Price: $164.99
Sizes: Small (31.5 – 36 in), Medium (34 – 38.5 in), Large (36 – 41 in), XL (41 – 45.6 in)
Colors: Carbon Black or Blue
Hydration Bladder Capacity: 2 liters
Total Volume: 8 liters
Weight: 318 grams (excluding bladder)
Pockets: 2 rear zippered pockets; 5 front quick access pockets (2 zippered)
Optional Accessory: Magnetic tube clip ($17.99)
Availability: Online and retail
How obtained: Company sample
RBR advertiser: No
No Dancing Monkey on My Back!
I’m writing detailed product reviews on gear that got me through the Unbound Gravel race. One key item was a USWE Rush hydration pack. What sets it apart from other hydration packs? The No Dancing Monkey (NDM) design. The team behind USWE (pronounced you-swii) grew up riding off-road motorcycles in the Swedish countryside. They design packs with zero movement even when the rider bounces around on rough terrain or running.
I have to admit, I was skeptical about these claims even after trying on a sample at the company’s Sea Otter booth. But after just one gravel ride, I was convinced. The pack stays put, even when riding the most jarring gravel sections. And the best part? It doesn’t put weight on your shoulders. Even after 108.5 miles of Unbound gravel roads, my shoulders were fine.
What’s the secret? The unique shape and suspension of their No Dancing Monkey (NDM) harness system makes it 100% bounce-free. The construction lets you snug the pack tight without affecting breathing capacity or body movement. Even off the bike, the pack stays put. Bending down to tighten your shoe or fix a flat, the pack doesn’t hit you on the back of the head. Just stay put.
The pack comes in different sizes. I was between sizes and opted for the large, which would give me room to expand the sides when I’m wearing thicker layers in the winter.
Easy Access to Nutrition or Phone
When selecting a pack for Unbound, I wanted front pockets for quick access to my phone (gotta take pics) and nutrition. The Rush 8L has five quick-access front pockets, with two having a zippered closure.
On the back is a large main compartment for extra layers/gear and a 2-liter hydration bladder. The bladder is stored in an inner compression sleeve with pull-tight straps accessible at the front to keep the hydration bladder in a fixed position all day. At the lower back of the vest, there’s a second external zippered pocket that’s mesh and perfect for spare tubes, bike tools, and other essentials.
If you can’t fit everything in the pack, the Rush sits high enough to access items in your rear jersey pockets.
The pack comes in only two colors—blue or charcoal black. It would be nice to have some fun, bright colors to pick from, as I found these two leaning more to the masculine side.
There are reflective elements on the front and back of the pack. In addition, there’s an LED-light bike attachment point at the back for extra visibility in the dark.
HydraPak Elite Hydration Bladder Comes Standard
The Rush 8 comes standard with a two-liter HydraPak Elite hydration bladder. The wide bladder opening allows for quick filling, while the pliable TPU material easily turns inside out to clean and dry thoroughly. A 45-degree bite valve lets you drink comfortably, and the lock prevents accidental activations leading to unwanted leaks.
I mixed three packets of Tailwind High Carb Fuel for Unbound in a bottle to ensure the powder dissolved before pouring it into the bladder. This premixing method prevents the powder from clumping and ultimately clogging the hose. The last thing you want during a race or ride is a clogged drinking hose, rendering the hydration pack useless.
In hindsight, I should have purchased the optional magnetic tube clip for $17.99 to make it easier to grab and store the bite valve while riding.
Bottom Line
If I could change one thing about the Rushh 8 pack, it would be to replace the mesh front pockets with solid fabric. I store my phone in the left zipper pocket (making it easy to grab while riding), and it gets dusty from the dry gravel roads. A solid fabric would also keep any open nutrition dust-free.
The USWE Rush 8L performed flawlessly during Unbound Gravel. The No Dancing Monkey kept the pack from bouncing around on the technical downhills and the weight from my shoulders.
Sheri Rosenbaum regularly contributes articles and reviews products for RBR. She’s an avid recreational roadie who lives in the Chicago area and a major advocate for women’s cycling, serving on the board of directors and volunteering with the Dare2tri Paratriathlon Club. Click to read Sheri’s full bio or visit her web site sunflowersandpedals.com.