Mountain bike rucksacks put to the test: 9 MTB rucksacks for touring, trail riding and enduro
Stefan Frey
· 05.03.2026
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Ötzi was probably one of the first people to travel through the mountains with a rucksack. That was some 5,000 years ago. He carried tools, food and equipment in a sort of wooden frame with a pouch, which was held against his back by leather straps.
When we mountain bikers ride along the trails of the Alps today, we stow our food, spare parts and tools in a bag held on our backs by shoulder straps. So we haven’t come all that far in the last 5,000 years, have we?
Admittedly, today’s cycle rucksacks have very little in common with the carrying frames used by prehistoric people. There’s a world of difference even between the first proper bike rucksack – the Deuter Bike 1 from 1991 – and the nine day rucksacks we’ve tested here.
The 9 mountain bike rucksacks put to the test
- 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 Hydration Rucksack 12 L >> available here
- Scott Trail Rocket 20 >> available here
- Tatonka MTB 14 Bike Backpack >> available here
- Thule Rail eMTB 18L >> available here
- Vaude Trailcontrol 20+ >> available here
Do you prefer airy or compact?
The most obvious difference is the carrying system: instead of leather straps and straps rubbing against the skin, there are mostly ergonomically shaped, softly padded shoulder straps. Pressure marks or chafing are the absolute exception and are often simply a matter of correct adjustment.
In the test, most manufacturers opt for a model with what is known as a ‘contact back’. Although very little air circulates between the foam pads, the pack sits closer to the body – and sways less when things get going on the trail.
Tatonka is the only manufacturer to use a mesh system, giving the wearer a cooling advantage, particularly when climbing. Vaude goes one step further: thanks to a sophisticated system, the Trailcontrol+ can be adjusted between a mesh and a padded back panel, thereby combining the best of both worlds.
Why cycling rucksacks need fins
In most of the models tested, wide hip fins encircle the wearer’s torso, thereby stabilising the load when moving over rough terrain – a development we wholeheartedly welcome.
If the fins are too small, as with Evoc and Thule, or are missing altogether, as with Tatonka, the rucksack slides back and forth on your back like a nervous child in the dentist’s chair.
In the worst-case scenario, it pushes high up against the back of your neck on steep descents. On a leisurely hut-to-hut ride with a gravel descent, this might just about be acceptable, but for proper trail and enduro riding, it’s a no-go.
How big is big enough?
The size of the rucksack depends largely on how much kit you want to take with you on a trip. Experience shows that the more space there is, the more unnecessary kit ends up cluttering up the storage compartments. So the motto is: as big as necessary, as small as possible – which also makes it more comfortable to carry. Around 14 to 16 litres is ideal for day-trip kit, such as the set we’ve put together for this test.
With the Tatonka and Rockrider, you should pack lightly, especially if you’re also carrying a hydration bladder in your rucksack. Incidentally, shorter people should also opt for smaller rucksacks. Not only because this means a slightly lighter load on your back, but above all because the right length is crucial to ensuring the rucksack fits properly.
Being organised is half the battle
You don’t have to be a neat freak, but a bit of organisation makes everyday life on a tour a lot easier. Ideally, there should be a main compartment for items you rarely use, a tool compartment with plenty of pockets, and hip belt pockets for energy bars or your mobile phone. In our view, a light-coloured lining for better visibility is a must, whilst a padded glasses compartment or an extra compartment for a hydration bladder is a ‘nice to have’.
Dark compartments with overlapping sections, or an overabundance of pockets like on the Rockrider, tend to cause frustration rather than delight. With all those slip pockets and zipped compartments, you end up having no idea where you stowed the item you’re looking for just before setting off. And after all, we’d all rather enjoy the ride than rummage through the depths of our rucksack looking for the proverbial needle in a haystack.
What your rucksack should have and be able to do
Just add two shoulder straps to a bag and you’ve got a rucksack. But a good bike pack needs to offer more than that: here are the features a touring rucksack should have.
