5 Best, Expert-Tested Bike Commuter Backpacks to Buy in ...

Looking for a bike commuter backpack? Delve into five solid cycling options&#;

Please visit our website for more information on this topic.

Growing up in Boulder, Colorado, outdoor activities are just a way of life. Cycling has always been a huge part of my upbringing. All through high school and most of college, I embraced bike commuting no matter the weather. I would leave for work 12 miles away in a blizzard and chug on through. At times passing cars and seeing the drivers look at me in disbelief. So naturally, I was always looking for a great bag to use, one that could hold up to all the weather and crashes and carry all my gear. Going way back, I used the original Timbuk2 messenger, then moved to the Chrome Citizen in camo for years. That bag has been with me through Boulder, Chicago, and San Francisco.

Now I prefer to use a bike backpack rather than a messenger when I commute. I don&#;t need the easy access that I did when I was thrashing the city streets on my fixie. Over the years, companies have even joined the ranks of commuter bags, especially those focused on bike commuting. So I chose a few packs that had caught my attention and decided to see which ones I thought might be the best for those who bike commute. 

Just a little about how I approached this article, my commute is about 15 miles each way. So I do about 30 miles each day that I ride and about 120 a week using a pack. When bike commuting, I carry a laptop, a change of clothes, my lunch, and maybe a tech pouch. I used each bag for a minimum of 120, but most for about 200 miles. Each bike backpack is judged on four main things:

1. Carry &#; Comfort & Fit
2. Carry &#; Organization
3. Harness/Airflow on the back panel
4. Weatherproofing

These reviews cover the following bike commuter backpack options:

1. Ortlieb Commuter-Daypack High Visibility
2. Mission Workshop Rhake VX
3. Chrome Industries BLCKCHRM 22X Yalta 3.0
4. Thule Paramount
5. Timbuk2 Parker Commuter Backpack

Field Testing Each Bike Commuter Backpack

Size/Expandable: 21L/No

Main Material: PS50CX

Laptop Sleeve: Yes, 15&#;

Warranty: 5 year 

Price: Around $190

Having been a cyclist for many years, I was familiar with Ortlieb and their panniers. But I had never really looked at their backpacks till recently. I thought this lineup would be the perfect time to try them out and see how they compared to other companies I have used in the past. 

I wanted to take a look at the Commuter-Daypack High Visibility. Reflective yarn interweaves the pack. So if you are bike commuting during hours when cars may not notice you, the reflection will help. Either this or if you have paparazzi taking photos of you, the yarn will reflect and ruin their photos. 

One of the things I was interested in with Ortlieb was all their back panels look very interesting. They use foam in various ways to create padding and venting channels. While I picked up two packs from them, I used the Hi-Vis one for this article. The back panel of this bike commuter backpack has six TPU pads with three mounds each. I found that this TPU padding had some of the best airflow and venting that I have experienced. When I was commuting in 90 degree-plus heat, this was the bag of choice. The straps are extremely thin as far as padding and relatively narrow. So you feel any heavy loads, but I only ran into this being an issue once. 

Despite the narrow and thin straps, the bag carries extremely well. There is both a sternum and waist strap to help keep loads stable. But even fully packed, the pack sits well, without much play when sprinting through traffic or climbing a hill. The bag itself is lightweight, which is nice that it does not add to the weight you are carrying. 

While this bike commuter backpack is simple, the organization is well thought out. The Commuter is basically just a big rolltop. The exterior has a small pocket perfectly sized for keys, a , or your wallet. While it is not waterproof, it will take a decent amount of moisture to get water in there. When bike commuting, I always like a quick-access pocket for my keys, so when I lock up at work, it is not a pain to get them back in the bag. Several reinforced cutout straps are meant to hold a light or a U-lock. The straps can attach a carabiner or another light if needed.

While just one big cavern, the interior of the bag has a removable pouch that can hold a 15&#; MacBook Pro. This pouch also has a front zipper pocket with two elastic pouches for organizing any items you might need to carry and locate later. 

Overall, this bike commuter backpack is pretty rad; the only issue I had was that I was looking for a little more pocketing and organization. 

All but the front pocket on the Commuter-Daypack High Visibility is waterproof, and this goes for most of the bags in their lineup. While the face fabric might hold onto dirt over time, the bag itself stays fairly clean. The rolltop will keep any water out of the main compartment, which is nice when it comes to keeping your clothing or electronics safe. 

Pros:

• Great airflow on back panel
• High-vis reflective yarn
• Removable organizer pouch
• Waterproof main compartment

Cons:

• Thinly padded shoulder straps
• Lacks a wide range of organization options

Overall review of Ortlieb Commuter-Daypack High Visibility:

Carry &#; Comfort & Fit &#; 7

Carry &#; Organization &#; 6

Airflow on the back panel &#; 9

Weatherproofing &#; 10

Size/Expandable: 22L/kinda

Main Material: VX-21

Laptop Sleeve: Yes, 15&#; (and up to 17&#;)

Warranty: Guaranteed/Warrantied Forever.

Price: $545 (VX material) 

Mission Workshop is no stranger to the bike commuting world. I remember being in San Francisco and heading to their store shortly after they opened. All the bags had such style and that super rad feel. I have run through a few MW bags over the years but never really found one that worked well for the long hot commutes. Most of the back panels on the packs have a single foam padding without any channels. For me, this is a no-go. But the Rhake has three padded areas, with a Y-styled channel on the back. The airflow is not great, but it is better than the other packs I tried in their lineup. The padding is well placed and comfortable but one of the thinner padding panels in the lineup. 

The main compartment of the pack is thin and tall, so items are more stacked. The pack has no waist belt, which I thought was strange at first. But due to the pack being more thin and tall, you do not have a lot of bulk sticking out and wiggling around while riding with a full pack. The Rhake sits well on your back while you ride, with the shoulder straps feeling comfortable. The shoulder straps are wide, but they sit very well in the crook between the shoulder and collar bone. Both straps have the Mission Workshop Arkiv® rails. These allow accessories to be added as needed. While this is not something I utilize, it is nice to have the option if needed. 

The front pocketing is laid out nicely for quick access of items when using the pack as a work commuter. A small pocket at the bottom of this bike commuter backpack suits locks or items that you might need quick access to. There are two pockets on the side, which give the Rhake that distinctive look. One is formatted as a drop pocket, which I tend to use for keys and wallets, and an organization pocket with three zippered mesh pockets. I utilized this one for gadgets, like my mouse, pens, flashcards, etc. Finally, there is a medium-sized waterproof drop pocket on the top that drops between the two front pockets and the main rolltop compartment big enough to use as a tablet or notebook pocket. 

The Rhake was one of the few packs that I got caught in a rainstorm while wearing. The bag does not come with a rain cover, but the mix between the VX fabric, the rolltop, and the weatherproof zippers does a fantastic job keeping anything that you carry nice and dry. 

My big issue with the pack is the Fidlock buckles on the front. When opening one and you let go to open the other, the magnets do their job and close. So you have to get creative in how to open the front pockets or replace the buckles. 

