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Review: Ergon BP1 Protect backpack

The perfect way to keep all the essentials with you, protect your back and never know you’re wearing a backpack. The BP1 does it all.

When I first saw the BP1 Protect, I asked myself, is this even a backpack? For those who adhere to the less is more motto, the BP1 does exactly as it should. It has the ability to protect the rider’s back and fit a 1.5 litre hydration bladder, tools and a snack or two. I, personally, am no friend of the backpack, so I switched over to hip-packs last season, but they just didn’t do it for me. For this season, I am giving the BP1 a shot and so far it has been great.

The Ergon BP1, the perfect backpack for Gravity, Downhill and Freeride MTB riders looking to protect their back and carry essential gear.

The BP1 keeps things tight.

First impressions

Like all of Ergon’s products, the BP1 looks and feels great. It is super well-made and the material is top-class. The BP100 back protector is easy to remove and install, and the 1.5 litre hydration bladder is also easily tucked away. When putting it on, one is quick to forget that it is even there. Its light weight, self-adjusting shoulder straps and adjustable waist strap help make the BP1 conform to the body extremely well.

The Ergon BP1, the perfect backpack for Gravity, Downhill and Freeride MTB riders looking to protect their back and carry essential gear.

Once strapped in, the BP1 basically disapears.

The Ergon BP1, the perfect backpack for Gravity, Downhill and Freeride MTB riders looking to protect their back and carry essential gear.

The spine is covered for great protection.

The Ergon BP1, the perfect backpack for Gravity, Downhill and Freeride MTB riders looking to protect their back and carry essential gear.

1.5 litre hydration bladders can fit in this pouch.

The Ergon BP1, the perfect backpack for Gravity, Downhill and Freeride MTB riders looking to protect their back and carry essential gear.

Tools, snacks, and keys fit in this pouch really well.

On the trail

When it comes down to it, the Ergon BP1 is great. It disappears on my back and still holds all my essentials. If the trail gets real steep and rowdy, the BP1 stays put as if it were glued to my back. The waist strap can be cut to fit each rider, meaning there is a size for everyone. The BP1 can also be worn under the jersey, but I preferred to keep it on the outside.

A lot of my riding buddies kinda made fun of the size of the BP1, but in reality I don’t need much more and after telling them, they realized I was right. For example, all I need with me when I go on a ride is a multitool, two CO2 cartridges, a snack, water and maybe a spare tube. The tube and cartridges I just tape to my frame all race-like, the multitool goes into the back pocket of the BP1, a ClifBar on the side and water is taken care of in the hydration bladder pocket. For me, anything bigger and I’m just schlepping around unnecessary weight.

The Ergon BP1, the perfect backpack for Gravity, Downhill and Freeride MTB riders looking to protect their back and carry essential gear.

The sternum strap is simply clipped.

The Ergon BP1, the perfect backpack for Gravity, Downhill and Freeride MTB riders looking to protect their back and carry essential gear.

It may seem simple, but it works great.

The Ergon BP1, the perfect backpack for Gravity, Downhill and Freeride MTB riders looking to protect their back and carry essential gear.

The waist belt can be cut to size.

Final thoughts

The Ergon BP1 is sweet! I was a little skeptical at first, but I will be using this backpack for many seasons to come. It protects me, is super lightweight, easy to adjust and it carries everything I need for my rides. The best part is, when hitting the trail or bike park the BP1 just disappears and the riding is only enhanced by it. A great pack that I would recommend to any shredder out there.