1. Backbone
Without a sturdy back panel, the rucksack bulges outwards at the back; in the worst-case scenario, items inside press against your muscles – which is extremely uncomfortable over time.
2. Ventilation
A well-designed ventilation system keeps your back cool whilst riding, without compromising on a secure fit. Stretched mesh panels provide particularly good ventilation.
3. Wide hip flaps
On technical terrain, the rucksack must sit securely against the body. Good hip belts hug the rider like a pillion passenger on a motorbike.
4. Organisational skills
It’s not about the number of compartments or pockets, but how and where they’re positioned. An extra compartment for tools is brilliant, and a light-coloured lining also makes it easier to find things.
5. Compression
Rucksacks are rarely fully loaded. To ensure the contents sit securely against your back without shifting, the compartments should be able to be compressed using compression straps. These are also used to attach protective gear and the like.
6. Rain protection
Rucksack materials are robust and weather-resistant – but they are not usually waterproof. That is why a rain cover is part of the basic kit and not just an optional extra.
Camelbak H.A.W.G. 20 – Information & Price
- Price: 199.99 euros >> Available here at a reduced price
- Weight: 1182 grams / 235 grams water bladder
- Back system: Backrest with textured padding, adjustable in length
- Facilities: Hydration bladder, Recco system, Cordura fabric, adjustable back length, compatible with protective pads (49.99 euros), battery compartment, goggle pocket, magnetic clip for the tube
- Hydration bladder: yes / 3 litres
- Volume measured / stated: 20.5 / 20 litres
Review & Conclusion – Camelbak H.A.W.G. 20
Conclusion – Camelbak H.A.W.G. 20
A robust daypack for enduro and freeride riding, featuring a wealth of features and a well-thought-out compartment layout. Even a large amount of kit can be stowed away in a practical and organised manner. Thanks to the length-adjustable back panel and wide hip wings, the Camelbak sits as firmly against your back as a rodeo cowboy on a bull. No matter how rough the terrain gets – nothing moves! You do have to accept a few minor compromises in terms of weight and ventilation. No rain cover is included, but the material is highly water-repellent.
Deuter Compact 14+3 – Details & Price
- Price: 120 euros >> Available here at a reduced price
- Weight: 902 grams
- Back system: Contact backrests with textured upholstery
- Facilities: Volume extension, smartphone pocket, rain cover, tool pocket, protective straps
- Hydration bladder: no / 3 litres / 48 euros
- Volume measured / stated: 20 / 14+3 litres
Review & Verdict – Deuter Compact 14+3
Conclusion – Deuter Compact 14+3
The lightweight Compact is particularly at home on long mountain hikes with leisurely trail or gravel descents. Thanks to its wide hip wings, it fits snugly yet feels surprisingly airy. Typical of Deuter: the excellent workmanship and the well-organised tool pocket, which opens fully. Highlights: volume expansion, rain cover and various accessory loops. On rough terrain, the flexible fabric lacks a little stability.
By the way: anyone who values fair and sustainable products will now find what they’re looking for at Deuter too. The Compact 14+3, for example, is made from recycled materials, is PFAS-free, is ‘Grüner Knopf’ certified and is produced in accordance with bluesign criteria.
Evoc Stage 18 – Information & Price
- Price: 185 euros >> Available here at a reduced price
- Weight: 944 grams
- Back system: Contact backrest, structured cushion with mesh cover
- Facilities: Rain cover, tool pocket, glasses pocket, stretch hip straps, roll-up helmet holder
- Hydration bladder: no / 3 litres / 47 euros
- Volume measured / stated: 17 / 18 litres
Review & Verdict – Evoc Stage 18
Conclusion: Evoc Stage 18
The Evoc impresses with its well-thought-out layout and excellent handling – all the compartments open right up. A real plus: a dedicated hydration bladder compartment. The tool compartment, however, is a bit on the short side. The back system provides good ventilation, but is inflexible and struggles to adapt to your riding position. Combined with the short hip wings, the Stage wobbles and slips on downhill sections – which is unusual for an Evoc rucksack. As a result, the Stage is better suited to moderate rides. Anyone looking for a daypack for challenging terrain will be better off choosing one of the Munich-based brand’s Freeride or Trail Pro models.
