Best Hydration Packs For Mountain Biking
Mountain biking is a physical activity, so it is an excellent idea to keep hydrated. The best way to carry water with you is with a hydration pack. Hydration packs for mountain biking take quite a bit of punishment. They get stuffed with tools, extra clothing, and snacks until the zips strain. They always get splattered with mud and water and poked with tree branches at high speed. In addition to all this punishment, they take a real beating when you crash.
Even with all this abuse, a decent mountain bike hydration pack can last a few years before you buy a new one. You may be looking at buying your first hydration pack or wanting to replace your current crusty one. This guide will give you the knowledge on what to look for in the best hydration packs for mountain biking, along with some recommended ones to buy.
How to Choose The Best Hydration Pack for Mountain Biking
Hydration packs are a convenient way to carry water while taking part in physical activities, such as mountain biking or running. I always use one when mountain biking, as I can easily take a sip without having to stop and get a bottle out of my backpack.
When you are looking to buy a hydration pack for mountain biking, you need to make sure it is suitable.
The Difference Between Hydration Packs for Mountain Biking and Road Cycling
Hydration packs designed for road cycling tend to have a lower profile. They are also lightweight and offer low wind resistance. Hydration packs for mountain biking are a little larger. This is so they can store extra stuff, like clothing, tools, spare inner tubes, etc.
Water Capacity
You must ensure your new hydration pack can hold enough water for your ride. But water is pretty heavy stuff, so the best hydration packs for mountain biking shouldn’t weigh you down nor leave you thirsty. So, it would be best to consider how much water you want to take.
You don’t need to fill the bladder to the top for every ride. If you are on a short ride, save weight by only filling it up halfway. But there are hydration packs with different capacities available:
0.5 liter or less: These are pretty small, so they are only suitable for short hikes or runs. They are usually just worn around the waist.
1 to 1.5 liters: Hydration packs with this capacity are useful for short-distance rides, hikers, runners, or even kids.
2 to 2.5 liters: This is the most common size of hydration pack. They give you a nice balance between weight and the amount of water needed.
3 liters +: These hydration packs are ideal for big days out or hot weather.
Pack Capacity
5 liters or less: These are really made for running, hiking, or short road rides. They are very compact and have a low profile. There isn’t much room, but you can squeeze a few essential items and a thin layer of clothing in them.
6 to 10 liters: For mountain biking, this is a pretty useful size. You can also use them for trail running, as they have enough room for a couple of clothing layers, snacks, and maybe a camera.
11 to 20 liters: This size is popular with mountain bikers and hikers. Hydration packs of this size usually have extra pockets and enough space for extra clothes, snacks, multi-tools, inner tubes, etc. They are more suited to bigger days out.
21 liters +: Hydration packs of this size are ideal for extensive hikes. You could even use it for a light overnight stay.
Fit
The best hydration packs for mountain biking fit properly. You can buy some models in different sizes to fit the length of your torso. To make sure you get the right fit, check out the specifications. If you are between sizes, go for the larger one and shorten the straps.
The waist size is worth looking at, too. They are very adjustable but usually range from 20 to 40″.
Features
Bite valve shutoff switch: These stop the water from dribbling out of the hose. Some twist, and others have a switch.
Tube portals: Tube portals are the slit in the pack that the tube comes out of. Usually, there will be one over each shoulder or one in the middle of the pack at the top.
Clips: Many hydration packs include a clip on a shoulder strap to keep your tube positioned for easy access.
Quick-disconnect tubing: Some hydration packs have a bladder with an easily removable tube. This is so you can leave the tube in the pack to fill the bladder. Just ensure you re-connect the tube properly, or you will get wet!
Cold weather protection: You can get different add-ons for cold weather. These include insulated tubes, reservoirs, and bite valve covers.
