10 Best Mountain Bike Backpacks in 2023 – Buyer’s Guide

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Mountain biking is loved by a lot of outdoor enthusiasts not only because they get a full-body workout but also because they get too appreciate mother nature. Mountain bike rides can take several hours to or days to complete. Therefore, it is vital that such rides regardless of the duration is well prepared. Preparation could include carrying equipment, such as rain gear, for any mechanical problems, bicycle tubes, food, water, and even extra clothing.

More notably, a rider should have a good quality backpack which is specifically designed for mountain biking. The choice of a place for holding the supplies and carrying a large volume of water speaks for itself. Studies also say that cycling with hydration packs results in higher drinking volume and greater hydration relative to using a water bottle. That’s because a hose is much easier to reach and use than a water bottle.

In a Hurry? The test winners after 9 hrs of research

Best Mountain Bike Backpacks – Overview

A good mountain bike backpack comes with two things: hydration and storage. On the other hand, the best mountain bike backpacks will provide those two things and will not knock you off balance when you blast a trail down. So in this guide, we give you the best mountain bike backpacks available on the market as well as a buying guide on features to look for when purchasing one.

Mountain Bike Backpacks Reviews

1. Osprey Packs Raptor 14 Men’s Bike Hydration Backpack – Premium Pick

The Osprey Packs Raptor 14 Men’s Bike Hydration Backpack is a high-performing pack for high-performing riders that carries it all without weighing you down. With winged shoulder straps that contour to the shape you’re in when you reach for your handlebars—delivering superior stability. AirScape suspension evenly distributes weight and a mesh-covered foam backpanel leaves you well ventilated.

An included 2.5-liter reservoir slides into its own dedicated compartment and another devoted space at the base of the pack houses a Tool Roll for your mini-pump and tools. The hydration sleeve comes with direct-zip access and hose path for easy loading. Another thing that makes this pack the best is the LidLock attachment that can easily and securely carry your bicycle helmet.

Key Features:

• Dedicated hydration compartment with included Osprey Hydraulics LT 2.5L Reservoir by Hydrapak
• Included removable roll-up tool pouch keeps tools handy and organized
• Lid Lock bike helmet attachment
• Lightweight sternum strap magnet for easy access to water
• Scratch-free heat-embossed zippered slash pocket for sunglasses and electronics

Specifications:

• Brand: Osprey
• Capacity: 14L
• Dimensions: 19″ H x 10″ W x 9″ D
• Weight: 1.75 lbs

2. Deuter Trans Alpine 30

Energize your tour cycling and trans-alp riding with the Deuter Trans Alpine 30. Designed to sit perfectly while riding a bicycle. Spring-steel frame is built to give your pack structure and shape while also transferring the load to the hip belt. Deuter’s Airstripes System is secure and snug while offering effective ventilation; 2 contoured, air-channeled foam profiles are encased in a breathable Wide AirMesh lining that reduces contact with your back. It is made from Ripstop 210 and Macro Lite 210, this bicycle touring backpack delivers lightweight, high-performance durability.

Designed for serious cyclists, this pack holds all your essentials with an air pump holder, reflective holder for a safety light, elastic side pockets, versatile front pocket for helmet or jacket, and an accessible zippered stash pocket for smartphones. It also comes with a large, zippered front pocket that features an organizer and internal compartment for valuables. The divisible main compartment has compression straps for volume regulation

Key Features:

• Internal sleeve designed for 3-liter hydration packs
• External helmet holder with strap adjustment
• Airstripes® system that provides both comfort and breathability
• Padded shoulder straps with mesh lining
• Adjustable sternum strap

Specifications:

• Brand: Deuter
• Capacity: 30L
• Dimensions: 21.3″ H x 11″ W x 9.4″ D
• Weight: 2.68 lbs

3. CamelBak M.U.L.E. Mountain Biking Hydration Pack – Best Value

For those searching for superior hydration in a practical mountain biking backpack, CamelBak provides an exceptional solution. The CamelBak M.U.L.E. Mountain Biking Hydration Pack is the perfect biking backpack to add to your mountain biking equipment list. It features a narrow-gauge design that keeps it lightweight and exceptionally maneuverable. Even when this lightweight backpack is fully loaded for mountain biking, it won’t get in your way.

