What should my child carry on a mountain bike ride?
Getting Trail Ready: Part 3 of 3
There's something brilliant about watching a child clip on their own pack, check they've got everything, and head out ready to handle whatever the trail throws at them. Here's how to get them there.
Why carrying their own pack matters
It might seem like a small thing, but having their own pack changes how a child relates to a ride. They're not just passengers — they're prepared. They can deal with a puncture, a weather change, a hungry moment halfway round. That sense of self-sufficiency is one of the things that makes mountain biking so good for young people, and it starts with what's in the bag.
The essentials — at any age
There's a core list that applies whether your child is 7 or 15, riding a local trail or heading further into the hills.
Water is first. Staying hydrated on the trail is easy to forget when they're having fun — a hydration reservoir or a bottle that fits the pack means they don't have to think about it. A snack (or two) keeps energy up and morale high. A basic first aid kit — a few plasters, some antiseptic wipes, and a small bandage — covers most minor trail incidents. A packable waterproof layer for when the weather changes. And a whistle, which takes up no space and matters more than most people think if they ever get separated or need to signal for help.
For older riders carrying their own tools, a lightweight dry bag is worth considering for keeping a phone or valuables protected — though for most younger riders, keeping it simple is the way to go.
Scale with age and ability
For younger riders (7–9), keep it simple. Water, snack, a layer — that's enough. The pack shouldn't weigh them down or feel like a chore. As they get older and ride further, you can build in more: a basic multi-tool, a spare inner tube, a pump, sun cream, a phone. By the time they're in their early teens, the goal is that they can self-rescue a basic mechanical and navigate their way home if needed.
Making packing part of the ritual
The best time to establish good habits is early. Before a ride, run through the pack together — not as a checklist to be completed, but as a normal part of getting ready. What have they got? Is their water full? Where's the snack? Over time it becomes automatic, and they'll start prompting themselves without being asked. This is trail independence in its earliest form.
Why a proper MTB pack makes a difference
A school bag bounces, shifts and pulls on the shoulders. A bike-specific pack sits low, has a chest strap to keep it stable, and is designed so you barely notice it's there when you're riding. For children, this matters even more — a bouncing bag on a technical trail is distracting at best and destabilising at worst. A well-fitted junior pack stays put, letting them focus on the trail ahead.
“A pack that actually fits makes such a difference for kids — if it’s bouncing around or digging in, they notice it the whole ride. When it fits well they forget it’s even there.”
Deuter kids' packs to explore
Deuter Bike Junior A great starter pack for younger riders heading out on the trails. The Airstripes back system keeps it snug and ventilated even on faster rides, and there's dedicated space for a 2L hydration system so they can stay topped up without stopping. A stretch mesh front pocket handles snacks and a phone, and reflective details add visibility in lower light. Simple, practical and built for the bike.
Deuter Compact 8 JR For riders who are ready to carry a bit more, the Compact 8 JR is a serious piece of kit. Ergonomic shoulder straps, hip fins and an adjustable sternum strap mean it stays put however fast they're riding — and it comes with a tool organiser, helmet attachment, bicycle pump attachment and protective gear attachments as standard. It even has a built-in safety whistle on the sternum strap. Rain cover included.
Deuter Light Drypack 1 Not a backpack, but worth a mention for older or more confident riders. This lightweight roll-top dry bag is ideal for keeping a phone, keys or valuables fully protected from rain and trail spray. Small enough to tuck inside a pack or clip to a bag, it's a simple addition that's worth its weight when the weather turns.
This post was created in partnership with Deuter, proud sponsors of Limitlass: Next Gen 2025.