Osprey Escapist 30

A technical leader's best friend...

Typical isn't it. You wait 6 months for a blog from Gone Mountain Biking and then two come along at once. Actually there might be three but we shouldn't get carried away. After our blog yesterday about the contents of a guide's pack we thought we should say a bit more about the packs we use.

We've been mountain biking since back in the day and have used dozens of packs over the years. Now we ride for a living though, the stakes are a little higher. We need a reliable pack designed to carry lots of gear and emergency kit comfortably and safely during long days in the saddle. If you've followed us or stayed on one of our MTB holidays you'll know we've long been fans of Wingnut packs for their innovative design and low centre of gravity. Sadly though, for bigger rides with loads of kit, we felt that the Wingnut Enduro was a bit unstable and straining under the load so we looked around and using some of our industry contacts we got hold of some Osprey packs. Read on to find out why...

We have a few packs in that our guests can demo (including the Talon and Verve) but the guide's pack of choice for us on big rides is the Osprey Escapist 30. For such a substantial pack it's fairly light and ours came in a little under the claimed weight of 0.9kg. Don't be too bothered about the pack weight though, super light packs don't carry lots of kit comfortably so it's about how it feels when it's on and how the weight is distributed.

Before we get to the fit, we should talk about using some of the features. Firstly, this pack is like a tardis! It doesn't look that big when empty but once you start to fill the compartments you'll be amazed. The main compartment is separated by a zipped divider about 1/2 way down allowing you easy front access to the lower section without having to unpack the whole thing and access all your kit from the top.

We use the lower section for an emergency shelter and first aid kit to allow quick access if we need it (hopefully never!). In the main section (top access) we put spare clothing, spare kit, food (lots of it!), map, compass etc (see our last blog for more about what we carry).

There's then a tool compartment which easily fits a pump, shock pump and tubes in mesh sections with space to spare for all manner of other emergency spare parts. It also has the obligatory key loop.

At the top there's also a large soft lined pocket for things like glasses or MP3 player (with access port). We keep keep glasses with coated lenses in their own case though as this pocket is also great for phone, torch, and energy bars.

On the outside of the pack there are three mesh stuff pockets which have straps and are great for stashing those excess layers as the pace hots up! The 'Lidlock' helmet clip is quite simply pure genius and the simplest way of carrying a non-full face helmet we've ever seen. If you ride in a full face lid you'll probably need to look at one of the other Osprey packs such as the Zealot. There's also a built in bright yellow rain cover which we use all the time for visibility as well as protection.

The waist straps have two great zip pockets that are perfect for multi-tools or quick access items so you don't have to take the pack off. They are occasionally a bit fiddly to open and close but you soon get used to them. On the shoulder straps there are loads of attachment points for add-ons such as camera pouches, compass etc. The phone pocket on the shoulder strap is a bit of a squeeze for an iPhone sized device (we keep ours in a waterproof case in the top compartment) but handy for other stuff non the less.

Finally, the fit has loads of adjustment including torso length (two pack sizes are also available) and the quick pull waist adjusters are very easy to use. The pack panel is firm but keeps its shape, helps distribute weight perfectly and lasts well without becoming floppy and unsupportive.

Fully loaded with guiding kit and a 3l bladder (not included but is the easily the simplest bladder on the market to insert when full, into a full pack) our pack weighs in at nineteen (yes 19!) pounds in old money and remains as stable on 'backside over the back wheel' drops and flat out rocky descents as it does on cheeky climbs!

Check one out, you won't be disappointed. Or better still, book on one of our MTB hols and we'll let you try one! Over and out....              

Sort out your pack 'cause it's a long hike back...

What happens when an Osprey Escapist pack throws up...

It's time for our regular blog post (yeah right, that'll be once or twice a year then!) so after running through a regular guiding pack check earlier today and offering advice recently to some local bikers we thought we'd post a pic and a list of what we carry so that it might inspire you to sort out your pack and prevent that long hike back...

Obviously a well prepared and qualified guide will take out a lot more than your average weekend trail shredder but it's worth having a good old think about the 'what if' scenarios so you can plan for those epic rides. 

If you have any questions you can contact us via our Gone Mountain Biking website here or like our Facebook page here and post other questions or even good ideas from your own personal experiences. So here's the list of the standard kit we carry...

• A quality pack - We use Osprey Escapist 30's - a big well built pack, reasonably light with loads of storage sections, great secure fit and handy waist pockets. We should do a blog on the pack alone!
• Rain cover - there's no use carrying spare kit if it gets soaking wet! 
• Plastic bags - reuse them and save the planet!  Pack your kit in bags just in case.
• 3 litre bladder - long rides mean lots of fluid. The average rider won't manage with just a water bottle. Fill it with more than water! At least squash or a good isotonic energy drink.
• Whistle - the ones built in to packs are ok but you can't beat a proper whistle for attracting attention and ruining your hearing!
• Emergency shelter - like a big parachute, big enough for the group you're with (the green one shown is a 10-12 person). Great for remote lunch stops too!
• First aid kit - keep it checked and stocked - 3 year old plasters don't work too well!
• First aid training! - ok so it's not in your pack but if you ride a lot, get some training!
• Spare buffs - great for first aid injury support - use the free ones given out by the mags. They keep your hear warm too!
• Spare layers - at least a base layer and shell for you or a friend if they need to keep warm.
• Space blanket - you'll be amazed how quickly you can cool if you're injured or in shock.
• Waterproof phone case - if you have a signal you need to be able to use it with no shelter in the rain!
• A working pump with presta and schraeder attachments.
• Spare tubes, quick patches and back up puncture repair kit.
• Tyre levers - if you know your stuff on tyre removal you shouldn't need these!
• Tyre boots - for emergency fixing of split tyres.
• A working shock pump.
• Multi tool - make sure it has all the tools for your bike with chain splitter and take a spare!
• Chainring bolts, chain/power link, spare cleat/bolts, crank bolts, rotor bolts, bar ends, cable ties, velcro straps, fabric tape, mech hanger, spare brake pads.
• Download one of the great phone apps that use GPS to give you a grid reference without a mobile signal.
• Map and compass back up (with emergency contacts and noddy guide for others taking a grid reference).
• Waterproof paper and pencil.
• Spare dry socks and gloves - it could feel like they are saving your life!
• Bug repellent - Avon blue Skin So Soft is great. No horrible chemicals and you smell real nice!
• Sunblock - it ain't no fun getting burnt!
• Torch - you never know how long you'll be out there. Helps you signal and get home!
• Snacks - take more than you think you'll need. Sharing helps you make friends!
• And a partridge in a pear tree.

For longer rides we'll take a few extra bits and make sure any special bikes are catered for, like a spanner for wheel bolts and split links for single speed chains etc. 

As mentioned above if you have some trail wisdom from a personal mishap then feel free to share it! Happy riding people and be prepared...