If you’re in the market for a heavy-duty waterproof expedition back that not only doubles as a roller bag with a telescoping handle, but a duffle and backpack, look no further than the ORTLIEB 34L Duffle RG.
Not only is it made from premium materials to withstand the rigors of overland travel, but it can be your carry-on compliant companion on flights, too.
ORTLIEB has long been known for its durable wares like waterproof backpacks, bags, camera bags, and luggage—and the 34L Duffle RG is no exception. Let’s see if its smaller size stands up to the demands of cross-country multi-weeklong travels.
ORTLIEB’s History
The first ORTLIEB products, bicycle panniers, were constructed out of a basic need for waterproof bags. They were handmade from truck tarps and sewn on Hartmut Ortlieb’s mother’s sewing machine in Germany.
What was a personal need, as nothing was available at the time, blossomed into much more. A company formed in 1982, currently employing more than 300 employees.
ORTLIEB manufactures products utilizing a waterproof shell and zipper (like my 34L Duffle RG), roll or Velcro closures, or sliding seal mechanisms. They ship globally to distributors to more than 30 countries, including the United States.
The ORTLIEB 34L Duffle RG
I have another ORTLIEB bag, the 110L Duffle RS. It’s been a big part of my travel life for several years. It’s carried camping gear to Iceland twice, brought rally gear to Europe as my husband, Andy, and I competed in the 2024 Baltic Sea Circle Rally, and tons more. That roller bag has seen more miles in about six years than many people will see in a lifetime.
So, when I saw a smaller variant debut, the ORTLIEB 34L Duffle RG, I knew it could be a good replacement for my 20+ year-old SWISSGEAR carry-on suitcase I have held together with safety pins and a piece of rope. The Duffle RG is not only suitable as a carry-on but can be employed for other uses that my other case can’t.
The ORTLIEB 34L Duffle RG has the same style opening as my 110L Duffle RS has. It also showcases the same slim zippered pocket at the bottom of its interior for stashing papers or other important necessities. This smaller duffle bag, sized at 55 x 35 x 23 centimeters, or 21.65 x 13.78 x 9.06 inches, includes a compression belt on the inside to cinch things down, just like its larger sibling.
A lightweight and heavy-duty aluminum frame accents the back of the ORTLIEB 34L Duffle RG’s shiny black waterproof polyester fabric. Large 100-millimeter (3.93 inches) wheels easily roll on a variety of surfaces and are joined together by a sizable aluminum plate protecting the bag’s undercarriage.
These features create a roller bag that easily tracks over a variety of terrain. Another nicety: the 10-mm waterproof TIZIP Masterseal zipper ensures the gear inside won’t get wet or dusty. There is also a non-waterproof mesh zippered pocket on the exterior, perfect for holding a name tag or business card.
Using the ORTLIEB 34L Duffle RG
Traveling with the ORTLIEB 34L Duffle RG is easy and care-free. Other than a small dent in the upright portion of the aluminum handle housing, thanks to a baggage attendant, my expedition-ready roller bag hasn’t shown any wear.
Loading it with oversized items can be a bit tricky, but once in the bag, the straps compress contents well and the small T-handle pulls the zipper shut in an orderly fashion. Finish the “cinch” by hooking the end flap onto the exterior side-mounted peg (located near the top where the handle is), and you’re ready to roll.
The ORTLIEB 34L Duffle RG glides easily as rolling luggage and is quick to grab as a duffle (as long as you have both straps affixed together with Velcro). However, being only 5’-4” tall, I found it challenging to lift and onto my back as a backpack when fully loaded.
Packing this one-compartment duffle is different than a traditional carry-on case. You don’t have different compartments or zones to segregate stuff. But, with the use of things like packing cubes or rolled clothing, you can find things easier in a one-partition duffle. Plus, if you need to haul larger things, you have the space to do so when you can’t with old-school rollers.
Final Thoughts
ORTLIEB’s 34L Duffle RG is a great and updated answer to traditional luggage. The simple but multi-purpose design along with its high-quality materials make it an excellent cross-country contender or international traveler for a wide variety of adventures. I look forward to many years of trips with this one, too. Price: $420.00
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This article originally appeared in OVR Issue 06. For more informative articles like this, consider subscribing to OVR Magazine in print or digital versions here. You can also find the print edition of OVR at your local newsstand by using our Magazine Finder.
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