REVIEW: Ortlieb Atrack 45

A few weeks ago, I came across an article about the waterproof ORTLIEB Atrack backpacks. The feature that caught my interest was not so much that these backpacks are 100% waterproof, but rather that they open like a duffel bag, allowing quick and easy access to the interior.

Although the Atrack series is clearly marketed towards outdoor and active travelers, I wondered if an Atrack would also hold up in a more "tactical" environment - be it in law enforcement or military operations. I contacted the importer of ORTLIEB in the Netherlands, the TCK Sports Group, and they kindly provided me with a black 45-liter version of the Atrack backpack.

Here are the basic details of the Atrack 45:

· Material: PU-coated nylon fabric
· Dimensions: 62 x 32 x 30 cm
· Weight: 1,560 g
· Volume: 45 l

ORTLIEB is a Germany-based company that has been producing waterproof bags since 1982. Their first products were bike bags made from truck tarp material. Today, ORTLIEB uses a highly advanced process (high-frequency 3D welding) and materials to produce their famous and award-winning bags that are used in the most demanding conditions worldwide. HERE is the company history of ORTLIEB.

The Atrack backpacks come in several series designed for specific users. All Atrack backpacks are made from a very robust and durable waterproof fabric and feature a special T-Zipper closure that makes them waterproof and dustproof according to IP-67 standards. This means that these bags are guaranteed waterproof when submerged in one meter of water for 30 minutes. In addition to the "Standard" series of Atrack, available in different colors and sizes of 45, 35, and 25 liters, there are ST (Short Torso), BP (Bike Packing), and CR (Core/urban use) series. The ST and CR versions do not come with the load-bearing hip belt.

ORTLIEB also offers various accessories for the Atrack series, such as special straps for attaching a helmet or other equipment to the outside, and a hydration system with a special connection for the drinking hose to maintain the waterproofness of the backpack.

Overview of the Atrack 45 Backpack

The materials used give the backpack a very sturdy impression. The T-Zipper has a large zipper pull that is easy to operate even with gloves. And this is a very welcome feature because the zipper itself is difficult to open and close. After applying silicone spray to the zipper, it operated more smoothly. When closing the zipper, it must be pulled until it "clicks" at the end of its run, only then is the bag waterproof.

Practical Features:

- Adjustable carrying system
- Load-carrying hip belt with side mesh pocket
- Two external pockets for water bottles
- 2 horizontal and 1 vertical compression straps
- Daisy Chains on the outside for attaching equipment
- 4 zipper pockets on the inside for organization

The Atrack Backpack in Action

I used this backpack for several weeks during my daily activities. These included long hours outdoors in typical (unpredictable) Dutch weather, at the shooting range, and on the training ground. I carried all the equipment I need for the job: including training weapon and ammunition, insulating and waterproof clothing, trauma kit, gas mask, gloves, etc.

As mentioned earlier, the appearance and feel of this bag alone inspire great confidence in its quality. Although I did not expose the Atrack 45 to extreme conditions, there is no doubt that it can withstand a lot and cope well even in rough conditions.

Although I was a little skeptical about the waterproofness of the Atrack, after watching some user videos, I was very confident that it would keep my equipment bone dry. And it did: even when I had to spend several hours in pouring rain, the Atrack remained dry inside.

The carrying system is easily adjustable and provides great support and comfort, even with prolonged use. The hip belt is wide and the pockets are great for keeping keys or a phone within easy reach.

One of the great features of this backpack is the easy access to the interior. Lay the backpack on your back and open the zipper, which is located right in the center of the carrying system. So there is no need to loosen compression straps, just open the zipper like a duffel bag! This also means that the part of the backpack that sits on the back always stays clean. And even if you splash the backpack with mud, the clothes stay clean.

Inside the backpack, there are four zippered pockets that make organizing personal equipment easier, as well as some internal compression straps.

CONCLUSION: I am very impressed with the Atrack 45. It has served me well in the past few weeks, and I like the intelligent design as well as the quality of the backpack. I will continue to use this Atrack because I can quickly grab my equipment from the inside and because I have the reassuring feeling that, no matter what the weather, all my stuff will stay dry.

So is there nothing to improve on this backpack? Well, to be honest, this backpack comes pretty close to my idea of a perfect backpack. I can only think of two things that could be improved.

The first point is the color. It would be great if these backpacks were available in more tactical/subdued colors (black/wolf gray/military gray, etc.). I am sure this would appeal to many potential users in the law enforcement or military fields. The Atrack CR Urban is a step in that direction - but has only 25 liters.

The second thing I missed would be a grab handle. I really like grab handles on my backpacks, for example, to grab them from a vehicle. I understand very well that the position of the zipper makes it difficult/impossible to attach a handle where it is on "normal" backpacks. So the absence of the handle would be the price for easy access to the interior, and that's okay. I look forward to taking this great backpack on many more adventures, even at work, but hopefully also on civilian travel and outdoor activities!

Finally, I would like to sincerely thank the TCK Sports Group for providing me with this Atrack backpack and enabling me to write this review!

HERE you can see the complete Atrack line directly from ORTLIEB at a glance.

ORTLIEB has a series of videos on its YouTube page that showcase the functionality of the Atrack backpacks.

ORTLIEB on the Internet: www.ortlieb.com/de_de/