written by: Kevin Day (K-Day Racing.com)
Whether I'm riding singletrack, commuting to and from work, or just out on a hike with the family, the Ergon BA1 has become a staple in my quiver of packs for multiple reasons. The unique Flink® Link ball joint is by far the most innovative feature I've seen on a pack and boy does it work well. The revolutionary carrying system manages to distribute the load on both shoulders and hips evenly, keeping it off your back and eliminating sensitive pressure points.
At only 16 liters, the BA1 is just big enough to stash a change of cloths in for my commute or a reservoir and plenty of food for those epic Wasatch rides. There's an external pocket for a multi tool and a few other quick access items and stashed on the underside is an integrated rain cover.
Because of its size and weight I don't think I'll be using it much for endurance racing, but everything outside of that, you can count on it being there with me. The BA1 comes in gender specific sizes, both small and large. See the full line of Ergon Outdoor packs at ergon-outdoor.com and don't forget to check out their entire line of cycling specific packs at ergon-bike.com. There you'll find the BD1 which is they're 12 liter, cycling specific pack that would suit most of you cycling hydration pack needs.
