Question about hydration packs for MTB

Equipment
42

For longer rides, I also want access to my jersey pockets. Hence the reason to get a pack that sits higher.

Some lumbar packs also have pockets, so maybe that approach would work just as well.

I think either way, you’ll get used to whichever approach you go with.

One thing I also like is for my rain jacket to be able to fit over my pack so I can put it on and off without having to remove my pack. I also use my pack under layers when riding in winter to keep the water from freezing. A minimalist pack like the camelbak hydra pack (maybe USWE also) works for this. I’ve not used a lumbar pack, so don’t know how they perform in this regard. So one more thing to consider.

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43

Thanks for the responses so far. I might stick with the lumbar design for now. I have a few months to sort it out.

44

I have an Airborne that has a plug and play feature making it super easy to install the valve hose into the bladder. I absolutely love this pack. 10/10 for what it is.

However, sometimes I go for shorter rides close to home where I don’t need the extra pouch for storing things, so I recently purchased an Outlander 2. It’s a smaller version of the Airborne without the storage pack. This one does not have the Plug and Play connection. You’re supposed to insert the hose into the bladder one time and it never comes out after that. I can not insert the hose far enough to keep it from dripping where it connects to the bladder, causing water to pour down my back. I’ve contacted support and while they are slow to respond, they’ve been transparent and helpful. I just can’t get the thing in far enough which makes it unusable.

So, something to consider. Plug and Play bladders are perfect. I would not buy a USWE pack without it.

45

When is it acceptable to use a pack rather than bottles? I have a single track race tomorrow and dislike fumbling for a bottle while racing and prefer the ease of the hydration pack but prefer to not be a huge dork about it. Thoughts?

46

@TLRozzle Any day of the week, mate. If you want to ride with a pack, then do it. When racing they are actually a better option (I have the smallest USWE for this exact purpose) as when racing in predominately singletrack races there never seems the chance to actually reach for a bottle.

I’d rather be hydrated than follow what some cross-over-roadie-bruh has to say about it.

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47

Plenty of Expert guys I race XC with always use packs. This year I plan to do the same. Just so much easier.

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48

Why do folks care about fashion on the bike? We wear Lycra, that sort of cancels out any fashions concerns off the bat.

I’d wear the pack if you know it will serve you better than not. I used to only ride with a pack, and now I only use in on the rarest and longest of rides, but that’s me. I recommend learning to pick up a bottle in challenging terrain but, end of day - if the pack doesn’t bother you, rock it, hydrate, and race.

I DID just order the minimal USWE, we’ll see. I’m hoping to start doing some multi hour training rides soon. I hope it’s as good as folks claim.

Also, if you live in the right area, consider a water filter system. I use a Sawyer and one water bottle for long, but not epic MTB rides. I can stuff it in a jersey pocket. Doesn’t compute for most race scenarios but for going pack free it’s solid and very freeing.

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49

Here is a comparison I did:

50

Hi,
the bladder is only difficult to close if you have water trapped under the fold. This quite easily happens, especially when filling it all the way up… Make sure you squeeze all water out of the fold prior to folding and you want have any issues.

Took me a while to work this one out.

51

Yeah, the new ones don’t seem to have this problem

52

Anybody using one of these Evoc vests?

I don’t know for certain that they’re new, but I hadn’t ever seen them before until two days ago.

Seems like a great way of carrying slightly more stuff than my USWE packs have space for.

According to the spec sheet they are light, durable, and they seem well laid out.

53

I haven’t used one, but they look well designed.

If your nutrition strategy is to separate your hydration from nutrition (mine is), the pockets on the front look like a great way to carry some gel flasks in a way that’s easily accessible.

I currently use a 1.5L minimalist camelback pack for water + electrolytes, and a top tube bag to carry nutrition (gel flasks, clif bars). This Evoc pack would remove the need for a top tube bag (which, for the record, I’m very happy with - but I know not everyone likes attaching bags to their bikes).

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54

Love my USWE. Fits snug and not uncomfortable at all. My only gripe with hydration packs is the inability to know how much I’m drinking. But thats a problem with hydration packs that isnt exclusive to USWE.

And no, im not going to take a drink and spit it out and measure it. I wont remember how many im at 3 hours into a gravel race

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55

If you only have one bottle cage (cough, Lyne Holy Rail), put your second in your jersey pocket. Then switch when empty.

If you really need 3+L then surely a frame bag with a bladder like some kind of off-road triathlete would be better?

56

I also wouldn’t rule out a hip pack with holds about 1.5 litres of water. I wouldn’t wear it for racing but it is pretty good and comfortable for trail rides. I have an evoc hip pack pro.