After using hip packs for a long time because I had issues with backpacks making my back hot, and feeling unbalanced, I was intrigued by USWE’s claim of a stable and well-made riding backpack. I chose the largest MTB-specific design to have enough space for extra food and an emergency kit on long rides. Let’s get in…
Product Details here: MTB Hydro 12 Litre : $180 https://competitivecyclist.g39l.net/Dyqv75
Unboxing
All the stash
The Fit
Features
Detail Shots
In Use
Where to buy
Unboxing
Straight out of the box you notice two things immediately, heavy use of stoke the excitement statements and a product that is well made. Instantly, you can tell that USWE are using the best softgoods factories in China by the weight and hand quality of the nylon ripstop materials plus the attention to detail and stitch lines. And rightly so, at a mid to premium price position I really like that this quality is obvious and coming through on this $170 product. A notable point here is that USWE make a point of stating their nylon material is made by Robic a manufacturer that makes durable, high wear material, generally at a premium.
The MTB Hydration line comes in various sizes and hydration options, from a mini 3Litre ($160) , 9L ($165) to a 12Litre size, meaning you can optimize for your ride style from shorter rides to long all mountain days.
All models come with the “No Dancing Monkey” technology. Basically a tight fitting and stretchy harness to eliminate bounce while riding along with a central clasp that rotates and flexes to fit as the body moves. I think thats why in the marketing hyperbole they call it a suspension pack. More on that later.
All the Gear Stash
Getting in there and unzipping things, you immediately see the design has a lot of pockets and storage areas, it’s been designed by someone who rides and knows gear. I automatically know that the “fast access” expandable pocket (between the main compartment and the outer zippered compartment) is great for quickly stuffing jackets or jerseys when it gets too hot. A feature I really like, and I think started back in the days of older Camelback designs.
The Outer pocket opens wide and has two internal mini pockets (one velcro secured) and some elastic loops, good for tools, pumps, CO2 carts. All the zipper pulls have material rubberized gripper pulls (Hyperlon), a nice touch. The Inner or main zippered compartment is where the 3Litre hydration bladder/ reservoir sits, along with six mini pockets.
On the outside of the bag, lower down you notice two adjustable loops. These could be for carrying a larger jacket rolled up and seem flexible to do a lot of stuff. Theres a reflective detail in the middle and the rest is fixture points for straps – theres no hanging meshes or open pockets, which I think is good.
On the outside of the back where your back sits is made from some EVA foam pads which look like they have been shaped to hit your back in the right spots whilst being sculpted to provide airflow. Over the top of these pads is a fine mesh. Again it looks well made and fairly easy to clean / hose pipe, should you need.
The Fit, no Monkeying around!
This thing is like a 4 point harness for your backpack. Let’s talk about the straps, first off there are a lot of thick elastic areas, suggesting that it stretches as it fits to your body. Elastic areas are even seen where the straps meet the main body. Other manufacturers typically use non elastic here. Then theres the main circular clasp in the center of the chest. A cool innovative design that allows 4 points to come together whilst the claps rotates while locked in position. The bag is designed to be tight fitting, so it doesn’t move around while riding. And the clasp rotation along with the elastic is needed as your chest expands when breathing and moves while biking.
The pack has two size settings as default for the main straps, enabled by different routing. A Med / Lrg setting weaves through one clip, while the XL uses another, this adds good flexibility. I have a smaller chest 37″ and used the Med/ Lrg setting (red t shirt) , where as my wife found the XL setting a bit better around her knockers (black t shirt). There is also a small amound of adjustment in the velcro, should you need to tweak a little.
Main Features
The features that really resonated with me were
– 4 Point front harness – of course to stop the dancing backpack situation while riding.
– Robic ultra durable Nylon material – because I detest low quality goods, they should be durable and made to last!
– HydroPak 3Litre Bladder – lot’s of space for a 5hr ride.
– Magnetic Bite Valve catcher – cool feature taht every drinking tube should have.
– Two external Pockets – pockets are key, well designed pockets are even better.
– Multiple inner compartments – along with the pockets, organization goes a long way
Product Details here: MTB Hydro 12 Litre : https://competitivecyclist.g39l.net/Dyqv75
Detail Shots
In Use
Things are looking good on the design front, some great features, great capacity and good fit – and yes a big (bigger?) price tag- but keep following, I aim to put 6-10hrs of riding on this and post up a fresh “in use” report.
Fast forward a few weeks – full report here
Where to buy
https://competitivecyclist.g39l.net/Dyqv75
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