How to choose your backpack?

By allowing you to take along your essentials and carry a large water pouch for easy hydration, a backpack is a useful piece of equipment for any mountain biker.

Whether you're planning a leisurely ride, a sporty outing or a mountain bike raid, you won't choose the same type of model. Comfort, size, capacity and storage solutions are just some of the factors to consider, which we explore here to help you make the right choice.

ALL ABOUT BACKPACKS

As is often the case when choosing cycling equipment, cyclists need to take into account their own habits and preferred type of outing, so as to choose a bag that is perfectly adapted to their needs. You can ask yourself which items are essential for your outings, anticipating the situation and drawing on past experience. The right model, the one that suits you best, should be able to hold these "essentials", no more, no less.

Mountain bike backpacks come in all sizes, with storage volumes ranging from 3 to over 30 liters. Obviously, the size of the bag will depend largely on the duration/length of your outings.

A compact rucksack, with a large storage capacity, is preferable. volume of less than 10 litersfor short, sporty MTB outings, such as cross-country rides. The main purpose of the bag is to carry a water bottle (1.5 to 3 liters), a water bottle (1.5 to 3 liters) and a water bottle (1.5 to 3 liters). nutrition (gels, bars, refreshments, etc.) and your tools and accessories (repair kits, smartphones).

Offering a 30-liter capacity and more, the larger backpacks are reserved for cross-country trips, journeys and real mountain bike excursions. They are designed to accompany the rider over several days, allowing him to carry plenty of supplies, essential tools, rain gear and a change of clothes, bivouac gear... They feature a wide range of functions, and are equipped with several well-thought-out compartments to organize storage in the best possible way.

Between these 2 extremes, backpacks from 10 to 30 liters are ideal for mountain-biking tours, or beautiful half-day or full-day All Mountain outings. You can carry a good quantity of essentials (tools, supplies), a change of clothes, rain gear...

FEATURES AND FUNCTIONS: WHAT CRITERIA SHOULD YOU TAKE INTO ACCOUNT?

While volume and storage capacity are the main criteria for choosing the right backpack, models differ in other respects (support straps, comfort, carrying system...), which should be carefully considered.

Hydration pocket

The main advantage of a mountain bike backpack is its ability to carry a water or hydration bag, making it easier for the rider to refuel. Obviously, in the heat of the action, it's easier for the rider to bring the mouthpiece of the hose to his mouth than to fumble for his water bottle, which will be inaccessible in technical sections, and may slip out of his grasp on a bump in the terrain.

All MTB bags have space for a water bottle, which can be supplied directly with the bag, or available separately. The bags also feature guides for the passage of the hose, at shoulder level.

The capacity of a water bag varies between 1.5 and 3 liters, depending on the nature of your outings (length, intensity).

The back panel

Along with the shoulder straps, the back panel is the part of the backpack that's in direct contact with the rider's body. It is therefore a key part of the bag. For comfort, this panel is always padded. The lining is also breathable, as are the shoulder straps, to a greater or lesser degree, to prevent excessive sweating. This is obviously an important point to observe, especially if you plan to use your bag for truly sporting outings. Manufacturers vie with each other in technology to offer the best for the rider, with ultra-breathable materials in ventilated mesh.

What's more, some models designed for serious riding incorporate a removable, rigid back protector, which ensures a good level of protection for the rider, and prevents him or her from having to bear too much weight when racing.

Materials

Although materials vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, all MTB backpacks are made primarily from durable fabrics that are highly resistant to abrasion and tearing, yet still lightweight. Nylon, polyamide and polyester are the most popular fabrics, benefiting from special weaving techniques (such as rip-stop) that make them highly resistant over time. These fabrics are often coated with polyurethane for maximum protection.
Last but not least, rain covers are useful, completely enveloping the bag to protect its contents from water. Some models include a cover in a discreet zipped pocket at the bottom. Otherwise, rain covers are often available as separate accessories.

Adjustment options

When racing, backpack support is essential. For the rider's comfort and safety, we obviously ask the backpack to remain flat against the back, and not to swing from right to left as the terrain moves, so as not to impede riding with the weight of the load.

Backpacks are therefore fitted with more or less complete strap systems to keep them firmly in place. All have at least one chest strap, and most have an additional belt to hold the whole thing around the waist.

To choose the right model, we advise you to take a close look at these strap systems and the adjustment possibilities they offer. An adjustable strap is obviously preferable! You'll also notice that some bags are equipped with simple belly straps, while others feature a wider, more comfortable support belt, with stabilizers on the hips. A must-have system for larger bags!

Carrying systems

A mountain bike backpack has to be practical to use! All models feature several pockets, some of them padded, with well-organized interior compartments and secure zipped pockets for easy storage.

Depending on the model, you'll find practical rear-mounted carrying systems for helmets, chin straps and elbow pads, for example, so you can take them off your hands when you're riding uphill. These can be simple fasteners, elastic straps or a four-point elastic net, useful for securing additional protection or clothing.

Last but not least, almost all mountain bike backpacks come with a fastener for attaching a lighting light.