Let Air Flow Through Your Back to Stay Cool! Montbell’s "Cycool Pack 10" Features the V.B.P. System

When riding a bicycle with a backpack, one major annoyance is back stuffiness and sweat. Even if you feel the wind on the rest of your body while riding, sweat on your back—where the backpack sits tight—has a hard time drying. Heat builds up while waiting at traffic lights, and when you take off the backpack during a break, the back of your T-shirt is often completely soaked.

Debuting in 2003, Montbell's "Cycool Pack 10" is a cycling backpack designed to reduce stuffiness by creating space between the pack and your back to let air flow through while riding. We spoke with Kei Enomoto from the Public Relations Department at Montbell Co., Ltd. about the story behind this unique design and how it achieves both breathability and a comfortable fit.

A Cycling Backpack with Over 20 Years of History

The model name "Cycool Pack 10" first appeared back in 2003. Since then, it has been developed as a cycling backpack featuring a rear structure that leaves space between the pack body and the back to allow airflow.

"Even before that, we had a predecessor model called the 'V.B.P. Daypack' that used a similar rear structure. It has a very long history as a long-selling product."

When people hear the term cycling backpack, they often focus on capacity, light weight, or ease of organization. However, the Cycool Pack 10 focuses heavily on how to effectively reduce back stuffiness and sweat.

The V.B.P. System Creates a Wind Pathway Across Your Back

That rear design relies on Montbell's proprietary "V.B.P. (Ventilation Back Panel) System." By creating space between the mesh back panel and the main pack body using a 3D-shaped frame, airflow generated while riding passes directly across your back.

So why is it so important to let air pass across your back? It comes down to the problem of sweat remaining on your back while riding.

"While cycling, your back gets less airflow and becomes stuffy easily. When sweat doesn't dry and stays on your skin, it causes discomfort and increases the risk of chilling after you sweat. Whether for cycling or general outdoor activities, keeping the body as dry as possible is key—and Montbell continuously develops products with this perspective in mind."

Especially during hotter seasons when sweating increases, drying that sweat quickly and keeping it off the body becomes essential. This model aims to create a state where sweat and heat are far less likely to build up.

"To keep sweat from clinging to the body, promoting evaporation by allowing airflow is the most logical solution."

We actually tested it during a midsummer ride. While riding, air flows smoothly through the open spaces on both sides of the back. Only the mesh fabric contacts your back, so the main pack body doesn't stick to you, creating ideal conditions for sweat to dry quickly.

What stood out most was how comfortably and securely the pack fits against the back despite the gap between the bag and the body.

"By providing optimal tension in the mesh fabric itself and contouring it to the back using a 3D-designed metal frame, we achieved both a snug fit and high breathability. Furthermore, the body shape is designed to minimize fluttering or bouncing against your back while riding."

Additionally, surface unevenness is minimized, and the dimensions ensure it doesn't extend far beyond the body even in a forward-leaning riding posture, thereby reducing drag and flapping.

From its overall shape to its finest details, the Cycool Pack 10 is designed specifically around riding postures and movements.

"It features thoughtful details not found in standard backpacks, such as a light holder positioned for easy visibility from behind and a built-in helmet holder."

The shoulder harness features large chest pockets capable of holding energy snacks, bottles, or a smartphone. This provides quick access to essentials while riding, while the wider contact area across the shoulders helps improve overall fit and stability.

Reflective fabric that reflects car headlights is strategically placed on the main body. It is also packed with features for safe and comfortable cycling, such as a built-in pack cover for rain protection and compatibility with the Trail Water Pack.

Proprietary Material Combining 743g Lightness with High Strength

The main body uses 30-denier Ballistic® nylon ripstop. Montbell's proprietary material balances lightweight performance and durability, featuring approximately double the tear strength of conventional nylon of equal weight. By utilizing this material, the "Cyclool Pack 10" keeps its weight down to just 743g while still incorporating the V.B.P. system and various holders.

With a 10L capacity, it provides ample room for day trips, fitting a jacket, rain gear, extra hydration, portable tools, and more. For camping tours, it can also serve as a sub-bag to keep frequently used items handy.

The rear ventilation structure powered by the V.B.P. System is great not only for cycling, but also for hiking and light trekking during hot weather when you sweat more. By separating the pack body from your back to create an airflow channel, the V.B.P. System reduces stuffiness while maintaining a secure fit thanks to its 3D frame and taut mesh structure.

Furthermore, by combining a shape tailored for a forward-leaning posture, various holders, and lightweight yet high-strength materials, it consolidates all essential cycling features into a single backpack. The "Cyclool Pack 10" brings the concept of airflow across the back to life, right down to practical usability during rides.