Pros:

• Burly build with a lifetime warranty
• Highly weatherproof
• Good range of pockets

Cons:

• Expensive
• Limited airflow on back panel
• Magnetic Fidlock buckles can make opening the front pockets tricky

Overall review of Mission Workshop Rhake VX:

Carry &#; Comfort & Fit &#; 7

Carry &#; Organization &#; 8

Airflow on the back panel &#; 6

Weatherproofing &#; 8

Chrome Industries BLCKCHRM 22X Yalta 3.0

Size/Expandable: 26L/kinda

Main Material: 22X nylon shell with Cordura TPX durable laminate technology

Laptop Sleeve: Yes, 15&#;

Warranty: Lifetime Guarantee  

Price: $186.99

Chrome is the one company that I have probably owned the most packs out of in my time commuting. I think at this point, this is my 6th or 7th bag. They make a great product and always build with riding in mind. So I was interested in checking out their BLCKCHRM 22X Yalta 3.0. To be honest, I expected very little from this bike commuter backpack before I had it in my hands. But once I opened the box, explored the bag, and took it for the first ride, I was sold.

The pack is lightweight and carries well. The back panel uses a ribbed foam. These are nice as they sit like little nubs on your back, giving both a good spread of venting and airflow. The fact that there are very few contact points is nice so that you do not have a huge sweat patch on your back when you take the pack off. This bike commuter backpack was probably my second favorite when it comes to airflow. 

As far as the pack&#;s overall carry, it does sit nicely while on the back with a full load. There is no waist strap on this bike backpack. For the normal ride with my regular carry, I never had issues with the pack flopping around. But I never used the pack fully unrolled for the full 26L. The sternum strap kept the pack secure on my body for most of the commute. The shoulder straps are fairly padded and sit well on the body. They are not too wide, so they also do not leave a big sweat patch on the shoulders.

The pack organization is unique, but in a way that works out very well for bike commuting. A waterproof tote separates the main compartment. This comes in handy if your lunch spills inside on a Friday, and you forget about it till Monday. It was easy to clean out and left no smell. This is also nice to pack my change of clothes in one area and any food/drink in a safe area.

There are several other pockets throughout the bag. As well as a laptop sleeve accessed through a side zipper, this same side zipper gives access to the main compartment when the tote bag is in place. The back of the bag has two side pockets that are about the size of an iPhone 11. Both of these pockets are lined to protect your screens or glasses. On the front, there is a side drop pocket that can house a beverage container, and the front has a drop pocket that is perfect for keys and a wallet or can even house your lock if needed. 

The BLCKCHRM 22X Yalta 3.0 does not come with a rain cover, but the 22X sailcloth, matched with the rolltop and the waterproof zippers, works as a strong defense against any H2O that might try and ruin your day. 

My one issue with this bike commuter backpack was the way it rolls down. Instead of the sides folding in for a straight line, the top ends up being wider. Normally this wouldn&#;t be an issue, except when bike commuting and needing to look over your shoulder to check traffic. The edges get in the way and almost look as though they are a vehicle or something in your peripheral vision. 

Pros:

• Tough build with lifetime warranty
• Highly weatherproof
• Good airflow on back panel
• Good range of organization

Cons:

• Rolltop edges can obscure over-shoulder vision

Overall review of Chrome Industries BLCKCHRM 22X Yalta 3.0:

Carry &#; Comfort & Fit &#; 7

Carry &#; Organization &#; 7

Airflow on the back panel &#; 8

Weatherproofing &#; 8

Size/Expandable: 27L/No

Main Material: 420D Nylon

Laptop Sleeve: Yes, 15&#;

Warranty: Limited Lifetime

Price: $179.95

Thule has an impressive range of backpacks. I normally only think of them as a bike rack company, but they have become much more over the years. They have several great bags for bike commuting. While several others might appeal more to other cyclists, I chose the Paramount 27L for its new redesign and it fits my style and carry a bit better. Since I don&#;t deal with rain, I did not require the rolltop. 

At 27L, this is the biggest bike commuter backpack in the lineup. While big, it carries fairly comfortably. The airflow isn&#;t superb. There are two ribbed padded foam panels on the back with a center channel for venting. These are fairly thin, so on the hot days, they didn&#;t do a lot about airflow and venting. While most straps have a slight U-shape to them, the Paramount straps are just a flat foam. The straps are fairly plain but have one loop to hook a carabiner or something on while riding. This pack was one of the bags that did leave more of a sweat trace on the back and shoulders. 

As previously mentioned, this pack carries quite a bit. While fully loaded, it sits nicely but really could use a waist strap to hold the load as I did feel the pack move around a bit while commuting. There is also no sternum strap, which I felt was strange for a 27L bag. So the fact that this bag does not have either makes it hard to commute with, especially for the longer commutes. 

As far as organization, that is where this bag excels. If you need to carry a lot of gadgets along with a laptop and tablet, this bag is kickass. The front of the pack has three pockets. The front pocket on the bag has both a magnetic flap as well as a zipper. This pocket is about the size of a small tablet or a U-lock. Above this, there is a small pocket that is sized for a cell or sunglasses. This lined pocket protects any glass that might be inside. The top of the bag has a magnetic flap with a small zippered drop pocket. I used this for my keys and wallet while bike commuting as they were easy to access when I arrived at work or home.

There are two side zippers. One opens a pocket that acts as an admin pocket. This pocket has organization for pens, small hard drives, and any other items you may need to work or during the commute. The opposite side (the water bottle side) opens up into the pack&#;s main compartment, which is nice, so you don&#;t have to take the pack off if you need to access a raincoat or an extra layer. A small pocket on the rear of the bag fits a cell . 

The main compartment has three sleeves separated by a covered foam and one mesh pocket. The main laptop sleeve, as well as the second sleeve, fit my 15&#; MacBook Pro, with the main sleeve sized to fit even wider items. The third and smaller sleeve holds an iPad or other items similarly sized. I liked this setup as there are times when I need to carry both my 15&#; and 13&#; laptops and other items, and this bag can carry everything. 

The Thule Paramount is probably the lowest on the list for weatherproofing. The material, while able to repel light moisture, would tend to soak up the water if the rain was intense. The flap cover will keep the rain from penetrating the insides, but a simple inbuilt rain shell would set this pack up for weatherproof success. 

As mentioned before, my only issue with this pack is that there is no sternum or waist strap. In my opinion, a bike commuting pack that is this size needs at least a sternum strap, if not a waist strap, to help control the load movement. 

Pros:

• Excellent organization
• Sleek and durable design

Cons:

• Limited airflow on the back panel
• No sternum strap or waist strap

Overall review of Thule Paramount:

Carry &#; Comfort & Fit &#; 6

Carry &#; Organization &#; 8

Airflow on the back panel &#; 6

Weatherproofing &#; 6

Size/Expandable: 35L/Yes

Main Material: Polyethylene Vinyl Acetate

Laptop Sleeve: Yes, 15&#;

If you want to learn more, please visit our website LAMGOYl.

