Reddit mentions: The best cycling hydration packs & baldders

Here is my review of the Ultimate Direction Scott Jurek Ultra 3.0:

I took it out for a trial 10K the other night to see how it performed and fit and all that jazz. I really enjoyed the vest and how it stayed in place for the entire run, the water bottles stayed up front and My giant Note 4 fit in the back zipper pocket perfectly.

Pros-

• Fit (also a con) I am a Male 5'9" and weight in at 167lbs I am in a small in this vest. I heeded the warnings of those before me and the reviews and ordered the small. It stayed perfectly in place. The side straps were all the way out, but the chest straps were as tight as they would go. It really seems like these two are not in line at all.
  
  
• Soft flasks worked nicely. I had to keep blowing air back in them so they wouldn't fall down. I only used one since I was on a 10K and just wanted to see how it worked. If I had water on both sides I think it would minimize a lot of shifting.
  
  
• comfort- This is one I was worried about since I run in tank tops or singlets mostly. I wasn't sure how the straps would work without more coverage. After a 10K and it was humid that night (rained that afternoon) it was super comfortable, I could barely tell it was off my shirt at all on my neck.
  
  
• Weight- Super super light, I barely even noticed it was on after about the first 200 yards.
  
  
• storage- There is a ton, there is a zipper pocket just below the left water bottle that would be ideal for a key or a gel or even a little bigger waffle. there are gel pockets more accessible up closer to the neck above the bottles. I would even consider throwing a tailwind single in one for a quick tear off and refill as needed. The back pocket is giant and would have more than enough room for clothes, rain jackets, etc. There is an outside zipper pocket as well that fit my Note 4 perfectly. I put it in a ziplock bag (sandwhich size) and turned it off and put it in there. Nothing not a single bump from it the entire run. I'll be putting my phone and maybe a credit card in there for race day.
  
  Cons-
  
  
• Size- I can't imagine how someone smaller than me fits in this thing. and what must the large be like.
  
  
• Soft flasks- This may just be personal preference, but I'm going to reserve judgement until I get the hard bottles in. I liked the quick bite and suck and honestly it wasn't hard to raise it up to my neck a little so I didn't have to bend my head. However, if I didn't blow air into the bottle after I was done to fill it up it will definitely slide to the bottom of the pocket. I may try using a bandana in the pocket to take up some room in the bottom.
  
  For now that's about it, I'll let you know more as I take it progressively further. It'll go for 9 miles with me on Sat Morning, so I'll have a better idea of what's what.
  
  Edit: Added Weight to the Pros section.
  
  

Vest

I got the Ultimate Direction SJ 3.0 about two weeks ago and I've since put two runs into it, one trail and one road. It's a nice upgrade from the Camelbak Dart I've been using.

The vest is lightweight and was very comfortable on my trail run, but on the second time out I think i tightened it down too much because it rubbed my collar raw. I'll have to give it another shot and loosen it up a bit, because when I felt the chafe I remembered a video of Jurek talking about how it was designed so that he could run his AT attempt shirtless. idk. The pockets in front do not waste space, and are perfectly sized to fit gu's, chews, or packets of tailwind etc. It's a little tougher to fit an iphone 7 plus in there, but you can make it happen. I'm embarassed to admit this but I do want quick access to my phone because I'm a millennial and I like attaching photos to my Strava runs.

I bought the pack knowing that there are no side pockets, but man, a Salomon style side stash would take this pack to the next level. Oh well. There is a small pocket on the lower back where you can put anything that doesn't need to be readily accessible. Like I said, no wasted space. There's also pole straps on the front which I haven't used, but it's nice to know they're there.

Overall I'm happy with the pack, and I feel like it suits my needs for the time being.

Shoes

My Bondi 4's wore a spot into the heel at about 150 mies so I returned them to Hoka, who agreed to send me a pair of Clifton 3's, so now I will have two pairs! They come tomorrow and they're traffic safety yellow. I'm pretty pumped.

I also picked up my first pair of Altras! I went into a running store looking to try on the Escalante which they did not have in my size, but I tried on everything else under the sun and eventually settled on the Altra Instinct 4, which felt great. I've been wanting to experiment with a zero drop shoe for a while now, and the sales guy was very good at his job.

The toe box feels so awesome, and I really like the splayed toe thing Altra is going for. Squeezing my toes into my Hoka Challenger ATR2's just makes me want to pick up a pair of Lone Peak 3.0's so I can have that feeling on the trails, too. While they do feel much different than my Hoka's, I hadn't experienced the calf-burning zero drop feeling I was warned about until I went to a track workout with my running group for the first time last night for some 400 repeats. Oh my god. The shoes felt so light and nimble on the track, but I seriously feel like I entered a new world of running based on the calf aches that night.

Misc

I broke the nozzle on my Nathan Speed draw plus when I fell on my face like a goofus, and they replaced it without question. Just wanted to throw that in there because they were so cool about it and sent a very lovely email wishing me luck.

In my experience it's been at least as many guys asking for water, I don't see a reason to call one group out specifically. I don't always like sharing my water and having to get back in line earlier but I definitely prefer a minor inconvenience to having someone else be uncomfortable or get hurt.

