Cross Country Mountain Bike Hydration Packs of 2015 – A Top 5 List
You might be the type who thinks a hydration pack is overkill for a two hour ride, but I happen to think a pack is the way to roll regardless of ride time or intensity. Since a vast majority of my rides are in the under two hours range, a small, lightweight pack almost always fits my needs – enough water capacity to stay hydrated for a couple hours, and room for essentials like pump, tube, multi-tool, and jacket. Here are a few favorite cross country mountain bike hydration packs.
#5 | Deuter Hydro Lite 3.0
Mesh straps help to keep the Hydro Lite, well, light. Airstripes back system keep air moving between pack and back, and unique zipper pulls with press buttons helps prevent accidental unzipping.
SPECS
- Weight: 1 lb 3 oz
- Pack Volume: 4 L (240 cu. in.)
- Hydration Capacity: 3 L (100 oz)
#4 | Camelbak Lobo
Camelbak started this whole hydration pack party and they continue to bring innovative features to market. The redesigned Lobo is their go-to pack for light and fast rides.
SPECS
- Weight: 1lb 2 oz
- Pack Volume: 6 L (366 cu. in.)
- Hydration Capacity: 3 L (100 oz)
HIGHLIGHTS
- Universal helmet hooks
- Magnetic tube trap
- Full length pump pocket
- XV back panel ventilation
#3 | Ergon BX1
Ergon might be better known in the US for their unique grips, but the fit-focused German-based company also makes a full line of cycling hydration packs, including the light weight BX1.
SPECS
- Weight: 515 grams
- Pack Volume: 7 L (427 cu. in.)
- Hydration Capacity:
HIGHLIGHTS
- 'Adaptive Carrier System' based load compression
- Zippered waist belt stash pockets
$90 | ergon-bike.com
#2 | Playtypus Tokul XC 8
The stealthy Tokul XC 8 has enough capacity to carry the basics, including energy bar, multi-tool, spare tube, and light weight jacket. This low profile pack – the lightest on this list – fits well and stays put. And there’s just enough extra room for a mid-ride can of Dale’s. Just sayin’.
SPECS
- Weight: 370 g (13 oz)
- Pack Volume: 5L (305 cu. in.)
- Hydration Capacity: 3L (100 oz)
HIGHLIGHTS
- Tool organizer pocket
- External stuff pocket
- Internal pump sleeve
- Stashable waist belt
$89.95 | platy.com
#1 | Osprey Syncro 10
Osprey makes the most comfortable, feature filled packs on the market, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that their Syncro series pack tops our list. While still technically a “smaller” pack, with the most volume on the list, the Syncro can also serve well as a all-around pack for a bit longer rides.
SPECS
- Weight: S/M .47kg (1 lb 1 oz), M/L .50kg (1 lb 2 oz)
- Pack Volume: S/M 8L (488 cu. in.), M/L 10L (610 cu. in)
- Hydration Capacity: 2.5L (85 oz.)
HIGHLIGHTS
- Integrated raincover
- J-Zip tool organizer pocket
- Lid lock helmet attachment
- AirSpeed ventilation back panel