Best Hydration Pack for Road Cycling

Having the best hydration pack for road cycling is extremely important. No matter the activity even if you’re mountain biking or gravel racing, having the correct hydration pack is extremely important!

Having a pack that not only sufficiently hydrates you, but also has the ability to carry essential items like keys, phone and wallet in a stable way is a great way to ride.

Ultimately the comfort you have while your cycling is probably the most important feature the best hydration pack for road cycling can have. Most off these packs feature ventilation padding or panels of some sort to keep your body cool as you ride.

If your looking for more storage you want to look at carry volume, but always remember the water reservoir also takes up space, so looking for separate storage space could be something to look out for.

You can also look for packs that have carry attachments for accessories like helmets and other cycling equipment. Below our options we have a lot more information on hydration packs.null

Fox Camber Race Pack (US $149)

Definitely one of the better packs on the list, the Fox Racing Camber Race Backpack extreme ease of use and it is a hydration pack to meet the needs of all bikers and road cyclers. You have the option of purchasing it in two different sizes and color options. The bigger size is better for anyone using the pack for multiple hours.

This pack does come with a with a two-liter Hydrapak reservoir for staying hydrated on your bike. It is also extremely comfortable thanks to the well designed EVA-molded back panels and built-in airflow ventilation.

You conveniently have a dedicated tool compartment for all your gear and repair equipment. Other compartments include the waist belt pockets for snacks and quick-stow side compartments for quick and easy access to your items.

Osprey Packs Raptor 10 Hydration Pack (US $89)

If you’re familiar with cycling packs I want to start out by saying this pack is larger than a Lobo and similar to the Mule in space, but it is better than both. The Atilon frame sheet makes this pack extremely comfortable when your riding and the reservoir could not be better.

The ventilation is amazing and will keep you cool on those hot days. You also have the ability to add attachments like blink lights and your helmet. The tool pouch is also a very creative addition to carry your repair items. This is arguably the best hydration pack for road cycling!

CamelBak Rogue Hydration Pack (US $65)

If your an experienced rider the worst thing you can do is be stuck without water. A single bottle of water won’t be enough on a hot summer day and the best hydration pack for road cycling will get the job done.

It is a very durable and well constructed pack. From the stitching to the fabric it is a very well made pack. This bag will give you multiple years of use with no problem.

The other feature we like is the fact that the outside is washable so you can get rid of the bad smell from riding in the sun. We definitely recommend the CamelBak Rogue hydration pack.

Deuter Race EXP Air Biking Backpack (US $118)

This pack is so comfortable you sometimes forget your wearing it.Chances are you won’t feel any discomfort matter how long your ride it for. It’s pretty good in the rain, but incase your ever in need of protecting your carry items in the rain the rain cover is handy.

Its one of the most durable packs ever created in cycling history and if you buy it its sure to last you over 10 years in many cases. It is hydration compatible put 3 liters. This is a very good pick if your looking for comfort and durability.

Arc’teryx Norvan 14 Hydration Vest (US $189)

This is one of the the best hydration pack for cycling since its designed for movement and mobility. Its perfect for carrying some snacks and hydration equipment on the go.

The side tension straps and the sternum straps prevent it from moving around while your cycling. The main section has 12 L of space more than enough for a casual carry.

This pack also includes a 2L hydration reservoir, front & back pockets for quick access and storage. You also have a detachable emergency whistle over the right shoulder.

CamelBak M.U.L.E. Hydration Pack (US $109)

Coming in at an extremely close second, this is one of the best gravel racing hydration packs and road cycling packs on the market. It is extremely comfortable and well designed. Excellent for cycling with plenty of space for all your needs. It can fit all of your must haves that you deem necessary. The back panel ventilation will keep your back cool at all times while dancing. A very solid choice with a great price

Osprey Packs Duro 15 (US $139)

The Osprey Packs Duro 15 Hydration Pack is an excellent vest pack for a day of cycling. It gives you excellent stability and comfort as your dance. It has a tough nylon design that can withstand years of abuse plus more. The compartments can fit all of your essential items.

CamelBak Fourteener 24 Hydration Pack (US $149)

This CamelBak Fourteener brings you excellent comfort, ventilation and a hydration pack to keep you hydrated in motion. It’s perfect for cyclers that like to pack little more than the average.

The 3 liter CRUX Reservoir sits on the NV back panel and the multi-directional ventilation system keeps you cool as you hit the trail. The internal frame sheet, waist belt and the very well constructed load carriage really assist well for comfort.

Some additional features include the compression and cashpoints for tools, wide main compartment, stretch front and side pockets and the fleeces lined pocket.

What is a hydration pack?