Warranty: Lifetime 

Price: $229

Timbuk2 has been a big player in the bike commuter bag world for years. I remember my first messenger bag that I used from them in college. Man, I beat the shit out of that bag. Now years later, I had my eye on their Parker Commuter, and I was not disappointed. 

This is a stellar bag for the long and short commutes and carries a ton while staying organized and providing superior airflow. So let&#;s talk about the back panel. There is a center channel with thick perforated foam padding on the sides. The center channel sits well on your spine with just enough space to allow for airflow. The thickness of the perforated foam allows for some stellar airflow. In my opinion, if they used the same foam and had some angled side venting channels, this would be the perfect back padding. 

The carry of the pack is very nice as well. The pack has both a sternum strap as well as a waist strap. The pack is 26L and can expand to 35L. With this type of volume, this is a great pack to not only use as a bike commuter backpack but to make a store run on the way home and pick up a few items for dinner. But with this size, having a waist strap, for me, is a necessity. While I never used the expandable area during my testing, I found that the bag, while fully packed, carries extremely well, and because of this, I have used this pack longer than the rest. 

So let&#;s talk organization. This pack has one of the best organization setups out of all the packs for this lineup. Starting from the front, there are three pockets; two zippered and one magnetic closure. The top zipper pocket is a weatherproof, lined pocket, perfect for sunglasses and any other items that you might need to have protected. The center pocket is a magnetic weatherproof drop pocket that is fairly deep. If needed, you can fit an iPad inside this pocket. During use, I tend to use this for my keys and wallet while bike commuting as I like the easy access.

The main compartment is spacious and has one Velcro drop pocket and flap access to the laptop compartment. This space also is expandable. So if you need the extra space, it is helpful for after-work store runs or if you need to store gear if the weather changes. The laptop compartment, while accessible from the interior of the main compartment, has a side access zipper as well and fits a 15&#; MacBook Pro.

The two side water bottle pockets secure down with elastic. These are also nice for storing a or keys in a quick pinch or for a tall boy when the weekend hits. Lastly, there is a small lower pocket on the rear that stores the rain cover. While I rarely ride in the rain, and when I do, it is not hard enough to need a rain cover, I did have one commute with a downpour, and just to try it out, I used the rain cover. It&#;s quick to deploy and useful if you need it in your climate. 

My one issue with the bag is the straps used to secure the bag when expanded are in the way of the zipper. I see the necessity of them, but it is still annoying to have to undo them to get into the bag. If you fail to clasp them, they swing around and can get in your peripheral vision. This can be an issue when you are checking over your shoulder in traffic. 

Pros:

• Durable build with a lifetime warranty
• Good airflow on the back panel
• Very comfortable carry with sternum strap and waist strap
• Excellent organization

Cons:

• Straps can obstruct the zipper when the pack is expanded

Overall review of Timbuk2 Parker Commuter Backpack:

Carry &#; Comfort & Fit &#; 8

Carry &#; Organization &#; 9

Airflow on the back panel &#; 8

Weatherproofing &#; 9

This article was originally published on 9 November and recently updated.

Mountain biking can take on many forms, from hot laps on the backyard trail to long, winding singletrack through the alpine. Regardless of the riding style you gravitate toward, nearly every trip out requires you to carry water, snacks, tools, and other gear. The most common carry method is a mountain bike backpack, and below we break down our top picks of the year. Designs vary pretty widely, and important considerations include carrying comfort, interior volume, water-hauling capacity, and pockets and organization. For more background information, see our comparison table and buying advice below the picks. 
 

Our Team's Mountain Bike Backpack Picks

Best Overall Mountain Bike Pack

Capacities: 10, 14L
Weight: 1 lb. 9.4 oz. 
Reservoir included: Yes (2.5L)
What we like: Comfortable and versatile with top-notch organizational features.
What we don&#;t: Pretty pricey; we&#;d prefer a stronger magnetic attachment for the bite valve.

With a versatile, do-everything design and plenty of practical features, Osprey&#;s Raptor 10 and women&#;s-specific Raven 10 earn our top spot. We&#;ve tested multiple variations of the pack over the years, and its all-rounder nature and premium build continue to impress: The Raptor&#;s 10-liter capacity is spacious enough to fit extra layers, lunch, pads, and a small bike pump for longer rides, but it&#;s equally easy to compress it for quick lunch laps. For organizing gear, the pocket layout is extremely well sorted with a grand total of 10 zippered and stretch pockets, including a dedicated space for tools with a built-in roll pouch at the base. Carrying comfort is another highlight, and in the techy stuff and during all-day efforts, the wide shoulder straps&#;Osprey dubs them their &#;winged&#; harness&#;nicely distribute weight and give it a well-balanced feel. Tack on a quality 2.5-liter Hydraulics LT reservoir, best-in-class helmet carry, and burly 210-denier nylon construction, and the Osprey was our runaway favorite.

No pack is perfect, however, and we did have a few quibbles with the Raptor and Raven during testing. Specifically, we wish the hydration hose had a stronger magnet where it attaches to your sternum. The bite valve pops off fairly easily, and we&#;ve found it dangling on a couple occasions mid-descent (one tip: feeding the hose through the stretchy fabric on the sternum strap will keep it close to you if it happens to pop off). Additionally, the hipbelt pockets are set back a little far and can be slightly hard to access, although they&#;re a nice size for storing small items like snacks or lip balm. Finally, the Raven and Raptor are a healthy investment at $165 for the latest versions. You can save a little with an alternative the CamelBak Mule 12 ($130), but no pack puts it all together as well as the Osprey. And if you need a little extra room, both the Raptor and Raven are offered in a 14-liter version for $175.
See the Osprey Raptor 10  See the Women's Osprey Raven 10

 

Best Budget Mountain Bike Pack

Capacities: 10, 15L
Reservoir included: Yes (2L)
Weight: 1 lb. 6 oz. 
What we like: Nicely appointed and spacious for the price.
What we don&#;t: Subpar water bladder design.

You can often rely on REI for quality gear at a good discount, but most of their know-how is in the hike and camp spaces. That said, we were pleasantly surprised with their budget-minded bike pack, the Link 15 L. Organization is often compromised among cheap designs&#;a complaint we had with the $90 Osprey Katari below&#;but the Link has a large main compartment, designated pouches for your wallet and bike tools, and an included 2-liter water bladder (there&#;s also nice routing for the tube to snake up and out of the pack). Plus, there&#;s no shortage of outside pockets, where it&#;s easy to stow a muddy layer and kneepads mid-ride. It&#;s true you can&#;t snug it down as nicely as premium alternatives, and 15 liters is likely overkill for some, but the Link is pretty well balanced thanks to the moderately wide and cushioned hipbelt (most entry-level packs use more basic and less comfortable webbing designs).

