Old crotchety rider here. I went to hip packs for only one season, then back to packs. I have 3 packs (each with a different use). First one is really just back armour, but i can still carry multi tool, small pump, spare tire (those light weight orange ones), extra pair of gloves and plugs. The other two are just small and large versions. The larger one is for winter riding so that I can carry my **4 pairs of gloves**, food, water, tools, plugs, spare tire, pump, sidewall patches and maybe a ESJ. the smaller does not carry as much water (which in winter is fine) but still has room for one extra pair of gloves and all the rest of the tools, tube, pump etc....
that said I run tubeless DH tires (no inserts) and have not had a flat in a long, long time. so do I really need a tube, probably not. But just last week I needed the chain quicklink breaker, to take of the blown rear derailleur and chain. I should have had a spare derailleur....
I really only use a couple tools on the regular (5mm, 4mm) but am loathe to be without the other tools. but maybe I could ditch the tube eventually. probably need therapy for that...
Jan. 3, 2024, 2:22 p.m. - jason
Old crotchety rider here. I went to hip packs for only one season, then back to packs. I have 3 packs (each with a different use). First one is really just back armour, but i can still carry multi tool, small pump, spare tire (those light weight orange ones), extra pair of gloves and plugs. The other two are just small and large versions. The larger one is for winter riding so that I can carry my **4 pairs of gloves**, food, water, tools, plugs, spare tire, pump, sidewall patches and maybe a ESJ. the smaller does not carry as much water (which in winter is fine) but still has room for one extra pair of gloves and all the rest of the tools, tube, pump etc.... that said I run tubeless DH tires (no inserts) and have not had a flat in a long, long time. so do I really need a tube, probably not. But just last week I needed the chain quicklink breaker, to take of the blown rear derailleur and chain. I should have had a spare derailleur.... I really only use a couple tools on the regular (5mm, 4mm) but am loathe to be without the other tools. but maybe I could ditch the tube eventually. probably need therapy for that...