I'll admit that Arkel products are quite pricey, but then you get what you pay for in this case.

Compared to the Ortlieb you get:

Pockets, lots of them, inside and outside
Included Map case
Included PADDED shoulder strap
Much larger, stronger bag (1.5L more for the biggest of each brand)
Removable, washable inner liner.

All these features add to the complexity of making the bag and that costs money, but it's money well spent for a bag of this quality. However, I don't think the Arkel is what you would be looking for. It's just really more touring oriented than you need for commuting around town.

I think they have every right to be very proud of their product, I've had my Arkel Utility Basket for 4 years, and after countless runs to the grocery, school, hardware store and everywhere else, there's not one stitch broken, one piece of fabric torn; it's never popped off the rack, lost any of my stuff. I will admit I did freak out about the price initially, as I was putting it on a bike that cost less than the bag did, but now two bikes later it's proven its worth.