As little as possible, as much as necessary: small MTB backpacks carry exactly what a trail ride demands, from a hydration bladder to a repair kit. We tested four compact models to find out which model suits which rider type best.

Shut your laptop, put on a helmet and head straight from the office to the trail. That’s what after-work rides look like for many riders, including us. You don’t need much gear, but water, a pump, a multitool and a snack are must-haves. Small MTB backpacks and hydration packs promise to strike exactly the balance of compact size and enough storage for the essentials. But which model is best organised, which one includes a hydration bladder – and are 3 L enough for a quick ride or do you need closer to 9 L? We compared four backpacks that we regularly use for our work outings.

Which MTB Backpack Is Right for You?

For this comparison, we chose four small MTB backpacks that we regularly use in the office. The models differ significantly in some areas, ranging from minimalist 3 L packs with hydration bladders to a 9 L model with more storage for longer day trips. The key factors for us were comfort, compartment layout, storage space, hydration system and real-world trail performance.

Brand Model Weight g (without hydration bladder) Price Pack volume (L) Hydration bladder (L)

CAMELBAK	Chase Race 4	248	€119	3	✅ incl. 1.5
Deuter	Rogla 5	361	€100	5	❌ up to 2.0
EVOC	HYDRO PRO 3	258	€135	3	✅ incl. 1.5
Rhythmus	RP 9L	609	$160	9	❌ up to 2.0

What Is the Difference Between a Vest System and a Classic Backpack?

Vest systems fit snugly around your upper body like a vest and distribute weight more across the chest. This results in a very stable fit, especially on rougher trails. Classic backpacks sit more against your back, often offer more storage and structure, though not all of them sit as close to the back as you might hope. It’s no coincidence that most of the models in this test use vest systems. For small, performance-focused MTB backpacks, this concept makes more sense to us and to many of you. Only the bigger Rhythmus backpack offers additional adjustability via shoulder straps, similar to what you’d expect from a traditional backpack. But which concept works best on the trail, and which backpack delivers the most convincing overall package?

The CAMELBAK Chase Race 4 on Review – The Minimalist

The CAMELBAK Chase Race 4 is a trail backpack clearly focused on the essentials. With its compact cut, 3 L capacity and a 1.5 L hydration bladder included, it’s aimed at riders who only want to carry water, tools, snacks and a few small items on short rides. It’s not designed for bigger loads, especially when the bladder is full.

Straight out of the box, the backpack leaves a high-quality impression. The material is robust and doesn’t soak up water in wet conditions. On your back, the Chase Race 4 feels airy and soft, more like a snug vest than a classic backpack. This delivers excellent comfort, especially if you want to feel as little weight as possible on the trail. Its relatively low weight also underlines its minimalist character.

The small CAMELBAK is well organised internally. A multitool, valve or snack bar sits neatly in place without the contents descending into the usual trail-pack chaos, and the chest pockets offer genuinely quick access to a phone without breaking stride. The chest straps are broad, easy to clip and adjustable enough to dial in a secure fit.

The downside of the minimalist concept is the very limited storage space. As soon as you want to carry a jacket or additional gear alongside the basics, space becomes tight. Longer pumps in particular can bump into the top of the compartment. There are also long adjustment straps under the arms. While they allow the pack to fit a wide range of riders, they need to be secured properly, otherwise they flap around and can become annoying while riding. The hose management is not perfect either. Although there are two attachment points on the chest straps, the hose still hangs a bit too low when the bladder is installed.

The Chase Race 4 also doesn’t always sit as securely on your back as the best models in this test. When fully loaded and on rough trails, it sometimes rode up slightly. It’s not a major issue, but it shows that the focus here is clearly on lightness and minimalism rather than maximum stability. At €119.00, the CAMELBAK isn’t cheap, though the included hydration bladder helps justify the price.

For more information, visit Camelbak.com

The Deuter Rogla 5 Review – The Organizational Talent

The Deuter Rogla 5 is a compact MTB backpack with 5 L capacity and a vest system. It’s aimed at riders who want to combine organisation and structure on short to medium trail rides. A hydration bladder is not included, but the pack is compatible with systems up to 2 L. At €100.00, the Deuter Rogla 5 is the most affordable model in this test, but that price advantage only lasts until you add a suitable hydration bladder. Then the total cost comes to around €130, putting it on par with the competition. It’s only cheaper if you choose to ride without a bladder.

All gear is organised in a single main compartment against your back, but a very well-designed internal layout keeps everything neatly separated. Tools, valuables and the hydration system all have their own place without the pack feeling overloaded. This balance of clarity and simplicity makes it very intuitive to use in practice.

On the trail, the Deuter delivers on comfort. It sits lightly on the back, stays firmly in place and, crucially, does neither of those things at the expense of the other. Ventilation is a marginal step up on the EVOC. Two chest straps and an elastic rib belt lock the pack down on rough tracks and jump lines without demanding constant readjustment.

In detail, the Rogla 5 proves to be well thought out. The chest pockets are easy to access, putting it on par with the CAMELBAK. It also features practical additions such as a glasses holder and a loop for carrying a helmet or knee pads when moving between trails.

There are still minor weaknesses. The front pockets are relatively simple and offer less structure than the rest of the pack. The zippers also don’t run quite as smoothly as those on the CAMELBAK. Another point is the need to buy a hydration bladder separately. And since most of the organisation happens in the central main compartment, you have to like this layout.

