BACKPACKS & ACCESSORIES
Working out on steep, rocky trails, surrounded by beautiful nature - a perfect day out for more than one mountain biker. To be prepared in case of a breakdown and always well hydrated, the necessary equipment should not be lacking. What should you always have with you, and which model is best suited to your needs? Find the answers to these and many other questions below.
What makes a mountain bike backpack special?
Of course, you can fill any backpack, strap it on and go. But it's especially on intensive mountain bike tours that purpose-built backpacks stand out for their practical features and functions. Here are the essentials at a glance:
Ventilation
There are backpacks specially designed for sporting activities which, despite their spine-friendly shape, ensure pleasant ventilation. Air circulation systems prevent excessive perspiration caused by contact between backpack and back.
Size and weight
The lighter and more compact your backpack, the more control you'll have over your movements on the mountain bike. On the other hand, it needs to offer enough space for necessary items such as tools, water, etc. The right size is also decisive for ideal comfort. In addition to adjustable shoulder straps, many backpacks incorporate a waist belt to distribute weight evenly.
Distribution
As a rule, mountain bike backpacks have many different compartments and pockets, so that everything stays in place, even on rough descents. Additional cords are often provided so that protective gear can be attached to the backpack, e.g. when visiting the city.
Integrated hydration system
Many mountain bikers prefer a hydration system integrated into the backpack, so they can hydrate comfortably even when riding with both hands on the handlebars. Hydration pocket volumes vary according to the backpack.
What size should my backpack be?
When you're wondering what size to choose, you first need to determine how you intend to use your backpack. Do your hikes generally last a few hours, or do you often make multi-day excursions? Is maximum speed a must for you? If you prefer short but intense mountain bike trips, you'll need to opt for a smaller, lighter model. Heavy backpacks can affect your mobility and be a wind trap. What's more, you probably don't need as much storage space, as you're not carrying a change of clothes or large food supplies. On the other hand, if you're a fan of long hikes followed by city tours or overnight stays, you'll be happy to find plenty of room in your backpack for all your gear.
Why should I wear a backpack when mountain biking?
Of course, even with extra air circulation and padding, it's still more comfortable without a backpack. But setting off without any equipment at all can quickly become a problem.
Tools
Going for a Sunday morning ride up the next hill is also possible without accessories. But then the tire goes flat. Even if it's only 15 km to the nearest town or village, you're lost without tools or repair equipment. And that's just one example. Loose handlebars, a slipping saddle - many things can happen. Only a few tools can make life easier in such cases.
Hydration
Of course, it's always important to be sufficiently hydrated during any sporting activity. It's particularly handy to be able to refill water directly from the backpack's integrated hydration system.
Valuables
Even if your cell phone and wallet still fit in your trouser pocket, a backpack is a much nicer place to store them. For one thing, it's more comfortable not to feel hard objects in the leg and seat area. On the other hand, fragile utensils, for example in the event of a fall, are better protected in a padded backpack compartment.
What should I pack in my mountain bike backpack?
Of course, it's always up to you what you want to take with you on your tour. However, the following points of reference will give you an idea of what might be useful, and of the storage possibilities offered by the various backpacks.
Bicycle tools and accessories
You don't need to take your whole toolbox with you, but it's useful to have a selection of the most important tools with you. For example, it's a good idea to carry the right Allen keys for your bike's saddle and handlebars. In the event of an accident with the tire, it's worth having a spare tube on hand in addition to a simple repair kit. Sometimes the damage is so extensive that simple gluing is no longer possible.
Personal items
When mountain biking, it's always a good idea to carry a cell phone with you, so you can call for help in an emergency. Personal items such as a wallet, (sun)glasses or medication can also be stored in the backpack.
Eating/drinking
During sporting activities, it's essential to fill up on water regularly. Modern mountain bike backpacks feature hydration pockets with a capacity of several liters. A packed snack, such as dried meat, nuts or fruit, can also be a pure pleasure and help to replenish energy.
Clothing
To get rid of your sweat-soaked jersey on arrival, it's a good idea to have a spare set of clothes in your luggage. If the tour is to last several days, large backpacks have plenty of storage space for overnight items.
Types of mountain bike backpacks
Depending on the type of riding you prefer, the amount of time you spend in the saddle and what you consider comfortable, you can choose between different types of backpacks. Here are some of the most common categories.
Ultra-light MTB backpacks
Especially if your goal is speed and agility, it's advisable to pay attention to weight when choosing the right backpack. Smaller, lighter models will have less influence on your balance when leaning into a bend, and won't resist wind.
Mountain bike hydration bags
There are a few models that focus primarily on supplying fluids during the race. If you want to keep hydrated with both hands on the handlebars, a mountain bike hydration bag is ideal. With an integrated hydration pouch, hoses, closing valves and magnetic fields to hold the mouthpiece in place, there's no limit to extra features.
