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At this year's BIKE Festival on Lake Garda, I had the impression that I had been catapulted straight back into the 90s. Shortly after Rovereto in the year 2022, I entered the tunnel and, due to some bizarre time difference, came out at the end in 1993. Bikers with brightly coloured giant sunglasses strolled across the festival site. Shirts that were too loose, shorts that were too short, long white socks with coloured squiggles underneath. Their belongings were either strapped around their waist in hip bags or strapped to the frame or saddle of their mountain bikes. The good old rucksack seemed to have fallen victim to a trend reversal.
What's the story behind the new transport fashion? Are hipbags really more practical than rucksacks? For whom are saddlebags the right choice? And what other options are there for stowing your equipment on your bike? We have tested all the alternatives for mountain bike bags.
1 - The saddlebag
"I use the 'Arschrakete' to take a sleeping bag, a change of clothes or rain gear with me on bikepacking tours. In winter, I have a thick jacket with me to keep me warm in the event of a breakdown." Sandra Schuberth, BIKE Online Editor
Bikepacking is THE trend of recent years. Long stretches on forest and gravel paths, an easy single trail in between, and when the day draws to a close, you roll out your sleeping bag at the edge of the forest and listen to nature as you fall asleep. The saddle bag is the perfect alternative to a rucksack on an MTB. Your back remains free and seems to literally breathe a sigh of relief. No pulling in the small of your back, no pressure on your shoulders. Thanks to the practical roll-top fasteners, the bags, which look like confectioner's piping bags, are extremely variable in size, waterproof to waterproof and also protect your backside from mud.
But their disadvantages are just as obvious: there are neither dividers nor practical pockets. If in doubt, you have to empty the whole bag to get the mini tool out from the bottom. Only the combination with a frame bag for small parts makes sense here. The function of the telescopic support is severely restricted, especially on the Fully, and in rough terrain the bags sway like meadow visitors to "Anton aus Tirol". On technical tours, the hip bag could therefore be the better alternative to a rucksack and saddle bag on a mountain bike.
2. the hipbag
"I rarely need more than a mini tool, spare inner tube, pump and some water for an after-work ride. Why should I carry a big rucksack with me?" Peter Nilges, BIKE test manager
Exactly: with a volume of around two to four litres, hipbags offer just enough space for the most necessary equipment. Most models also take care of the water supply with either a small hydration bladder with a maximum volume of 1.5 litres or a water bottle in the specially designed compartment. Cleverly compartmentalised, they provide an overview despite minimal space. If you switch directly from the rucksack to the hip bag in the terrain, you may be surprised at how easily you can suddenly navigate through technical passages in the shoulder area.
And the best thing is that you don't even have to take these mountain bike bags off to get to the contents. Simply turn it round to the front and rummage in it like the weekly market vendor for change. However, you shouldn't load the practical hip bags too heavily. Once you've got four kilos pulling on your hip belt, it will really tighten up your stomach. In particular, overloaded or air-filled hydration bladders and unsecured objects can cause unpleasant bumps on steps or root carpets. And what do you do if you get caught in a rain shower on a tour? Shelter or grit your teeth? Only very few hipbags have room for a change of clothes. And that's where the good old daypack for MTBs comes back into play.
3. the rucksack
"Moody weather, no opportunity to stop for refreshments and no help far and wide if something does break - I like to be prepared for all eventualities when touring in the mountains." Stefan Frey, BIKE test editor
With a volume of around 11 to 18 litres, the compact models generally offer enough space for an extensive list of materials: Tools. Catering. A change of clothes. First aid kit - there's room for everything in a medium-sized bike rucksack. Mountain bikers are equipped for emergencies. So that you don't lose track of all the stuff, everything can be neatly organised in compartments and pockets. The wide-opening, clearly organised tool compartments on most models are particularly practical. Wonderful, you almost wish you had a breakdown on the tour.
