roadbike123

Just bought a set of used Ortlieb Back Roller Classic panniers. There is a hook on the front where the shoulder strap attaches. Does that hook have any other purpose? I haven't toured yet, but it seems that if the straps were folded inside the pannier and the top rolled tightly shut that the pannier would be more tightly sealed and the strap would stay clean and dry.

Any pros or cons of either? Thanks for your suggestions.

vik 

I'm not sure what you mean by the strap being folded inside the pannier, but that hook is only used to secure the shoulder strap. If you remove the shoulder strap you can just ignore that hook.

As for being more tightly sealed - the standard way of closing an Ortlieb roll top pannier will make make it water and dust proof so trying to seal it "more" doesn't have a lot of value in my mind.

roadbike123

So the standard way would be as pictured on the Ortlieb website with the strap on the outside "in the hook"? I appreciate your expertise. Thanks

vik 

Yes standard way is shown above...some people remove the strap entirely and clip the sides of the panniers together [on top] after rolling them shut [see front panniers in pic below]....that would work equally well - just depends on if you plan on using the shoulder straps or not.

Glad to be of help.