I'd guess the problem is more about people just not knowing how useful it can be and not knowing where to get one / how much / etc. Even if it really is about "looking super dope and stylish" I think the solution is the same: educate them. Show them where you or your friend got yours and how much it was and how many cool options are available.

I don't know anything about the quality but these look super cool and certainly seem small enough to still show off your assets if that's what you're worried about.
https://vibedration.com/collections/hydration-packs/ga - $38-$45

This is the pack I use. I love it and tell people about it whenever it comes up. It's just a little bit bigger than a regular slim pack when it's all strapped down and has a pressurized side to the bladder that inflates with a small hand bulb so the water can shoot out. It's great to cool down with or to share water because they don't have to touch your mouth piece. Really easy to fill and wash.
http://www.geigerrig.com/hydration-packs/rig-500-ballistic.html - $130

If cost is an issue here's a bunch on Amazon prime for under $20:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M7U9XAK/
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B015GONGTG/
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CS8H2ZM/
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001EGEGJU/
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01ECCEAR0/

I can definitely relate. I'm someone who loves to get crazy on the dance floor (and generate a lot of heat doing so) yet also stay up into the wee hours of the morning and sit around watching some of the relaxing after hours stuff, which can make me quite cold. So here is what I do: I wear sweat pants and a t-shirt at night, as well as socks and shoes. Sometimes I even put on lightweight thermal pants under if it is going to be particularly cold. Those clothes keep me plenty warm while dancing without overheating. I pack a lightweight puffy jacket and a beanie in my backpack that keep me very warm while sitting around during the coldest part of the night. I know what you're thinking - a backpack? How can you get crazy on the floor with a backpack? Hear me out. I use a super slim/light cycling pack. I use and can vouch for this one: https://www.amazon.com/Osprey-Syncro-Hydration-Meteorite-Medium/dp/B019IFMT0G/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1525134737&sr=8-3&keywords=syncro%2B3&th=1&psc=1 but there are plenty of cheaper options out there as well. With my puffy jacket, beanie, and even water pack in there I don't notice it at all. You can even cinch down the chest/waist straps, but I don't think that's necessary. As for a puffy jacket, I use the uniqlo down jacket: https://www.uniqlo.com/us/en/men-ultra-light-down-jacket-400504.html?dwvar_400504_color=COL15&cgid=men-outerwear-and-blazers-ultra-light-down#start=3&cgid=men-outerwear-and-blazers-ultra-light-down it's a really good bang for your buck and it's very light and warm and has lasted me a few years with no real wear. Good luck and don't forget to shake your tail feather!

In my opinion, I prefer not to use a bladder in my backpack. I prefer my water very cold. In a bladder, it tends to sweat. That water collects between the pack and my back, making my shirt damp. It's ok for a 3-4 hour hike, but not for a 10 hour day in a park.

I bring my hydration pack, but leave the bladder at home. I use this:

https://www.amazon.com/Osprey-Packs-Raptor-Hydration-Persian/dp/B014EC8862/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1500302662&sr=8-1&keywords=osprey+raptor+14

We bring two, 24-oz HydroFlasks. One for GF, one for me. We fill them with cold bottled water before we leave in the morning, and get more water from QS when we need it. These slide perfectly into the main pocket of the Osprey. There is then plenty of room for wallets, phone chargers/battery pack, sunglasses cases, sunscreen, snacks, ponchos, and maybe a few other things. The expandable outer pocket is great for holding a light jacket if you need one. This system worked perfectly on our trip in November. GF was able to get most everything out of the bag while it was on my back, very convenient.

To narrow down your search: I purchased a Camelbak MULE last April along with a Topeak Alien II multitool. Both of these items were fantastic purchases, and I'm so glad I bought them.

If you're interested in gloves, I bought a pair of Fox Inclines a while back and am happy with that purchase as well.

Congratulations on your new bike! You are going to enjoy it.

I just use a silicone bite mouthpiece off a hydration bladder. Cheap, effective, easy to clean and you can have a different color for a couple bags.
I read about someone using the bite pieces before getting the eq, and was pleasantly surprised.
Like these-
Bite Valve Replacement for Hydration Bladder (2pcs), Water Reservoir Mouthpiece for Water Bladder Hydration Pack Bladder, Compatible With Most Brands https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XC74V4D/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_taa_VbJGzb5G3T8F3

Definitely wise to bring just your essentials. That way should you lose your wallet, you're not completely fucked. I bring my ID, usually two payment cards (Debit for bar/credit card for emergencies) and cash.

Bandanas are great for so many uses. I actually wear one on my head to stop the sweat from getting into my eyes, and another one to cover my mouth/nose. Regular bandanas can be pretty cheap, and you can even color coordinate with outfits to match the theme of the show. Be sure to look for the larger 22x22 sized ones.