Many MTB backpacks also score highly in terms of carrying comfort - even if the back is of course no longer surrounded by fresh air in the same way as with other bag systems. Deuter, Evoc, USWE: They all enclose the hips of their wearers with wide wings and thus take a lot of the load off the shoulder straps, even when fully loaded, and at the same time prevent the pack from swinging into the neck on the descent. Unless they already have an integrated back protector, such as the Evoc and USWE, the backpacks also protect their wearers to a certain extent from back injuries in the event of a fall - something we proved in an impact test
in an impact test a few years ago.
If none of the three alternatives for mountain bike bags really appeal to you, numerous manufacturers now offer clever solutions that allow you to store tools and accessories on the frame of your bike. Here, too, we have tried out a wide variety of systems and were amazed at how practical such a small bag in the frame triangle can be. And fortunately, they also look much more stylish today than the brightly coloured frame bags that were handed out at the cooperative banks on World Savings Day in the 1990s.
Frame pockets: Here the back has a break
Why load up your own luggage unnecessarily when your bike is perfect for carrying loads? These parts keep bikers' backs free - a little play on words.
Apidura Backcountry Frame Pack
89 Euro - 148 g - 2 litres
The high-quality and particularly lightweight frame bag from Apidura is made of waterproof, robust nylon. With a volume of two litres, it is ideal for transporting mobile workshop equipment. Two Velcro loops secure the load, and a cable outlet can be used to connect GPS devices to a power bank, for example. The compact bag is attached using four Velcro straps and also fits into many fully frames.
Topeak Backloader X / DP Mount
89.95 / 19.95 Euro - 561 g / 61 g - 10 litres
Especially on easy trails or gravel tours, the "arse rocket", as it is often called, is a great alternative to rucksacks and the like. Topeak Backloader consists of a robust holster into which a waterproof pack sack is inserted. The tested version holds a maximum of ten litres, but can of course also be compressed. Any air trapped when rolling in can simply be released via a valve on the side. Although there is no compartmentalisation inside, the removable pack sack makes loading easier. In combination with the DP Mount from Topeak saddlebags can also be used on bikes with telescopic posts without any major restrictions. If you are not carrying a bag, you can also convert the DP Mount into a bottle cage or accessory holder.
Backcountry Research Mütherload Strap
15 Euro - 43 g - flexible rubber loops
This practical Velcro strap transforms virtually every corner of the frame into storage space. Small parts such as tubes, tyre levers, CO² cartridges or mini pumps can be strapped to the bike without rattling. Rubberised straps and holders prevent the accessories from slipping on the frame. The Backcountry Research Mütherload Strap is available in dozens of different colours >> available here.
Revelate Designs Mag Tank
80 Euro - 127 g - 0.9 litres
When the hunger pangs of mountain biking are approaching, it's best to simply reach into the small top tube bag from the bikepacking specialists. The magnetic closure of the lid flap can be opened with one hand and reveals the entire contents. A mechanical snap-in function prevents the precious contents from being shaken out. Muesli bars, nuts or jelly babies? There's room for whatever the biker's stomach is growling for.
Wolf Tooth B-wheel system
59 Euro - 109 g - 0.6 litre
The B-Rad system is a pretty clever extension of the bottle cage mount. Aluminium rails in different lengths and mounting plates create additional space for roll bags, tool or accessory straps in the frame. We have combined the medium-length B-Rad 3 rail and the B-Rad base with a bottle cage and the B-Rad TekLite Roll-Top-Bag 0.6L. The roll-top closure reliably prevents dirt or water from getting inside. The lightweight bag can also be attached directly to the frame using the rubberised Velcro fastener and is also available with a volume of one litre.
Tried and tested: three saddlebags in a practical check
It's a great feeling to ride through the countryside without any annoying luggage on your back. Somehow free and carefree. Long-distance lovers in particular might find it appealing. We tested three alternatives to rucksacks and the like.