What do you give up for the REI Co-op Link's lower price? Overall refinement is a step down from pricier alternatives, and the water bladder design in particular could use improvement. Specifically, we wish it were easier to re-insert after filling&#;a quick-disconnect tube would certainly help&#;and despite being positioned on your lumbar spine to keep the center of gravity low, we occasionally felt unwanted pressure on our lower back. Compounding this, the back padding tends to crease and rub around the lumbar, which isn&#;t ideal for hours-long rides. For these reasons, the Osprey Raptor/Raven 10 above and other premium alternatives like the CamelBak Mule and Evoc Trail Pro below outshine the Link 15 L when it comes to overall comfort and performance. But for new or occasional riders, there&#;s a whole lot to like.
See the REI Co-op Link 15 L

 

Best High-Capacity Mountain Bike Pack

Capacity: 20L
Reservoir included: Yes (2L)
Weight: 1 lb. 8 oz. (S/M)
What we like: A comfortable and light high-volume pack for longer rides.
What we don&#;t: Poor back ventilation.

Patagonia entered the mountain bike gear arena with their flagship Dirt Roamer series (jackets, pants, etc.), but hydration packs are new to the stage. The Dirt Roamer 20L here stands out as a high-volume pack that sticks to Patagonia&#;s ethos with a sustainable and streamlined design. The pack has a generous main compartment that&#;s accessed with vertically oriented zippers (we appreciate that it has two zippers for opening small sections at a time) and a separate side-access sleeve for the water reservoir. And although the design is relatively simplistic, it doesn&#;t skimp on organization with internal elastic loops and small pockets for separating gear. Whether you&#;re headed out on an all-day ride or shuttling in camera gear for the perfect photo op, the Dirt Roamer is well equipped for the job.

Sweaty backs are part of the mountain bike experience, but we found that the Patagonia fell short of alternatives like the Dakine Drafter and CamelBak Mule Pro below in terms of ventilation. Even though it boasts a mesh backpanel, we were quick to heat up and often found salt deposits from sweat on the rear of the pack. Additionally, we noticed more movement and bounce than expected off jumps and drops despite the four-compression-strap layout. To be fair, some level of movement is to be expected given the capacity, and the wide, oversized waistbelt helped with stabilization. In the end, the Dirt Roamer 20 is too much pack for many riders, but its high-capacity shape and creative zipper design make it a quality option for gear-intensive adventures.
See the Patagonia Dirt Roamer 20L

 

Best Bike Pack with Integrated Back Protection 

Capacities: 10, 16, 26L
Weight: 1 lb. 15.7 oz. (size S/M) 
Reservoir included: No
What we like: A high-quality and comfortable pack with built-in spine protection.
What we don&#;t: Expensive and doesn&#;t come with a water reservoir.

If you gravitate toward steep and rugged descents or have a propensity for gap jumps, exposed skinnies, and other features that push the risk-reward ratio, a pack with integrated spine protection is worth considering. Within this category, we love the Evoc Trail Pro, which is snug and balanced on the roughest trails and boasts the brand&#;s Liteshield Plus back protector&#;a built-in pad engineered to absorb shock and prevent the spine from overextending in the event of a crash. On top of the helpful safety feature, the Trail Pro boasts the best hipbelt of any pack we tried: It&#;s supremely comfortable even when pulled snug, and stretchy Velcro straps that sit under the buckle reduce pressure and friction around the navel. And unlike many options here, the Trail Pro&#;s hipbelt pockets are large and easily accessible&#;great for on-the-go snacking and keeping your handy. A final bonus: The Trail Pro is offered in two sizes for dialing in a more precise fit, which is a rarity in the market.

We strongly considered the Evoc Trail Pro 10 as our top all-around pick&#;it&#;s that good. However, at $75 more than the next-most-expensive pack here (the top-ranked Osprey Raptor), it&#;s a hard sell for many riders, especially considering you&#;ll have to purchase a water bladder separately. In addition, those who aren&#;t pushing the limits in terms of terrain, air time, and/or speed will likely find the back protection superfluous. Another small complaint we had is that the spine protector negatively impacts breathability, so the Evoc lands on the warmer end of the spectrum (it&#;s noticeably hotter than standard designs like the Osprey Raptor or CamelBak Mule, although the panel can be removed). For a boost in breathability, Osprey&#;s Raptor Pro also includes built-in spine protection and features a slightly more ventilated backpanel design. That said, the Osprey is pricier at $280 and only available in an 18-liter capacity, while you can get the Trail Pro in 10, 16, and 26-liter versions.
See the Evoc Trail Pro 10

 

Best Minimalist Mountain Bike Pack

Capacities: 2.5, 6.5L
Reservoir included: Yes (1.5L)
Weight: 10 oz. 
What we like: Running vest-like comfort with unmatched access to snacks and other necessities.
What we don&#;t: Runs a bit warm; minimalist support makes the water reservoir feel heavy.

CamelBak is one of the original manufacturers of hydration packs, and their products are tried and true. The Chase Vest is no exception, featuring a thoughtful blend of running vest-like carrying comfort and organization with a cycling-specific feature set. One major draw of the vest style is its stability: The Chase is comfortable and doesn&#;t bounce or shift around, even on rugged trails or when catching air. The practical pocket layout is also praise-worthy, especially given the pack&#;s relatively low volume&#;the shoulder strap pocket even fits an iPhone, which has been particularly handy for checking our location on unfamiliar trails. In fact, we&#;d go so far as to say that the Chase Vest offers the easiest access of any design here.

One tradeoff to the Chase Vest&#;s snug, well-balanced fit is breathability. The nature of the vest style is that it covers more of your body&#;thereby making it feel warmer and more restrictive to airflow on midsummer rides. Another issue we ran into was that the CamelBak reservoir was hard to fill and felt heavy in the vest (there&#;s less pack to handle the bladder's weight and bulk when it&#;s full of water). Instead, we think of the Chase Vest as a great alternative to a hip pack: It has a larger capacity than most waist designs, includes a water reservoir and a nice array of pockets, and carries a load better thanks to the snug fit around the back&#;all at a very reasonable price point to boot.
See the CamelBak Chase Vest  See the Women's CamelBak Chase Vest

 

Best of the Rest

Capacity: 7L
Reservoir included: Yes (3L) 
Weight: 1 lb. 7 oz. 
What we like: Low-riding design offers great all-day comfort with minimal bounce.
What we don&#;t: Polarizing looks and hard-to-reach hipbelt pockets. 

On the heels of CamelBak&#;s Chase Vest above is their Skyline LR (short for &#;low rider&#;), which is designed to maximize support along the lumbar region. How it works: By positioning the water reservoir and main compartment along the lumbar spine, the pack effectively focuses weight at the lower back and hips to keep your center of gravity low. We wore the Skyline LR on the Whole Enchilada in Moab&#;a trail with no shortage of drops, technical pedals, and chundery rock fields&#;and found it offered a supremely comfortable ride with minimal movement or shifting. We were also very pleased with the magnetic drinking hose attachment: It locks into place once attached, which keeps the hose from releasing and flopping around while riding (an issue we experienced with the Osprey Raptor above). And the tube easily disconnects from the bladder, which eliminates the hassle of having to re-route the hose after refills.

