I've used a handful of other hydration packs, and I'd say that most of them "get the job done", with the occasional leakage problem where you end up with your back (and some times your rear end) soaked in water. I'd say some have been a little more comfortable than others, and some are better suited than others for all day adventures versus one that is more streamlined for races. I feel like I've found the best of both worlds with the USWE Hydration packs, that are in a class of their own for good reason. The fit is so streamlined and comfortable, that dare I say that I'm actually not afraid to use it for long all-day lycra clad road rides when I need to carry extra water. They fit like no other with a unique 4 point race suspension harness system, so your pack doesn't move around or bounce when riding and they sit high up on your back so you can still access the rear pockets of your jersey. It has a magnetic clip for the drinking tube so it's very easy to take a drink while mountain biking (no more fiddling with bottles while riding down the trail). One of my favorite features is the plug-n-play 2.0L hydration bladder that's super easy to take in/out for fast filling during a race. It doesn't have one of those annoying twisty, leaky caps that some of the other packs use, it's an easy Slide-seal system and the bladder itself is reversible so you can wash it and dry very easily, and its touted as being dishwasher safe (although I have yet to try that). I now don't have to worry about what might be growing in the bottom of my hydration bladder. There are many types and sizes of available packs. I personally like the Airborne 3 because it has a large enough bladder to last me for approx. 3-4 hours, and it has a convenient multi-pack that's large enough to carry a tube, bar, tool, and some other trail essentials but you can also unclip it for racing, if you want to be more "streamlined". There is a small zippered internal pocket to keep some small things secured but is too small for my Galaxy S10 phone. The Airborne pack is great for 3-4 hour adventures but if you want to have more room to carry extra clothes, you may want to try a larger pack such as the Airborne 9. This pack fits very similarly but has a lot more room for more essential things like extra jacket, first aid kit, etc. While the Airborne 3 is my go to pack, I also have an Outlander (which is the more racey, light-weight pack); I haven't noticed much difference between the fit and comfort of the Outlander and Airborne. I wouldn't bother with the add-on phone holder accessory. This is one item that needs improvement, as it won't fit most of the newer phones and the top zipper doesn't allow much stretch.
The Airborne 3 enjoying some Moab dirt
Comments