The alternatives to a mountain bike rucksack: Hip bag, hydration waistcoat and co.
Stefan Frey
· 23.02.2026
No, the classic touring rucksack is far from obsolete and still has its place. Especially on longer tours with a high proportion of trails, technical sections or simply on any tour in the mountains, there is no substitute for a rucksack. Tools, a change of clothes and sufficient food simply need space and need to be carried comfortably throughout the day. However, there are now alternatives that are much more suitable for a quick round the house or a multi-day gravel adventure. We show you three options and their pros and cons.
The hip bag - small and airy
A maximum volume of three to five litres - we can't recommend more storage space for trail use. Especially in combination with a hydration bladder, the hip bags tend to bounce. However, the hip bag is ideal for quick laps around the house or tours with shuttle support. The entire upper back remains free and you sweat less than with a rucksack. The shoulder area in particular remains much more mobile, which is a big advantage when riding on technical terrain. The one shown here Hip Bag from Ortovox has already been extensively tested: Click here for the test.
+ light, airy feel, good freedom of movement at the back
- limited storage space, quickly overloaded with hydration bladder
The bikepacking bags - variable and backless
On long routes with less demanding terrain, the time has come for Handlebar bag, Framebag and Saddlebag. Depending on the amount of luggage, the bags can be individually combined and adjusted in size. Advantage: The upper body remains free, does not have to carry a load and sweats less. However, even smaller bikepacking bags are unsuitable for trail use because they have a negative impact on the bike's handling - especially when fully loaded.
+ can be customised, airy driving experience, variable storage space
- not very suitable for trail use, expensive in combination
The rucksack waistcoat - lightweight and compact
Hydration waistcoats originally come from trail running and score points with their low weight and snug fit. The waistcoats fit close to the upper body and hardly wobble, even with a hydration bladder. The main compartment and pockets offer space for the most essential equipment, but are generally less well organised. In technical terrain, they can restrict mobility at the upper back. Without an elaborate ventilation system, the back can be a little flat and sweaty, and the back can bulge if the pack is not loaded correctly. The Deuter hydration waistcoat shown here is available from Bergfreunde, for example.
+ tight fit, low weight, suitable for hydration bladders
- limited storage space, somewhat confusing, sweaty on the back
Stefan Frey
Editor