With its somewhat goofy shape, the Skyline LR 10 pack won&#;t be winning any fashion awards. But a positive of the layout is that the pack is a great breather, making it a solid mid-capacity option for riders who prefer the unrestrictive feel of a low-riding hip pack. Pocket access was another nitpick&#;a common theme with many of the packs here&#;as the side-wing pockets sit pretty far away from your hips and are tricky to reach without twisting your body. But if you prioritize function over looks (which many mountain bikers do), the Skyline LR 10 excels as a versatile and comfortable pack for when the going get rough. Note: There&#;s limited stock of both the Skyline and women&#;s Solstice at the time of publishing, but the packs are available at a hefty discount (around $70 on Amazon currently) while supplies last.
See the CamelBak Skyline LR 10  See the Women's Solstice LR 10

 

Capacities: 3, 9, 15L
Reservoir included: Yes (2L)
Weight: 14.6 oz.
What we like: Innovative harness system offers a secure, snug fit.
What we don&#;t: The smallest design on our list; lacks accessible pockets for layers and on-the-go snacking.

USWE (pronounced &#;you-swii&#;) is a Swedish brand with origins in dirt biking, and they brought that expertise into the MTB space with a unique&#;and eye-catching&#;harness design. The trademarked &#;No Dancing Monkey&#; system offers a secure, adjustable, non-restrictive fit that attaches to your chest with a single buckle (i.e., no sternum strap). The elastic straps stretch to accommodate heavy breathing but also manage to stay taut and snug enough for when your heart rate lowers. We were admittedly skeptical of the cumbersome-looking setup, but we found the harness effectively prevents major bouncing even with the 2-liter water reservoir filled. Storage is limited at just 3 liters (there are 9 and 15L capacities available), but we appreciate that USWE included a detachable 1-liter pocket, and you can purchase add-ons like a waterproof pocket and camera harness to boost organization.

The Airborne 3 is most similar to the CamelBak Chase Vest above, and we found that their fit and overall level of comfort were quite close. What pushes the Airborne down our rankings? For one, it lacks stretchy dump pockets for easily stowing layers, and without shoulder strap pockets, access to snacks and tools is slightly less convenient. It&#;s also worth noting that the design/location of the harness strap could be uncomfortable for women with larger chests. All that said, this pack has gained a lot of traction in the professional riding and racing community and for good reason&#;its figure-hugging, no-bounce harness works really well.
See the USWE Airborne 3L

 

Capacities: 3, 6, 8L
Reservoir included: Yes (2.5L)
Weight: 1 lb. 3.4 oz.
What we like: Slick magnetic hose attachment system and nice pocket layout.
What we don&#;t: No helmet carry option; we&#;d prefer a higher-capacity model.

Thule likely isn&#;t the first brand that comes to mind for backpacks, but we&#;ve been impressed with the quality of their hiking, travel, and MTB collections. The Vital 8L here stands out in one key way: its secure and extremely practical hose attachment system. Rather than the button-sized magnets or plastic hooks used on other designs, Thule utilizes a strip of magnets (about 5 in. in length) along the right-hand shoulder strap to keep the hose in place while riding. You simply pull the nozzle as usual to drink and then release, and the hose reconnects to the strap automatically. It&#;s an elegant and very secure solution that we found works flawlessly.

For the rest of the pack, the Vital stacks up pretty well to big hitters from Osprey, CamelBak, and Dakine. Organization is good overall&#;we especially liked the mesh pockets right at the hips that are well sized for snacks and easy to access without having to remove the pack. And the Vital carries weight relatively low, which keeps it solidly in place even during steep and technical descents. At 8 liters for the biggest size, the Thule likely won&#;t do the trick for most full-day efforts or times of year when you need extra layers. Additionally, they omitted a helmet carry, which could be a dealbreaker for some. Overall, it&#;s not a home run and is a little less of an all-rounder than our top picks, but the smart hose solution and excellent all-around build quality make it a good offering nonetheless... Read in-depth review
See the Thule Vital 8L  See the Women's Thule Vital 8L

 

Capacity: 11L
Reservoir included: Yes (3L)
Weight: 1 lb. 14 oz. 
What we like: Big water reservoir, excellent ventilation, and optional impact protection available for another $55.
What we don&#;t: Not a standout in comfort; sculpted backpanel eats into usable interior space.

If it&#;s not readily apparent, CamelBak leads the charge in mountain bike pack offerings, and their top-end design is the Mule Pro 14&#;a souped-up version of their bestselling Mule hydration pack. In terms of best uses, the pack&#;s larger capacity (the standard Mule is 9.5L), 3-liter water bladder, easy-to-use helmet carry, and highly breathable layout make it a great choice for long rides (the extra space also comes in handy if you haul kiddos around on a Mac Ride or Shotgun seat). For staying cool, there&#;s extensive use of open-weave mesh on the shoulder straps, and the sculpted backpanel has suspended mesh to keep air flowing. And injury-conscious riders will appreciate that CamelBak offers a compatible impact protection panel for an additional $55&#;at $215 all in, the setup handily undercuts the $240 Evoc Trail Pro above.

Why is the Mule Pro ranked here? While it has a lot of great features, including a second battery sleeve for e-bikes, it lacks the refinement of our top picks. The contoured shape impacts comfort&#;the base is pretty firm, and we had some complaints about rubbing along our lower back. Usable interior space is also impacted by the backpanel, and we found it difficult to truly leverage the higher capacity with bulkier items like pads. Finally, in contrast to the brand&#;s Skyline LR 10 above, the Mule&#;s hose magnet (which sits on the sternum strap) doesn&#;t hold well and pops off easily while riding. These complaints are enough to push the Mule Pro below alternatives like the Evoc Trail Pro (if you want back protection) and Osprey Raptor (for a traditional pack), but it remains a solid do-everything option. 
See the CamelBak Mule Pro 14  See the Women's CamelBak Mule Pro 14

 

Capacities: 10, 14L
Reservoir included: Yes (3L)
Weight: 2 lb.
What we like: A well-made pack with a handful of unique features.
What we don&#;t: Less comfortable and heavier than the Osprey Raptor 10 above.

Dakine first made its name in the surfing and windsurfing market in the s, and the brand has more recently zeroed in on the winter sports and mountain biking spaces. The Drafter 10 here meets many of our pack needs: It has a versatile 10-liter capacity, durable construction, and very breathable backpanel design (it rose to the top in this category, alongside the Mule Pro 14 above). It has some thoughtful features, too, including compatibility with the brand&#;s DK Impact Spine Protector (a $50 add-on), e-bike battery storage in the main compartment, and exterior straps that nicely accommodate knee pads. On paper&#;and on the trail&#;it checks many of the boxes for the average rider.

How does the Dakine Drafter 10 compare with Osprey&#;s Raptor 10 above? The option for spine protection is unique to the Drafter, and we prefer its hydration hose design, which can be fed and secured along either shoulder strap rather than the across the body. They also differ in reservoir placement&#;the Dakine&#;s is along the lumbar, while the Osprey&#;s is vertically oriented. In this case, we think it&#;s a wash: The lumbar location keeps weight concentrated lower, but the Osprey&#;s is more evenly distributed and closer to your back. What pushes the Raptor ahead for us, however, is its very comfortable carry. We struggled getting a good fit with the Dakine, and the flared shoulder straps put extra pressure on the inside of the strap, which led to rubbing. Along with a minimalist waistbelt and the fact that it weighs an extra half-pound (something both our testers noticed), the Dakine can&#;t match the standout carry-ability of the Osprey. 
See the Dakine Drafter 10L  See the Women's Dakine Drafter 10L

 

Capacities: 1.5, 3, 7L
Reservoir included: Yes (2.5L)
Weight: 12.5 oz.
What we like: An affordable pack that fits the essentials.
What we don&#;t: Lack of structure concentrates weight on the shoulders rather than the hips.

