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It's hard to imagine that the French outdoor giant wouldn't have the right equipment for any sport in its range. And the same goes for mountain biking, of course. A rucksack for touring? Sure, of course Decathlon has one. And of course the 12-litre rucksack from its own Rockrider brand is also a bargain. 60 euros including a 2-litre hydration bladder? That's quite an announcement. The Rockrider MTB hydration pack is available from Decathlon.
At first glance, the MTB 12 L is not badly equipped in other respects either: In addition to the main compartment and tool compartment, there is an additional front compartment as well as hip belt pockets and compartments on the shoulder straps. So there's plenty of space to organise your belongings. Bikers don't have to do without a rain cover either. However, there is a sturdy back panel and light-coloured lining in the compartments - the Rockrider is completely black.
Incidentally, the drinking tube can be routed out of the top or bottom of the rucksack as required. And the hip belt can also be removed if required.
We have tested these 9 mountain bike backpacks
- Camelbak H.A.W.G. 20 >> available here
- Deuter Compact 14+3 >> available here
- Evoc Stage 18 >> available here
- Osprey Raptor 14 >> available here
- Rockrider MTB 12 litre hydration pack >> available here
- Scott Trail Rocket 20 >> available here
- Tatonka Bike Backpack MTB 14 >> available here
- Thule Rail eMTB 18L >> available here
- Vaude Trailcontrol 20+ >> available here
Rockrider hydration pack MTB 12 L - Info & Price
- Price59,99 Euro >> available here
- Weight711 / 117 (hydration bladder) grams
- Back systemContact back with textured upholstery
- EquipmentRain cover, hydration bladder, tool compartment, shoulder strap pockets
- Hydration bladder: yes / 2 litres
- Volume measured / specified: 13 / 12 litres
Many pockets, little overview
When you load up the Rockrider for the upcoming tour, it quickly becomes clear that the bag management has not been thought through to the end. Although there are enough compartments and dividers, the organisation doesn't seem very structured. Where was the mini tool again? In the front compartment? Intermediate compartment? Main compartment? Shoulder strap pocket or hip belt pocket? None of the compartments offer enough space to store all your tools, for example. The black lining only adds to the confusion and makes it really difficult to find your way around.
In the end, we couldn't find a suitable place for the smartphone - except perhaps on the shoulder straps - or a helmet or protector holder. Although there are eyelets, there are no straps for attaching accessories. The drinking tube runs too close to the neck and when fully loaded, the Rockrider bulges considerably without a stable back plate.
Back system with little stability
With its flat shoulder straps, the Rockrider sits on the chest almost like a drinking waistcoat. In combination with the tight-fitting hip wings, this ensures an extremely stable fit on the descent. The compact design does not bounce and does not slide up even on steep terrain - perfect for enduro and freeride use.
However, the compact fit is also a result of the rather simple back system, which simply lies flat. Because the Rockrider doesn't have a back plate, it feels as if you've strapped on a water bag - there's virtually no ventilation. The wide shoulder straps also restrict mobility in the upper body. Not much of an advantage in technical terrain. The Rockrider is therefore not entirely convincing in terms of comfort.
Rating & Conclusion - Rockrider MTB 12 L hydration pack
| Category | Grade |
| Carrying system (40 %) | 2,7 |
| Handling (30 %) | 3,6 |
| Weight (15 %) | 2,0 |
| Equipment (15 %) | 3,5 |
| BIKE NOTE | 3,0 |
Conclusion - Rockrider MTB 12 L hydration pack
Despite the numerous compartments and pockets, it is difficult to keep an overview in the Rockrider - also due to the black lining. The layout of the compartments is not very well thought out. At 12 litres, the storage space is limited. Thanks to the wide shoulder straps and hip wings, the MTB 12 sits firmly and wobble-free, even on technical descents, but does restrict mobility somewhat. The Rockrider lacks a real back system with a stable plate, which is why the back is somewhat unstable and bulges slightly. In addition, the backpack is rather flat and sweaty on the body.
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Stefan Frey
Editor
