Ortlieb began in 1982 when founder Hartmut Ortlieb returned from a rain-soaked bike tour in England with drenched gear — and decided to design a better solution.
Using truck tarp material, he created the first fully waterproof pannier bag with roll-top closure, welded seams, and simple metal hooks.
Fast forward to 2026, and Ortlieb remains a German-made, family-run company with over 300 employees in Heilsbronn. Every product is still handcrafted in Germany, with lifetime support and repairability built in.
Core Values:
- 100% waterproof and dustproof construction
- Longevity and repairability (replaceable parts, modular designs)
- Local European production (no outsourcing)
- Sustainable, PVC-free materials in most modern lines