The Osprey Katari 7 rounds out our list with a sleek build and sub-$100 price tag. Like with the REI Link 15 above, it&#;s not all cost-cutting here: Even with its no-frills, essentials-only design, the Katari can carry a bunch of water (it comes with the same 2.5L Hydraulics LT reservoir as our top pick), is offered in three capacities (1.5, 3, and 7L), and features functional stretch side pockets for small items you want easy access to. For riders who need a lot of water but not much else&#;think multi-hour rides in hot or desert-like regions&#;the concept makes a whole lot of sense.

Unfortunately, the Katari has a few notable faults. Most significantly, all our testers complained that the pack puts essentially all the weight on your shoulders. Combined with a minimalist backpanel that priorities ventilation over structure, the pack felt floppy and bounced around far more than expected for such a lightweight design. And while we like the concept of the vertical main compartment zipper (similar to that of the Patagonia Dirt Roamer above), the Osprey only has one zipper, so you can&#;t strategically open certain portions of the pack and will need to be mindful to prevent items from spilling out. In the end, it misses the mark for us, and we think the $10-cheaper REI Link is the more complete and well-executed budget design. But if simplicity wins out for you&#;the REI is admittedly pretty big with its 15-liter capacity&#;the Katari is a worth having on your radar.
See the Osprey Katari 7  See the Women's Osprey Kitsuma 7

 

Mountain Bike Backpack Comparison Table

 

Mountain Bike Backpack Buying Advice

Mountain Bike Backpack Capacities

Like backpacks designed for other activities, mountain bike packs are available in a variety of capacities depending on your gear needs and the length of your typical ride. On our list above, designs range from the small and minimalist USWE Airborne 3L to the super spacious Patagonia Dirt Roamer 20L. For all-day and remote outings that require substantial water intake and a full workshop of tools, a bigger option like the Dirt Roamer or CamelBak Mule Pro 14 makes a lot of sense. If after-work hot laps are more your style, a smaller model like the Airborne or 2.5-liter CamelBak Chase Vest might be sufficient. And the sweet spot for many will be somewhere in between (including our top-rated Osprey Raptor 10). Below we break down the various pack volume ranges by category and best use(s).

Mountain bike packs come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes

5 Liters and Under: Just the Essentials/Quick Rips
Packs with 5 liters or fewer of carrying capacity, like the USWE Airborne 3L and CamelBak Chase Vest, are best suited for quick rides that require minimal gear and water. That said, 5 liters can fit a surprising number of essentials: keys, a bike tools, a , a thin jacket (like the Patagonia Houdini), and a bar. This volume can also suffice if you have additional organization on your bike in the form of an under-seat tool bag or a storage compartment on (or in) your frame. And finally, small packs are a nice option for races when you&#;re able to refill water and resupply at aid stations.

The minimalist CamelBak Chase Vest is great for short rides that require minimal gear and water

6-9 Liters: The Essentials &#;Plus&#;
If you&#;re venturing out on a longer ride, you probably need space for the essentials and then some. With 6 to 10 liters, you can fit a more protective rain shell, additional water, and a heftier first aid kit. However, this capacity is a bit of a tweener size, in our opinion: slightly larger than minimalist designs (like the USWE Airborne and CamelBak Chase mentioned above) but not quite big enough to keep you comfortable and hydrated during all-day outings. In our experience, packs in the 6- to 9-liter range (like the Osprey Katari 7) are best for rides that don&#;t last more than a few hours.

The 7-liter Osprey Katari can accommodate the essentials plus a of couple extras

10-15 Liters: The All-rounder Capacity
The 10- to 15-liter volume is the goldilocks capacity for us and the range we&#;d go with if we had to choose just one pack. The versatility is hard to beat: You can use compression straps to reduce unwanted space during hot laps but then expand it into a voluminous pack for longer or more gear-intensive rides. At this volume, there&#;s enough space to carry a couple liters of water, and you won&#;t have to make as many compromises when packing (no need to decide between the brownie or the warm hat&#;bring them both!). We tested packs of this size on the Whole Enchilada in Moab&#;a classic big ride with 7,000 feet of descending &#;and had plenty of room to fill our reservoirs to the brim, stow additional layers for the cold morning, and bring an array of snacks and gels.

The 15-liter REI Link is a versatile size for those who don't want to buy multiple packs

16L+: Long Epics and Gear-Intensive Days
If you&#;re an adventurous rider who gravitates toward big, epic days like Gifford-Pinchot traverses and backcountry trips to the Chicoltins, a larger pack is likely your best bet. Packs in the greater-than-16-liter category, like the Patagonia Dirt Roamer 20L and Evoc Trail Pro 26L, provide ample space for multiple layers (even a puffy jacket) to accommodate unpredictable mountain weather. They have no problem fitting items like a water filter, robust repair kit, navigational gadgets, and even more specialized equipment like an SLR camera kit or trail work tools. Keep in mind that packs this big are more likely to feel unwieldy when stuffed full&#;you&#;ll want to be cognizant of weight distribution when packing&#;and are decidedly overkill for the average ride, but they have their place for lengthy and gear-heavy outings. 

The 20-liter Patagonia Dirt Roamer is best suited for long and gear-intensive days in the saddle

Carrying Comfort: Shoulder Straps and Hipbelts

Reading the product descriptions above, you&#;ll see we make numerous references to pack comfort. A lot of factors come into play for a comfy-riding design, including fit and sizing (detailed below), but first and foremost are the shoulder straps and hipbelts. Starting with the former, we prefer light padding that offers enough cushioning for hauling a laden-down pack&#;a full water reservoir can weigh a surprising amount&#;but isn&#;t so bulky that it feels like it&#;s too far off your body. Additionally, shoulder strap shape is important, and you&#;ll see a number of the best options have an opened-up, winged layout to reduce restriction and potential pressure points as you reach forward to the handlebars. In general, you get nicer padding and more thoughtful shoulder strap designs as price goes up, including on packs like the Osprey Raptor 10, CamelBak Chase Vest, and Evoc Trail Pro.

Unrestrictive but comfortable shoulder straps should be a priority

Hipbelts fall into two basic camps: webbing-only or wider shapes that feature a mesh lining. If you&#;re wanting only the basics and don&#;t plan to haul much weight or water at a time, a webbing-only belt like what&#;s found on the Osprey Katari can do the trick. But there&#;s a reason that pack is ranked at the bottom of our list&#;it&#;s just not that comfortable. The webbing strap feels restrictive when you pull it snug, is unable to distribute much weight to take it off your shoulders, and doesn&#;t do as good of a job keeping the pack from bouncing around through technical sections. As a result, if you&#;re getting a standard backpack (i.e., not a vest-style design like the CamelBak Chase), we think it&#;s worth opting for a wider belt. Most are very lightly padded and have a wider shape at the hips that keeps the pack close to you for better support, and some include pockets for small items like snacks.

