How to Choose a Hydration System
Water. It's the outdoor athlete's most precious commodity. Until recently, transporting water was limited to how many canteens you could strap on your belt or fit in your pack. However, through the miracle of modern materials and some clever engineering, water is now easier to carry with you than ever before.
Which Option Is Best for You?
Water Bottle—For the casual hiker or biker, a water bottle stuffed into a daypack or a bottle cage is sufficient. However, if the hike goes for more than an hour or the bike ride is more than a few miles, you'll need to start adding water bottles. Our merchant partner, REI, offers several hip packs and backpacks designed to carry 1, 2 or even 3 water bottles, and most recreational bikes can carry the same. Anything more, however, and you'll want a hydration pack.
Hydration Pack—A fairly new invention, hydration packs were developed for the mountain biker in need of a hands-free way to drink water while dodging trees. Now, athletes find them useful in almost every sport. Hydration packs use a tube with a valve at the end so that a simple bend of the neck and a bite introduces your mouth to the water it craves. The first packs were simple, collapsible reservoirs surrounded by neoprene and attached via shoulder straps. Today's options are more stylish and comfortable and include hip or backpack styles, 1 reservoir or 2 and streamlined or robust, with extra room for lunch and gear.
The Advantages of Hydration Packs
Sure, hydration packs are all the rage, but is their convenience worth their cost? Here's a look at some of their features and benefits to help you decide.
|
top of page
|
Previous Cycling Article | Back
up all Articles in the category How to Choose
| Next Cycling Article
Articles sourced from our vendor partner, REI
| |
