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My old (original) Camelbak Rogue is coming to the end of it's life. It's been my go to for a quick blast for years. It carried a decent sized bladder, phone, multi tool, tyre & tube repair gubbins, with a pump and spare inner tube tucked in to external pockets and, I could squeeze a tightly rolled waterproof under the closure flap, I have however lost a few inner tubes over the years.
What small backpack would be a suitable replacement, needs to have pockets to separate tools and phone. Thought the Evoc Joyride 4 might be it, however, it's sold as a kids pack.
I do like the idea of hip packs for the ease of access to stuff (primarily grabbing the phone for a quick snap) provided by hip pack but worried it would feel too weird/get caught on stuff/be landed on.
Osprey have just brought out the Velocity 6 which is teeny tiny but has a 1.5 litre bladder and room for a limited amount of stuff. What I like is the phone pocket in the shoulder strap so you can whip the phone out for a quick pic. It’s also very short more like one of those runners harness type hydration packs. I have draws full packs and hip bags that I have failed to get on with and I am hoping this might be the answer. I’ll be interested to hear from anyone who has actually used one.
Bottle and stuff everything in your pockets?
More serous answer is that I have an Evoc Stage 6 that’s quite compact? I’ve got one, I like it but as above I normally don’t bother for most rides, and I bought a Stage 18 for big days out.
The Evoc Stage 6 and the Osprey 6 sound interesting, I did wonder if anyone other than the vest type ones had a phone pocket on the shoulder strap. Problem is actually finding somewhere with a selection to try, I spent the best part of Monday driving around central Scotland to be presented with little choice.
I cannot abide having stuff in pockets.
I’ve a stage 18 and will buy another when it wears out. Size/belt design mean it’s good and stable. I’m pretty sure the 12 is exactly the same but shallower (so I don’t see the point - just put less stuff in the 18). The 6 only has a basic waist strap.
For short/ minimal kit rides I use an Evoc hip pack pro. The same wide belt style as the 18 means it’s stable again. Pump/phone/tools just about fills it - I can stuff a wind vest in one of the bottle baskets but no way of attaching a waterproof. (I’m think about modifying to add a bungee or external straps).
I have Camelbak Chase 4. I like the phone pocket a lot. It's too small with the bladder full though, not really room for a jacket plus tools. I tend to use without the bladder. Would probably buy the Chase 8 if buying again for a bit more storage.
I use a muc off water proof case (others will be available) to put my phone in. Put that on one of the straps and it's handy for whapping out to take pictures, also saves a bit of space in the backpack/bag.
For small bags I have a lobo and a skyline, both good for certain things.
Decathlon have a range of trail runner type small backpacks with lots of pockets, in various sizes.
I have one with a phone pocket (big enough for my Pixel 6a). They come with a bladder and are a LOT cheaper than the big "outdoors" or "bike" brands (like about a third of the cost of a Salomon or CamelBak equivalent...)
Edit to add: in my experience, the trail runner type of backpack sits quite high on your back, so may not be the best type of you ride very steep DH trails as the pack will roll forward too much...
I’ve got a Montane Trailblazer 8l
Fits a 1.5l camelbak bladder with guides for the hose.
lots of good small pockets and it’s very comfortable