Apidura Backcountry Saddle Pack
164 Euro - 287 g - 6 litres
With the Backcountry, the bikepacking specialists from London have a saddle bag in their range that is optimised for telescopic seat posts. Its design leaves plenty of room to lower the saddle. In conjunction with the optionally available dropper post adapter, the post can be used almost without restriction. The high-quality 6-litre bag can be attached quickly and easily using two buckles and lashing straps. The volume can be easily adjusted to the contents using the roll closure. Even though there is no compression valve, excess air can be pressed out of the pack sack relatively easily. The inside of the robust material is light-coloured, making it easy to keep track of the contents, even if there is no pack sack that can be removed for loading. Splash water and rain are reliably kept out. A change of clothes or rain gear can be attached to an elasticated strap on the top. There are also two eyelets for a rear light. The fact that Apidura offers a lifetime guarantee and a repair service puts the high price into perspective.
Ortlieb Seat-Pack QR
159.99 Euro - 688 g - 13 litres >> available here
It goes without saying that Ortlieb's latest saddle bag is also completely waterproof. But the robust, somewhat heavy bag also looks pretty clever in many other areas. Once you have understood the quick-release mechanism, you can remove the bag from the bike in no time at all without having to fiddle with loops through the saddle rails. Thanks to the adapter supplied, only 4.3 centimetres of travel are lost on the telescopic seat post. Four lashing straps and a stiffened construction effectively prevent the bag from swinging up off-road. A valve, similar to that used on water wings, allows excess air to escape from the inside. This makes it easy to shrink the huge pack sack to the right size. The elasticated cord on the top can be used to attach items that can be reached quickly. Ortlieb offers a five-year guarantee and, like Apidura, a repair service. There is some criticism for the frequently jammed hook for securing the pannier.
Vaude Trailsaddle II
100 Euro - 505 g - 10 litres
Vaudes Trailsaddle consists of a sturdy holster and a waterproof welded pack sack. The holster is quickly and securely fastened using a system of two straps and two buckles. However, two points immediately catch the eye: the wide plastic straps significantly reduce the lowering height of the seat post, and there is no valve on the pannier.
valve on the pannier. It inflates like a balloon when loaded if you don't squeeze the air out first - a bit awkward. On the other hand, the inside is pleasantly light-coloured, which helps when sorting the contents. For a bag of this size, the Trailsaddle amazingly stable under the saddle. Although the lashing straps are a little rough, they are bombproof thanks to an additional clip. Equipment loops are attached to the top of the holster for attaching accessories such as rear lights or rain gear. However, classic elasticated straps are more suitable for the latter, as no additional fastening material is required. Typical Vaude: the pack sack is made of PVC-free tarpaulin material, the entire bag is climate-neutral and environmentally friendly and, from this point of view, really good value for money.
Sandra Schuberth, BIKE online editor: "A saddle bag, also known as an arse rocket, is part of the basic equipment for bikepacking adventures and is just as practical for day tours. Different bag sizes offer flexible storage space. The rocket is usually attached to the saddle and seat post with straps. Depending on the model and packing technique, some bags swing back and forth, especially when pedalling. Heavy items and those that are unlikely to be needed during the tour should be placed close to the seat post, while light luggage and items that you need to get to quickly should be kept close at hand at the top. With most bags, it is advisable to pack the bag before it is mounted on the bike. This allows you to stuff it and fill any gaps - important for stability. When attaching the bag, make sure that there is enough air between the rear wheel and the bag to avoid contact and dragging - particularly tricky with fullys."
We have tested these rucksacks and hipbags:
Backpacks:
- Amplifi TR12
- Camelbak M.U.L.E Pro
- Deuter Compact 14 EXP
- Evoc Trail Pro 16
- Osprey Syncro
- USWE Flow 16
Hipbags:
- Camelbak Podium Flow 4
- Ergon BA Hip Pack
- Osprey Seral 7
- Race Face Stash 3L Hip Bag
- USWE Hip Pack
- Vaude Moab Hip Pack 4
You can download the entire test with 6 backpacks and 6 hipbags from BIKE 7/2022 with all technical data and grades as a PDF here.
Stefan Frey
Editor
