The 10 Best Mountain Biking Packs

I cannot think of why you should not bring a backpack when mountain biking. A mountain biking pack provides the benefit of easily carrying your supplies and water reservoir all on your back.

The best mountain biking hydration pack right now is the EVOC FR Enduro Blackline Protector Hydration Pack. It features lots of storage space and high-quality materials.

If you need more options, look at the best mountain biking packs below.

Best Mountain Biking Packs

1. EVOC FR Enduro Blackline Protector Hydration Pack Backpack – Best Overall

Quality: 5

Performance: 5

Reasons To Buy:

• Features a lot of storage spaces
• Made of top-notch materials
• It comes with a helmet stash space
• Ideal for long-distance rides

Do you think the EVOC FR Enduro Backpack is for you? Read reviews and check current prices with this shortcut link to Amazon 👉 EVOC FR Enduro Blackline

Reasons To Avoid:

• More expensive than its competitors

The EVOC FR Enduro Hydration Pack is one of the best mountain biking packs on the market. It has a 30-liter storage capacity and a 3-liter hydration bladder, making it ideal for long rides. While EVOC is not as famous as mountain biking packs like CamelBak and Osprey, it is a reputable brand that makes high-quality products. Therefore, you can ensure that the FR Enduro will provide you with the needed features.

Its Best Features

This mountain biking pack features top-notch materials that make it ideal for long-distance rides. It has a helmet holder, perfect for enduro cyclists who need to bring an extra half-face helmet during their ride. Many pockets allow you to organize your items and quickly take them out of the bag whenever needed.

Additionally, the 3-liter hydration bladder with the bag ensures you have enough water for a long ride. If you want to use this mountain biking backpack for short rides, you can remove the hydration bladder to reduce the bag’s weight and save space. The EVOC FR Enduro Hydration pack is among the best mountain biking packs that cyclists can get today. (source)

2. Osprey Manta 34 Men’s Hiking Hydration Backpack – Best for Adjustability

Quality: 4.5

Performance: 5

Reasons To Buy:

• Feels comfortable carry
• It offers enough room for your mountain biking supplies
• Versatile

Do you think the Osprey Manta 34 Backpack is for you? Read reviews and check current prices with this shortcut link to Amazon 👉 Osprey Manta 34 Men’s Hiking Hydration Backpack

Reasons To Avoid:

• The hip and chest straps have plastic clips that may break on impact

One of the main features of the Osprey Manta is its 2.5-liter water reservoir. The reservoir comes with the package, so buying this mountain biking backpack means you have storage for your items and water in one pack. The hydration bladders also come with a magnetically-attached hose that holds well to the sternum strap.

This mountain biking pack has two zippered pockets on the hip belt, which are ideal storage spaces for the stuff you need to access during your ride quickly. The hip belt also has padding, making it extra comfortable even with heavy contents. You can also adjust the torso size to find a suitable shoulder strap and hip belt length.

Its Best Feature

There is no denying that this mountain biking backpack is a large one. For this reason, you may think that your back will start to feel hot or sweaty after carrying it for an extended period. Osprey is aware of this, so it included a suspended mesh panel at the back of the bag. This way, air can freely flow between your back and the pack, preventing sweat from coming.

With all the features combined, there is no denying that the Osprey Manta is one of the best mountain biking packs. (source)

3. Osprey Talon 22 Men’s Hiking Backpack – Best for Versatility

Quality: 4.5

Performance:4.5

Reasons To Buy:

• It makes a great mountain biking and hiking backpack
• Features an external hydration pocket
• It has an ergonomic design

Do you think the Osprey Talon 22 Backpack is for you? Read reviews and check current prices with this shortcut link to Amazon 👉 Osprey Talon 22 Men’s Hiking Backpack

Reasons To Avoid:

• The hip belt pockets are small
• It may not be ideal for people with large body frames

The Osprey Talon does not come with a hydration bladder, but its features make it one of the best mountain biking packs on the market. It is a versatile backpack so that you can use it for other adventures besides mountain biking. The bag also has enough space for all the supplies you may need for a long ride.

In addition, it has a storage capacity of 22 liters. So, it makes an excellent backpack for overnight rides or bike touring. The backpack’s ergonomic design also makes it comfortable to carry regardless of its content’s weight. It even has an aerodynamic design that allows air to circulate between you and the backpack.

The sleeves of the Osprey Talon also have padding, preventing the weight of the contents from hurting your shoulders when you have to carry it for hours.

