Top 5 hydration packs
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A hydration pack is double the fun – not only can you transport your belongings for the day, you can also keep your liquid intake topped up as they contain a bladder to store water, which you can drink through the attached straw. Our top 5 hydration bags all pack a punch when it comes to value and function and are ready for long days in the saddle.
1. Outeredge Hydrorace Hydration Backpack
Top Bargain
Review
The Outeredge Hydrorace hydration pack is the ideal lightweight and diminutive storage/hydration solution that leaves you free to move without restriction and additional weight. The pack holds a respectable seven litres (five if you use the hydration bladder) so you can easily fit in a packable jacket, extra layer, tools or snacks.
The hydration pack saves you having to carry a bottle, which is particularly handy if you want to use the pack for running. The bladder is easy to open and use, for a quick intake of liquid on the move. The two external pockets help you keep organised so you can keep vital objects nearby, such as your phone and keys.
| Quick Look | |
|---|---|
| Price | £17.49 |
| Total capacity | 7 litres |
| Reservoir | 2 litres |
| Dimensions | Not specified |
| Pockets | Side pockets |
| Colours | Black, grey |
| Best for | Racing |
2. Shimano Unzen U10 Hydration Pack
Review
The Shimano Unzen U10 hydration pack is spacious and comfortable – everything you need for an easy life on the trails. It has a close but unrestrictive fit and keeps your stomach free from straps for deeper breathing. This also makes it ideal for aggressive off-road riding, as it suits your natural riding position.
There are plenty of pockets for storing everything you need, including a tool organizer in the main compartment. The zip is easy to operate even when wearing gloves and the bladder is handily stashed away in its own pocket. The unisex design means it’s ideal for both male and female cyclists as well.
| Quick Look | |
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| Price | £44.98 |
3. CamelBak Mule Hydration Pack 2014
Invest in the Best
Review
The Camelbak Mule hydration pack is so well crafted it's won design and performance awards. It has an impressive 14-litre capacity and is exceptionally light at just 590g (without the reservoir), so you can carry around all your belongings without feeling the strain. It packs a punch when it comes to features and is great value for money.
The three-litre reservoir gives you plenty of liquid for the day and the remaining 11 litres gives you plenty of space for clothing, food and tools. A good choice of pockets gets you organised and the key clip helps you get back in your car/house with minimal fuss. You can even carry your XC helmet thanks to the secure carry strap.
| Quick Look | |
|---|---|
| Price | £63.99 |
| Total capacity | 14 litres |
| Reservoir | 3 litres |
| Dimensions | 45.5 x 20 x 20.5cm |
| Pockets | 3 |
| Colours | Black, blue, lime, orange |
| Best for | Lots of luggage |
4. Osprey Packs Viper 13 Hydration Pack 2013
Review
The Osprey Packs Viper 13 hydration pack is the perfect solution to keeping you hydrated and equipped for your ride. The larger capacity gives you plenty of room for food, layers and tools without having to store them on your bike and the 550g weight makes it very portable without weighing you down.
Strain is eliminated by the comfortably padded shoulder straps and the lower compression strap, which pull weight close to the body. There are pockets galore - a front stretch mesh pocket, stretch mesh side pockets, shove-it pocket, a top slash pocket and a zipped front panel pocket. two litres of liquid will see you through around three hours of riding.
| Quick Look | |
|---|---|
| Price | £0.00 |
| Total capacity | 13 litres |
| Reservoir | 2 litres |
| Dimensions | 50 x 22 x 21cm |
| Pockets | Loads! |
| Colours | Red, blue |
| Best for | Organisation |
5. CamelBak Luxe Womens Hydration Pack 2014
Review
The Camelbak Luxe women’s hydration pack is all about carrying things comfortably. Although it’s marketed for women, it’s a good option for anyone with a shorter torso and it has an S-curved shoulder harness for comfort and friction points are reduced by having the harness hardware at the base of the pack.
The Velvetex harness lining means it’s incredibly soft on bare skin, which is definitely a feature you won’t find on many other hydration packs. The three-litre reservoir gives you plenty of liquid to replenish your fluid intake over several hours and the capacity is ample enough for all the necessities while on the move.
| Quick Look | |
|---|---|
| Price | £62.94 |
| Total capacity | 7.5 litres |
| Reservoir | 3 litres |
| Dimensions | 43 x 20 x 20cm |
| Pockets | 2 |
| Colours | Purple, orange |
| Best for | Comfort |