Panniers, bikepacking equipment, or bike backpack? How you carry your belongings while cycling is not a matter of belief but rather depends on the specific cycling discipline. In mountain biking, backpacks have become the norm, mainly to avoid affecting the handling of the MTB with attachments and altered weight distribution. However, this also means that the rider must carry the weight of spare tubes, shock pump, rain jacket, protectors, and provisions. 

This amounts to five to a maximum of thirty liters of packing volume or two to about twelve kilos of weight – distributed across a hip belt and two shoulder straps. Even with a good backpack, it can significantly reduce the fun of riding if you forget to adjust your MTB backpack correctly. The comfort of carrying it is only marginally affected by whether it's packed for a day trip, multi-day tour, or bike park. 

A poorly fitting or unergonomic backpack can cause tension and chafing and restrict movement, impairing riding safety. Unwanted movements of the backpack on the back can also affect riding maneuvers and, in the worst case, cause falls! 

You can find detailed help here, including a packing list, proper packing technique, and information on what you need urgently and what you can leave at home. 

The volume of the perfect backpack determines its packing list. The model should be just as large as necessary for maximum riding fun. Important: A hiking backpack is not suitable for a mountain bike tour and generally not for cycling. The load distribution is entirely different. The carrying system is designed less for freedom of movement, and with the typical MTB posture, the backpack and helmet quickly get in each other's way. A unique backpack for enduro, freeride, trail, or cross country sits fundamentally lower on the back and fits more snugly. And – for high-speed disciplines, back protectors are part of the equipment.

You need two prominent points on your back to determine it, so working with a helper is advisable.

• While standing, place your chin on your chest and run a finger from the skull down the middle of the spine. At shoulder level, the seventh cervical vertebra (C7) protrudes more or less noticeably; this is point 1. 
• Also, while standing, feel the upper edge of the pelvic bone from the side and follow it horizontally to the middle of the back. Where this line intersects with the spine is point 2. 
• Measure the distance between the two points along the back with a tape measure; a rigid measuring tool might not follow the curvature of the lumbar spine. 

Note: Not all manufacturers' back lengths correspond to the carrying system's. Manufacturers provide either corresponding tables for conversion or classification into clothing sizes. 

When adjusting the MTB backpack, adjusting the back length is step one. Most bike backpacks use Velcro for this. Please press the Velcro surfaces firmly together again after adjusting. Secondly, you should loosen all straps on the backpack, not just the shoulder straps. Now follows the adjustment to the rider. 

Most Ergon models offer an additional option to adjust the back system to the body. A flexible aluminum rail, horizontally embedded above the hip belt into the carrying system, can be shaped to follow the body's contour exactly. By adapting to the ergonomics of bikers, the pads align ideally on the back. They lie flat on the respective correct spots and simultaneously keep the ventilation channels open. Additionally, the angled hip pads provide more lateral support. This prevents annoying pendulum movements, especially when pedaling out of the bike saddle. 

Despite a different cut, the cycling backpack sits similarly to the one for hikers, mainly on the hips and hardly on the shoulder straps. Therefore, the hip belt is closed first after putting it on. Tip: When adjusting, the backpack should not be empty. Both volume and weight correspond to the setup during the tour. 

The backpack's load sits perfectly when the hip belt runs two-thirds of its width above and one-third below the upper edge of the pelvis. This bony edge can best be felt on the front outer top of the pelvis. The hip belt can be tightened if the hip pads lie precisely on it. Its tension should be such that the entire weight can rest on the hips but simultaneously does not restrict the pedaling movement.

The actual shoulder straps are tightened in the next step so that their pads just lie flat. They should carry almost no load and allow entire upper body and shoulder movement. As a visual confirmation, Ergon backpacks have green markings that should now lie in the area of the collarbones when the backpack is correctly adjusted. Additionally, Ergon models eliminate the need to change the strap width to the shape of the shoulders, as the straps are freely movable at the top and automatically follow the anatomy. 

Finally, the chest strap must be closed and brought to light tension. It should only prevent the shoulder pads from slipping off the shoulders due to movements. Under no circumstances should it restrict breathing. 

On large bike backpacks, you will find so-called load adjustment straps at the upper end of the shoulder straps, which pull the load towards the body, sometimes also called load control straps. The same applies to them: tighten just enough so that the backpack does not swing sideways at the top but simultaneously allows the shoulder girdle sufficient freedom for all riding maneuvers. The main weight must remain low on the back. 

Theory and practice are still different, even when adjusting your MTB backpack correctly. Therefore, checking whether the backpack fits correctly is advisable, especially before multi-day tours or technically demanding courses. The fit is critical with new backpacks or a significantly different packing list – and it's quick to do:

• Jump up and down; the hip belt should not slide down over the pelvic edge despite the load. If it does, tighten it a bit more. 
• Lean forward with your upper body as you would on the bike, and stretch your hands forward; the shoulder straps should neither lose contact with your shoulders nor cut in. 
• In a cycling position, take several deep breaths in and out; the chest strap must not hinder the expansion of your chest. 
• Tilt your head as far to the side, especially backward, as possible; the helmet and backpack should not touch. 
• The chest strap is usually adjustable in height; it should not rub against your nipples or sit so close to your neck that it feels like you are being strangled. 
• In the riding position, try leaning forward, sideways, and twisting your torso; the mobility of your upper body and torso should not be restricted.