A hydration pack is a backpack designed to carry or transport water and make it easy for the user to stay hydrated during an activity. So you won’t have to stop or slow down if you don’t want to when taking a drink from the bladder or water reservoir. The bladder usually has a tube connected to it making it easy for the user to conveniently access the liquid.

Our focus…

Winter hydration packs:  These packs are designed for winter sports like skiing, snowboarding and mountain climbing. They are also designed with high grade materials intended to keep the liquid in the reservoir from freezing and therefore limiting your water supply. This protection calls for an insulation on the bladder, tubing and even the bite valve cover occasionally.

They also come equipped with helpful features for the specific sport or activity like ice axe loops, trampoline back panels, snow tool compartments or ski and snowboard carrying options.

Things to look for…

• Sports – All hydration packs are not created equally. Many manufacturers design these packs specifically for different sports or activities. Everything from running, cycling to skiing and snowboarding, which is what our focus is on today.
• Capacity – Another key thing to look for is the capacity of the bag and bladder, as well as the features it may have like the ability to carry your snowboard or a change of clothes.
• Reservoir Ready – Some hydration backpacks do not actually come with a bladder or reservoir included in the carry backpack, but may have a sleeve ready to fit a reservoir of your liking.
• Size – many of these daypacks come in different sizes, so finding one that fits the length of your torso and the width of your hips can really make a difference in terms of comfort.
• Features – often vary from pack to pack. You will have plenty of options and choosing a the right pack usually comes down to minor preferences the user may have. Look out for features like quick disconnect tubing, bite valve on and off sites or airbags.

Hydration Pack Types

You will usually find two main hydration packs, a backpack and a waist pack. These two version will then be broken into different categories of sport.

These categories as mentioned above may include running, cycling, snowboarding, climbing and other outdoor activities.

What makes them hydration packs is the fact that they carry a water reservoir for the user to conveniently access water in motion or at rest without the need to remove any equipment.

You may find bags that have both a hydration pack and a water bottle slot, although it is rare. Some others may have two water bottle slots giving you extra capacity. This can differ depending on design, but these are things you should be made aware of before purchasing your winter hydration pack.

Hydration Packs for Women

These packs are designed with the shape of women in mind for comfort. They are tinted for smaller frames which could be helpful to fit younger children.

Hydration Packs for Children

These packs are also a lot smaller similar to women packs. They almost always allow for adjustable suspension to fit smaller frames. As me

Hydration Pack Capacity Guide

Make sure the hydration pack you choose can carry enough water and gear to meet your needs. Also keep in mind that water is heavy. 3 liters of water can weigh about 6 pounds, so keep in mind how long or where you will be when you’re riding.

Will your location have somewhere where you can get more water so you can refill? If so, a small reservoir should be sufficient. If you will be located in a place where fresh water is scarce then you may want to go with a bigger bladder.

Another way to think of it is if you’re planning on doing a mix of short and long distances then a big bladder can be good for both since you don’t have to fill it to max capacity.

Reservoir Capacity

Small = 1 liter or less: These are pretty small packs usually waist packs that carry an amount of water thats perfect for a comfortable run or a nice walk.

Medium = 1 – 1.5 liters:  These are good for a decent bike ride, hike or a long run.

Large = 2 – 2.5 liters: This is maybe the most common size reservoir perfect for just about all activities. It has the right size for either refilling every once in a while, or just filling it halfway for a shorter distance activity.

XL = 3 liters +: This is a great size for those of us that do not like to refill. These reservoirs are also common for athletes who perform in locations where running fresh water may be hard to find.

Hydration Backpack Capacity

What size hydration backpack should I get?

You will have a wide variety of sizes to choose from on these packs. The size or volume is generally measured in liters. The packs can range from 3 liters to 50.

How you figure out which on is right for you is by thinking of the gear you will carry. Are you carrying just a change of clothes and some food or will you be carrying a lot of gear?

Under 5 liters: These packs are intended for activities that do not require a lot of equipment. The lightweight design helps you easily move and carry only essential items like a phone, keys and a light jacket. Good for running, skiing, snowboarding, cycling and short hikes.

Under 10 liters: These packs are made to easily carry a change of clothes, food, a small camera and keys and a phone. Good for snowboarding, skiing, mountain biking, short hikes and trail running.

Under 20 liters: These packs are perfect for hiking, mountain biking or trail running and carrying snow gear. They are designed to carry a larger capacity of equipment and tend to offer additional features for your convenient. Easily carry clothes, food, first aid kit and other gear for a day exploring.

Above 21 liters: These bigger packs are excellent for longer hikes or multi day excursions. They have a lot of space for all kinds of gear and equipment. You shouldn’t have a problem taking this pack on an overnight adventure.

Hydration Pack Fit

Now that you have an idea of the capacity of your hydration pack, it’s important to understand how they fit you.

