ORTLIEB: Waterproof Bags, Made in Germany – and Made to Be Repaired -

Born from a wet sleeping bag.

In the early 1980s, Hartmut Ortlieb was cycling through rain-soaked England when water found its way into his luggage. A lorry’s waterproof tarpaulin suggested a solution: make the bags himself. In 1982, ORTLIEB was born.

Today, from its factory in Heilsbronn, Bavaria, ORTLIEB manufactures waterproof bicycle panniers, bikepacking bags, backpacks, dry bags and travel luggage. Rather than relying only on sewn and taped seams, it uses high-frequency welding to join coated fabrics. Product development, specialised machinery and repairs are closely connected at the site.

German manufacturing is well documented for the waterproof range, but not all materials and components come from Germany. An independent review identified two China-made accessories in 2021; their present origins and the European-made share of the full range still need confirmation.

Visit ORTLIEB’s website

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Why We Find This Maker Interesting

One broken mounting hook should not end the life of a pannier. ORTLIEB’s replaceable Quick-Lock fittings and repair service turn that straightforward idea into a practical system.

We are also intrigued by TIDURA, a newer coated fabric developed with weaving in the Benelux and coating in Germany. It illustrates something often overlooked: European manufacturing can be a collaboration of specialised skills, not merely the final step of assembling a product.

Stories

Ortlieb – it all started with a wet sleeping bag

Knowledge

Tidura

ORTLIEB at a glance

Founded	1982 by Hartmut Ortlieb in Nuremberg, Germany
Based in	Heilsbronn, Bavaria, since 1997
Ownership	Owner-managed, independently financed company
Main products	Bicycle panniers, bikepacking bags, backpacks, dry bags and travel luggage
Manufacturing	Finished products made in Germany; waterproof products manufactured at Heilsbronn
Employees	Approximately 300, according to ORTLIEB
Particular focus	Waterproof construction, specialised manufacturing processes, replaceable components and repair services