Commuting - Ortlieb Office Bag Question

I bought an Ortlieb Office-Bag L from REI last week.

http://www.rei.com/product/768571

Inside the bag is a rolled piece of plastic about 6 inches wide and 3 feet long with some holes and snaps on it and velcro on the inside at the ends. It looks like it is there to stiffen/protect the bag's contents, but I don't understand how to use it. The snaps on the rolled plastic don't seem to line up right with the bag's internal snaps. And I don't understand why both Velcro strips are 'loops' but there's no Velco 'hooks' anywhere. Are there any Ortlieb Office Bag owners that can help?

Thanks!

I bought an Ortlieb Office-Bag L from REI last week.

http://www.rei.com/product/768571

Inside the bag is a rolled piece of plastic about 6 inches wide and 3 feet long with some holes and snaps on it and velcro on the inside at the ends. It looks like it is there to stiffen/protect the bag's contents, but I don't understand how to use it. The snaps on the rolled plastic don't seem to line up right with the bag's internal snaps. And I don't understand why both Velcro strips are 'loops' but there's no Velco 'hooks' anywhere. Are there any Ortlieb Office Bag owners that can help?

Thanks!
It is actually the cover for the bottom and the short sides. It keeps the bag from collapsing. Push it in all the way and you will find that the snaps on each side lines up.
Oh, the soft side goes up
Duppie

I am thinking of purchasing one of these for my commute to school in the fall. What were your initial thoughts? Do you think it would hold two or three thick, heavy text books in addition to a notebook and supplies (pens)? I know Ortlieb products are excellent quality, I'm just curious about this bag in particular...

Do you think it would hold two or three thick, heavy text books in addition to a notebook and supplies (pens)?

The SWMBO bought me one for father's day and I've been using it for my modest commute (to work) since then.

Because of the bag stiffeners, rigid backing and tough bag material, I don't believe you'll have any issue carry two or three heavy textbooks and supplies. You do only have about 5" worth of interior width so book total thickness may be an issue.

It's a very nice bag with lots of space and a well thought-out interior that can carry my 15" MacBook Pro, pens, cell phone, knickknacks, paperwork (not nearly one big book's thickness though), and change of clothes without issue. The attachment system is superb and allows me to switch bikes easily. The roll top may be a little bit fussier than a snap lid, but it's pretty watertight.

I've found two issues so far. The two interior built-in pockets on the non-bike side are fairly useless, because their opening is too big and stuff tend to fly out when encountering rough roads; a velcro flap cover would be nice. The bag is also unlike other panniers because it is quite rigid and has a fixed size; if you're not carrying near capacity, the bag may be bulkier than necessary.

I have this same bag. I use the notebook insert to protect my laptop. I could see you fitting 2-3 books, depending on dimensions and thickness. The pockets are limited in the sense that if you put thick stuff in them, then the available space inside shrinks. Attaching the bag to rack is very simple, easy on and easy off. I haven't ridden in the rain, but I'm sure my contents will be OK if it does.

It is actually the cover for the bottom and the short sides. It keeps the bag from collapsing. Push it in all the way and you will find that the snaps on each side lines up.
Oh, the soft side goes up
Duppie

Duppie,
Doh! Never thought to turn the piece of plastic the other way! Thanks for clearing that up! I'm glad there's been some additional discussion. Ortileb or REI don't post pictures of the inside of the bag. So here's a link (http://www.flickr.com/photos/29209324@N04/sets/72157606506816760/) for those who are interested.

Duppie,
Doh! Never thought to turn the piece of plastic the other way! Thanks for clearing that up! I'm glad there's been some additional discussion. Ortileb or REI don't post pictures of the inside of the bag. So here's a link (http://www.flickr.com/photos/29209324@N04/sets/72157606506816760/) for those who are interested.

Thanks for that. When I read your OP, I searched Google for a couple of minutes and couldn't find any pics. It is annoying that most manufacturers don't show the inside well.