For more information, visit Deuter.com

The EVOC HYDRO PRO 3 on Test – The Clever One

The EVOC HYDRO PRO 3 is something of a long-time favourite in this test field. Alongside the CAMELBAK, it’s one of the packs we ride most often. That shows in the concept. This compact hydration pack is clearly designed for sporty, minimal trail use and sits somewhere between a backpack and a vest.

With 3 L capacity, the EVOC is one of the smallest packs in this test field, and it already includes a 1.5 L hydration bladder. At €135.00, it’s not cheap, but it delivers a ready-to-use package. Despite its compact size, it offers surprisingly good storage as long as you stick to the essentials.

Fit is the HYDRO PRO 3’s strongest suit. The pack sits compact and high on the back, held in place by wide shoulder straps and a combination of two chest straps and side rib straps that between them accommodate a range of body shapes. Fully loaded on rough terrain, it stays put and fades from awareness. The upper chest strap uses a magnetic closure: unfamiliar at first, but dependable in use.

The hydration system is well executed, too. The 1.5 L bladder sits in a dedicated compartment and is secured with a small Velcro strap. A strong magnetic holder for the hose stood out positively in the test. The dual-zip opening makes accessing the contents easier and improves everyday usability.

The EVOC’s chest pockets are nice and big, offering plenty of storage on both sides, each secured with a zip. Thanks to internal dividers, everything stays neatly organised. Above them are elastic slip pockets for snacks, gloves or a neck tube, which are easy to access on the go but naturally less secure than zipped pockets. In the main compartment, however, the EVOC HYDRO PRO 3 uses a simpler layout. Alongside the hydration bladder sleeve, there’s a separate zip pocket for valuables such as a wallet, keys or a map. There are no additional dividers or fixings, so items like a pump, tube or jacket sit loose inside. Overall, the organisation system is functional but not as refined as on the competitors.

In terms of comfort, the EVOC sits just behind the Deuter in our opinion. While it’s very stable, it feels slightly warmer on your back than the CAMELBAK and Deuter. Because of its relatively high position, it can interfere around the neck area when used with a back protector. For short, sporty rides this is rarely a major issue, but it becomes more noticeable on longer outings.

For more information, visit EVOC.com

The Rhythmus RP 9L Hydration Pack on Review – The Outlier

The Rhythmus Hydration Pack stands out in this test when it comes to capacity. It also comes from a small, relatively young brand developing its products in Colorado. With 9 L volume, it’s the largest MTB backpack in this comparison and clearly goes beyond what the smaller hydration packs offer. Instead of focusing purely on the essentials, it combines striking design elements with high functionality and targets riders who want to carry more on the trail while keeping everything well organised. At $160, it’s also the most expensive model in this test.

Despite its bigger size, the Rhythmus hydration pack is surprisingly unobtrusive to wear. The adjustment system on the shoulder straps and rib straps allows for excellent fit, keeping the pack securely in place while riding. On the trail, it hardly feels like the biggest model in the test. At the front, two chest straps use a variable system where the clips are hooked onto the pack, allowing their position to be adjusted. This ensures flexible fitting but comes with a downside. If the clips aren’t properly secured, they can slip out and be lost.

Chest pocket storage is where the Rhythmus pulls ahead of the field. Each pocket is large enough to take a smartphone, with a padded compartment and space for keys, all closed with a zip. Elastic slip pockets handle gloves, a buff or snacks. No other pack in this test matches the combination of front storage capacity and ease of access on the move.

The organisation system in the main compartment is also clear and effective. A sleeve separates the hydration bladder area, while another divider prevents everything from moving around loosely. The external compartment adds even more organisation, with enough subdivisions to store even small items precisely. If you like everything to have its place, this is the most structured backpack in the test. It also includes practical extras like the external straps for a rain jacket and space for water bottles on the sides.

The downside is that the Rhythmus Hydration Pack may be too much for some riders. The large number of compartments is practical but can feel overcomplicated if you just want a compact setup for a quick after-work ride.
There are also minor weaknesses in detail. The zipper pulls don’t feel quite as high-quality as the rest of the materials, and the chest strap attachment doesn’t inspire as much confidence as those of the competitors. The material itself is thicker than on the other packs, which, together with the larger contact areas, creates a warmer feel on your back. The lack of an included hydration bladder also slightly detracts from the overall package.

For more information, visit Rythmus.com

Small, light, unobtrusive: three words that cover a lot of ground. This test shows how differently four compact MTB backpacks perform within the same category. The CAMELBAK Chase Race 4 strips everything back to the minimum, making it the natural pick for short, fast rides with a lean kit list. The EVOC HYDRO PRO 3 delivers a fit so stable it borders on structural, at the cost of some organisational flexibility and ventilation. The Rhythmus RP 9L stands apart: larger and more structured, it suits riders who need more capacity without committing to a full touring pack. The Deuter Rogla 5 is our pick for the broadest range of riders, balancing comfort, organisation and everyday usability better than anything else here. The right choice, in the end, is less a question of quality and more a question of how you ride.

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Words: Robin Ulbrich Photos: Tim Eckerman, Lars Engmann, Robin Ulbrich