Backpacks for multi-day treks
Backpacks with a volume of more than 15 liters are particularly popular for hikes with planned overnight stays, city tours, picnics and the like. From a spare T-shirt to a gas stove, you can take just about anything you want with you. Thanks to padding and ventilation systems, even the heaviest backpacks are comfortable to carry.
Comparison: MTB fanny pack vs. MTB backpack
In addition to the types of backpack described above, you may also want to consider a fanny pack. You'll also need to choose a brand when you buy one. Here are two comparisons: MTB fanny pack vs MTB backpack. The most striking difference between a fanny pack and a backpack lies in its capacity. While the former generally has a volume of two to eight liters, the backpack has a volume of 10 to 35 liters. Needless to say, which storage space you prefer is entirely up to you. People who can't get used to the feeling of a rucksack on their back can opt for a fanny pack. No pressure on the shoulders, just weight on the hips. What both products have in common is that there are versions with an integrated hydration pocket, for both backpacks and fanny packs.
How to prepare your mountain bike backpack?
Regardless of the length and intensity of your trip, it's always a good idea to pack a few important tools. Here are the items that are considered particularly useful. Even a smaller model can hold everything on this list.
- Whether you have a water pouch or simply fill a water bottle, it's essential to have enough liquid with you;
- In the event of a punctured tire, always carry one or two inner tubes. A patch is not always enough to repair the damage;
- To change an inner tube easily, don't forget a bicycle pump and a mounting lever;
- For other breakdowns, a universal tool is essential. Some models include a chain rivet. If this is not the case, we recommend carrying a separate tool for chain damage;
- Clamps and tape are also versatile and take up no space, so they should never go missing;
- Extra clothing: if the weather changes, you'll appreciate having a light jacket in your luggage;
- Food: a small energy bar is often enough to restore your strength if you feel tired;
- A little money and your cell phone can not only tide you over in case of emergency, but also bring you more fun. For example, by taking nice pictures or drinking a cold beer.
Other ATV accessories: water bottles and bottle cages
Water bottles for mountain bikes are containers for liquids such as water or energy drinks, usually attached to the bottom tube of the frame by a special bottle holder. Materials and dimensions vary according to intended use. The canister must comply with safety regulations applicable to containers intended to hold liquids for human consumption:
- Ability to maintain the organoleptic characteristics of the contents over a given period of time;
- Unable to transmit flavors or odors to the liquids it contains;
- Absence of chemical compounds such as phthalates, which make plastic flexible and moldable;
- Absence of bisphenol A, which can interfere with the proper functioning of the endocrine system.
As far as structural attributes are concerned, ATV cans take the form of a transparent or semi-transparent polyethylene container with a polypropylene cap. Plastic polymers are used, as they are lighter and more resistant to stress and vibration than aluminum and glass. The bottle also needs to be ergonomically designed, so that the mountain biker can easily remove it from the bottle cage and hold it firmly, even with wet or sweaty hands. If you want your water bottle to last as long as possible, when you finish a ride, don't leave it on the bike, take it home, rinse it and let the water drain out. Before using it again, rinse it in hot water to remove any traces of dust or germs. If you're not going to use it for a long time, make sure it's dry and leave it in a closed place, with the cap unscrewed and the spout open. This will prevent air from stagnating and leaving a bad odor inside. If you use hydrosaline substances, wash the can after each use (if possible) or at least after a short time, to avoid black spots forming on its inner surface.
Conclusion
Whether for short distances or multi-day tours, basic equipment with tools, drinks and the like is an integral part of mountain biking. High-quality backpacks not only provide ample storage space for everything you need to take with you. Thanks to padding, adjustable straps, ventilation systems and lightweight materials, you can enjoy pleasant comfort even when you're fully loaded.
Frequently asked questions
Do I really need a mountain bike backpack?
Compared with conventional backpacks, a mountain bike backpack is significantly different in terms of its ergonomic shape, back air circulation and integrated hydration system. If, above all, you want to enjoy mountain biking, without it being spoiled by a lack of equipment, unobtrusive comfort and water breaks, it's well worth the investment.
Are all mountain bike backpacks waterproof?
There are indeed mountain bike backpacks made from waterproof materials. However, this is only useful in case of drizzle. In the event of prolonged heavy precipitation, we recommend carrying an additional rain cover. In some backpacks, this is already integrated in a separate compartment and can be easily slipped on.
Do all mountain bike backpacks have a hydration pocket?
No, not all mountain bike backpacks have a hydration pocket. Most products do, however, have a separate area suitable for the installation of a water reservoir. Also, in these cases, a connection is integrated into the shoulder area of the backpack, where the water outlet opening is usually located.
How long do mountain bike backpacks last?
The lifespan of mountain bike backpacks varies widely. While some products focus on durability thanks to resistant materials, there are other models whose emphasis is on weight. Very light materials are generally more vulnerable to tearing, etc. Sturdy products can be used for many years, even with intensive use.