Osprey Raptor 14 – Details & Price
- Price: 175 euros >> available here
- Weight: 885 grams (+162 grams water bladder)
- Back system: Contact backrests with textured upholstery
- Facilities: Magnetic chest strap with hose clip, hydration bladder, tool pouch, large slip pocket, hip pockets, helmet clip
- Hydration bladder: yes / 2.5 litres
- Volume measured / stated: 17 / 14 litres
Review & Verdict – Osprey Raptor 14
Conclusion: Osprey Raptor 14
Anatomically shaped shoulder straps and wide hip fins ensure a secure fit and a high level of comfort, even when things get tough. However, the back system could be a little sturdier and better ventilated. Unusual, but good: the tool compartment at the bottom, complete with a tool roll, lowers the centre of gravity and ensures everything is easily accessible in the event of a breakdown. The pocket system is less intuitive than that of Deuter or Evoc, but is nonetheless well-organised. Large hip pockets and a drawer provide additional storage space. The build quality is excellent. Also available as a women’s version under the name Raven 14.
Rockrider MTB 12 L Hydration Rucksack – Details & Price
- Price: 59.99 euros >> available here
- Weight: 711 / 117 (hydration bladder) grams
- Back system: Contact backrests with textured upholstery
- Facilities: Rain cover, hydration bladder, tool pocket, shoulder strap pockets
- Hydration bladder: yes / 2 litres
- Volume measured / stated: 13 / 12 litres
Review & Verdict – Rockrider MTB 12 L Hydration Rucksack
Despite its numerous compartments and pockets, it’s difficult to keep track of everything inside the Rockrider – partly because of the black lining. The layout of the compartments seems rather haphazard. At 12 litres, the storage space is limited. Thanks to wide shoulder straps and hip wings, the MTB 12 sits firmly and without wobbling even on technical descents, though it does restrict mobility somewhat. The Rockrider lacks a proper back system with a rigid panel, which is why the back feels a bit unstable and bulges slightly. What’s more, the rucksack sits rather flat and makes you sweat against your body.
Scott Trail Rocket 20 – Details & Price
- Price: 139.95 euros >> available here
- Weight: 849 grams
- Back system: Contact backrest, structured cushion with mesh cover
- Facilities: Rain cover, protector straps, full-face helmet holder, battery compartment
- Hydration bladder: no / 2 litres / 39.95 euros
- Volume measured / stated: 18 / 20 litres
Review & Verdict – Scott Trail Rocket 20
Conclusion: Scott Trail Rocket 20
The elongated Scott is particularly well-suited to taller riders and, thanks to its sturdy back system and wide hip wings, provides a solid and secure fit even during enduro riding. Ventilation is decent, but the organisation system leaves a lot to be desired – there are no pockets or zipped compartments whatsoever, so a mess is inevitable. The shoulder and hip straps are only lightly padded and may cause slight pressure points over time.
Tatonka Bike Backpack MTB 14 – Details & Price
- Price: 140 euros >> Available here at a reduced price
- Weight: 1006 grams
- Back system: stretched mesh back
- Facilities: Rain cover, front drawer, full-face helmet holder
- Hydration bladder: no / not available
- Volume measured / stated: 13 / 14 litres
Review & Verdict – Tatonka Bike Backpack MTB 14
Conclusion: Tatonka Bike Backpack MTB 14
The Tatonka is a simple touring rucksack with a tensioned back system that provides excellent ventilation; however, without hip wings, it doesn’t sit very securely and tends to wobble, particularly on technical terrain. Limited storage space, a less-than-ideal layout and compartments that only open halfway make it difficult to use. The metal frame can dig into the hips. Best suited to smaller riders and leisurely touring trips. Also available in a 28-litre version.
