Sonder Bikes
| Consideration | Vora 6L | Skytrail 14L |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Short rides, hot conditions, aggressive terrain | All-day rides, variable weather, remote trails |
| Capacity | 6 litres | 14 litres |
| Weight | 326g | 600g |
| Hydration | 2L bladder + 2x 1L bottle pockets | 2L bladder pocket |
| Back ventilation | Maximum (nothing on back) | Heavily vented panel |
| Extra layers | One lightweight layer | Multiple layers + waterproof |
| Tool storage | Basic kit | Full kit + spares |
Find out what makes a backpack great for mountain biking
Whether you're tackling technical singletrack for an afternoon or embarking on an all-day epic across remote trails, what you carry on your is important. A mountain biking backpack isn't just a smaller version of a hiking pack: it's a fundamentally different piece of kit, designed around the unique demands of riding over rough terrain at speed. Get it right, and your pack becomes invisible. Get it wrong, and you'll spend every descent fighting against shifting weight and bouncing straps.
This guide covers everything you need to know about choosing, packing, and fitting an MTB backpack, plus how to decide between a traditional pack and a hip-mounted alternative.
What makes a good MTB backpack different?
Mountain biking places specific demands on a pack that walking simply doesn't. When you're descending technical terrain, your weight shifts constantly. You move your body independently of the bike. You need your centre of gravity to stay low and stable.
A purpose-built MTB backpack addresses these challenges through several key design principles:
Lower centre of gravity. Mountain bike packs sit higher on your back and closer to your body than hiking packs. This keeps weight centred over your hips rather than pulling backwards, which would compromise your riding position and control.
Stability over rough terrain. The harness systems on MTB packs are designed to lock the load against your body, preventing the pack from bouncing or shifting when you're absorbing impacts through your arms and legs.
Tool and spare storage. Mechanical failures happen on the trail. MTB packs provide dedicated, accessible pockets for multi-tools, spare tubes, tyre levers, and the other essentials that get you home when something breaks.
Hydration system integration. Stopping to drink from a bottle means taking a hand off the bars, which is not ideal on technical terrain. MTB packs are built around hydration bladders with hose routing that keeps water accessible without compromising control.
Key features to look for
When evaluating MTB packs, focus on these characteristics that separate excellent designs from adequate ones.
Stability and fit
The single most important characteristic of any MTB pack is how stable it remains when you're moving dynamically on the bike. Look for a harness-style fit with a secure waistbelt that anchors the pack to your torso. The pack should sit high enough that it doesn't interfere with your hip movement, but secure enough that it doesn't bounce during descents.
Adjustable sternum straps and load lifters help fine-tune the fit, while stretch panels in the harness allow the pack to move with your breathing and upper body movements rather than fighting against them.
Ventilation and comfort
Sweating is inevitable when you're working hard on the pedals. A heavily vented back panel with channelled foam or mesh padding allows airflow between your back and the pack, reducing heat buildup on long climbs. It's what makes the difference between arriving at the summit feeling fresh or completely overheated.
Storage and organisation
Multiple pockets aren't about having somewhere to put things: they're about having somewhere to find things quickly. On the trail, you want to reach your phone, snacks, or mini-pump without stopping to rummage through a main compartment. Look for stretch mesh side pockets, quick-access hip belt pockets, and dedicated tool storage. It's the art of carry.
Hydration options
Most MTB packs accommodate hydration bladders up to 2L, with a dedicated sleeve to keep the bladder stable and a port for routing the drinking hose. Some packs also offer side pockets sized for water bottles, giving you flexibility in how you carry your fluids. Dual hydration options (bladder plus bottles) can be valuable on hot days or longer rides.
MTB pack sizes: how much do you need?
The right pack size depends on your typical ride length, the terrain you cover, and how self-sufficient you need to be.
6L hip packs for short rides
For rides under three hours on trails close to home, a hip pack offers a compelling alternative to a traditional backpack. With around 6 litres of capacity, you can carry water, a snack, a spare tube, basic tools, and a lightweight layer: everything needed for a fast-moving local ride.
The Vora 6L exemplifies this approach. Worn around your waist rather than on your back, it keeps weight low and eliminates the hot-back problem entirely. The stable waist carry system prevents bounce, while the 6-litre capacity proves surprisingly spacious once you start packing efficiently. As Jen notes: "I really love this pack—it has all the room of a small backpack without the sweaty back." Zoe adds: "Surprisingly spacious. I can fit a jacket and plenty of snacks. Worn for sunny walks and cycling and found it comfortable for long days even with quite a bit of weight. Plus no sweaty back!" Paul J. summarises it succinctly: "Great small waist pack for any cycling adventure."
Hip packs excel for riders who prioritise freedom of movement and breathability over carrying capacity. If you regularly feel restricted by a backpack on aggressive terrain, or simply prefer the feeling of an unencumbered back, this format deserves serious consideration.
