Didnt start well, a storm stopped me halfway from london to portsmouth, the first day here I dedicated as a rest day as I get problems with my knee when I overdo it. It was a beatiful day which made me optimistic for the week, but there were storms eveyday. I did my planned rides anyway. My running shoes got sodden wet but I had fun regardless. Got a dry day today, so did the main north-south trail, started in my flip flops stopped at blacks to get a dry pair of waterproof hiking shoes on clearance. Got to a closed path, asked a cyclist coming the other way if id make it through, he said yes just keep your feet up. I did, my bike stopped in the middle, had to peddle out with these shoes I had only worn for an hour under the water. Wet weather touring is .. a challenge, but still enjoyable. Going home tomorrow, if it is raining I am getting the train back from portsmouth, ive had enough water for this week.
They absolutely do taste better. I was hoping I could avoid paying out for ortliebs, but this last trip I found out my altura dryline panniers arent completely stormproof - I mean they have been great, but the rain I got was a bit ridiculous,. So a set of ortlieb may be on the books soon
I was also disappointed in my apidura framebag (NB: I got a new one from them that I have yet to test), I have brooks bags (that were produced by ortlieb) and an ortlieb bag on the front. They are excellent.
I’ve heard from people who owned both that in terms of quality there is no big difference between the ‘normal’ and the more expensive variants.