Ortlieb Back-Roller Classic Pannier Bag vs Thule AllTrail 45L Hiking Backpack (2026)

✍️ By the 247Verdict Editorial Team📅 Updated 05 October 2026

Which is better? We compared both on score, owner ratings, pros and cons.

Ortlieb Back-Roller Classic Pannier Bag

9.2/10 Excellent

4.7★ (8,400 owners)

40L waterproof roll-top, 1kg, universal fit, German welded seams. Cycling's waterproof standard.

Full Review

Thule AllTrail 45L Hiking Backpack

8.9/10 Great

4.5★ (3,800 owners)

45L, ventilated back, hipbelt pockets, rain cover, accessible front opening. Scandinavian hiking pack.

Full Review

At a Glance

	Ortlieb Back-Roller Classic Pannier Bag	Thule AllTrail 45L Hiking Backpack
247Verdict Score	9.2/10	8.9/10
Owner Rating	4.7★ (8,400)	4.5★ (3,800)
Verdict	Excellent	Great
Capacity	40L	45L
Heritage	Ortlieb Germany 40 years	Thule, Sweden 1942

Quick Verdict

Both are strong choices, but the Ortlieb Back-Roller Classic Pannier Bag edges ahead with a 9.2/10 vs 8.9/10. 40L waterproof roll-top, 1kg, universal fit, German welded seams. Cycling's waterproof standard. That said, the Thule AllTrail 45L Hiking Backpack is worth considering if 45L, ventilated back, hipbelt pockets, rain cover, accessible front opening. Scandinavian hiking pack. Check the current price on Amazon →

Pros & Cons Side by Side

Ortlieb Back-Roller Classic Pannier Bag

Welded seams and roll-top closure are genuinely waterproof — not water-resistant, truly submersible
40L capacity handles weekly shopping, touring kit or commuting loads
Universal QL2.1 fit system mounts on any standard bike rack in seconds without tools
1kg weight is reasonable for a 40L waterproof bag
German manufacturing with Ortlieb's 40-year waterproof bag heritage

Roll-top access is slower than zip alternatives for frequent item access
£100+ for a pannier requires commitment to regular cycling with bags
Black or signal orange only — less colour variety than fashion-oriented alternatives

Thule AllTrail 45L Hiking Backpack

Ventilated back panel separates pack from spine for airflow on steep ascents
Large hipbelt pockets hold phone and snacks without removing the pack
Front U-opening allows full access to pack contents without unpacking from top
Integrated rain cover deployable without removing the pack
Thule's Scandinavian heritage in outdoor equipment design since 1942

45L is touring size — too large for day hiking, slightly too small for 5+ day expeditions
Hipbelt fit requires proper sizing — poorly fitted hipbelts are uncomfortable for long days
Premium pricing over Osprey Talon alternatives at similar capacity

FAQ

Which is better, Ortlieb Back-Roller or Thule AllTrail 45L Hiking?

Is the Ortlieb Back-Roller worth the extra cost?

Yes — Ortlieb Back-Roller Classic Pannier Bag scores higher at 9.2/10 vs 8.9/10.

Who is the Ortlieb Back-Roller best suited to?

40L waterproof roll-top, 1kg, universal fit, German welded seams. Cycling's waterproof standard.

Who is the Thule AllTrail 45L Hiking best suited to?

45L, ventilated back, hipbelt pockets, rain cover, accessible front opening. Scandinavian hiking pack.

What are the main downsides of each?

Ortlieb Back-Roller Classic Pannier Bag: Roll-top access is slower than zip alternatives for frequent item access; £100+ for a pannier requires commitment to regular cycling with bags. Thule AllTrail 45L Hiking Backpack: 45L is touring size — too large for day hiking, slightly too small for 5+ day expeditions; Hipbelt fit requires proper sizing — poorly fitted hipbelts are uncomfortable for long days.

Do owner ratings agree with our verdict?

Largely, yes — Ortlieb Back-Roller Classic Pannier Bag sits at 4.7★ from 8,400 verified Amazon owners, and Thule AllTrail 45L Hiking Backpack at 4.5★ from 3,800.

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