Why I Switched to Tactical Backpacks for Mountain Biking (and Why You Might Too)
Most riders use regular MTB hydration packs, but I’ve found tactical backpacks to be tougher, more customizable, and perfect for long rides or filming. Learn how MOLLE-style packs make it easy to carry tools, cameras, and gear your own way.
GEAR
10/17/20254 min read
Why I Prefer Tactical Backpacks for Mountain Biking (Over Standard MTB Packs)
I didn't get into tactical backpacks because of mountain biking. I got into them during a prepper phase — I wanted somewhere to put patches, started researching bags, and ended up learning about the MOLLE system. That was it. Once I understood what MOLLE could do I couldn't go back to regular packs.
Backpacks have always been part of my life. I don't have a car, so I ride everywhere, trails, errands, filming days, all of it. I go through bags fast. Straps wear out, zippers blow, and suddenly you're buying another $60 pack that lasts eight months.
I picked up a big tactical bag and a smaller one for about $25 each. Both have outlasted every MTB-specific pack I've owned. The zippers never broke, the only reason I eventually replaced one was holes from overstuffing it. I bought the same bag again immediately.
The MOLLE System
MOLLE is rows of webbing on the outside of the bag that let you attach pouches, clips, and accessories. For riding I use the pouches for GoPro batteries, tools, tubes, tire levers, and snacks. On longer filming days I run a bigger bag that fits a tripod, camera gear, water, and extra clothes. On normal rides I use the smaller one, it's about hydration pack sized and actually comes with a bladder included.
The waist strap snaps behind the bag if you don't want it, so no loose straps flapping around.
Hydration
This is the one area where tactical bags vary. The smaller ones usually come with a hydration sleeve and bladder included, so you're good for shorter rides or days when you're not carrying much. The bigger bags typically don't include a bladder, they have the sleeve but you'd need to buy one separately. It's worth checking before you buy. For longer rides I just run a bladder in whatever bag I'm using that day, and for quick local rides the smaller bag with the included bladder handles it fine.
Sizing — Which Bag for Which Ride
This is actually one of the things I like most about running tactical bags: the size range makes sense for how riding actually works.
The smaller bag is what I grab for local trail rides or short filming sessions, it fits a bladder, a few tools, and whatever I need for a couple hours out. The mid-size is my main filming bag, handles a full day of riding with camera gear, extra batteries, food, a layer, and tools without feeling overstuffed. Then I have a larger backpacker-style tactical bag that I mostly use for mountain trips, when I'm heading up to Big Bear or camping and just need to haul extra stuff. That one doesn't go on the bike much but it's part of the same system and the MOLLE attachment points still come in handy.
The Patch Thing
This is the part that probably sounds the most ridiculous but it's genuinely fun. Tactical bags have a patch panel on the front and you can put whatever you want on it. I get patches off Temu, cheap, weird, funny ones mostly. It's just a way to make the gear feel like yours instead of a generic product. I've also got army canteens to match, which started as a joke and became part of the setup.
What It's Actually Like to Ride With One
They're heavier duty than a standard MTB pack, you notice the difference. But once it's adjusted and loaded the way you like it, it rides solid and secure. Nothing shifts around. For filming specifically it's been better than anything I've used before because I can configure exactly what's accessible and what's buried.
The one real downside: most tactical bags don't have a side water bottle pocket. If you want quick access to a bottle without stopping you'll need a MOLLE pouch for it or just use the internal bladder.
The Cost Argument
Most halfway decent MTB packs run $50-80 and up. The tactical bags I use run around $25 and have lasted longer. That's hard to argue with.
REEBOW Gear Tactical Pack — solid entry level MOLLE bag
Tactical Hydration Pack — smaller, includes bladder
MOLLE Utility Pouches — for tools, batteries, snacks
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Final Thoughts
I used to think tactical packs were hiking or survival gear. Now it's just what I use. They fit how I ride, hold everything I need for filming, and cost less than packs that wore out in under a year. Sometimes the best gear for your sport isn't the gear marketed for it.