The hydration sleeve is outside the bag’s main compartment if you want to put a hydration bladder in the Osprey Talon. This way, you will not have to worry about a water leak from soaking the contents of your bag. (source)

4. CamelBak Motherlode Hydration Pack – Best for Gear Organization

Quality: 4

Performance: 4.5

Reasons To Buy:

• Ideal for multi-day mountain biking
• Comfortable to carry
• It remains stable when the ride gets rough

Do you think the CamelBak Motherlode Backpack is for you? Read reviews and check current prices with this shortcut link to Amazon 👉 CamelBak Motherlode Hydration Pack

Reasons To Avoid:

• The back has a plastic insert that you cannot remove

One feature that makes the CamelBak Motherlode Hydration pack one of the best mountain biking packs is its open clamshell feature. Meaning you can open the main compartment entirely like a shell. So, you can easily access the contents of the bag.

Additionally, this backpack has a 3-liter water reservoir that delivers 25 percent more water per sip than its competitors. The position of the hydration bladder also provides the backpack with better stability.

Moreover, the design of this backpack is pretty straightforward. It has a solid color and four high-quality zippers that you can easily open when you need to access its content. The bag is also relatively large, making it perfect for multi-day mountain biking trips. (source)

5. Gregory Mountain Backpack – Best for Impact Protection

Quality: 4.5

Performance: 4.5

Reasons To Buy:

• Features an ActiveShield pocket
• Lockable zipper sliders
• It comes with a rain cover

Do you think the Gregory Mountain Backpack is for you? Read reviews and check current prices with this shortcut link to Amazon 👉 Gregory Mountain Backpack

Reasons To Avoid:

• Available in two colors, but there is a price differentiation between these options

You can go rough with this mountain biking pack without worrying that the impact may damage the items inside. The Gregory Mountain Backpack features an ActiveShield Compartment, making it one of the best mountain biking packs available today. It is even vapor, odor, and dirt-resistant.

Its Best Feature

The backpack features a lightweight alloy internal frame that makes it extra durable. The torso is adjustable for up to 4 inches, so your family members can also use it when they are mountain biking. Even better, this mountain biking backpack has a strap compartment where you can store away the straps when you are not using them.

Another feature that makes the Gregory Mountain Backpack one of the best mountain biking packs is its anti-theft and rain cover. As the name suggests, the cover protects your backpack from getting wet. But apart from acting as a rain cover, the sleeve also prevents other people from accessing the external pockets of your backpack.

Moreover, inside the backpack are mesh pockets that allow easy organization of your things. (source)

6. Vaude Bike Alpin – Best for Multi-Day Rides

Quality: 4.5

Performance: 4.5

Reasons To Buy:

• Features an ergonomic structure
• Comfortable to carry with heavy loads
• Provides an ample amount of storage space

Do you think the Vaude Bike Alpin Backpack is for you? Read reviews and check current prices with this shortcut link to Amazon 👉 Vaude Bike Alpin

Reasons To Avoid:

• The shoulder straps are narrow

Multi-day mountain bikers will find the Vaude Bike Alpin useful for their adventures, thanks to the bag’s 25 + 5-liter storage capacity. Its robust structure makes it one of the best mountain biking packs you can purchase.

Its Best Feature

The internal metal frame of this backpack prevents its back area from sitting directly on your back, thus providing airflow. An external zipper holds the bottom of this biking backpack. When unzipped, the bag can extend to provide you with 5 liters of extra storage space.

Inside this backpack are internal pockets that make it easy to organize your supplies. There is also a waterproof pocket where you can put your smartphone. This mountain biking pack’s number of pockets and storage capacity make it an ideal option for more than a day of mountain biking.

While the shoulder straps of this backpack are narrow, their paddings make the bag comfortable to carry despite the heavy content. The bag also comes with a rain cover to protect your supplies from getting wet. (source)

7. CamelBak Rogue Light Bike Hydration Pack – Best for Minimalist Cyclists

Quality: 4.5

Performance: 4.5

Reasons To Buy:

• Made of lightweight materials
• The hydration bladder is easily accessible
• Highly durable

Do you think the CamelBak Rogue Light Backpack is for you? Read reviews and check current prices with this shortcut link to Amazon 👉 CamelBak Rogue Light Bike Hydration Pack

Reasons To Avoid:

• The shoulder straps could be a little wider
• Minimal storage

CamelBak created the Rouge Light Hydration Pack with simplicity in mind. This backpack is one of the best mountain biking packs today, featuring a 2.5-liter reservoir so you can stay hydrated while on the trail. The hydration bladder also has a hose that is easily accessible, allowing you to take a sip as you pedal your mountain bike.