This M.U.L.E. hydration pack is built around a revolutionary Crux reservoir, which is easier to load and refill and delivers 20% more water with every sip. It also includes a self-sealing bite valve and an ergonomic cap. We’ve also added a Magnetic Tube Trap that keeps the tube secure and accessible when you need it. There’s a reason this is one of the bestselling, longest-running packs: It’s got everything you need and nothing you don’t. Find more great products like this by checking out our guide to the best hydration running packs.

Key Features:

• Includes a Crux reservoir, which delivers 20% more water per sip
• Includes a magnetic tube trap that lets you stow your drinking tube in place with one click
• Air Director Back Panel provides superior ventilation
• Removable stability belt keeps everything in place during bumpy rides

Specifications:

• Brand: CamelBak
• Dimensions: 17.9″ H x 8.9″ W x 8.7″ D
• Weight: 1.37 lbs

4. Hydro Flask 10 L Hydration Backpack

The Hydro Flask 10 L Hydration Backpack with Cold Flow technology was made to help keep you cool while on the go — the harness system has an articulated back panel that lets air flow between you and your pack to avoid trapping body heat or transferring warmth to the water inside. So even when you still have miles to go, you have what you need to beat the heat and enjoy the journey.

Valve self-seals after each sip and features a twist on/off bar to prevent leaks when not in use. It also features a removable magnetic hose clip for easy access to water on the move. Durable coated waterproof fabric with taped seams and coated zippers helps keep moisture out, leaving your items dry. This pack features a molded padded back panel with center mesh for added ventilation, and fully adjustable shoulder, sternum, and hip straps.

Key Features:

• Cold Flow system keeps 3-liters of water cold for over 4 hours
• Articulated back panel
• Valve self-seals after each sip and features a twist on/off
• Durable coated waterproof fabric

Specifications:

• Brand: Hydro Flask
• Capacity: 10L
• Dimensions: 20″ H x 11.5″ W x 8″ D
• Weight: 3 lbs

5. Deuter Race EXP Air Biking Backpack

It can be difficult to find time to ride your mountain bike between work and social life, but a little fast-paced activity in the workplace will leave you only enough seconds to admire the trails between your legs and the Deuter Race EXP Air Biking Backpack behind you. This little backpack has an expandable capacity when you find a full day to pedal down the steeps quickly.

This pack is made with an aircomfort backsystem of airy mesh tensioned on a flexible frame of elastic spring steel creates maxiumum ventilation on three sides resulting in 25% less perspiration, ergonomically shaped wide AirMesh shoulder straps and an athletic V-cut shape for extensive freedom of movement. Other features of this pack include a loop for a safety light, a detachable rain cover, and mesh hip wings for stability.

Key Features:

• Aircomfort backsystem of airy mesh tensioned
• Ergonomically shaped wide AirMesh shoulder straps
• Large two-way zip top opening
• Integrated detachable rain cover with reflector logo

Specifications:

• Brand: Deuter
• Capacity: 14L
• Dimensions: 20″ H x 11.5″ W x 8″ D
• Weight: 1.93 lbs

6. Sunhiker Small Cycling Hiking Backpack

The Sunhiker Small Cycling Hiking Backpack is a cool little backpack that sells at a low price. While it won’t be a perfect backpack for camping overnight or long journeys, it’s nice for what it’s made for: mountain biking. It has multiple compartments offering enough place to save your belongings and 2 bottle holders on both sides.

It is made from highly tear-resistant and water-resistant nylon. If you plan to use it around traffic at night, it also features a MatReflective stripe that will help keep you safe. It also features breathable mesh shoulder straps which helps relieve the stress of shoulder. This backpack is perfect for hiking, camping, climbing, biking, commuting, and cycling. Make sure you also check our selection of the best cycling backpacks.

