Choosing the right backpack

The mountain bike backpack you choose can bring you either joy or suffering on the tour. Is it well and evenly positioned across the shoulders and hips? Does it distribute your burdens correctly? So it is your good companion, if not, then your back is more likely to be maltreated. Of course, this requires that it contains the right tools and tools. If you have forgotten any important item, then even the best break or the waterproof rain jacket will be of no use to you.

So the question is: Which perfect backpack should I choose for the MTB? What should I pack in my bike backpack? How should I decide the size of the mountain bike backpack? In this article we have collected all the advice you need.

There are many models of bicycle backpacks available from many manufacturers. However, things should be a little more special with mountain biking.

• The first requirement is that the MTB backpacks must fit correctly and must not slip while riding off-road. They also have to be large enough to meet our requirements and also replace a protective function with a back protector. Also be robust enough to hold up as high as possible.
• There are different backpacks made for women and for men. These can differ greatly in terms of anatomy. Of course, you should definitely pay attention to this.

How big should a bike backpack be for mountain biking?

This decision depends on the length of your tour. For a short evening ride, a hip bag with a capacity of a few liters would be enough. In addition, it gives you freedom of movement while biking. You can even choose a hip bag with an integrated hydration bladder.

If you are going on a mountain bike tour for a whole day, it makes more sense to take a backpack with a volume of 14 to 20 liters. If you are planning a crossing of the Alps, you should therefore plan for more volume.

Your height: Some manufacturers offer backpacks for different body sizes or with an adjustable carrying system for the length at. So it's appropriate that you pay attention to this point if your body size is on the edge of the norm. It is similar for the length adjustment on the shoulder straps and hip belts, which should fit your height and circumference.

What else is important in a mountain bike backpack?

Outdoor suitability: An MTB backpack should definitely be a waterproof backpack or backpack because of the exposure to the weather be with a rain cover. Some manufacturers include this rain cover in the backpack and it is usually located in one of the small compartments at the bottom of the backpack.

Back carrying system: It is a great advantage if your backpack has a sensible back system, which even partially provides fresh air and doesn't make your back burn too much on warm days. Many backpacks usually have mesh backs, air channels and similar systems inserted.

Division: The division of the compartments in the backpack should also be well laid out. There are different types of backpacks that are loaded from the top, the side or over the back. You will definitely need a hydration system, a helmet holder or some external mesh pockets. Make sure your backpack has these compartments!

Lighting & reflectors: The lighting and the Reflectors on the backpack ensure that cyclists can be seen better at dusk or in bad weather. This is how you can prevent accidents. Before you start driving, you should check whether you have enough lighting or Have reflectors on your MB (front and back) or on your backpack. Of course, you should check the functionality of these tools.

Town weight:  You should pay attention to this, especially if you are on longer tours that your back is not burdened by unnecessary weight. Your backpack should be sturdy but also very easy to carry. Therefore, when buying a backpack, you should make sure that your backpack can be packed correctly and that there are suitable compartments at the bottom for heavy items.

Pack your MTB backpack correctly

Your backpack is your faithful companion on your tours, but you never know exactly what you should have with you? We'll explain to you how to properly pack a MTB backpack so that you're equipped for (almost) anything. In the following tip list you can read a few important tips for each tour.

1. How do you determine that your backpack is adjusted to the correct position?

Before the actual packing tips, we'll show you how to find the right position for your backpack. First, loosen all the straps. The best way to adjust it is to start with the hip belt of your backpack. You can position the hip pads centered over your hip bone and fasten your belt. We recommend that you adjust the shoulder straps soon. Pull them on so that the beginning of the shoulder straps rests in the middle of your shoulder blades. Now all that remains is the chest strap, which is very important when riding an MTB. The chest strap and hip belt work together to ensure that your backpack sits firmly on your back and doesn't slide around. Now you have set the correct position and can pack your MTB backpack correctly and go on an MB tour.

2. Where should you store your keys, cell phone and wallet?

Actually, the keys, the cell phone and the wallet don't have anything to do with packing a bike backpack. But you should imagine the following situation: You had a great day on the trails and would like to drink an after-ride beer. You look in your backpack and almost go crazy. You don't have a wallet with you, so you don't have any money for the beer. Having to borrow money from your buddies is not cool! Nevertheless, a friend spends and you still have a good evening together. As soon as you arrive home you realize that your keys and your wallet are lying on the kitchen counter. Luckily, your good half is at home and opens the door for you. Your cell phone is also next to your keys and wallet. So that you don't actually have to experience this scenario, read on and find out more about our packing recommendations.

3. Safety comes first!

You should definitely have your cell phone with you when biking. These devices are not only useful for taking cool pictures and clips, but you can also sometimes need emergency calls. Using modern GPS technology, you can transmit your location to the emergency services. In order to be able to pack your MTB backpack properly, you should have your first aid kit with you so that you are prepared for a small scratch every now and then. Our main point here is that for now it doesn't matter which set you have with you. It is very important that you have one with you, or at least one of your bike buddies does.

4. Everything you need to eat!

You have found the right backpack, adjusted it properly and are now equipped with safety equipment. You can now safely start a tour. In order to pack your MTB backpack properly, we recommend that you pack enough snacks with you. If you want your new backpack to motivate you on long trips, snacks play an important role. You should choose your snacks so that they taste good to you and don't melt in your backpack. A chocolate bar should not be stored in a backpack at 30°C.