Additionally, the water hose of this mountain biking pack has an on and off switch that prevents water from spilling out of the bite valve.

Moreover, the Rouge Light has features that increase the comfort of carrying it. This backpack has a breathable air mesh back panel that air can freely pass through.

There are also 2.5 liters of storage space where you can stash the supplies you need for your ride. (source)

8. EVOC HIP PACK PRO 3L – Best for Short Rides

Quality: 4.5

Performance: 4.5

Reasons To Buy:

• Comfortable hip belt
• Boasts an exceptional ventilation system
• It offers a smart hydration system

Do you think the EVOC HIP PACK Backpack is for you? Read reviews and check current prices with this shortcut link to Amazon 👉 EVOC HIP PACK PRO 3L

Reasons To Avoid:

• Only ideal for short rides

True enough, mountain biking backpacks can be a little too much for short rides. In such instances, bringing a bum bag like the EVOC Hip Pack Pro is ideal.

This bum bag features extreme comfort, thanks to its efficient ventilation system and impressive design. And although this bum bag looks small, it offers sufficient room for your snacks, tools, phone, and some essential gear.

Its Best Feature

The EVOC Hip Pack comes with a 1.5-liter hydration bladder that you can store inside the bag’s central compartment. The bladder has a magnetic hose that allows you to easily access water when you need to take a sip. If the bladder content is not enough for you, you can also bring two water bottles that you can store in the two side pockets of the bag. 

In addition, this hip pack boasts stability while you wear it on your lower back. For this reason, the EVOC hip pack makes one of the best mountain biking packs for short rides on rough trails. (source)

9. Kelty REDWING 44 Backpack – Best for Bringing Many Supplies

Quality: 4

Performance: 4.5

Reasons To Buy:

• Features a lot of storage
• The hydration sleeve doubles as a laptop sleeve
• Side-load and top-load capable

Do you think the REDWING 44 Backpack is for you? Read reviews and check current prices with this shortcut link to Amazon 👉 Kelty REDWING 44 Backpack

Reasons To Avoid:

• It can be too large for the majority of mountain bikers
• Made out of a thin material

While the Kelty REDWING 44 Backpack can be too big for some mountain bikers, it is still one of the best mountain biking packs you can purchase on the market. This backpack may be the ideal choice if you plan to go camping on the trail after an entire day of mountain biking.

Its Best Feature

The Kelty REDWING is a hybrid-style backpack, which you can use for both top and side loading. This feature is crucial for quick access to the various parts of the backpack without having to rummage on the other contents. It does not come with a hydration bladder, but you can always fit a large water container inside the bag, and you will still have ample space for your mountain biking supplies.

Moreover, the front panel of this mountain biking pack also works as a stash pocket. You can use this front panel to store extra shirts, a raincoat, and other small items without worrying that they might fall.

If you prefer bringing a hose-equipped hydration bladder, this mountain biking pack has a hydration pouch that can hold it. The hydration pouch also doubles as a laptop sleeve, making the Kelty REDWING ideal for urban users. (source)

10. USWE Airborne Backpack – Best for Features

Quality: 4.5

Performance: 4.5

Reasons To Buy:

• Boasts a bounce-free feature
• The shoulder and chest straps are adjustable
• Features a harness system for comfort

Do you think the USWE Airborne Backpack is for you? Read reviews and check current prices with this shortcut link to Amazon 👉 USWE Airborne Backpack

Reasons To Avoid:

• It can be a little too small for some mountain bikers

If you are looking for one of the best mountain biking packs for short rides, the USWE Airborne Backpack is best for you. This hydration pack comes with a 2-liter hydration bladder, so you will never run out of water for your ride. There is also a 1-liter storage space for your mountain biking tools and some snacks.

Apart from the hydration bladder, the best feature of this mountain biking pack is its no-bounce design. Meaning the backpack will not bounce on your back if the ride gets rough.

In addition, the shoulder straps of this backpack have a fantastic ventilation feature. For this reason, there will not be any sweat buildup even if you carry this bag for hours. This ventilation system also adds to the comfort that the USWE Airborne Backpack can offer.

Another excellent feature of this mountain biking pack is its adjustability. All the straps are adjustable to find the most comfortable fit for your ride. (source)

What are the Features of the Best Mountain Biking Packs?

