Trail Builder Backpack

I’ve been looking for ways to get my tools out into the woods a bit easier.

Normally, I hike them in and leave them, but recently I’ve had a lot of tools stolen, moved or misused, which has made me want to start taking them out with me too.

Obviously the easiest way to do this regularly is by bike – the trails aren’t massively remote, but riding the bike in vs hiking in probably saves me an hour each way and my bodged together backpack for carrying isn’t the best on the bike.

The only two bags I can find for my purposes are:

Evoc Trail Builder Backpack – £285

Dakine Builder Pack – £125

Does anyone have any other recommendations?

I use my old camel back mule.

It will fit hedge trimmers, folding saw and secetars. I’m not digging.

What about a massive hiking rucksack? I’m sure some will have straps for ice axes/ walking poles for spades or bigger tools.

Would it be worth building a pity with  a trap door on top for your tools?

Yeah my mule is my bodge backpack, it’s fine for most things but rakes, hoes and mattocks are an absolute pain with it.

That’s not a bad idea about a hiking rucksack with external straps, I’ll look into that!

I know a few people with the Evoc and, like the other, they’re really designed for carrying a chainsaw.  They do that pretty well but the handles mean theyre never going to be great with hoe/macleod/rake etc  I’ve done a lot of riding with a tool in one hand and it’s really hard not to put it into the back wheel.  Anything long on your back either has the same problem or is way above you head and you take yourself out with a low branch.

https://theradavist.com/dakine-builder-pack-25l-review/

It’s a chunk more money but I reckon a trailer is the real answer. Bob, Burley, Topeak  all make single wheel trailers  (no idea how they attach to thru axles now – I’ve not used one since QR days).

Put more effort into hiding your tools is the other option!

I hadn’t even thought about a bike trailer – that’s a good shout, that Topeak one looks like it could double as a wheelbarrow too! Can’t quite figure out how that works with a thru axle but definitely something to consider.

Yeah, one handed riding is generally fine for along fireroads etc and tools on the back either stick up in the air or end up smacking into my arse/back/head while I’m riding.

I’ve tried a lot of different tool hiding strategies, I’m beginning to think that short of chaining them up to a tree there’s not much else I can do.

Do you know who’s using your tools? If so, is it possible to ask them to leave them alone?

In BoB related news, axles are available from the ‘Robert Axle Project’.  https://robertaxleproject.com/

There is also a tool rack for Ibex and BoB models.  https://www.trailbuildermag.com/articles/6cf8p6r1p2852w7kjavxyxte0tik3x

Can you maybe bungee the long tools like a rake along the top tube so they become “part of” the bike ?
Anyhoo, doesn’t the Macloed break down to fit in a backpack?  Maybe those are fragile.

these are nice

https://www.btr-fabrications.com/products/tools/

carry thread –

Best way to carry tools on a bike into woods for building/maintenance
byu/DelcoInDaHouse inMTBTrailBuilding

could you fix your tools onto a tag along bike – cheaper than a BOB? Fits to seat post?

When moving locations I sometime strap a long handle shovel and a mcleod to my hardtail/commuter toptube, slasher and mattock strapped to the carrying handle of a camelback. you can ride very easy trails OK but falling off will hurt.

I stash mine, have you though about drilling a hole in the tool and locking them up? I once was convinced my mcleod had been stolen as I lost it for 18 months then found it by chance doing a rebuild. However I recall I had been drinking a bit after building and probably just forgot where I hid it.

Yeah, I’ve done the tools on the bike a few times. It’s ok for the shorter/lighter things but the mattock always gets in the way. It’s also quite an operation getting the tools on and off, which is a pain if I’m doing multiple sections of a long trail or several trails.

I’m going to look into this whole trailer business a bit more, definitely looks like the best option.

Trail Boss tools?

https://trailbossusa.com/

Far from cheap, mind…

I gave up trying to bike carry stuff in.

These days I drive and park as close as I can and walk in with the relevant gear. I just set aside specific time for it. It’s still generally a nice day out in the woods.