The 10 Best Mountain Bike Backpacks & Hydration Packs of 2023
By: Colin Edwards: Bike Buyer | May 15, 2023
Mountain bikers have long relied on backpacks to carry essentials during their rides. In the early days, riders used repurposed ski or hiking packs, but as the sport evolved, purpose-built riding packs emerged. While hip packs have gained popularity for shorter rides, dedicated riders still turn to backpacks for longer excursions. The best mountain bike backpacks offer a comfortable fit in various riding positions, prevent sweat buildup on your back, and provide organized compartments to carry everything you need to bring mountain biking, including bike tools, food, and water.
New This Year:
Although there aren't any major changes in trends for 2023, companies continue to focus on refining the fit of their packs to cater to a more diverse group of riders and updating their hydration systems for enhanced efficiency and ease of use. Each mountain bike backpack on our list is well suited to dedicated mountain bikers. To find the best mountain bike backpack or hydration pack for you, consider which features you prioritize and choose the pack that best aligns with your preferences and goals.
This Year's Best MTB Backpacks & Hydration Packs:
Osprey Raptor 10
The Osprey Raptor 10 Hydration Pack was made with mountain biking in mind. It includes a removable tool pouch that rolls out of a zippered lower pocket for quick trail side repairs, a 3.0 liter reservoir and a low profile design you'll hardly notice until you need it!
| Total Volume | Water Volume | Original Price |
| 10L | 3L | $165.00 |
Thule Rail Hydration 2L
Lock and load with the Thule Rail Hydration 2L Hip Pack. Designed with not one, but two water bottle side pockets for long-haul hydration. Side pockets collapse for a streamlined fit during rides when water bottles are not needed.
| Total Volume | Water Volume | Original Price |
| 2L | N/A | $74.95 |
Osprey Raven 10
The Osprey Raven 10 Hydration Pack was made with mountain biking in mind. It includes a removable tool pouch that rolls out of a zippered lower pocket for quick trail side repairs, a 3.0 liter reservoir and a low profile design you'll hardly notice until you need it!
| Total Volume | Water Volume | Original Price |
| 10L | 3L | $140.00 - $165.00 |
Picture Organic Off Trax 20L
The Picture Organic Off Trax 20L Backpack is the ultimate shred-ready pack for hitting the trails. With its sleek and burly construction, this pack can handle anything you throw at it, from epic all-day rides to quick shred sessions after work. The EVA Foam backpanel helps you maintain a snug and comfortable fit while the hydration pocket gives you the option to always be hydrated. Plus, the adjustable straps and breathable back panel keep you comfortable and stoked all day long, so you can focus on the trail ahead and let the good times roll.
| Total Volume | Water Volume | Original Price |
| 20L | N/A | $114.95 |
Gregory Sula 8 H2O Pack - Women's
No matter what you've been told, a solid hiking pack really does make a world of difference, and the Gregory Sula 8 H2O Pack is about to take you Aladdin style to a whole new world. It doesn't come with a magic carpet, better yet, it comes loaded up with the 3D Hydro reservoir that can easily hang to dry or refill. For added enjoyment, the Sula 8 H2O has been fitted for the greatest comfort and breathability possible. Equipped with an alloy steel frame, along with the Lifespan EVA foam and multi-density foam suspension and liner, the pack will allow you to soar to picturesque peaks with ease.
| Total Volume | Water Volume | Original Price |
| 8L | 3L | $139.95 |
Patagonia Dirt Roamer 20L
With a low profile and breathable, body-hugging shoulder and waist straps, the Patagonia Dirt Roamer 20L Hydration Pack is the perfect mountain biking companion. With a top compression strap that doubles as a helmet carry, an included 2-liter HydraPak® Shape-loc reservoir, and the durable, sustainable construction we've all come to expect from Patagonia.
| Total Volume | Water Volume | Original Price |
| 20L | 2L | $159.00 |
Dakine Syncline 12L
Come equipped to the loam party with the Dakine Syncline 12L Hydration Pack. With 3 liters of liquid-carrying capacity, you can bet on all-day hydration for breathtaking climbs and serious descents. Complete with all the Dakine style extras like a breathable air mesh back panel, deployable armor carry straps and front helmet attachment loops.