Raincover: A rain cover is a nice add-on if you get caught out in bad weather
My Recommendations For The Best Hydration Packs For Mountain Biking
There are many hydration packs for mountain biking available at the moment. You will notice that many of my recommendations are from CamelBak. This is because CamelBak is the most popular brand, and I wanted to give you a picture of what they offer. But there are some great options if you want something else too. I urge you to check out the Osprey Raptor 14, as it is probably the best hydration pack for mountain biking right now.
1. CamelBak M.U.L.E Hydration Pack
The M.U.L.E is the best-selling CamelBak hydration pack. It is ideal for riding the trails. This hydration pack is designed to be light and maneuverable, so it won’t get in your way even when fully loaded for a day of mountain biking.
Pros
- Well priced
- Looks great with a choice of colours
- Very good breathability
Cons
- Not that easy to wash
Overview
The M.U.L.E is large enough to hold 3 liters of water. It is aimed at mountain bikers but can be used for other activities. It uses the CamelBak Crux reservoir. This is designed to give you 20% more water per sip, which is very useful when you are gasping.
Camelback has struck a good balance regarding the size of this hydration pack. It is narrow, lightweight, and not bulky. It is common for hydration packs in this area to be too large.
I really like the magnetic tube trap. This keeps the tube attached to your strap to stop it from flapping in the breeze. Those who use a GoPro or Insta360 on a chest mount will like this, as it keeps it out of shot.
The area in front of the reservoir is the main compartment that can hold a lightweight layer, first aid kit, or snacks.
In the middle is a stretchy pocket with straps to adjust how open it is. This is ideal for stuffing a lightweight layer or anything you want quick access to, such as inner tubes.
There are two outer zipped pockets. The smaller one at the top fits a phone, tissues, or sunglasses.
The larger outer pocket is divided into compartments and includes a key clip. This makes it viable to serve as a small carry-on bag for traveling.
There are no bungee cords for lashing gear to the outside of the pack, but it does have a helmet carrier.
Verdict
You can’t go wrong with this CamelBak hydration pack. The M.U.L.E will be sufficient for most riders who want something more versatile than the classic hydration pack below. The features are great, and it will not disappoint.
2. CamelBak Classic Hydration Pack
The “Classic” is probably the simplest CamelBak hydration pack. However, it is suitable for lots of activities. Don’t expect to load it up with lots of things for your ride, hike, or run, as it is designed to be a lightweight and inexpensive hydration pack with a little bit of storage space.
Pros
- Easy to fill
- Easy to drink from
- Lightweight and compact
- Easy to clean
- Well ventilated
- Inexpensive
- Well made
Cons
- Not much storage space
- Could be a bit tight if you have large shoulders
Overview
This CamelBak hydration pack is primarily designed for riding bikes. However, it is small and light enough to be used for running or hiking, too. It has reflective details on it to increase your visibility in low light. It is a straightforward bag with a small pocket at the bottom of it. You won’t be able to fit much in it, but it is ideal for a multi-tool or your keys.
Concerning the amount of water you can carry with this CamelBak hydration pack, it has a 2L capacity.
3. EVOC CC 10L hydration pack
The EVOC CC 10L hydration pack is a midsized hydration pack for shorter rides and races. However, it is still good for all-day rides when you don’t want to be overloaded with stuff.
Pros
- Well organised storage
Cons
- Narrow hose
Overview
The EVOC CC 10L hydration pack has a low profile, making it ideal for cross-country rides. This low profile keeps it out of the way and minimizes any restrictions in movement.
This pack uses Evoc’s segmented aired system. This design increases airflow with six large, raised pads that leave room for air to channel around them. At this point, it is worth mentioning that the clothes you wear will affect how well the ventilation works. Bulky jackets or jerseys fill up the holes, restricting airflow. This means your back gets sweaty, so you should wear tighter-fitting technical clothing to ensure the system works properly. Also, how tight you have the shoulder straps will make a difference to the airflow. The EVOC CC 10L fits securely to your back and is comfortable.
You can buy the EVOC CC 10L with or without the bladder. The bladder is the type that folds down, making it easy to fill. The hose is a little smaller than the ones you get from CamelBak. This makes a bit more effort to get a good mouthful of water. This means you drink less during a ride, which could impact your hydration levels. You can fit any hydration bladder into this pack, so you may want to choose a different one.
