Bikepacking is an adventure that combines cycling and camping, allowing enthusiasts to explore new destinations while enjoying the great outdoors. As with any outdoor pursuit, having the right equipment is crucial for a successful and enjoyable experience. A backpack specifically designed for bikepacking is essential, as it ensures that you can carry all the necessary items efficiently while providing comfort on the trail.
The backpack’s role in bikepacking is multifaceted – it must not only accommodate all your belongings but also maintain balance and ease of movement on the bike. The right backpack should be lightweight, durable, and provide a good amount of storage space without impeding your ability to ride over various terrains.
When choosing the best backpack for bikepacking, several factors need to be taken into consideration such as weight distribution, storage capacity, weather resistance, and comfort features like padded straps and ventilation. While these are critical aspects to examine, personal preferences and the nature of your bikepacking adventures will also influence your decision.
After extensive research, we have narrowed down our list to the top contenders in the bikepacking backpack market, offering the perfect blend of functionality, comfort, and durability. In the following section, we will explore the specific qualities and features of these backpacks to help you make an informed decision for your next bikepacking journey.
Best Backpacks for Bikepacking
In this article, we present our top picks for bikepacking backpacks, carefully selected to optimize your adventure.
Black Point Hydrilla Hydration Backpack
A comfortable and practical backpack for bikepacking adventures with a 3L bladder included.
Pros
- 3L capacity for sufficient hydration
- Comfortable shoulder straps and chest strap
- Easy-to-use large zipper pull
Cons
- Buckle closure may not be suitable for all preferences
- Only one small front pocket
- No additional storage compartments
The Black Point Hydrilla Hydration Backpack is designed for bikepacking, hiking, and adventure enthusiasts. Its durable and sleek construction made from polyester and PVC ensures it will withstand the rigors of outdoor excursions. With a 3L bladder included, you can stay hydrated for the entire duration of your journey.
The comfort of this backpack is enhanced by its shoulder straps, which feature 8mm foam, and a 15mm chest strap. These features help ensure the backpack stays secure and comfortable during your adventures. Additionally, the large zipper pull tab is designed to be easy to use even with gloves on, making this perfect for those cold or wet days when gloves are necessary.
While the buckle closure main compartment provides easy access to the 3L bladder, some users may prefer a different type of closure system. This backpack features a smaller zippered front pocket and a light loop, allowing you to keep essential items within easy reach. However, it lacks additional storage compartments, which might limit its capacity to carry all your necessary gear.
In conclusion, the Black Point Hydrilla Hydration Backpack is a comfortable and practical choice for bikepacking and other outdoor adventures. Its 3L bladder capacity ensures all-day hydration, while the foam-padded shoulder straps and chest strap contribute to overall comfort. While it may not offer ample storage options, it serves its main purpose of keeping you hydrated during your journey.
Osprey Talon 22 Men’s Hiking Backpack
The Osprey Talon 22 is a top choice for bikepacking and all-day adventures, offering comfort, durability, and functionality.
Pros
- Lightweight and durable NanoFly® fabric
- Adjustable BioStretch harness and continuous-wrap hipbelt
- Internal padded laptop sleeve and dual zippered hipbelt pockets
Cons
- No built-in rain cover
- Might be snug for larger frames
- Limited capacity for extended trips
I recently took the Osprey Talon 22 Men’s Hiking Backpack for a spin on a bikepacking trip, and I was impressed with its performance. The lightweight and durable NanoFly® fabric held up well throughout the journey, and despite the occasional scrape against branches and rocks, the backpack showed no signs of damage.
The adjustable BioStretch harness and continuous-wrap hipbelt ensured a comfortable and secure fit, allowing me to focus on the trail. The AirScape® backpanel with injection-molded, die-cut foam provided excellent ventilation and kept me cooler on those hot days. The internal padded laptop sleeve also offers protection for electronics, making it a suitable option for work-related trips as well.
The dual zippered hipbelt pockets provided easy access to essentials like snacks and my phone without having to take the backpack off. This feature was particularly useful during quick breaks so that I could keep moving efficiently.
One drawback of the Talon 22 is the lack of a built-in rain cover. While this can be purchased separately, it would have been a nice addition to protect my gear during unexpected showers. Additionally, while the fit was perfect for me, those with larger frames might find it a bit snug. Finally, the 22-liter capacity could be limiting for extended trips, but for day hikes and light bikepacking outings, the space was sufficient.
Overall, the Osprey Talon 22 Men’s Hiking Backpack is a fantastic choice for bikepacking enthusiasts searching for a durable and comfortable pack. With its technical features and lightweight design, this backpack can handle the challenges of your next adventure.
G4Free 50L Hiking Backpack
This G4Free 50L Hiking Backpack is a durable and comfortable option for bikepacking enthusiasts, offering ample storage and useful features.
