Adventure cycling is a life-changing and exhilarating experience, but it can be taxing and energy-draining if you don’t have the right gear. One of the biggest concerns any bikepacker or bicycle tourer has is carrying enough water. There are many ways to cart water on your bike; bottle cages or in bike bags.
But what if you want a water storage and carrying solution that you can take with you wherever the adventure leads? Especially if you plan to go on some hike a bike adventures when you don’t want to be carrying water bottles. A good hydration pack can be the perfect solution for any adventure cyclist to stay hydrated, keep your energy levels up, and ensure you have the most enjoyable experience possible.
This article will explore the benefits of hydration packs for all your mountain biking, gravel, road, and bikepacking/touring adventures. Discuss the features to consider when choosing a hydration pack, and recommend the best hydration packs for your next adventure. So, let’s get started!
A good hydration pack provides a convenient way to carry water on your body for fast and easy access. Not only will it keep you hydrated, but it will also be a great way to store other essential items like snacks, tools, and repair kits.
Benefits of Hydration Packs for Bike Adventures
There are many benefits to using a hydration pack for bikepacking. Here are some of the key benefits:
Convenience
A good hydration pack will make it easy to transport water with you on your trips. Some can hold around 3L of water. This eliminates the need to stop and refill your water bottle, which can be time-consuming and inconvenient. Also, it’s easier to grab the valve piece to drink instead of reaching for a water bottle.
Comfort
Most hydration packs are designed to be lightweight and comfortable to wear. They come with adjustable straps and waistbands to customize the fit to your body type. This ensures that you can ride comfortably without worrying about the pack bouncing around or weighing you down. Additionally, bike hydration packs offer breathability and ergonomic shoulder straps and/or hip belts to minimize hot spots.
Storage
A good hydration pack will also provide additional storage space for other items like snacks, tools, and repair kits. Perfect for potential overnight adventures as you can store camping items or clothing. As some packs have a total gear capacity of upwards of 14L. Internal storage is also tailored to cyclists, with separate compartments designed especially for storing bike-related gear and mounting lights for safety.
Best Hydration Packs for your next Bike Adventure
The hydration packs in this list range from backpacks to hip packs and are all designed specifically with the bikepacker, bicycle tourer, or weekend bike adventurer in mind.
CamelBak M.U.L.E.
The CamelBak M.U.L.E. is one of their most popular and longest-running hydration packs for cycling. Designed to maintain maximum stability on rough, technical terrain. Has a capacity of 11 liters, adjustable straps and waistbands for a comfortable fit, and a waterproof rain cover to protect your gear from the elements. The bag weighs around 2.49 pounds / 1.13 kg
You can opt for the Pro version, which includes hip belt cargo and other upgrades compared to the base model.
amzn_assoc_tracking_id = “vegancodey-20”; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = “manual”; amzn_assoc_ad_type = “smart”; amzn_assoc_marketplace = “amazon”; amzn_assoc_region = “US”; amzn_assoc_design = “enhanced_links”; amzn_assoc_asins = “B07WKNZZQR”; amzn_assoc_placement = “adunit”; amzn_assoc_linkid = “bc6740359bdd877f3afcada386cd8b49”;This pack is ideal for those riders looking for a quality hydration pack that enables them to carry enough gear and water for longer rides.
The pack features a 3L Crux reservoir with a magnetic tube trap, an Air Director back panel, and ventilated harness to keep you cool and comfortable, and a removable stability belt. There is an integrated tool roll, secure zip pockets, a phone pocket, and helmet-carrying capability. Allowing you to stow both open-face and full-face helmets securely. However, the clips for this front compartment are easy to misalign.
Osprey Raptor
The Osprey Raptor is another excellent option for cyclists. Available in either a 10L or 14L capacity, both options have a 2.5L water reservoir. Helping you stay fueled up and organized on the trails. Common among bike hydration packs, this pack also offers the LidLock bike helmet attachment, which stashes your helmet for easy transport between rides. The bag weighs 1 lb 12 oz / 793 grams.
amzn_assoc_tracking_id = “vegancodey-20”; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = “manual”; amzn_assoc_ad_type = “smart”; amzn_assoc_marketplace = “amazon”; amzn_assoc_region = “US”; amzn_assoc_design = “enhanced_links”; amzn_assoc_asins = “B07GHKHQGM”; amzn_assoc_placement = “adunit”; amzn_assoc_linkid = “cea2a89bfbb43ce69122ca31cb9d7b84”;One of the pros to this pack is you get zippered hip belt pockets to stow small items, scratch-free and heat-embossed perfect for holding your sunglasses or electronics for quick and easy access while riding.