As for hydration pack, I'm a bit of an odd person to ask. While I didn't purchase it from this website, I have a Camelbak 3L Military Thermobak. I am a kandi kid, and I use the D-rings on the sides and straps to help carry my extra kandi with me as I bring a lot of cuffs and larger pieces with me. The downside is that the bag itself is just large enough for the bladder and not much else, but I use a fanny pack to carry my usual stuff (phone, charger, gum, etc). I found the military one on Ebay for about 60, but I would recco the Camelbak Lobo as it meets most festival requirements. The 3L bladder will last you quite some time and saves you on trips to refill. I'm a bigger guy and drink more water than other people, but it's not too heavy to the point of slowing down your dancing. The pockets are large enough to hold all of your stuff, but I would suggest using a small carabiner through the holes in the zipper pulls as a "lock" to slow down pickpockets. I've even seen some use luggage locks, but it's absolutely up to you.

I have this one and it was so comfortable, with the ability to hold 2.5 L of water. As a lady, I didn't find carrying that much water was unfordable with this pack, and there is enough room for essentials like a jacket, charger, toilet paper, etc. Love this for hiking too - can pack a whole lunch for two and its not too bulky.

https://www.amazon.com/Osprey-Syncro-Hydration-Meteorite-Medium/dp/B018FF0CCW/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1491312960&sr=1-1&keywords=syncro+10

Not sure if you have purchased one or not yet but last year I bought one off of Amazon for $16.99. It worked great for Diso! The only complaint that I had was that the straps aren't padded right at the top but my SO didn't have any issues (I'm just a whiner) and neither did anyone else in my group. Here's a link for it if you didn't wanna spend as much money!

https://www.amazon.com/Pinty-Hydration-Backpack-Bladder-Climbing/dp/B01M4NZM6X/ref=sr_1_5?s=outdoor-recreation&ie=UTF8&qid=1494291858&sr=1-5&keywords=water+backpack

The one that comes to my mind is osprey's manta
https://www.amazon.com/Osprey-Packs-Manta-Hydration-Pack/dp/B019UTJ6AQ?th=1&psc=1
It comes with rain cover and hydration pack, but you can remove the latter to fit a laptop up to 15".
Osprey packs have fame for it's quality and durability, but I often find them quite expensive.

Those are pretty much nothing but hydration packs. Is that really how small you want it?

The Camelbak Mule is pretty much the standard hydration+helmet+tools+snack pack.

Premium Reflective Vest Give Sport Water Bottle as Gift for Running Cycling Clothes for Women Men Safety Gear with Pocket 3M Scotchlite with Reflective High Visibility for (Grey) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01GNZJSX0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_ZtIEzbE2FGZXP

This is the best option I've found thus far.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LXLLVQW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_8OvDAbF9VA36X

I got this last year and I thought it was great. Only has one extra pocket too so it should comply with bag guidelines.

I'm in East Tennessee and a hydration pack is just a handy piece of gear that I wouldn't want to ride without, because it carries your water, tools, tubes, and snacks if you need them.

You don't have to spend $100 on one, I use a High Country pack I bought at Costco like 6 years ago for $25 and it's still going strong. I have replaced the bladder twice but you're going to do that with any hydration pack, and it's just $11 to replace.

Here's one on Amazon that oughta do the trick.

I purchased:

• Hose
  
• Hose Adapter Kit
  
• Bite Piece
  
• Sawyer Adapter Kit
  
  This photo should help
  
  
• Sawyer filter nipple to hose to Camelbak hydrolink adapter
  
• Non-ribbed hydrolink adapter to bite piece
  
• Ribbed hydrolink adapter to hose to female Sawyer bottle adapter
  
  Let me know if this helps
  

I bought a couple CamelBak bite valves (https://www.amazon.com/SportsTrail-Replacement-Hydration-Mouthpiece-Compatible/dp/B06XC74V4D/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1526472861&sr=8-13&keywords=bite+valve). When I fill I bag I take it off the vaporizer and pop a bite valve on it, it's super convenient. Edit: When I fill A bag I take it off the vaporizer and pop a bite valve on it, sorry about the typo.

First, ouch. $92? You can do better.

http://www.amazon.com/Source-Tactical-Gear-Profile-Hydration/dp/B008S9DQFQ

Don't use the pouch the following carrier comes with, get another one. Pouch should be solid though.

http://www.amazon.com/BLACKHAWK-Side-Hydration-Pouch-Black/dp/B000XXV134/

The FAQ doesn’t say much about water back packs other than it’s ok to bring, with that being said is my osprey raptor 10 too big or would it be ok? Osprey Packs Raptor 10 Hydration Pack, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B014EC8YP2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_AgqZAbD4YFHJX

Get this one instead.


Seriously. I goto 3-4 major festivals a year like Electric Forest, Bonaroo, Hulaween, and Camp Bisco (plus a Bassnectar gathering or two). This bag is the TITS.

- It has an internal frame that keeps it about an inch off your back so air can blow through
- The osprey hydration system is second to none
- it has exactly as many pockets as you need for a 14 hour festival day
- it has a build in rain fly
- it weighs less than 2 lbs empty

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Anyone interested in this hydration pack?

I have one I can give away. US only

[Amazon] Hydration pack for running & cycling - $29.95 (BF & CM Promo - 33% Discount - Use Code: H39CU3MS)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B06XC74V4D/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1522858121&sr=8-2-spons&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=camelbak+bite+valve&psc=1 these are similar to what I have.