Storage
The 10 liters of storage is divided into three sections. The largest section holds the bladder in a separate sleeve to prevent your multi-tool from popping it. All the pockets have large zip openings, making it easy to get to your stuff at the bottom of the pack. The double zips mean you don’t need to fully open the pockets, limiting the risk of exposing your stuff to rain and dirt.
The front pocket is ideal for tools and has sensibly sized and shaped sections. You can easily fit a light jacket and lunch in the main compartment. There is also a mesh pouch on the inside. This is useful for organization but is the only segregated part inside. Therefore, you must consider where you put your stuff when packing. The fold-out helmet carrier works very well and is a nice touch. This can easily fit an XC or smaller trail helmet when it isn’t on your head.
Verdict
The EVOC CC 10L is a well-made hydration pack for mountain biking. Its low profile is ideal for XC riders and is comfortable to wear. The only significant negative is the inadequate delivery of water from the bladder. But you can fit any bladder into the pack.
4. CamelBak Rogue
The CamelBak Rogue hydration pack is aimed at riders that want something a little bit cheaper. However, the great CamelBak hydration pack quality is still there.
Pros
- Great value for money
- A few colours to choose from
- Good low light visibility
- Well made
Cons
- Long hose
- Filer cap could be a bit more secure
Overview
The CamelBak Rogue features a 2L reservoir, Leak-Proof On/Off Valves, and a zipped pocket at the top. It also has a bottom pocket, ideal for your keys, a multi-tool, or anything else you need to carry that’s small.
The back flap lifts to give you access to the Crux bladder, which features a large cap for easy filling. You do have to take extra care when screwing the cap on. It only has a couple of threads, so you can get leaks if you don’t put it on correctly.
The rest of this CamelBak hydration pack is well-made, so it should last a while. You may find the tube to be a little too long, so you may find stuffing the excess tube into the pouch slightly annoying.
Verdict
I do recommend the CamelBak Rogue hydration pack. However, you need to make sure the cap threaded correctly, but otherwise, it’s a great hydration pack.
5. Osprey Raptor Pro
The Osprey Raptor Pro is probably the best hydration pack for mountain biking. It has some clever features, is well-made, and is super comfortable.
Pros
- Very well made
- Lots of great features
- Very comfortable
- Lots of storage space
- Integrated tool roll
Cons
- None
Overview
The Osprey Raptor Pro has a semi-rigid reservoir, making it easier to handle than a traditional bladder. The zip around the reservoir compartment and along the shoulder guide makes removing and refilling from the tap extremely easy.
This pack features a strong magnet on the sternum strap. This is to keep the drinking tube in a convenient place while stopping it from flapping around in the wind and getting into your GoPro shots. I like the integrated tool wrap, which zips out the bottom of the pack and unrolls, giving you easy access to your mountain bike tools. This makes trailside repairs that much easier. It even has an area to keep the nuts and bolts safe so that you can find them again.
The waist belt and chest straps work well together and with practical compression straps to stop the pack from moving around, no matter how full.
The waist belt has functional pockets, just the right size for snacks or a mid-sized multi-tool. Another great feature is the elastic rear pocket that keeps wet jackets away from the rest of your stuff.
Verdict
Probably the best hydration pack for mountain biking. Its clever features make it a winner, especially the integrated tool roll.
6. CamelBak Lobo
The CamelBak Lobo is a great hydration pack for mountain biking. It is for those that want to carry lots of water but not lots of gear. It still has enough space to carry enough stuff for a day on the bike without running out of water.
Pros
- Large water capacity
- External fill means you don’t need to take the bladder out to fill it up
- Just enough space for a day on the bike
Cons
- None
Overview
The bladder can be a pain to remove in a hurry, but with the external filling capability and so much water, it’s not likely to need refilling more than once or twice, even on a scorching day.
