All Arround MTB

The Stage’s back panel has a naturalfeeling curve that sits comfortably on your back when riding. It’s not very flexible though, which, combined with the tough ripstop fabric, means you need to be smart with your packing. The pack holds its shape well and doesn’t become uncomfortable when loaded up. When the 2l HydraPak bladder is full, there’s enough room alongside it in the main compartment for a pump, tube and thin jacket, at a push.You can fit a multi-tool and tyre levers in the long front pocket, the top pocket will house a phone and there are straps for a helmet.We had no issues with the pack shifting around, but the thin waist strap can dig in a bit if cinched up tight. The bladder’s bite valve is also tricky to lock while riding. Price $127 (pack) + $48 (2l bladder)

This lightweight, brightly-coloured 10l pack sits in Norrona’s Fjora line of mountain biking clothing and equipment. We found it a perfect size for day rides, and could happily stow a selection of food, water, tools, spare layers and a first aid kit inside it. The pack is structured around one main compartment – which includes a pocket for a hydration bladder (not included) – and a smaller outer section designed for carrying tools. Internal organisation of kit is easy, with various different size and shape pockets, and zipped sections. Straps on the outside of the pack keep everything cinched together tightly. Most of the time we found the flexible back support system very comfortable, due to its ability to conform to our bodies. Unfortunately, this flexibility also meant it bulged uncomfortably when the pack was fully stuffed. The bag is also let down by its narrow waist strap, which is noticeably less comfortable than that used by competitors such as EVOC. On the bike, wide sho

THE HP2 COMES in medium (4l, tested) and large (6l, 120$) sizes, has completely waterproof main compartment options and a zipped pocket Velcroed inside for your cash, phone or car keys.

With straps that adjust themselves to suit the width of your shoulders, a broad waistband and deeply channelled ‘Air Circulation’ back panel, this pack promises cool comfort for long-haul rides.

We were kind of hoping that the Portage Pack would have a cool bike-carrying feature for genuine hike-a-bike portage sections, but sadly that dream is yet to be realised.

Deuter have been manufacturing equipment for eccentric German adventurers for over 100 years, and these days, one of the favourite adventures for any German mountain biker is to embark on a summer pilgrimage over the Alps by bike. Every year groups of families, friends, and colleagues set out to ride hundreds of kilometres with one change of clothing, from southern Germany to the sun-soaked town of Riva del Garda in Italy.

BIG RUCKSACKS WITH integrated back protection are becoming increasingly popular.

ACRE'S FIRST TRAIL pack uses a tough 210 denier ripstop nylon outer fabric and a softer 70 denier lining. Couple that with the waterproof zips used throughout and you get a fully waterproof bag that's well suited to the British climate. With a 101 capacity, it holds just about enough gear for all-day epics but is just as comfortable with lighter loads on shorter blasts.