach to a rack.

So, why are pannier bags common for bicycle commuters in Germany?

・Bicycles are the primary means of transport
Since everything is done by bicycle,
daily items like work laptops, documents, groceries, and changes of clothes are also carried by bicycle.
There is a rational idea that it is overwhelmingly easier to carry them attached to the bicycle.

・Bicycle infrastructure is well-developed
With dedicated bicycle lanes and the ability to bring bicycles onto public transport,
the environment is set up for comfortable luggage transport,
making it natural to use pannier bags.

・Comfort
Although it is cooler than in Japan, there are hot days in Germany.
Many people use bicycles as their primary means of transport,
and you often see bicycle commuters in suits.
Many people use pannier bags to avoid getting their backs soaked in sweat.

For these reasons, pannier bags are very popular.

Backpack VS Pannier Bag

In Japan, the style of attaching pannier bags to bicycles has increased recently,
but you still often see the style of riding a bicycle
while wearing a backpack.

Now, let's look at the pros and cons of backpacks and pannier bags.

✅Pros of backpacks
・Can be used easily
・Smooth even if you get on and off the bicycle frequently
・Works with any bicycle
・Wide variety and high availability

However... the downside is that your back gets sweaty while riding,
and heavy loads put a strain on your shoulders and lower back.

✅Pros of pannier bags
・The bicycle supports the load, so your body is overwhelmingly more comfortable while riding
・Your back doesn't get sweaty
・Large capacity, suitable for commuting to work or school

However, there are also pannier bags that are troublesome to remove from the rack after getting off the bike,
and are difficult to carry around.

In other words,
"Pannier bags are comfortable while riding, but
backpacks are convenient after getting off the bike"
is likely the honest opinion of many users.

A hybrid bag born in Germany!?

There is a
2-in-1 bagthat combines the mobility of a backpack and the comfort of a pannier bag into one.

That is the Ortlieb Vario.

・One-touch switching
Just by flipping the flap,
you can switch between backpack and pannier bag functions
in a few seconds.

Ride comfortably as a pannier bag while cycling,
and carry it as a backpack when you arrive at the station or office.
With the Vario, this natural flow can be achieved
in an instant without any stress.

・A bag made by a waterproof bag manufacturer, safe even on rainy days
Ortlieb is a specialized brand for waterproof bags
born in Germany in 1982.
They continue to make waterproof bags using "highly durable fabric"
and "advanced welding technology," earning high praise.

The Vario, made by Ortlieb,
protects your belongings even in sudden rain,
allowing you to carry PCs and documents with peace of mind.

・Sufficient storage capacity for daily life
The Vario has enough storage for your daily needs,
from commuting to work or school, including a PC, books, stationery, lunch, and a change of clothes.
The inside of the bag
includes a sleeve to protect your PC.
It is also easy to organize small items with outer pockets and side mesh.

・One-touch attachment/detachment to the rack
For attachment to the rack,
it uses Ortlieb's unique system.
It can be easily fixed to the rack without tools.
Detachment is also one-touch.

The convenience of a backpack and the comfort of a pannier bag.
For bicycle users seeking both,
the Ortlieb Vario is truly an ideal choice.

・Want to make bicycle commuting more comfortable
・Want to ride easily even on days with a lot of luggage
・Often walk around town on the way home from work

The Vario is the perfect bag for such people.