I stopped using hydration packs over 20 years ago because I never liked any of the designs. The old packs used just hang on your shoulders, shift around during pedaling, and required removal to access nutrition, phone or what not.
Due to current events, not only were public water fountains closed, but I found myself carrying all my nutrition and hydration for the ride, plus a mask, hand sanitizer and more. You can only stuff so much into a jersey pocket and saddlebag. As a result, I thought I’d test out a couple of popular hydration packs that can be used not only on road rides, but also gravel, trail and MTB rides. Both packs are also designed to work for hiking or running.
The vest are designed to fit snug around your body but have enough give to allow for mobility and chest expansion as not to restrict breathing. If you wear a cycling jersey under the hydration pack, the vest sits above the rear pockets so you can stash items there. Both vests have a mesh lining to help with ventilation and cooling.
A bite valve system is used by both models yet have different valve and lockout designs.
Cleaning and drying is made easy with the a quick disconnect from the bladder to the drinking tube. I really like this design as I could fully drain the tube after each ride. The vests are machine washable in cold water (I suggest delicate cycle) and hang dry. Just remember to remove the bladder and drinking tube.
By having a hydration pack, I found I drank more water throughout the ride. It was especially nice when riding on gravel roads or MTB trails where dealing with a water bottle can be tricky. Also, my full suspension MTB can only carry one small water bottle. Having a hydration pack saved me on some hotter longer rides.
I only have one complaint about these packs, it would be great to have an insulated sleeve for the bladder for those really hot days. When temps went above 80, I’d pack the bladder with as many ice cubes as I could fit and added water from the fridge. It stayed cold for a while, but as my body temperature rose, it quickly melted the ice and warmed the water.
Bottom Line
Both packs worked very well during testing and the key to choosing which one works best for you really comes down to fit, bladder capacity, and storage needs.
Orange Mud Endurance Pack V3.0
Price: $139.95
Hydration Capacity: 2L (70 oz)
Quick Link Disconnect: Yes
Colors: White, Black
Pack Weight: 11.4oz
Dimensions: 10’Wx13”H
Fits Torso: Max 52” chest
# if exterior pockets: 8
Optional accessories:
- Soft flask for front pocket
- Add on bag provides an extra 4L of extra storage
CamelBak Women’s Chase™ Bike Vest 50 oz
Price: $100
Hydration Capacity: 1.5L (50oz)
Hydration Type: CRUX™ Reservoir with Quicklink™ System
BPA/BPS/BPF/Free: Yes
Quick Link Disconnect: Yes
Colors: Charcoal or Lake Blue
Gear Capacity: 2.5L (150 cu in)
Pack Weight: 330g (11oz)
Dimensions: 34 x 24 x 14 cm (13.4 x 9.4 x 5.5 in)
Fits Torso: Women’s specific design fits chest size 71-116cm (26-46in)
# if exterior pockets: 8
I got some thin (about 5mm) pieces of insulation from Lowe’s, and cut them to fit, putting on on each side of the bladder.
Your typical padded mail envelope made with bubble wrap is an excellent thin insulator. They come in many sizes and custom fit needs only scissors and tape.