How do you wear a hydration pack?Ī poorly fitting hydration pack can leave you with sore shoulders, hips and even whack you in the back of the head every time you hit a drop or steep section. This is why you will generally only see suspended backs on larger bags where the benefits are more noticeable.
Suspended mesh backs generally don't affect stability, some actually improve load-bearing, but they do add extra weight, complexity and additional cost. Do hydration packs get hot when riding?Įven the best hydration packs will leave you warmer than riding without one at all, so look for a bag with channels to allow some airflow or, even better, a suspended mesh back panel. Suspended mesh backs use a frame to elevate the pack off the back to create an air gap and greatly improving cooling. There is nothing worse than having to unpack your entire bag on the trail in search of your CO2 inflator so make sure you look for bags that have internal pockets to keep your snacks separate from your tools. Depending on your load, something between 7 and 20 liters should do the trick. We also recommend chucking in a space blanket and a couple of band-aids just in case. On any given ride you at the very least carry a tube, a pump, tire levers, a multi-tool, a quick link and a snack, but you may also have layers, rain gear, pads or a full-face helmet in tow. What should you pack in a hydration pack? How much you'll need to bring will vary depending on the length of your ride, the temperature and if there is somewhere to top up - the usual recommendation is about half a liter of fluid per hour.
The capacity will vary from about a liter for hip packs and bum bags to three liters for a large trail pack. The main reason you'll be looking to purchase a hydration pack is to carry enough water to prevent you from dehydrating out on the trail.
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How to pick the best hydration pack How much water do you need on a MTB ride? If you decide that a bum bag is your thing rather than a backpack with shoulder straps, take a look at our guide to the best MTB hip packs. With compression straps to keep the weight close to your back, the zippered compartment has organizer pockets with enough room for a tube, tire levers, pack kit, mini-pump and your best bike multi-tool while zippered pockets on the hip belt are big enough for a phone and sunscreen. The Osprey Seral has room for a 1.5-liter reservoir and has a magnet attached to prevent tangles, although this can be bested by grabby trail-side fauna.
Straight out of the eighties, the bum bag is back and is ideal for a short ride where you don't need to carry too much water or gear along with you. Magnetic latch could use a bit more holding power The bag also has a built-in rain cover for when the weather takes a turn for the worst. If the trail gets very steep and you need to carry your bike, the upper part of the bag has a non-slip material to help stabilize the bike when carrying it on your shoulders. There's a stowable mesh-helmet carrier, and compression straps on the side are ideal for schlepping armor up long, fire road climbs. The bag has room for a 3.0 liter bladder (though you'll have to bring your own) and features pockets galore including a special pocket at the top to store your best mountain bike goggles, plenty of mesh and divided elastic pouches for keeping your snacks arranged and a hidden phone pocket near the right kidney. The back protector comes in a range of sizes to suit riders from 145cm to 205cm tall. Cut slightly shorter than the men’s version, the Attack 18 SL is based around a women's fit and features the brand’s Shield system, which is a CE-certified back protector made from viscoelastic foam.