Key Features:

• Padded mesh back panel and shoulder straps
• Mesh pockets at both sides
• Water-resistant
• Reflective stripe

Specifications:

• Brand: Sunhiker
• Capacity: 20-25L
• Dimensions: 15.8″ H x 9.4″ W x 5.9″ D
• Weight: 0.77 lbs

7. Osprey Packs Viper 9 Hydration Pack

Osprey Packs Viper 9 Hydration Pack is designed for cyclists who like to push the limits. The foam framesheet spreads your load across a ventilated mesh backpanel for all-day comfort. The BioStretch shoulder harness provides a contoured fit and the webbing hipbelt is removable to shave ounces.

You can slip small items into the dual side mesh or harness pockets or stash a layer in the front fabric shove-it pocket. There’s even a scratch-free slash pocket for your shades. Other bike-friendly features include a Hydraulics LT 2.5 liter reservoir with magnetic bite valve retention, internal bike pump storage loops, and the LidLock helmet attachment.

Key Features:

• Upper side compression straps stabilize the load
• An elasticized lid lock helmet attachment system
• Front Shove-It Pocket
• Blinker Light Attachment
• Hydration Compartment

Specifications:

• Brand: Osprey
• Capacity: 9L
• Dimensions: 18″ H x 9″ W x 7″ D
• Weight: 1.21 lbs

8. TETON Sports Oasis 1100 Hydration Pack

The TETON Sports Oasis 1100 Hydration Pack is an 18-Liter day pack that comes with its own 2-Liter hydration bladder and so much more! It’s designed with a low-profile cut that fits comfortably. You’ll get the best fit with the adjustable shoulder, chest, and waistbands. Shock-absorbing chest strap works with the rest of the harness to reduce bounce. Take it hiking, cycling, camping, backpacking, and anywhere you may need a bit of gear and a lot of on-demand water.

The comfort-taped straps with high-density notched foam stabilizer and mesh covering means you can wear this pack for hours! Integrated rain cover keeps your pack (and the gear inside it) dry when it rains. Comfort features include an air mesh back panel that allows for airflow to your back while adventuring.

Key Features:

• 2-liter hydration bladder
• Compression straps
• Integrated rain cover
• Air mesh back panel

Specifications:

• Brand: TETON Sports
• Capacity: 18L
• Dimensions: 18.5″ H x 10″ W x 7″ D
• Weight: 0.65 lbs

9. LOCALLION Mountain Bike Backpack

The LOCALLION Mountain Bike Backpack is an ideal sport backpack for mountain biking, made of waterproof nylon fabric for temporary rainproof. It comes with a breathable back material that is specially padded with mesh for maximum comfort and heat dissipation. Adjustable mesh shoulder straps with plentiful sponge padding help relieve the stress from your shoulder. The waist straps are designed to facilitate stress release and to ensure stability while cycling.

The front and shoulder straps have reflective strips to keep safe in the night. With a whistle on the chest strap, you can use it in events of emergency. All of those designs are going to make you have a nice and safe trip. The helmet net can old a bike helmet for convenience as well. There is a side mesh pocket, within which you can put your water bottle.

Key Features:

• Built-in net pocket where water bladder can be placed
• Two side mesh pockets
• Semi-enclosed pouch on the back
• Reflective strips

Specifications:

• Brand: LOCALLION
• Capacity: 18L
• Dimensions: 18.1″ H x 8.7″ W x 6.7″ D
• Weight: 1.2 lbs

10. Evoc Stage Technical 18L Backpack

The Evoc Stage Technical 18L Backpack equips you with all of the space you need to bring your mini-tool bench with you on the trail. It features ample organization pockets, with sleeves for your hand pump and spare tube, and mesh pockets that you can see through to make getting to the right tool a breeze. To keep you comfortable under a load of all of your gear, Evoc constructs the Stage with a Brace Link back, which adapts to your individual shoulder width, while a wide, padded waistband helps support the weight.

