Closure-Extension

A good product, but they missed the mark.

I’ve always been a huge fan of Ortlieb—the quality and durability are honestly unmatched. This closure extension is no exception when it comes to the materials; it’s very well-built. However, after using it, I feel like it misses the mark on what we actually need in daily life. The main issue with the Velocity and Messenger bags isn't necessarily that we need to carry a giant, overflowing load that ruins the waterproof seal. The real problem is that the original strap (the "tongue") is just a tiny bit too short. When the bag is moderately full, the velcro barely hangs on, and the second you move your shoulders or adjust the bag, it just pops open. This extension feels like a clunky "patch" for a problem that could be solved much more elegantly. What Ortlieb should really offer is a longer version of the original replacement strap. Imagine a strap with the same mounting holes for the hardware, just a few inches longer and with a wider velcro area. It would keep the backpack looking clean and original while giving us that extra security and adjustability we need to keep the bag properly rolled and waterproof. It’s a good product for extreme over-packing, but I’d love to see a more integrated, longer "pro" strap instead of a velcro daisy-chain. Still love the brand, but this one feels like a missed opportunity for a better design!