• Make sure it’s the right size for your torso (no hip belt – only torso size is important)
• If the pack has a hip belt, make sure it fits tightly on your body.

Size of Torso

All manufacturers make a variety of bag sizes that fit different torso lengths. They can also vary depending on gender. A good way to find exact information on that is by looking at manufacturer specifications for size details.

To make it easy for yourself you can look for packs that offer adjustable suspension making it easy to adjust the fitting for your torso. This is also helpful if your right in between sizes and finding the correct size is not easy.

Size of Waist

Hip belts go around your hips and are adjustable to fit hips of all sizes. They can average fitting hip sizes of a range of about 18 – 40 inches. If you’re not sure you can always look at the specifications tab.

Key Hydration Pack Features

The best hydration pack for snowboarding and for all other sports should meet the requirements you need to achieve your goals. We will provide you with an extended list of features you can find in the different packs offered by manufactureres.

A minor set of features can make a difference whether your hitting the slopes or scaling mountains. You need to purchase a bag suited for your activities.

You may want snowboard attachments to carry your board, goggle cases for easy storage and a system to help you carry your helmet.

Maybe you only want a light pack with some minor features to keep you safe and hydrated while your in motion. Whatever your choice may be, it’s important to know all of the features available to you before purchase.

Hydration Reservoir Compatible

Some packs do not come with a bladder, but are hydration bladder compatible. What this means is that the pack has an inner sleeve specifically designed to hold a water reservoir.

The reservoir makes it easy to stay hydrated while you’re snowboarding. You won’t have to stop or take your backpack off to get a drink.

Since these are winter sports packs they should come insulated to protect the bladder, hose and tubing.

Wide Mouth Opening

This is not something many consumers think about before purchasing a reservoir. A wide mouth opening allows you to easily clean the inside of your reservoir. The alternative in purchasing smaller mouth opening can be the hassle of purchasing a cleaning kit or taking more time to properly clean it.

Bite Valve Shut-off Switch

This is a cool feature you can purchase separately or it may come included with your pack. This is a convenient option that allows you to bite down and in some cases to twist open and close the valve. Other bite valves have switch to prevent water from getting out when not in use. Camel bak has one that you bite down and it open and closes similar to a fish mouth if that makes sense.

Tube Portal

Think of this as a slot on the pack that allows the tubing to go from the inside of the backpack to the outside through a slit for easy access. Pack usually come with a single, centered or double tube portal. Giving you the option to choose either shoulder or just one for the tubing to hang over.

Strap Clips

This is a common feature used to hold your tubing in place for easy access. It prevents movement at all times.

Quick Disconnect Tubing

A convenient solution for refilling your reservoir quickly when you run out of water. The tube disconnects easily allowing for easy access to the reservoir. All you have to do is press a button and pull the reservoir. A perfect feature for tubes that are routed through the tube portals.

Winter Weather Add-on

If your pack does not come equipped properly for cold weather you can purchase additional add0ons to prevent your water from freezing. This includes insulated reservoirs, sip tubes and covers for the tube and reservoir. Be sure that the added equipment will fit in your pack before purchase.

Weatherproof Construction

Of course, if you’re in the snow you and your pack will get wet. All snow bags should come with weather proof materials, but it’s not always the case because the bag you choose may not be intended for your specific sport.

Weatherproof features can range depending on the manufacturer you choose. Some common winter pack features can be water resistant exteriors, storm flaps, special back panels and sealed seams.

The features you choose should make sense based on the activities you partake in. You can purchase dry bags or rain covers if you do not want to spend extra money on a winter ready pack

Durability

Outdoor sports can wreak havoc on your equipment quickly. With the cold and moisture pounding the bag you will also have branches or boulders scraping the exterior causing unwanted damage.

Not only does Mother Nature play a role in beating up your pack but the constant load of your equipment can also cause natural wear and tear over time.

Purchasing packs mad with high quality water resistant material can really make the difference in saving you money. Making sure the bags can withstand abrasions and scratches is something to look for. Some fabrics come with resistant qualities in the bottom or other areas that are more susceptible to damage.

Reinforced padding and seaming can also help with the overall quality of a well-designed pack.

Suspension System

\v 5A suspension system serves an important purpose in the overall comfort and stability of the user. Compression straps can help secure the pack closer to your body for added stability. Having the proper sternum straps and waist belts can really improve the amount of weight you can carry and also help with stability. Padded shoulder straps and waist belts are always an added bonus.

Storing Safety Gear

Easy access to emergency equipment at a moments notice can be the difference in a bad situation. If you plan on being in location where safety is a concern then having your safety gear secured inside of your backpack is important. This will help to not lose any gear while your riding.