Bike Pedals 101
Everything you need to know before buying pedals!
Buying Guide
Hip Pack Or Backpack? How To Carry Your Ride Essentials
Water, tools, snacks, layers: where it all goes depends on how long and how rough your day is.
This one comes down to a simple trade: how much stuff do you need, versus how much do you want strapped to your back while you're throwing the bike around. Both hip packs and backpacks have a clear place in a Fernie rider's kit, often both, depending on the day.
Section 01
Hip Packs
Worn around your waist, hip packs keep weight low and off your shoulders, which means your back stays freer to move, noticeable on rowdier terrain where body english matters.
What they're good for
- Shorter rides: An hour or two on local trails where you're not carrying much beyond the essentials.
- Bike park laps: Minimal gear, maximum freedom of movement for jumps and berms.
- Riders who run a frame bag or bottle on the bike: A hip pack can carry tools and a layer while water lives on the frame.
The trade-off
Capacity is limited: there's only so much room for a spare layer, food, and tools before it gets bulky or starts to ride up. Most hip packs carry water via a small bladder or a single bottle, which may not be enough for a hot, long day.
Section 02
Backpacks / Hydration Packs
The classic choice for longer days: more volume, more water capacity, and dedicated organization for tools, layers, and snacks.
What they're good for
- All-day rides and big descents: More water (typically 1.5-3L bladders), more food, room for an extra layer or rain shell.
- Shuttle days and bigger missions: Space for tools, a pump, a spare tube or two, and First Aid.
- Back protection: Many trail and enduro-focused packs integrate a back protector, worth considering if you're riding rougher terrain regularly. EVOC's Stage series, for example, builds a removable protector panel into the back of the pack.
The trade-off
More weight on your back changes how the bike feels underneath you, especially on technical, low-speed moves where body movement matters. A sweaty back is also just part of the deal, though most packs now use a ventilated back panel to manage it.
Section 03
Which One For Which Ride
| Ride type | Pick |
|---|---|
| Quick after-work lap | Hip pack, or nothing if your bike has a bottle cage and tool mount. |
| Bike park day | Hip pack: keep your back free for jumps and berms. |
| Half-day trail ride | Either, depending on temperature and how much water you'll need. |
| All-day epic / alpine | Backpack: water capacity and layer storage become non-negotiable. |
| Shuttle-assisted DH days | Hip pack for the lap, backpack stashed at the shuttle for the rest of your gear. |
A lot of riders end up owning both and choosing based on the day. There's no rule that says you have to commit to one system.
Section 04
What To Actually Pack
The non-negotiables, regardless of pack size: spare tube, tire lever, mini pump or CO2, multi-tool, and a way to carry water. Everything else scales with ride length.
Short rides
Water, basic repair kit, phone, snack. That's it: keep it light.
Longer or remote rides
Add a spare derailleur hanger and quick link if you're riding far from the trailhead, a packable rain layer (mountain weather changes fast), extra food, and a basic First Aid kit. If you're heading somewhere with limited cell coverage, let someone know your planned route and return time. No pack replaces that.
What We Stock
Our hip pack range covers minimal single-bottle packs up to larger waist packs with bladder capacity, and our backpacks span 1.5-3L hydration packs through to back-protector-equipped trail and enduro packs from EVOC and Fox Racing, and Deuter; think EVOC's Hip Pack Pro and Stage series, or Fox's Utility hydration packs. Browse packs online or come try a few on loaded. Fit changes a lot once there's weight in it.
Bottom Line
Hip packs win on freedom of movement for shorter, rowdier days. Backpacks win on capacity for longer missions. Match the pack to the ride, not the other way around.
Come check out our range in-store. We'll help you find one that doesn't bounce, ride up, or fight you on the trail.
