Henty is a Tasmanian bag company that originally made bags to keep formal attire wrinkle-free during travel. With the Enduro 2.0, they have taken an unconventional step into the mountain bike market.
In full disclosure, I first saw this bag as a hip-pack with straps, and given that context, I wasn’t super excited to test it out. After riding with the pack I realized it’s true identity is as a uniquely designed backpack, and for that, it has some cool elements.
Let’s start with the name. Enduro is a race format, and any gear bearing the word “enduro” should be race ready, no? Most enduro race promoters these days require that all riders wear a back protector, knee pads, and a full face helmet whenever we are on our bikes. Back protectors are inherently hot, which is why many racers choose to strap gear to their frames and wear a light hip bag or wear a backpack with an integrated back protector. Compared to a hip pack, the straps and added material of this bag will add a layer of heat and complexity to your race day outfit.
I chose to ride with the Henty Enduro 2.0 bladder empty during my tests since I was able to carry all the water I needed on my bike, and prefer to keep that weight off my back. With no water to take up space, I was not able to fit as much gear in this pack as I do my personal hip pack. The only pocket with an opening large enough for my small Sony A6300 mirrorless camera is the mid back pouch, which is definitely not where I want to carry that sort of gear. Tube and tools fit fine in the pockets provided, however when I did pack the bag with a full bladder, all of the pockets on the main body became surprisingly tight. The side pockets, mounted along the belt, offer a decent amount of space, though neither is large enough for my cell phone.
Padding on the rear of the bag is adequate, and Henty claims that it provides lumbar protection. I couldn’t feel any of the gear I packed inside through the protective padding, though anything I put in the mid-back pocket was immediately noticeable thanks to the jersey-thin pocket lining.
The overall fit of the bag is its high point, with a wide degree of adjustability and ergonomic design. The waist belt sits comfortably on my hips, with a massive amount of adjustable seatbelt strap to fit riders of nearly all girths. The stretchy mesh shoulder straps attach in the rear of the pack, minimizing the amount of material to catch on things and shift around on your body. A simple chest strap keeps the shoulder braces in place, and makes the bag feel secure.
The extra backpack style elements of this pack not only add stability (and warmth, whether you want it or not) to your ride, but they may also add to your laundry pile. The bag’s straps are soft and stretchy enough that I wanted to wear them under my jersey like bib suspenders. If you choose to wear the top of the pack against your skin you will quickly stink it up. Additionally, wearing the straps under clothing would make it difficult to configure the hydration hose.
Tech specs
- 500D Cordura Nylon
- Volume: 5 litres / 170 fl oz
- 6 zippered pockets, 2 smaller mesh pockets
- Lumbar impact protection
- 3L Hydrapack Shapelock reservoir
- Adjustable shoulder, waist, and chest straps
- 10cm adjustable rear velcro extension for larger-framed riders
- Actual weight: 800 grams with an empty bladder
- $129
Conclusion
So who is the Henty Enduro 2.0 pack for? This bag could be perfect for someone who wants the low slung weight placement of a hip pack, but prefers the “glued to me” feel of a backpack. It is stable as a backpack, with a lower center of gravity. You could conceivably pack more heft in the Enduro 2.0 than you would ever want in a hip pack, provided that your heavy items are small and thin enough to fit in the narrow pocket openings. Many of the construction elements of this pack are top notch, and I would love to see Henty design a proper hip pack for folks who need to stay cool more than they need shoulder straps.
We would like to thank Henty for providing the Enduro 2.0 pack for review.