5. Your multi-tools for emergencies!

As a mountain biker, you can count yourself lucky. Because many screws on mountain bikes only have a few different sizes of hexagon socket or Allen key screws installed. The selection of multitools on the market is huge. With these tools you can usually not only find suitable Allen keys, but also many other clever tools. These multi-tools are a must-have for mountain bikers. So you should definitely have a multitool in your MTB backpack. You should store this multitool so that it is quickly accessible. You should e.g.b Store in one of the compartments located on the hip belt. You don't have to take off your backpack for short emergencies.

6. If you run out of air on the go!

You probably know it! You have started a beautiful tour that also includes some of your favorite trails ahead of you. You've just driven down the first trail and it hisses. If you don't have any repair tools with you, it's time to move on. You may love your bike, but pushing it really gets on your nerves. You don't need too much to pack your MTB backpack correctly. You need a spare tube, a tire lever and a pump or a CO2 cartridge. But if you are a tubeless rider, you should know that many small holes can be patched with the tubeless repair kits, the so-called salamis. If you've never done this before, you should try it with an old tire first and then get going.

7. Mother Nature can get angry sometimes.

We should admit that carrying a thin jacket or a second jersey sounds a little excessive. This may also be the case in summer in low mountain ranges. However, if you are planning a bike tour in the Alps, you should definitely pack a thin jacket. So that the jacket doesn't take up too much space in your MTB backpack, you should choose a jacket that can be folded up as small as possible. You can choose GORE-TEX jackets, which are often very light but still wind and rainproof. This additional clothing will help you, for example:b Don't get too cold when rolling down a long descent.

8. Keep an eye on everything!

It's safe and also looks cooler when you have everything in view. No matter whether you ride with normal bike glasses or with Google, your eyes will thank you. The glasses are clearly one of the packing utensils for packing your MTB backpack properly. Your glasses protect your eyes from mud, dust, small stones and insects. These things can be anything but pleasant to the eye. If you wear glasses with limited vision, you now have the right bike glasses on the market. Component bike shops and many opticians can give you expert advice on this. This means your trail experience doesn’t end at the eye doctor.

9. Small things have big meaning!

It's often very small things, if you don't have them with you, that can ruin your tour. So that you can pack your MTB backpack correctly, we recommend that you have specific parts for the bike in your backpack. These are e.g.b a chain lock, brake pads or a suitable derailleur hanger for the bike. In addition to the well-known parts, simple cable ties are also recommended. Whether they are laces for your shoes or as an emergency aid for a broken shift cable, they are very versatile.

What exactly should you pack in your MTB backpack?

• Spare clothing:  A change of T-shirt, a light long sleeve, a rain or wind jacket. Depending on the weather, it makes sense to wear something dry during a break. Wear a light jacket in case of wind and/or rain.
  
  
• First aid kit: We definitely prefer not to have the first aid kit at all needed to use. But when you do need it, you can't replace it with anything else. A plaster, a wound spray or perhaps even a small bandage should not be missing.
  
  
• The bar, the snack, a drink: For a quick snack, you should have small bars with you that last Support increase. Vespers should not be missed on the day tour. Cleverly packed in a lunch box or in beeswax cloth, we can save a few grams in our backpack. The integrated drinks system is also a useful companion during a day tour.
  
  
• A suitable air pump: You can buy a very good model of an air pump for as little as €30. This belongs in every bike backpack for your valve.
  
  
• Damper pump: In different ways, different requirements are required. Your fork and shock need to be adjusted. You should have the shock pump in your bike backpack.
  
  
• Tire lever: If all else fails and you have to switch from tubeless to tube. You should definitely take precautions for this scenario.

• Replacement tube: If you can no longer save your tear in the jacket with a tubeless salami, the replacement tube is a savior in need.
  
  
• Sealing milk: In their small bottles they are always perfect in your backpack and you can use them immediately for refilling.
  
  
• Tubeless salami: You can't always carry a coat with you. So you should be able to save your coat so that you don't have to end the tour prematurely.
  
  
• Tool with chain tool: You can also have problems with the chain. In this case, only a suitable chain tool can help us. You should also have a chain lock with you. This means you can close the chain very quickly on the move than with a rivet. You can't lose it that easily either. Your chain locks must match your chain width.

• Cable ties: It is probably one of the best inventions. You can use them universally and always have a few in your backpack.
  
• Small pliers: Is your brake lever bent? Is the valve stuck? Simply use it universally and always have it with you.
  
  
• Valve opener for French valves: The unique help for refilling or refilling the valve insert. unscrew the sealing milk.
  
  
• The right derailleur hanger: A derailleur hanger is always individually tailored to your mountain bike and tailored to the gears. So you can't use it that easily. This makes it the non-plus-ultra for all bikers!
• Replacement tubeless valve: The tubeless valve can sometimes weaken. Alternatively, you can simply take a spare hose with you instead of a valve.
  
  
• Shift cable: A defective shift cable or seat post can quickly end your tour. That's why you should always have a shift cable in your backpack!
  
  
• Brake pads as a replacement: It is the important key point that should actually be checked and replaced before the tour. But never say never! It doesn't hurt if you have a few suitable brake pads with you. Especially not on intensive and long downhill tours.
  

• Spoke key: A figure eight can quickly appear in the wheel. The right spoke wrench tightens the spokes quickly in order to get down the mountain unscathed on a certain route.
  
  
• Appropriate knee protection: Many trails should be ridden with protectors. You should try it out whether you like to go on tour with thick or light protectors.
  
  
• Individual tool: The appropriate T-wrench to fasten the brake caliper or for another purpose, depending on the situation you need a special tool every now and then.
  

Here you can download a checklist to check off!

Did our article help you? Or do you have questions or suggestions about our topic? Please feel free to leave your comment below. We welcome your questions, criticisms and comments and we will be happy to answer them.