After a few minutes of scrolling on the internet, you will notice that all mountain biking backpacks claim to be the best for such a type of adventure. However, a claim of being the best is not enough if you are looking for a mountain biking pack suitable for your riding style. Instead, you need to be knowledgeable about the features that the best mountain biking packs should have.

That said, here are the features that you need to look for when finding a mountain biking backpack:

Hydration Pack

Mountain biking is an extreme sport. Therefore, you will sweat a lot and experience thirst, especially if you are mountain biking on a hot day. For this reason, you must bring enough water to keep you hydrated throughout your adventure.

A single water bottle may be enough to quench your thirst during a short ride. In this case, a small mountain biking backpack to carry the essential supplies you will need on the terrain is enough. This way, you can save up some space and weight that the hydration bladder should have consumed.

But the case is different if you are into long rides. You need one of the best mountain biking packs with a hydration bladder. Such a backpack will let you carry a few liters of water along with your mountain biking stuff.

Magnetic Hose and Valve

Hydration bladders come with hoses where you can take a sip whenever you feel thirsty. This hose varies from one mountain biking pack to another. However, you may get the most benefit from a hydration bladder with a magnetic hose.

A magnetic system keeps your reservoir’s hose easily accessible while holding it securely on your shoulder strap. This way, the hose will not dangle around while you are on an adventure.

Ventilation

Proper ventilation is crucial, whether using a regular mountain biking backpack or a hydration pack. Backpacks have thick paddings that rest on your back, causing it to feel warm and become sweaty. To prevent such a dilemma, look for the best mountain biking packs with a mesh panel where air can pass through.

Support

Mountain biking packs should not only offer durable shoulder straps. They also need chest and hip straps to prevent them from bouncing when the trail goes rough. These straps will also prevent the bag from swaying left and right while you take a sharp curve.

The best mountain biking packs should also have a hip belt and shoulder strap pads. This way, your shoulders and waist will not hurt even when the weight of your stuff pulls the backpack down. These pads can provide the comfort you need as you pedal through rough and smooth trails.

Storage Capacity

The storage capacity of a mountain biking pack depends on how much you need to carry during the ride. If you are a long-distance cyclist, you need a backpack with at least 14 liters of storage to keep the items you need for an entire day. Long-distance cyclists must bring an extra tube, tools, and snacks on the trail, so their backpacks should be huge enough to carry all these supplies.

But if you are more of a short-distance cyclist, a mountain biking pack with at least 2 liters of storage should be enough. This storage capacity is enough to carry the essential tools, a water bottle, and some snacks for a short ride.

Pockets

Keeping things organized is essential when bringing the best mountain biking packs. When your items are correctly in place, you can easily access whatever item you need the first time your hand dives into the backpack. The key to having such a good organization is a mountain biking pack with plenty of pockets.

Your backpack should have large pockets to hold spare clothes, a raincoat, and the bag’s rain cover. Similarly, there should be enough pockets to carry small items like your phone, keys, wallet, and snacks.

Rain Cover

If possible, look for the best mountain biking packs with rain cover. You never know when the rain will fall while you are in the woods. For this reason, having something to protect the items in your bag from getting wet and soggy is highly beneficial. (source)

Pack It Up and Ride Away

This list contains 10 of the best mountain biking packs available. However, the EVOC FR Enduro Blackline Protector Hydration Pack stood out the most. The backpack features high-quality materials, allowing it to last a long time.

The best mountain biking backpack should have sufficient storage capacity and pockets. It also needs hip and shoulder straps, padding, and ventilation; these features are all in the EVOC FR Enduro.

Moreover, the Osprey Manta 34 Men’s Hiking Hydration Backpack and Osprey Talon 22 Men’s Hiking Backpack are also excellent choices.

