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The Accessory Pack from Ortlieb is a small, reasonably easy to access pouch that can either be used on its own, or attached directly to Ortlieb's Handlebar Pack. It is made from high quality materials, but comes at a price.

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The Accessory Pack is made from similar high-quality waterproof and durable materials as the rest of the Ortlieb bikepacking range.

It has an IP64 rating, which is only splashproof, but this is due to the style of closure rather than the fabric. With the roll securely fastened, it's waterproof enough for almost all bikepacking adventures in all conditions.

The pack can either be fitted directly to a set of handlebars, or onto the Ortlieb Handlebar bag. It attaches with two easy to use straps on the bars and one smaller clip that goes behind the fork crown (there is also a waist strap provided should you need to wear it).

The total space quoted is 3.5 litres, which is quite generous and I found it more than enough to hold all the food needed for a day's ride, plus phone and all spares that I would normally carry in a saddlebag.

The recommended weight limit is 1kg though, which is quite limited, but again fine for a day's accessories.

When used on its own it is fairly quick to fit, although I would suggest adding frame protection to all areas of the bars, frame or fork where there is contact. Use it with the Ortlieb Handlebar Pack and it attaches with four metal clips, with all straps used for solo use tucked away neatly. It is a really neat system.

Given it can be opened fairly easily it is good for storing food and little bits like lights or a phone. It isn't really possible to open while riding, but once stopped it's very quick and the metal clip that holds the roll-top in place is very neat.

Ortlieb Accessory Bag when attached to the Handlebar bag

The quality of the bag is excellent, but the stumbling point might be the £55 price tag – the Lifeline Adventure Handlebar Bag holds a full 11L and is £30, for instance.

If you already have the Ortlieb Handlebar Pack, this Accessory Pack adds very useful extra space. On its own it remains a high quality, tough and durable bag that holds a useful amount of stuff – but that quality comes at a considerable price.

• www.ortlieb.com

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