Seeing as the days are longer and the mercury has risen, it’s time to call your buddies and plan your next ride! But we’re not in primary school any longer, and our parents won’t pack our bags: so what backpack to take and what needs to go in it? We’ve taken on the role of parent and tested seven of the coolest daypacks to make your decision even easier.
You’re unlikely to pass many bike shops when you’re out on a ride so obviously you’ve got to pack sensibly and – like any well-educated scout – be prepared for all eventualities. So what’s the solution? Well, first you need a comfy backpack that fits and has the right sort of pockets and compartments so you won’t be forced to rummage for the spare tube or your phone in frustration.
Like any decent ninja turtle, a backpack has to sit pretty firmly without digging in or limiting your movements. Certain contents like a bladder, tools, sunglasses and energy bars have to be within reach, and you almost definitely want to be able to fix your helmet onto the backpack and have some sort of protective cover for downpours.
| Brand | Rain cover incl. | Worth noting | Weight | Volume | Price |
| EVOC STAGE 18L | ✔️ | BraceLink, Ventilation system | 965 g | 18 l | € 139.90 |
| Deuter Compact EXP 16 | ✔️ | Additional 2.5 litre of volume available | 1.043 g | 16 l | € 99.95 |
| Ergon BA3 Evo | Adjustment system for back length, quick mount rain cover | 1.140 g | 16+3 l | € 139.95 | |
| VAUDE Moab 20 | ✔️ | Spacious | 1.123 g | 20 l | € 120.00 |
| SCOTT TRAIL ROCKET FR 18 | Super light for its size | 780 g | 18 l | € 129.95 | |
| CamelBak H.A.W.G NV | ✔️ | Spacious | 880 g | 17+3 l | – |
| USWE AIRBORNE 15 | Unique carrying system | 700 g | 15 l | € 149.95 |
What to take on an all-day ride
We wanted this group test to be as lifelike as possible, hence why we insisted on this list and everything it entails, asking each backpack to carry them all throughout the day.
- mini pump
- spare tube + tire levers
- shock pump
- multi-tool + chain tool
- 3l bladder
- 3 energy bars
- Wallet
- Keys
- Smartphone
- First aid kit
- Rain cover
- Waterproof jacket
- baselayer
