So what denotes a good backpack?

How it fits – and whether it’s comfy. That’s the crux of a decent backpack. Even if the ventilation suffers a little at the cost of comfort, it’s vital for mountain biking-specific backpacks to have a centre of gravity that’s as close to your body as possible so that it won’t affect how you’re riding and won’t impede any shredding. Then of course, a backpack that sways, jumps or threatens to knock your helmet when you’re on a descent is a definite no-go. Take some dry runs to see how it’ll fare in terms of staying in place. When it comes to size, you want one that’s neither too big (when everything will jiggle around), nor one that means you’ll have to cram everything in. Ideally the backpack will keep everything well distributed with well-chosen and well-proportioned compartments. Waist and chest straps are crucial to relieve your shoulders of all the exertion and keep the backpack in place. For the waist straps, it’s about nailing the fine line between too narrow and too wide, so it’ll neither dig in nor make you overheat.

The descent can really split the wheat from the chaff: a good all-day backpack needs to sit firmly and shred.
The descent can really split the wheat from the chaff: a good all-day backpack needs to sit firmly and shred.

Mountain bike backpacks don’t have it easy; they’ve got to deal with sweat, dust, mud (frequently), rain (too often) and the sun’s relentless heat (on occasion). Then there’s the odd time it ends up on the ground and the constant yanking of zips and buckles to endure. If we’re honest, mountain bikers aren’t the gentlest humans.

The better quality the backpack, the more hardship it’ll withstand.
The better quality the backpack, the more hardship it’ll withstand.

The right set-up

It might sound obvious but don’t scoff: you’ve got to tighten those straps across your waist, chest and shoulders, plus remember to tension the cinch straps on the sides first. If this is done right then you’ll have around 70 % of the backpack’s weight sitting on your hips, and keep the shoulder straps ones for stabilization.

Step 1: Do the waist belt.
Step 1: Do the waist belt.
Step 2: Tighten the shoulder straps
Step 2: Tighten the shoulder straps
Step 3: Now clasp the chest strap…
Step 3: Now clasp the chest strap…
…and tighten it.
…and tighten it.
“The perfect backpack is supposed to be forgotten”

Who cares how tidily organized your backpack is thanks to a brand’s clever interior design skills if it’s going to rub your skin after just two hours and turn you into a moaning mess for the rest of the ride? Keep reading to find out which backpacks caused some sore points and which ones kept gathering the bonus points.

The best backpack will hold everything without holding you up.
The best backpack will hold everything without holding you up.