Airflow contact system adds a boost of ventilation to your back, with channels for cool air to enter, and sweat to escape. And on the flip side, along the back of the pack, you’ll find a helmet carry, compatible with both half-dome and full-face helmets, and a gear carry for carrying along with bulky knee pads on the climb. On the inside, you’ll find a large hydration reservoir compartment for adding a reservoir to the pack. Last, but certainly not least, you’ll find ample external pockets to keep your wallet, keys, phone, and sunglasses secure and scratch-free.

Key Features:

• Support/Suspension: Air Flow Contact system
• Shoulder Straps: Brace Link adjustment
• Removable waist belt
• Made with 210D nylon Ripstop

Specifications:

• Brand: evoc
• Capacity: 18L
• Dimensions: 19.7″ H x 11″ W x 4.7″ D
• Weight: 2.2 lbs

Buying Guide

Capacity

The first thing you need to worry about on your biking trip is how much gear you take along with you. Extra layers of clothes, equipment, food, spare tires, and so on just to name a few. If you’re only going on short rides, you’ll probably only take a few tools but in all-day mountain drives, you will most likely take more. Based on these circumstances, you will know how much capacity you’ll need.

Helmet Holder

Some backpacks use a specialized compartment into which you can stick your helmet. Manufacturers like OSPREY, use a LidLock system that is essentially a well-placed bungee cord to strap your helmet in.

Fit

Not only will you find it annoying if a pack swings around or rocks from side to side, but you will also find that the pack’s weight will take you off balance in corners with potentially dangerous results. Search for a pack with plenty of adjustable straps to tailor the fit and the way it fits on your back. The bag weight should be spread over the back and be supported by a hip strap. Thick padding on the shoulder straps will also help to keep you comfortable.

Reservoir

How much you’ll drink on your daily trip, or how much you’ll need to take to make it to the next source of water. The water reservoir in your bag has to carry the amount of water you’ll need. If the pack comes with a reservoir, then that is not a problem. Sometimes you’ll need to buy a reservoir separately so make sure to check that your pack will have enough. Unfortunately, not all reservoirs included are of exceptionally good quality. If you need to buy one, don’t get the cheapest possible because reservoirs that are poorly constructed appear to leak or even burst, which is less than optimal when you’re riding in the mountains.

Water Resistance

None of the backpacks here are inherently waterproof. Most of these have materials that offer a certain degree of water resistance, but nothing more than a slight drizzle and your pack’s contents may get wet. This is why we recommend purchasing a rain cover if there is a need for on worst cases.

Frequently Ask Questions

Are mountain bike backpacks waterproof?

Most of the materials provide some degree of water resistance but little more than a mild drizzle, and your pack’s contents can get soaked. Luckily this dilemma is a simple remedy, and it’s called a rain cover. These lightweight and reversible covers allow you to render your bag waterproof in seconds, and they are typically designed especially for the style of the pack, which ensures you can still get a perfect fit.

Are mountain bike backpacks machine washable?

Yeah, all of the packs we’ve included in our list are completely machine washable, however, you’ll want to make sure you pay attention to washing and maintenance guidelines since certain packs can need extra care to keep them running properly.

Can it carry a ski helmet?

Although a ski helmet can still be buckled to one of these bags, it is unlikely if either of the LidLock systems would operate on a ski helmet. This is because the system depends on the built-in ventilation of the bike helmet, which travels through the helmet all the way. On the other hand, ski helmets are sturdy all the way around so there will be no need to employ a ski helmet LidLock system.

Will mountain bike backpacks work for motorcycles?

There’s no excuse all of these packs wouldn’t fit as good on a motorcycle as on a mountain bike. Motorcycling, though, typically needs much more security than mountain bikes, so those packs are unlikely to be wide enough for that reason. Moreover, most bikes have on-board storage that can be used instead of a bag, since the additional weight isn’t too much of a challenge for automobiles and motorcycles. So we would recommend picking one from our guide on the best motorcycle backpacks instead.

Conclusion

We hope this guide was helpful for finding the best mountain bike backpacks as well as our guide on features to look for in a mountain bike backpack. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this guide, feel free to let us know in the comments section.