You also get a stretch-mesh front pocket for quickly stashing extra gear, like a lightweight rain jacket. A removable roll-up tool pouch, for storing bike tools. For safety, you get a light attachment and reflective patch on the bag for better visibility in low light. Also, the Airscape back panel provides a secure fit and increased ventilation.
Dakine Hot Laps 5 L Bike Hydration Waistpack
Hip packs and waist packs are reasonably popular in the bikepacking scene. Why not combine the swag of a waist pack with the benefits of quick access hydration? The Daking Hot Laps 5L also comes in a delicious sparrow pink colorway to add to your style points. Weighing in at 1 lb 3.2 oz / 544 grams
After something for those quick trail ride adventures?
With a 2-liter Dakine x HydraPak 3D lumbar reservoir and overall 5 liters of gear carrying capacity. The air-mesh back panel provides breathable comfort for those sweaty endeavors. The cargo pocket features organization for a phone, tools, food, and a light shell. Lower straps untuck to hold bulky knee pads or a mug, maybe! With external attachment straps making, it is optimized for storing additional gear. You also get a padded hip belt that provides comfort and a zippered phone pocket.
EVOC FR Trail 20
The EVOC FR Trail 20 is perfect if you’re after a large-capacity hydration pack offering 20L storage for all your gear and, from research approx, a 2 L water reservoir (but has a max hydration compartment capacity to store 3L.) The high-end day pack with a back protector that offers optimal support during more extended bike tours and trail rides. With a weight of 3.08 pounds / 1.4 kg
The Liteshield Back Protector offers up to 95% shock absorption, which means less stress when carrying more gear in a larger capacity pack.
amzn_assoc_tracking_id = “vegancodey-20”; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = “manual”; amzn_assoc_ad_type = “smart”; amzn_assoc_marketplace = “amazon”; amzn_assoc_region = “US”; amzn_assoc_design = “enhanced_links”; amzn_assoc_asins = “B00NNEL72K”; amzn_assoc_placement = “adunit”; amzn_assoc_linkid = “8ccc71064a497d04c772057b11e290e1”;Along with air circulation technology, you get just about everything in a bike hydration pack, plus a few extra features. Key holder, sunglasses pocket, helmet storage, hip belt pouch, mobile phone pocket, tool compartment, rain cover, and even a map pocket and signal whistle.
The 2-STEP-ZIP SYSTEM zipper construction allows you to access your backpack’s main compartment in two ways: The full opening of the main compartment gives you unrestricted access to the entire contents. The top-load version is convenient when you’re on the go.
USWE Outlander 2
If you are after a super lightweight, insurance cycling race-ready hydration pack. Look no further than the USWE Outlander 2. Perfect for those bikepacking races. Made specifically for mountain biking and off-road motorcycling. The backpack is designed to be streamlined to go superlight and almost feel invisible on your back. Weighing only 0.68 pounds or 310 grams (excluding the bladder)
amzn_assoc_tracking_id = “vegancodey-20”; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = “manual”; amzn_assoc_ad_type = “smart”; amzn_assoc_marketplace = “amazon”; amzn_assoc_region = “US”; amzn_assoc_design = “enhanced_links”; amzn_assoc_asins = “B07PV1BTYD”; amzn_assoc_placement = “adunit”; amzn_assoc_linkid = “6a1221b86d4e24c069984a1a8c573bff”;A mountain biking backpack designed for pro riders going superlight at marathon distances. But makes a perfect lightweight bikepacking hydration solution, especially for those epic endurance events. It’s a badass backpack with hydration that won’t cramp your speed or style. The 4-point harness makes the 1.5L of water almost disappear on your back, so it’s like you are not wearing anything.
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