Sources

1. “evoc FR Enduro Blackline Protector Hydration Pack Backpack, 16L capacity.” Amazon. Accessed July 9, 2022. https://www.amazon.com/Evoc-Enduro-Blackline-Protector-Hydration/dp/B00FWNQEYG/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=EVOC+FR+ENDURO+BLACKLINE&qid=1657363917&sr=8-2
2. “Osprey Manta 34 Men’s Hiking Hydration Backpack.” Amazon. Accessed July 9, 2022. https://www.amazon.com/Osprey-Packs-Manta-Hydration-Green/dp/B07JD85XJP/ref=sr_1_3?crid=3TXE8GPNEYKD8&keywords=OSPREY+MIRA&qid=1657329179&sprefix=osprey+mira%2Caps%2C515&sr=8-3
3. “Osprey Talon 22 Men’s Hiking Backpack.” Amazon. Accessed July 9, 2022. https://www.amazon.com/Osprey-Hiking-Backpack-Eclipse-X-Large/dp/B08LNYGZ2S/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1XM58U1K50AI0&keywords=Osprey%2BPacks%2BTALON%2B22%2BHiking%2BBackpack&qid=1657328618&sprefix=osprey%2Bpacks%2Btalon%2B22%2Bhiking%2Bbackpack%2Caps%2C504&sr=8-1&th=1.
4. “CamelBak Motherlode Hydration Pack with 100oz (3.0L) Mil-Spec Crux Reservoir.” Amazon. Accessed July 9, 2022. https://www.amazon.com/CamelBak-Motherlode-Hydration-Mil-Spec-Reservoir/dp/B07QQVHWPJ/ref=sr_1_5?crid=29Q7V1M45DN12&keywords=CamelBak+Motherlode&qid=1657329729&sprefix=%2Caps%2C917&sr=8-5.
5. “Gregory Women’s Traveling, Bordeaux RED, ONE.” Amazon. Accessed July 9, 2022. https://www.amazon.com/Gregory-Mountain-Products-Tribute-Backpack/dp/B07VNMQLY6?keywords=mountain%2Bbiking%2Bbackpack&qid=1637583151&refinements=p_36:1253559011&rnid=386589011&s=sporting-goods&sr=1-26&th=1&linkCode=sl1&tag=wowtravel-20&linkId=c230441d27f57291c78f7faf2afa200d&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl.
6. “VAUDE Bike Alpin 25+5, Salsa, One Size”Amazon. Accessed July 9, 2022. https://www.amazon.com/VAUDE-Unisexs-Alpin-Backpack-30-39/dp/B07K7VB6YJ/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1SAI75Z56T04G&keywords=vaude+bike+alpine&qid=1657328480&sprefix=vaude+bike+alpin%2Caps%2C260&sr=8-1.
7. “CamelBak Rogue Light Bike Hydration Pack 70oz.”Amazon. Accessed July 9, 2022. https://www.amazon.com/CamelBak-Rogue-Light-Hydration-Silver/dp/B08QV67MSS/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Camelbak+Rogue&qid=1657329624&sr=8-1.
8. “evoc Hip Pack Pro 3 Hydration Waist Pack for Biking.” Amazon. Accessed July 9, 2022. https://www.amazon.com/Evoc-Pack-Hydration-Black-Carbon/dp/B07J5KMXZ8/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=2RVVIYDJIJ6EP&keywords=EVOC+HIP+PACK+PRO+3L&qid=1657328516&sprefix=evoc+hip+pack+pro+3l%2Caps%2C262&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&smid=ALE8FWGASUNUU&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExOFkyNjdETTNKRkk0JmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMzI5MDk5MVRPTTNUM0o1MUI4WiZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUExMDQ4NDY4Nkc1SDRJU05WM1FEJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==.
9. “Kelty 30/44/50L Redwing Tactical Backpacking Men’s & Women’s Backpacks for Camping, Hiking Outdoors.” Amazon. Accessed July 9, 2022. https://www.amazon.com/Kelty-Redwing-44-Tactical-Black/dp/B077CW828L/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=1SNLY0KZDS7EV&keywords=Kelty+REDWING+44+Backpack&qid=1657328762&sprefix=kelty+redwing+44+backpack%2Caps%2C271&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzUzNHQkY2Mjk2Q1ZBJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUExMDAyMjk2MU5QVVNTQUhSTzY3NSZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwNzgyNjMwM01BNDJTMU0zM1kxTiZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=.
10. “USWE Airborne Hydration Backpack 3 L Polyester Grey/Orange.” Amazon. Accessed July 9, 2022. https://www.amazon.com/USWE-Unisex-Airborne-Hydration-Backpack/dp/B08LC2YTJF/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2L4M0K9L3Y1RQ&keywords=USWE+Airborne+Backpack&qid=1657363700&sprefix=uswe+airborne+backpack%2Caps%2C255&sr=8-2.
11. James McKnight. Mountain Biking: Skills, Techniques, Training. Crowood, 2014. https://books.google.com.ph/books?id=N3IHBAAAQBAJ&pg=PT49&dq=mountain+biking+backpack+features&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiD9f3H0ev4AhWtQPUHHSV4BrQQ6AF6BAgKEAI#v=onepage&q=mountain%20biking%20backpack%20features&f=false.