As spring comes into swing and trails start to dry out we begin to day dream about getting back out on our bikes. While your bike is getting tuned up in the shop, make sure you have all your gear in order so you’re ready to hit the trails. Although it may not seem like a top priority, having the right mountain bike backpack for you will make riding much more enjoyable this summer.
When choosing a backpack for mountain biking, you want to keep your goals and the backpacks primary function in mind. If you’re going out for a quick morning ride on local trails, a minimalist pack for a water bladder and a tool kit will be sufficient. On the other hand, if you plan to go for an all-day ride, you’ll want a larger backpack able to hold more water, snacks, layers, tool kit and first aid kit. You never want to sacrifice mobility and comfort for extra space. Your ride should be enjoyable, not constantly feeling like you need to readjust your pack every bump you ride over.
This is why choosing the right backpack for the type of riding you want to do is important. You don’t need to have a larger pack if you plan to carry as little as possible for a quick ride out on the trail. Also, as your abilities and level of fitness change, the more or less gear you’ll want to bring. Keep your goals and expectations in mind when choosing a mountain biking backpack.
A mountain bike backpack doesn’t necessarily have to be a backpack. Many riders are choosing lower center of gravity hip packs. Hip packs provide enough space to carry water, tool kit and snacks. They offer back panel ventilation to keep you lower back from getting too sweaty. Without shoulder and chest straps your upper body range of motion won’t be affected by the pack. If you’re a minimalist rider looking to upgrade or ditch the backpack, a hip pack may be the pack for you.
Table of Contents
What do you plan to keep in the pack?
How far and how long you plan on going are crucial to what you need to put in the pack. The longer the ride, the more supplies you need. No matter where or how long you plan on riding, water and a flat kit should be with you no matter what. As you venture into longer rides, how much water you need and the number of spare tubes you bring will increase. Snacks and a first aid kit should also be included if you plan on riding farther. It’s never a bad idea to pack a headlamp if you are going on an all-day adventure. While your goal may be to be back at the trail head by dark this is not always the case as unplanned obstacles can come up along the way.
Backpack Size
Once you figure out what type of riding you will be doing majority of the time, choose a pack size that will adequate for your needs. For shorter morning or afternoon rides, a 3-10 liter pack is perfect for carrying water, tool kit and a snack. If you plan on longer day rides, 10-20 liter packs will fit everything you need. Those who are good at packing light and know the minimum they need to bring on an all-day ride can get away with a smaller pack.
Mobility
You want the pack to restrict your arms and back as little as possible. You also want it not to slide around while you are riding. No one likes to be riding through a technical section of trail and have their mountain bike backpack flopping around on their back and getting in the way. Choosing a pack with secure hip and chest straps is important to keep the pack in place on your back while riding. A hip pack specifically designed for mountain biking will be least restrictive to upper body mobility.
Weight
You want as little extra weight on your back as possible. Choose a lightweight pack and limit how much weight you’ll be carrying. When packing your backpack, pack lightly and bring only the essentials, especially if you won’t be biking far out of the trail system. Keeping a low center of gravity helps with balance so packing heavier items towards the bottom is beneficial.
Mountain bike backpack and hydration pouch
Look for mountain bike backpack with a hydration pouch in the back. Keeping you water bladder in a tight sleeve along you back prevents the water from sloshing around as you ride. This will keep you more balanced and comfortable. Hydration pouches and bladders are great for drinking water on the go. If you’re someone who feels like their need for stopping for water is holding them and others back, try using a hydration pack. Many packs now come with a magnetic hose attachment to keep your water handy while you ride.
Helmet attachment
Although you’re wearing your helmet while riding, having a convenient place to store your lid when off the bike is great. A helmet attachment can be an elastic mesh pouch that goes over the helmet, or Osprey’s Lid Lock attachment that tensions the helmet through the ventilation.
Ventilation
Backpacks specifically designed for mountain biking will have good back panel ventilation. Look for a pack that sits just off your back to allow airflow. This keeps your back from getting too sweaty and the pack sticking to your back.
There really is no right answer when it comes to picking a mountain biking backpack. If the pack fits everything you need and is comfortable for you to ride and move around in, then it’s the right pack for you. It is best to try on packs before you choose them to know you’re getting the right fit for you.
If you are new into mountain biking you should also check out our ultimate mtb guide for beginners.
Top 5 Mountain Bike Backpacks Right Now
Camelback M.U.L.E. 100 oz
This low profile, light weight mountain biking backpack has been a go-to for mountain bikers since it first launched in 1996. It features plenty of small storage compartments, light-weight minimalist fit on your back. The magnetic tube trap makes drinking water on the trail a breeze. Click here to check the price.
Osprey Raptor 10L or 14L
This pack is designed to fit your needs on the trail. The AirScape suspension and mesh back panel keep the load evenly distributed on your back while still keeping you cool. Keep your bike tool kit organized with the attached Tool Roll that fits into the base of the pack. The Osprey Lid Lock allows you to store your helmet when not in use. Click here to check the price.
Dakine Drafter 10L or 14L
With air suspension back panel and lumbar hydration pouch reservoir, the Drafter 10 is a great all-around trail pack. Equipped with plenty of storage compartments to stay organized this pack is great for the trail. Having the hydration pouch reservoir lower on you back keeps your center of gravity low. This helps you to stay centered and more balanced on the bike. Click here to check the price.
Deuter Compact EXP 12
Though this pack appears to have fewer small storage compartments than the others, the front organizer pocket features a variety of small sleeves to organize all of your small personal belongings, bike tool kit and more. Air stripes along the back panel allow air to ventilate effectively along your back. At the same time you wont get too sweaty under the stripes. Click here to check the price.
Evoc FR Trail 20l
The EVOC FR TRAIL is a bit bigger with 20 litres of capacity. There is also a smaller 16l Enduro version. 20l is enough for day long trail riding even in colder parts of the year when you need to pack more layers (if you don’t overdo it). As all Evoc mountain bike backpacks it comes integrated back protector. Evoc back protection is called LITESHIELD BACK PROTECTOR and offers 95% shock absorption. It also has space for 3l water bladder. It has a separate tool compartment with wide swing-opening for easy access. There are straps for your knee and elbow guards at the bottom. You can also attach an open face or full face helmet. Click here to check the price.
Extra option instead of your regular mountain bike backpack
Evoc Hip Pack Race 3L
Even though mountain biking backpacks are getting smaller and lighter, many people are choosing an even lighter option. You can get a hip pack rather than the traditional mountain bike backpack. The hip pack allows you to store water, snacks and tool kit. You will keep your arms and shoulders free and your center of gravity low. Click here to check the price.
