I know most people use backpacks. I hate wearing a backpack when I’m riding. I find it really restrictive, and hot in the summer, and there’s also the danger of falling on hard things in there if you fall backwards. I know some people even carry spare batteries in their backpack which seems totally nuts to me.
On my longer rides, I would never go out without tools and a spare tire. I actually had to change a tire on a ride yesterday. It’s also really hot now where I am so having some water is always nice.
I did have my the spare tire on the back before but I’m planning to move some of my battery there to balance out the weight of the front drivetrain so I moved it to the middle now mounted on the battery box and I’ve been using these little molle pouches almost like saddlebags. I carry tools in one and a small soft water bottle and other stuff in the other one. Works well and stays put even with crazy off-roading and jumping.
Looks like a pretty good use of space to me. Plus you could use it for the heaviest tools to free up space to carry stuff on your back if needed.
A warning for the side bags: over time velcro will sort of wear down and stop working/ holding well. The hook side gets all flattened out and the loop side gets too torn up for even a new hook side to hold onto well. It does take a while to happen and you will see a visual difference so it should be easy to spot before a bag is able to fall off on its own. I’ve only had it happen from repeated opening and closing of a jacket that used velcro but vibrations might cause some extra wear. It should still hold up just fine for at least a year if not longer