Thule Rail eMTB 18 – Details & Price
- Price: 229.95 euros >> Available here at a reduced price
- Weight: 951 grams (+145 / 159 grams protector / hydration bladder)
- Back system: Contact backrest with textured padding
- Facilities: Hydration bladder, back protector, battery compartment, tool compartment, full-face helmet holder, protector straps, rain cover
- Hydration bladder: yes / 2.5 litres
- Volume measured / stated: 17 / 18 litres
Review & Verdict – Thule Rail eMTB 18L
Conclusion: Thule Rail eMTB 18L
The Rail eMTB 18L stands out thanks to its unique organisation system and extensive range of features, including a back protector, hydration bladder, rain cover and battery compartment. It offers good manoeuvrability and visibility, partly because the main compartment opens wide enough and has a light-coloured lining. The back system and padding feel a bit lumpy in places and do not mould neatly to the wearer’s body; the short hip wings, combined with the narrow hip belt, offer little support – not ideal for enduro riding. Well-ventilated, but the chest strap is fiddly to adjust.
Vaude Trailcontrol+ 20 – Details & Price
- Price: 170 euros
- Weight: 1202 grams
- Back system: Adjustable “on the fly” between contact and mesh backing
- Facilities: Adjustable back length and ventilation, tool compartment, rain cover, protector straps, external pocket
- Hydration bladder: no / 3 litres / 46 euros
- Volume measured / stated: 21.5 / 20 litres
Review & Verdict – Vaude Trailcontrol+ 20
Conclusion – Vaude Trailcontrol+ 20
A system of loops allows the Vaude to be adjusted between a contact back and a mesh back. This ensures excellent ventilation on uphill sections and, in combination with the wide hip wings, provides a secure fit even on technical descents. Ergonomically shaped and well-padded, it’s also comfortable to carry. The compartments are well organised, but have dark-coloured linings. Overall, the Trailcontrol is an excellent all-round rucksack.
Alternatives to the mountain bike rucksack
In the past, motorcyclists simply carried rucksacks – that was that. Today, there are numerous ways to carry tools and accessories. However, not every solution is suitable for every purpose. We explain the pros and cons of each system.
The hip bag – small and airy
A maximum volume of three to five litres – we wouldn’t recommend any more storage space for trail use. Especially when used with a hydration bladder, hip bags tend to bounce about. However, the hip bag is ideal for a quick local ride or shuttle-supported tours. Your entire upper back remains free and you sweat less than you would with a rucksack. You also retain much greater freedom of movement, particularly in the shoulder area, which is a major advantage when riding on technical terrain.
+ Lightweight, airy feel, good freedom of movement at the back
- limited storage space; it quickly becomes overloaded with a hydration bladder
The bikepacking bags – versatile and back-free
On long rides over relatively easy terrain, handlebar bags, frame bags and saddle bags really come into their own. Depending on the amount of luggage, the bags can be combined as required and adjusted to suit the size. The advantage is that your upper body remains free, doesn’t have to carry any weight and you sweat less. However, even smaller bikepacking bags are not particularly suitable for trail riding, as they negatively affect the bike’s handling – especially when fully loaded.
+ customisable, a light and airy driving experience, versatile storage space
- not very suitable for trail running; expensive when bought as a set
The rucksack vest – lightweight and compact
Hydration vests originated in trail running and are popular for their light weight and secure fit. The vests fit snugly against the torso and hardly move at all, even when carrying a hydration bladder. The main compartment and side pockets offer space for essential kit, but are generally less well-organised. On technical terrain, they can restrict mobility in the upper back. Without a sophisticated ventilation system, they can sometimes feel a bit flat and sweaty, and the back may bulge if the load is distributed incorrectly.
+ secure fit, lightweight, compatible with hydration bladders
- limited storage space, a bit cluttered, makes your back sweaty
Stefan Frey
Editor
