Ortlieb Seat-Pack QR 13L vs Revelate Designs Terrapin System 14L
Two seat packs, measured against each other on the figures that decide whether they work on a bike.
The short answer
The Revelate Designs Terrapin System 14L is ahead on capacity, how far it reaches back, tire clearance and weight. Nothing measured here goes the other way.
Assembled from the differences below rather than written over them. Every figure is a published measurement or computed from one — nobody here has used either one.
Where they differ
4 of the 6 things we can measure come out differently.
Capacity
1L more in the Terrapin System 14LThe maker's own figure. Worth reading alongside the dimensions below rather than on its own — two bags of the same litreage can want very different frames.
Reach behind the saddle
2cm shorter on the Terrapin System 14LLength is the lever arm on the seatpost, and the longer lever is what makes a loaded pack sway. Shorter is easier to live with; longer usually means more volume. It is a trade, not a fault.
Depth
2cm shallower on the Terrapin System 14LDepth is what competes with the rear tire once the pack sags under load. On a small frame or a big tire this is the measurement that decides it.
Weight
58g lighter on the Terrapin System 14LEmpty weight as published. Worth holding against capacity rather than alone — the lighter bag is not the better one if it carries a third less.
Side by side
Including the rows where they are level.
| Ortlieb Seat-Pack QR 13L | Revelate Designs Terrapin System 14L | |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 13L | 14L |
| Reach behind the saddle | 48cm | 46cm |
| Depth | 22cm | 20cm |
| Weight | 625g | 567g |
| Price | $215 | $219 |
| Per litre | $16.54 | $15.64 |