A hydration plan is arguably one of the most important aspects of any adventure into the wilderness. Last year, we wrote about why staying hydrated is critical for riding. Today, we’ll chat about a few of the best hydration packs for mountain biking.
Water is usually carried in bottles, hip packs, or backpacks, depending on how much water needs to be carried, how long you’ll be on the trail, and personal comfort/preference. If you’re not sure how much water to bring, plan on about 0.5–1 liter per hour on a warm day to start.
Here are the best hydration packs for mountain biking, whether it be a water bottle, hip pack, or a backpack.
Water bottles (0.5–1 liter)
If you are going on a shorter ride, a bottle in a cage mounted to your frame might be sufficient. Cycling-specific bottles are generally made of flexible plastics that hold 0.5–0.75 liters of fluid. Because water usually accounts for a good portion of a pack’s weight, carrying bottles on your frame can instead of carrying it on your person can lower your overall center of gravity and possibly save you some back, neck, and shoulder strain. Some bike frames can even accommodate two cages! Water bottles may interfere with certain rear-suspension setups (especially on smaller frames), so be sure to do a test ride.
Hip packs (0.5–1.5+ liters)
Another option riders can use either alone or in addition to caged water is a hip pack with bottle pockets and/or a water bladder. Hip packs sit across your lumbar region and allow a lower center of gravity than backpacks, however, they generally don’t have as much space for extra layers and other supplies. Hip packs with bladders allow riders to easily sip while peddling and allow more airflow across your back than backpacks. They are also “the style” right now, so if you you want to look hip, get a hip pack.
Hip packs we love:
EVOC Hip Pack Pro E (mesh pockets for bottles; 3 L gear)
—Can accommodate 1.5-L bladder (not included)
—Adjustable Venti Flap for added airflow or stability
Osprey Savu (pockets for water bottles; 5 L gear)
—Holds more gear than most hip packs
—Moisture-wicking back panel
RMU Enduro Fanny (fits one bottle inside; 5 L gear)
—Sleek design, recycled fabric, my personal pick for casual rides
—Durable and weatherproof
Dakine Hot Laps (mesh pockets for water bottles; 2 L gear)
—Lots of fun designs
—Great for quick laps around a pump track
Hydration backpacks (1.5–3 liters)
Some of the best hydration packs for mountain biking are backpacks with bladders. Hydration backpacks with bladders are popular among mountain riders because they can carry much more water, layers, snacks, and emergency essentials. They come in various sizes and colors. Mountain-biking-specific hydration packs usually have a minimalist design to reduce back and neck strain. Like hip packs, hydration backpacks allow riders to easily hydrate without getting off the bike or fumbling with a water bottle cage.
Hydration backpacks we love:
Gregory Swift 16 (3 L bladder; 16 L gear)
—Dedicated zippered hydration sleeve with tube routing
—Fun colors
RMU Core (bladder not included; 15 L gear)
—Awesome organization compartments
—Durable and weatherproof
Osprey Raven (2.5 L bladder; 14 L gear)
—Roll-up tool pouch
—Airscape back panel
Dakine Drafter (3 L bladder; 14 L gear)
—S-shaped straps
—Hip belt with pockets
EVOC E-ride (bladder not included; 12 L gear)
—Integrated helmet carry
—Back ventilation channels
Deuter Speed Lite (bladder not included; 13 L gear)
—Lightweight
—Four external pockets
Patagonia Dirt Roamer Biking Pack (bladder not included, 20 L gear)
—Lots of pockets
—Sustainable materials
Camelbak Rogue (2 L; 7 L gear)
—Minimalist and lightweight
—Integrated carry pockets
Whichever system you choose, remember to sip often and replenish your electrolytes on longer rides. As always, have fun and stay safe!
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