The shoulder and chest straps are well-padded, as are the deep waist. This keeps it comfortable and everything in place. It has several zipped pockets (one with cable port) to hold all your stuff and a rubberised back panel keep the worst muddy splashes at bay. It is quite long so it won’t fit everyone’s back. However, it is very narrow and doesn’t get in the way when you are twisting your bike through the tree-lined trails.
If you pack with some thought, you can fit tools and an inner tube in the lower pocket and keep snacks and a phone safely higher up. It is a comfortable pack to wear, as it only weighs 570g empty. It also has an optional stability strap that keeps it firmly in place even when smashing the most technical of terrain.
The Lobo CamelBak hydration pack is ideal for two to three-hour rides. But, with a bit of rationing, you can make it last longer.
Verdict
A great CamelBak hydration pack for riders who like to have lots of water and want to take just enough gear with them on a ride.
7. EVOC FR Trail Blackline
The EVOC FR Trail is more of a backpack than a hydration pack, but it is worth mentioning. I’m a big fan of EVOC products, and this is a great example. The EVOC FR Trail is a bit heavier than the rest of the products on this page, but if you like to ride hard and take some risks, this may be the pack for you.
Pros
- Integrated back protector
- Lots of space
- Compatible with all hydration bladders
Cons
- Quite heavy
Overview
The EVOC FR Trail keeps the weight close to your body. If you get the right size, it barely moves, even on the roughest trails. If you get one that is too big, it will rub on the back of your helmet on steep descents, which will get annoying.
There is a lot of space inside the FR Trail, and it is easy to get to your stuff with zips around three of four edges, allowing you to open it fully.
The integrated back protector gives you confidence when riding a particularly gnarly section of trail. The wide, wrap-around neoprene belt gives you a stronger feeling of security when barrelling down a rocky descent. You can zip off the bag, so you can just use the back protector on its own.
Verdict
The EVOC FR Trail Blackline is a proper mountain bike backpack rather than a hydration pack. However, the back protector and extra space for stuff may suit you better, especially if you like to be well-prepared.
8. CamelBak Skyline
The CamelBak Skyline LR 10 Low Rider hydration pack is made for mountain bikers who do a lot of aggressive downhill riding. It offers maximum stability with a lumbar design that keeps your water and cargo stowed low and close to your waist for a low center of gravity. This gives you more stability, especially when the terrain gets technical.
Pros
- Low centre of gravity
- Doesn’t move around
- Lots of colour choices
- Great pockets and tool storage
- Fleece lined pocket for your phone etc
- Magnetic hose clip
- Easy open bladder
- Helmet carrier
- Well ventilated
- Sufficient water carrying capacity
Cons
- Lower back can get sweaty
- Doesn’t stretch when you pack it tight
- Not the cheapest
Overview
The Skyline is a full-featured MTB hydration pack with great organisation. It has a 3-liter Crux reservoir, helmet carrier, webbing for storing soft armor, and an XV back panel to keep your back cool and ventilated.
I like that this Camelbak hydration pack has its own tool roll, allowing you to be prepared on the trail. You can also drink and refill on the fly. This ability comes from a zipped flap that gives you instant access to your bladder. Its magnetic hose clip keeps your drinking tube out of the way in one click.
The main things you will like about the CamelBak Skyline are the low rider technology and the straps. The straps optimize the fit of the hydration pack by placing the weight more on the rider’s hips. It sits snugly and close to your back with minimal movement, even while jumping and tackling challenging terrain.
Verdict
Backpacks are getting thinner and taller. The CamelBak Skyline halves the height, sits low, and is very stable. Not everyone likes hip packs, and this is an excellent option for those who need to carry some gear. The CamelBak Skyline is for those who don’t want to wear full-on backpacks.
Which Hydration Pack For Mountain Biking will you choose?
These are all great hydration packs for mountain biking, but which one you choose depends on your preference. You will not be disappointed in any of them, but I would choose the Osprey Raptor Pro or the EVOC Trail FR Blackline. Let me know what you think in the comments below.
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