12-15L packs for all-day rides
When rides stretch beyond a few hours, or when you're heading into remote terrain where self-sufficiency matters, a mid-sized pack in the 12-15L range becomes the natural choice. This capacity handles a 2L hydration bladder, extra layers for changing weather, a full tool kit, plenty of food, and still leaves room for items you might pick up along the way.
The Skytrail 14L hits this sweet spot. At 600g, it's light enough that you won't notice it during long days in the saddle, while its 11 pockets keep everything organised and accessible. The harness-style fit sits higher on your back than a traditional pack, ensuring it won't shift while you're riding and maintaining your centre of gravity over the bike. Euan confirms: "Great wee bag... comfortable and has held up well to wear and tear. I can fit additional layers, tools, food, water and even a camera all at the same time." Jules notes the practical advantage: "Well thought out and comfortable in use... sits higher on your waist, rather than on your hips, so enables a wider range of movement."
When to size up
If you regularly carry camera equipment, a full change of clothes, or substantial amounts of food for very long days, a 20L+ pack might be warranted. However, most mountain bikers find that 14-15L handles their needs without encouraging overpacking. There's truth in the principle that available space gets filled: a slightly smaller pack often results in more disciplined, more comfortable riding.
Skytrail 14L vs Vora 6L: which is right for you?
Both packs serve mountain biking brilliantly, but they suit different riding styles and trip lengths. Here's how to choose between them.
Choose the Vora 6L if: Your typical rides are 2-3 hours, you ride close to home or trailhead facilities, you prioritise breathability and freedom of movement, or you find traditional packs restrictive on technical descents.
Choose the Skytrail 14L if: Your rides regularly exceed 3 hours, you venture into remote terrain, weather conditions are variable, or you prefer the security of carrying more comprehensive kit.
Many riders end up owning both, selecting based on the day's objective.
What to pack in your MTB backpack
Carrying the right kit means being prepared without overloading yourself.
Essential tools and spares
The mechanical essentials that prevent a long walk home:
- Multi-tool with chain breaker
- Spare tube (or tubeless repair kit)
- Tyre levers
- Mini pump or CO2 inflator
- Quick link for your chain
- Small amount of electrical tape
For remote rides, consider adding a spare derailleur hanger and a few zip ties: small additions that can salvage otherwise ride-ending mechanicals.
Clothing layers
Weather changes quickly in the hills. Pack according to conditions, but a lightweight windproof or waterproof jacket takes up minimal space and can transform a cold, exposed descent. Arm warmers or a gilet provide warmth-to-weight efficiency.
For guidance on packing efficiently, see our guide: How to Pack a Rucksack.
Nutrition and hydration
Bonking on the trail ruins rides. Pack more food than you think you need: energy bars, gels, or real food depending on preference. A 2L hydration bladder covers most rides, but consider additional capacity for hot conditions or long days.
Emergency kit
A basic emergency kit adds minimal weight but significant peace of mind:
- Mobile phone (fully charged)
- Emergency foil blanket
- Small first aid kit
- Cash or card
- Trail map or downloaded route
How to fit and adjust your MTB pack
A well-fitted pack should feel like part of your body, moving with you and your bike rather than against you.
Start with the waistbelt. Position the pack at the right height, then secure the waistbelt firmly around your natural waist (typically higher than where hiking packs sit). This anchors the load and prevents bouncing.
Adjust the shoulder straps. Tighten until the pack sits snugly against your back without gaps, but not so tight that it restricts breathing or shoulder movement. You should be able to expand your chest fully.
Set the sternum strap. Position it across your chest at a comfortable height and tighten until secure. This prevents the shoulder straps from sliding outward during movement.
Fine-tune with load lifters. If your pack has load lifter straps at the top of the shoulders, these angle the top of the pack toward your body, improving stability on rough terrain.
Test before committing. Bounce on your heels, rotate your shoulders, mime your riding position. The pack should stay put. Any shifting or bouncing indicates the fit needs adjustment.
For more detailed sizing guidance, see: What Size Backpack Do I Need?
Making your decision
The best mountain biking backpack is the one that disappears when you're riding: stable enough that you forget it's there, organised enough that everything's accessible when needed, and sized appropriately for your typical adventures.
For most riders, the decision comes down to ride length and personal preference. If you value maximum breathability and unencumbered movement on shorter rides, the Vora 6L delivers a genuinely backpack-free experience without sacrificing the essentials. If your rides stretch longer or take you further from civilisation, the Skytrail 14L provides the capacity and organisation for self-sufficient all-day adventures.
Both packs share the same commitment to stability, durability, and thoughtful design—built from tough, water-resistant fabrics with PFC-free DWR and backed by our Alpine Bond warranty. The difference is simply in how much you need to carry.
Whatever you choose, fit it properly, pack it thoughtfully, and get out on the trails. The best rides are the ones where kit fades into the background and the trail takes over.
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