Thule's Vital remains nicely in place even while airborne

Pockets and Organization

It&#;s hard to capture your friend sending a rock-roll with a cracked , and no one likes a soggy, squished granola bar. For these reasons (and many more), well-designed pockets and compartments are an important consideration when choosing a pack. Some riders prefer the simplicity of a single large pocket (like what you get with the Patagonia Dirt Roamer), while others will appreciate a wider assortment of smaller spots for keys, a wallet, a , and bike tools. It&#;s also nice to have a separate space or external straps to stash a wet or muddy layer without dirtying or soaking your other gear. Final organizational features to consider include a dedicated tool kit pouch, a helmet attachment (like Osprey&#;s LidLock mechanism), an e-bike battery pocket, a water bladder sleeve (which we cover more in depth below) and a blinker light attachment&#;just to name a few.

We like the detachable 1-liter pocket on the USWE Airborne

In general, we&#;ve found that most mountain bike packs don&#;t prioritize pocket accessibility&#;perhaps as a way to discourage fumbling with gear while riding. That said, we appreciate the ability to quickly retrieve items like a snack or our , because stopping and taking off a backpack just to grab a bite of a granola bar can be a real annoyance. A few designs above are better equipped for the job than most. The CamelBak Chase Vest, for instance, has handy pockets on the shoulder straps (one major draw to the vest style), while the Evoc Trail Pro boasts large hipbelt pockets that are easy to access while riding.

The CamelBak Chase Vest boasts easily accessible&#;and smartphone-friendly&#;pockets at the front

Hydration Reservoirs

Most mountain bike packs come with a hydration reservoir (also commonly referred to as a bladder), but some brands, like Evoc, require that you purchase one separately. On our list, Osprey, REI, Dakine, Patagonia and USWE all use HydraPak-brand reservoirs (though they might add their own design features), while CamelBak uses their own line of bladders. Below we break down important design considerations between the various sizes and styles.

Reservoir Capacities
Hydration-equipped mountain bike packs generally come with a reservoir in the 1- to 3-liter range&#;and most of the time, this decision is made for you when you purchase your pack. For example, the REI Co-op Link 15 L features a 2-liter reservoir, while the CamelBak LR 10 comes with a 3-liter bladder. That said, it&#;s often possible to mix and match reservoirs. If you&#;re biking in particularly warm weather or know you&#;ll be out for a long time without the ability to refill, bumping up to a larger model can be a good idea&#;just make sure it fits inside your pack. And while it&#;s also possible to swap in a smaller-capacity reservoir, the easier solution is to just fill your existing bladder halfway. Pro tip: If you go this route, invert the reservoir after filling and suction out air through the hose to mitigate sloshing.

Most mountain bike packs come with an included hydration reservoir

Openings Styles: Slider vs. Twist Cap
Reservoirs generally feature one of two primary opening mechanisms: a top opening that folds and seals with a slider (like those from HydraPak) or a large, threaded opening with a twist-off cap (like those from CamelBak). The slider on a HydraPak bladder is arguably easier to fill solo thanks to the bigger opening. We&#;ve also found the lid on many CamelBak designs to be a bit finicky&#;we&#;ve soaked our packs after failing to line up the threads precisely or tightly enough on several occasions. This is largely a matter of personal preference, however, and the opening style on your bladder may or may not be an important consideration for you.

We find slider-equipped bladders easier to fill than those with twist-off caps

Bite Valves
Bite valves are a convenient way to hydrate while pedaling, and the mechanism is very simple: Gently compress the valve by biting down, and water will begin flowing through the hose as you suck. The primary difference between valves is the on/off mechanism: CamelBak&#;s and Osprey's feature a lever, while most HydraPak designs twist open and closed. We've found the majority of bite valves are fairly easy to use and leak-free, although we&#;ve found that CamelBak&#;s require less suction, which is certainly a bonus (they claim their Crux reservoirs offer 20% more water per sip, which lines up with our experiences). Bite valves are imperfect and occasionally fall off&#;we&#;ve already lost one on our Patagonia Dirt Roamer&#;but fortunately, it&#;s an easy and cheap (typically under $10) replacement.

Bite valves typically open and close with a twist (left) or lever (right)

Hose Attachment: Magnet or Clip
When you&#;re pumping corners and scaling rooty trails, your hands aren't free to reach to resecure your bladder hose as they might be when you&#;re running or hiking. With that in mind, we really value an easily accessible hose attachment, and especially one that doesn&#;t flop around while riding. Most hoses are held in place by a quick-release magnet or clip. The majority of packs above use the former, which makes attaching and unattaching very easy&#;place the magnets close to each other and let physics do the rest. The magnet is located either across the body on the sternum strap (common on Osprey packs but also found on the CamelBak Mule Pro) or on the same side as the hose (like the Dakine Drafter and Thule Vital).

Of note: We&#;ve found that the hose occasionally squiggles out of place with the across-the-body design. To combat this, Patagonia, REI, and most CamelBak packs have a clip to keep the hose in place, which involves unclipping it in order to sip&#;a somewhat tedious step to execute while riding, but arguably worth the effort for the added security. 

Magnetic attachment systems make it easy to disconnect and reattach your hose but aren't the most secure

Reservoir Shape and Placement
Water is heavy and prone to leaking, so the location of your reservoir is a detail that shouldn&#;t be overlooked. Some packs, like the Patagonia Dirt Roamer, house the reservoir in a separate compartment to ensure it&#;s protected from sharp equipment (and to help keep your gear dry if it leaks). Others have a sleeve inside the main compartment with a clip for suspending the reservoir to keep it from slipping downward as it empties.

There are also differences in bladder positioning: Some packs have vertically oriented pockets, so the reservoir lays flush against your back, while others (like the CamelBak Skyline LR 10 and REI Link 15) position the bladder low on the lumbar spine. This will largely come down to what feels most comfortable for you, but we&#;ve found the low reservoir placement to be great in terms of overall stability. Finally, it&#;s important to note that some bladders&#;including those that come with the LowRider and Dakine Drafter&#;are specifically designed to fit in their respective pockets, meaning they can&#;t be transferred between packs.

The CamelBak Skyline LR 10 (right) positions the bladder at the bottom for a lower center of gravity

Additional Mountain Bike Pack Features

Helmet Attachment
A dedicated helmet attachment system is nice if you&#;re looking to stow your lid during an uphill car shuttle, on a hike-a-bike section of trail, or grabbing a bite après-ride. Some riders also carry their bike helmet on their pack during long climbs on forest service roads, particularly in hot conditions. Depending on your use of the feature, this could be an important consideration or inconsequential (we land on the former). But few things scream &#;gaper&#; more than a helmet dangling by its chin strap, bouncing and clanking around as you walk into the brewery after your ride. If you anticipate using a helmet carrying system, designs range from quite simple (like the compression straps on the REI Link 15) to fairly sophisticated (like the chin strap slot on the CamelBak Mule Pro). Our favorite is Osprey&#;s LidLock system, which is essentially a well-laced bungee strap with a rigid plastic plate to secure the helmet in place.

