Acre Hauser 14L pack

I need a mountain bike pack to:

1. Not fall apart

The construction of the Hauser is top quality. The fabric is tough, the zips are strong and keep working even when covered in mud. I’ve got faith that it’s going to last me a long time even when it gets used daily, thrown in the van and left covered in filth.

2. Carry all my stuff

I didn’t think that 14L would be enough for me, but without the need for dry bags (see 4) and if you pack stuff in tight it’s a good size. In the Hauser I can carry a full tool roll with tools and spares, waterproof jacket, spare layer, gloves, hat, buff, big phone, windproof, 1st aid kit, space blanket, tube, wallet, snacks, water and a down gilet. For remote guiding duties where you are carrying extra kit or equipment it would be nice to have a couple more litres of volume. Maybe this is something that Acre will go on to develop, but for most people it’s plenty big enough as it is. I was worried that I’m miss a hip pocket to put my multi tool in, but I found that it fits in an open pocket on the shoulder strap.

Pads fit on the outside securely as does an open or full face helmet if you need it to. You can close the main compartment by rolling the top and securing with the Velcro strap, which allows you to cram a bit more stuff in. Or you can buckle the flap over which is quicker and gives more water protection to the 2 external zipped pockets.

The tool roll is a work of genius, allowing you to organise and separate tools as well as making them more accessible when you unroll it. How did I live without this? It even makes you look pro as you lay out your tools instead of dropping bits everywhere.

There is space for up to a 3L water bladder. It’s easy to get it in and out even when the pack and or the bladder is full.

3. Stay in place when I’m riding

Being slim, like an alpinist’s pack, means that the load is spread up your back, keeping the pack from swinging about. This does mean that you have to pull the top things out to get to stuff at the bottom, but the benefits far outweigh the minor inconvenience, and less zips mean more protection from water. The slim width of the pack also means you’re less likely to get caught up on a branch or a cheeky rock knuckle.

4. Keep my stuff dry

It’s described as weatherproof, a description that I always think means porous! However I’ve found that the contents of the main compartment have remained completely dry even after riding all day in proper rain. I’ve always been a belt and braces kind of guy and have used dry bags inside my pack as well as covering the pack with a rain cover. No need for that anymore. Just remember to close the bag after you get your pie out in the rain and don’t leave it open like I did. Ooops!

5. Fit my body

There are various anchor points on the body of the pack so that you can fix the shoulder and hip straps in the right place to fit your body size.

6. Not look shit

It looks ace with its understated styling and colour options and doesn’t have any gimmicky bits stuck on the outside.

It’s ace, get one.

RRP is £195

More details and retailer list here