| Total Volume | Water Volume | Original Price |
| 12L | 3L | $125.00 - $149.95 |
Dakine Drafter 10L - Women's
The Dakine Drafter 10L Hydration Pack features clean lines and easy colors that will never go out of style. This hybrid pack works just as well on the streets as it does in the mountain thanks to reflective panels and safety light attachments along with an internal e-bike spare battery storage. The Drafter also comes fitted with an AirLite Suspension back panel and breathable shoulder straps for sweaty rides on and off the beaten path.
| Total Volume | Water Volume | Original Price |
| 10L | 3L | $130.00 - $159.95 |
Dakine Session 8L
The Dakine Session 8L Hydration Pack helps you keep organized and stay mobile for a day exploring new trails. With enough room for essential bike tools, sunnies, and an extra clothing layer strapped to the back, it's time for you to roam freely.
| Total Volume | Water Volume | Original Price |
| 8L | 2L | $119.95 |
Dakine Session 8L - Women's
The Dakine Session 8L Hydration Pack is your best friend on a day exploring new trails. With enough room for essential bike tools, sunnies, and an extra layer strapped to the back, it's time for you to roam freely.
| Total Volume | Water Volume | Original Price |
| 8L | 2L | $119.95 |
Learn More With Our Other Bike Guides:
How to Choose a Mountain Bike
Mountain Bike Sizing and Fit Guide
How to Get Started Mountain Biking
How to Choose a Mountain Bike Wheel Size
Mountain Bike Suspension Basics
Women's Mountain Bike Buyer's Guide
How To Get Started Gravel Biking
Electric Mountain Bike Buyer's Guide
Classes of eBikes
Travel Guides - Where to Mountain Bike
Travel Guides - Where to Ride eBikes
Mountain Bike Cockpit Setup & Seat Height
How to Choose a Mountain Bike Dropper Post
How to Choose Mountain Bike Tires
How to Choose Mountain Bike Handlebars
How to Choose Mountain Bike Pedals
How to Choose Clipless Pedals, Shoes & Cleats
How to Choose a Bike Seat / Saddle
Women's Mountain Bike Gear & Clothing Guide
How to Choose MTB Knee Pads
Bike Helmet Size & Fit Guide
How to Choose Bike Shoes
Shimano Groupset Hierarchy Explained
SRAM Groupset Hierarchy Explained
SRAM vs Shimano Groupsets Compared
What to Bring Mountain Biking
What to Wear Mountain Biking
Mountain Bike Tire Pressure Guide
Mountain Bike Maintenance Schedule
How to Clean a Mountain Bike
How to Change Bike Pedals
How to Bleed SRAM Brakes
How to Bleed Shimano Brakes
How to Convert to Tubeless Tires
How to Replace Internal Cable Housing
How to Adjust Your Rear Derailleur
How to Replace a Bike Chain
How to Fix Bike Creaks & Noises
The Selection Process:
Our bike buyer has an endless amount of knowledge on all things bike stemming from years of experience in the bike industry in tandem with their countless hours out on the dirt, gravel, and tarmac. evo's buyers assess all products coming to market, lean into this knowledge, and put together this selection of the best products. They have a unique perspective as they truly see everything offered across the category.
Colin Edwards
Meet Colin Edwards, evo's in-house Bike Buyer and mountain biking aficionado. With 15+ years of e-commerce buying experience under his belt, Colin is the go-to guy for all things related to "Riding Dirt." He's worked across various categories, including bike, snowboard, travel, climbing, and surfing, giving him the know-how to recognize and select top-notch mountain biking products for evo's customers.
Colin's been shredding trails since he was a kid, starting on his trusty hardtail Trek 800 Sport. Born and raised in Utah, he recently made the move to Bellingham, WA with his partner, Kenz. Colin's real-world biking experience, combined with his background in product trends, relationship building, and sales analysis, makes him an invaluable asset to the evo team.
When he's not busy handpicking the raddest gear, you'll find Colin ripping through PNW trails or hunting for the world's best dirt. And when the snow falls, he's all about snowboarding. Colin also loves trail running and exploring the PNW's stunning landscape with his two dogs and Kenz.
With Colin's expertise and passion fueling evo's mountain biking selection, you can trust that his recommendations are spot-on and tailored to the evo community's adventurous spirit.