Pros
- Durable, waterproof material
- Multiple pockets and compartments
- Comfortable straps and back panel
Cons
- Hydration bladder not included
- Bottom may drag for shorter users
- Insulation for bladder pouch not provided
G4Free’s 50L Hiking Backpack is made of waterproof nylon and high-quality SBS pull string zippers, providing durability and resistance to wear and tear. Its large bearing capacity of 50 liters allows you to store a variety of items ranging from clothing to outdoor equipment. As someone who has used this pack, I found the many pockets incredibly useful, especially the separate zipper pocket for shoes or dirty clothes and the dedicated compartment for a hydration bladder, although the bladder itself is not included.
The comfort level of this backpack is impressive, thanks to the breathable mesh back panel and thick shoulder straps. They do a fantastic job of dispersing heat and providing relief from sweat on long rides. Additionally, the included rain cover is a valuable addition for protecting your belongings from getting wet during unexpected showers.
One downside to this backpack is that the hydration bladder compartment does not come with insulation. Thus, you might have to purchase a separate insulated pouch for optimal temperature control. Additionally, shorter users may experience some difficulties as the pack may drag across rocks when hiking.
Overall, the G4Free 50L Hiking Backpack is an excellent choice for bikepacking, offering ample storage, durability, and comfort. However, keep in mind that a hydration bladder and insulation for the pouch need to be purchased separately.
Venture Pal 35L Ultralight Backpack
The Venture Pal 35L Ultralight Backpack is a versatile and lightweight choice for bikepacking, recommended for its durability, comfort, and multiple compartments.
Pros
- Durable and water-resistant materials
- Comfortable, adjustable, and breathable straps
- Multiple compartments for organization
Cons
- Limited structure when not fully packed
- No rigid back support
- Possible zipper issues over time
After using the Venture Pal 35L Ultralight Backpack for a recent bikepacking trip, I found it to be an excellent companion on the road. The high-quality, tear and water-resistant material made it durable in different weather conditions, while the breathable mesh shoulder straps with sponge padding helped relieve stress and provided comfort on longer rides.
One of the standout features of this backpack is its organization capabilities. The main compartment has a 35-liter capacity and includes separators to help keep things in order. Additionally, the two zipped front pockets and side pockets are handy for storing small accessories and water bottles.
One downside, however, is that the backpack lacks structure when it’s not completely filled. I noticed that unless packed to the brim, it tends to lose its shape. Still, its lightweight design and compact folding abilities make it a convenient option for bikepacking, especially when storage is a concern.
Overall, the Venture Pal 35L Ultralight Backpack is a reliable choice for bikepacking enthusiasts looking for a durable, comfortable, and organized experience. Despite a few minor drawbacks, this backpack offers great value and is worth considering for your next adventure.
Buying Guide
When choosing the best backpack for bikepacking, it’s crucial to consider several factors that will affect your experience. Here are some key aspects to keep in mind when selecting the perfect backpack for your bikepacking adventures.
Capacity: The right capacity depends on the length of your trips and how much gear and supplies you need to carry. For short trips, a smaller backpack with 15-40 liters of storage should be sufficient, while multi-day trips may require a larger pack with 50-70 liters.
Comfort and Fit: A comfortable fit is crucial for bikepacking, considering you’ll be wearing the backpack for extended periods. Look for adjustable shoulder straps, hip belts, and chest straps that can be customized to your body shape and size.
Materials and Durability: As bikepacking backpacks are exposed to various weather conditions and prone to wear and tear, it’s essential to choose materials that are durable and weather-resistant—for instance, nylon or polyester fabrics with added ripstop technology and waterproof coatings.
Ventilation: Good ventilation is essential. Look for backpacks with a suspended mesh back panel or breathable foam, which helps keep your back cool and dry while biking.
Hydration Compatibility: Staying hydrated is crucial during bikepacking trips, so it’s beneficial to have a backpack with a hydration sleeve or reservoir compatibility. This allows you to carry a water bladder conveniently and access it easily without stopping.
Organization: Backpacks with compartments, pockets, and attachment points help organize your gear and make it accessible when needed. Look for features like external pockets for frequently needed items and compression straps to adjust the size of your pack.
Here’s a summary table highlighting some important features to consider when choosing a bikepacking backpack:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Capacity | Choose depending on the length of your trips and the amount of gear you need to carry. |
| Comfort and Fit | Look for adjustable straps and belts that can be customized to your body shape and size. |
| Materials | Select durable, weather-resistant materials such as nylon or polyester with added ripstop technology. |
| Ventilation | Opt for backpacks with a suspended mesh back panel or breathable foam for better airflow. |
| Hydration | Ensure your backpack is compatible with hydration sleeves or reservoirs for convenient water access. |
| Organization | Seek backpacks with compartments, pockets, and attachment points for improved gear organization. |
Remember to prioritize the features that matter most to your specific needs and preferences to find the best bikepacking backpack for your adventures.