A couple of weeks ago, my cycling mate asked if we should go for an off-road ride. To be honest, I did not like the idea much as it was an extremely hot day, and everyone gets thirsty quickly on such days. But, I had to give in as he was not letting go. I decided to carry my hydration backpack for cycling to keep me hydrated.
Long story short, the ride turned out to be a disaster for my friend, because he only carried a water bottle that lasted only the first 20 minutes of our 3-hour ride. The result? He had to come home extremely dehydrated and exhausted.
For those who do not know what a hydration backpack is? Let me break it for you. A hydration backpack is a hydration system that you wear as a backpack or a waist pack. It has a reservoir, also known as a bladder that allows you to store your water. The bladder also contains a hose that allows you to drink without using your hands.
Why Do You Need Hydration Backpack For Biking?
This is a question that each one of us asks before buying. So let me tell you the reasons:
Purchasing a hydration pack means you forget ever staying dehydrated on rides along with keeping your essentials secure in its pockets. With an ordinary water bottle, you have to stop during a ride and drink from it. But, with a hydration pack, you drink hands-free without even slowing down.
While carrying extra water bottles would give you shoulder and back pain, a hydration backpack would carry water up to several liters without making you uncomfortable.
Factors to Consider Before Buying a Hydration Backpack
Out of all the options you come across when searching for a hydration backpack, which one would cater to your needs the best? This is not difficult. To know which one would work best for you, you can check a few things before purchasing. What are those key factors? You can check them down below:
1. Comfort
Even if it’s a hydration backpack, comfort should never be compromised and it should be the first thing to look for in your search for the best hydration backpack for biking. How can you tell? Check for packs with hip straps as they prevent all of the weight from falling on your shoulders. Plus, go for backpacks with padded shoulder straps so your shoulders do not become stiff or sore after a long ride.
2. Water Storage Capacity
After ensuring comfort, the next thing is to check the capacity of your backpack. Imagine you are on a ride and your water finishes in the middle. What a waste right? Therefore, make sure to check how much water you intake during a ride and go for the one that would fulfill your water needs.
3. Type of Sport
Not every backpack is suitable for every sport type. Some of them are specifically designed for MTB riders, while others are for a casual ride. So, make sure you ask yourself the kind of activities you would like to do with your backpack before purchasing it.
After reading all this, you might wonder what is the best hydration backpack for cycling or the best hydration backpack for mountain biking out there. Do we need a separate backpack for different occasions? Worry not as this article has got you covered.
Best Hydration Backpack for Cycling
So, before you go on the internet and confuse yourself with tons of options, you might want to look at my recommendations for the best hydration backpack for cycling. Don’t worry, I have made a list based on genuine customer reviews and I am going to share it with you now.
- TETON Sports Hydration Backpack
- CamelBak Cycling Hydration Backpack
- EVERFUN Hydration Backpack for Cycling
- CamelBak M.U.L.E. Mountain Biking Hydration Backpack
1. TETON Sports Cycling Hydration Backpack
This hydration backpack is suitable for cycling, hiking, and running. It comes with a 2-liter bladder that is free. It suits both genders so you can even share it with your partner. Besides, it perfectly fits all body types and keeps supplying cold water throughout your ride.
Pros:
- Cost-effective
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Adjustable shoulder and waist straps for a perfect fit
- Stored water does not taste like plastic
Cons:
- Does not have space to fit a phone or wallet
2. CamelBak Light Bike Hydration Backpack 50oz
This CamelBak allows training, cycling, and outdoor lifestyle with a water storing capacity of 7 liters that includes a crux reservoir of 2 liters and a quick link disconnect. With an air support back panel to ensure maximum ventilation, you do not feel suffocated while carrying it and it keeps you cool during your journey. All these features make it the best hydration backpack for MTB.
Pros:
- Water does not taste or smell like plastic
- Tubing comes off easily when you need to clean it
- Light loop where you can clip a light
- Easy-to-fill reservoir
Cons:
- A large sealing ring causes it to leak sometimes
Wait, wait, wait, where are you going? There are more amazing products to be seen. So stay with me a little longer.
3. EVERFUN Hydration Backpack for Cycling
Offering Several colors, this backpack is used for cycling, hiking, running, festivals, camping, skiing, etc. It has a main compartment of 18 liters and a deployable overflow pocket for securing your helmet. Its distinguishing feature is the built-in rain cover, not allowing you to cancel your plans with the change in weather as it protects against rain and dust.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Padded to provide the comfort you need during long journeys
- Easy to fill the bladder
- Suitable for unexpected weather conditions
Cons:
- You have to suck hard to drink water
4. CamelBak M.U.L.E. Mountain Biking Hydration Backpack
By using post-consumer recycled materials, the CamelBak M.U.L.E is for cycling and mountain biking. You also get a pocket to keep your phone secure that is easy to access too. Moreover, it has a total storage of 12 liters including a 3 liter crux reservoir.
Pros:
- Spacious
- Easy to fill the bladder with a detachable hose
- Magnetic clip for the hose
- Air director back panel for keeping you cool by channeling airflow
Cons:
- No colour options
Are you still with me? Great. You may not want to miss out on some of the frequently asked questions regarding hydration backpacks. Go ahead and give them a read.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How to use a hydration backpack?
Before using the bladder, you must wash it with lemon juice or mild soap and lukewarm water to prevent the water from tasting like plastic or chemicals. When your bladder dries out completely, fill it with water. Next, bite down and suck just like you drink from a straw after putting the tube in your mouth. After you are done, clip the hose to the backpack strap found on your chest. This way you can drink water from it whenever needed without the need to stop during your ride.
2. Can you put a hydration bladder in any backpack?
Yes, you can. You can do it by searching for a spot in your backpack large enough to store your hydration bladder and hold it in place. Another thing to keep in mind is to keep the bladder hose exit at the bottom of the backpack and there you go.
3. Are hydration backpacks worth it?
Keeping in mind the hustle with a water bottle when out for a run, hydration backpacks are worth the money. Plus, you can store comparatively more water in a hydration pack than you could in a water bottle. Your water bottle would be sufficient for shorter rides. But, if it’s a few hours, invest in a hydration backpack, as it would keep you hydrated with fewer stops at refill stations.
4. What size hydration backpack for mountain biking?
A hydration backpack of 6 to 10 liters would be enough for mountain biking. This would not only keep you hydrated for a long but also provide ample space to keep your belongings and food sorted for the day.
5. Is CamelBak worth the money?
Owning a CamelBak is worth the shot as it comes with a lifetime quality guarantee offered by the company. The best part about a CamelBak is that it is not only for riding on or off trail but can also be used during your long work shifts where you always worry about getting water. Plus, if you are looking for the best hydration pack for gravel cycling, CamelBack is your go-to brand because while riding on technical sections, you would not have to reach for your water bottle all the time.
Conclusion
There is a reason why people go for hydration backpacks when cycling, camping, hiking, or mountain biking. As with a good hydration backpack for cycling, forget the pain you feel in your hands after carrying a water bottle for a longer period. So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and experience the comfort that comes with hands-free hydration with some of the best hydration backpacks I have listed above.