The helmet attachment system on the Dakine Drafter

Integrated Back Protection
Riders pushing their limits and learning new tricks may benefit from a pack that incorporates back protection, like the Evoc Trail Pro. How it works: An impact-absorbing panel at the back safeguards your spine against rocks and other sharp objects that could cause damage during an unintentional spill while also preventing it from overextending. Importantly, there are two levels of protection available, and both the Evoc Trail Pro and CamelBak Mule Pro (with the $55 Impact Protector Panel add-on) boast level 2 protection (EN -2), which meets the highest standard for impact absorption in the event of a crash.

Back protection panels provided a nice dose of added safety in the event of a crash

In terms of downsides, protector panels inevitably add weight and bulk, but the good news is that they&#;re removable for less demanding rides. This also means they&#;re easy to replace&#;like a mountain bike helmet, a back protector&#;s integrity is compromised once impacted, and we highly recommend purchasing a new panel after a crash. Of note: Evoc will evaluate any of their protectors&#; integrity and send a replacement for free if it&#;s been damaged.

Fit and Sizing

Friction points are inevitable during long days in the saddle, and it&#;s essential that you find a pack that fits. In addition to being more comfortable, a well-fitting pack will also feel more stable while riding. Most designs are only offered in a single size (the Evoc Trail Pro and Patagonia Dirt Roamer are two exceptions), but the good news is that adjustable sternum, waist, and shoulder straps are nearly universal. With the ability to move and adjust the straps, we&#;ve had no issues sharing a pack among riders of multiple sizes. No two bodies are the same, however, and we highly recommend trying packs on before you buy to ensure you can get a snug (but not restrictive) and comfortable all-around fit.

The USWE Airborne's unique harness system offers a highly adjustable and secure fit

Women&#;s-Specific Mountain Bike Packs

While most of the packs on our list (and on the market) are one-size-fits-all, many do come in a women&#;s-specific version. However, the differences between men&#;s and women&#;s designs are relatively minor. In the case of the Osprey Raptor (men&#;s version) and Raven (women&#;s), the Raven has a slightly shorter torso length and comes in different colorways. For the Mule Pro, CamelBak states that the women&#;s model has a different fit and shape than the men&#;s version, including a more contoured shoulder harness. In the end, we recommend going with whichever model fits and feels best&#;regardless of the labeling.

The women's Osprey Raven 10 has a slightly shorter torso length than the men's Raptor 10

Breathability and Ventilation

Since mountain biking is a highly aerobic and often sweaty sport, breathability is a top consideration for many riders. And while many of the packs we tested advertise ventilated backpanels and sweat-wicking technology, overall performance varies quite a bit&#;striking a good balance between a snug fit and maximum airflow is no small feat. The Patagonia Dirt Roamer and CamelBak Chase Vest, for example, sit close to the back and don&#;t rank highly in terms of overall ventilation. Conversely, the mesh backpanels on the CamelBak Mule Pro, Dakine Drafter, and Osprey Raptor/Raven are positioned farther away from the body (or have offsetting to padding to create some space), allowing air to flow between your back and the pack. We called out any notable outliers&#;on both sides of the spectrum&#;in the write-ups above, but if you tend to run warm or prefer long, hard days in the saddle, you&#;ll likely want to opt for a suspended mesh design over a close-fitting backpanel.

The CamelBak Mule Pro features a suspended mesh backpanel that promotes great airflow

Pack Weight

Pack weight is dependent on multiple factors, including capacity, fabric thickness, and number of features&#;among others. On our list above, the lightest option is the CamelBak Chase Vest at a scant 10 ounces, while the heaviest is Dakine Drafter 10L at 2 pounds even. While that&#;s a relatively small range, it&#;s important to consider what you&#;re getting for the added heft. In the case of the Dakine Drafter, that means thick fabrics that hold up well to long-term use, dedicated e-bike battery storage (among myriad other pockets), and exterior straps for accommodating bulky items like knee pads. By contrast, the Chase Vest is decidedly minimalist with its streamlined coverage, flimsier build, and limited feature set.

A final consideration is the weight of your typical load&#;stuffing the lightweight Chase Vest with an SLR camera and extensive toolkit would likely make for a bouncy, unwieldy ride. If you&#;re partial to long days in the saddle that require a lot of gear, we&#;d recommend going with a burlier (i.e., heavier) pack. From our experience, the most balanced designs land in the 1- to 2-pound range.

The Dakine Drafter is the heaviest design on our list at 2 pounds even

Build Quality and Durability

Given the inherently rough nature of mountain biking, the packs above are all designed to withstand considerable use and abuse. However, some are better equipped for the job than others. Fabric denier is a common measurement of fabric thickness, and we've included the listings for the pack body when available in the table above. Materials like heavy-duty nylon (often 200 denier and up) as well as strong, waterproof zippers are good indicators of overall durability. While none of the packs above threatened to unravel at the seams during testing, there were a few that stood out in terms of all-out toughness and build quality, including the Evoc Trail Pro and Dakine Drafter&#;the two heaviest designs on our list, which is no coincidence. 

Evoc's Trail Pro is well equipped to handle the rigors of mountain biking

Mountain Bike Backpacks vs. Waist Packs

Out on the singletrack, you&#;ll likely encounter folks who are adamant wearers of waist packs (also known as hip packs or fanny packs) and others who are proponents of traditional backpacks. At the end of the day, a decision between the two designs largely boils down to your intended use(s) and personal preference. By nature, backpacks tend to have more volume (7-25L), which translates to more water-carrying capacity and additional space for a windbreaker, snacks, and tools&#;a great fit for longer days out. Waist packs, on the other hand, are lower-volume (typically 1-5L) and better suited for shorter rides or days at the bike park. Most waist packs fit just the essential items (e.g., a granola bar, tool, and ), and some offer detachable holsters for securing a water bottle.

Waist packs are a viable alternative to full-sized backpacks on shorter rides

One consideration to keep in mind is that overloaded waist packs can feel unstable and bouncy, while backpacks distribute weight more evenly and keep the load closer to your back. However, with more coverage comes less breathability. Waist packs are generally cooler on hot summer days, but don&#;t be fooled&#;your lower back produces a lot of sweat, and the thickness and construction of the hipbelt can have a sizable impact on ventilation. Some riders also like the added assurance of having full coverage along their back in the event of a fall&#;although for the utmost in protection, you&#;ll want to go with a dedicated protector pack like the Evoc Trail Pro. In the end, both have their places and we find ourselves rotating between designs depending on the adventure of the day. For our favorite waist packs, we currently swap between the simple Dakine Hot Laps 1L and feature-rich Patagonia Dirt Roamer 3L.
Back to Our Top Mountain Bike Pack Picks  Back to Our Mountain Bike Pack Comparison Table

For more information, please visit Wholesale Cycling Backpack.