Ortlieb A5 Waterproof case (35g)

Overview

Ortlieb manufacture a whole range of waterpoof closures for documents and devices. They do produce full-size map covers but in practice I prefer to use the smaller A5 cover and to fold the map accordingly.

The A5 cover like most of the Ortlieb covers consists of a waterproof transaperent silicone cover which will resist anything but immersion. The transparent material is UV resistant but will yellow slightly over the years.

The closure is a roll-top. You basically fold the end of the transparent envelope over onto itself several times until two pieces of velcro meet and the whole thing is sealed.

The top of the case has a very tough laminated fabric strip to which is attached a cord. My case has been modified (by me) to include a carabiner.

Outdoor Testing

It works! When I first bought it I was a little sceptical about how effective the closure would be but in practice it works in all weathers. The transparent material used is very flexible and quite resistant to normal wear and tear and temperature.

I tend to carry mine tied onto a waist belt and then clipped onto the same belt using a carabiner. This gives me a secure place for my map which does not flap much when clipped on but can easily be unclipped and held.

My method of carrying a map does mean that the case can receive a lot of indirect abuse - which it handles very well but even so the map stays dry.

Long Term Conclusions

It works!