I headed out for some MTB riding on Sunday during the three-day weekend with our staff member, JUS. Still being quite new to mountain biking, I was giving it my all on both the climbs and the descents. Downhill really gets my heart racing, haha.
As for my gear that day, I brought the usual: one spare tube, a puncture repair kit, a packed lunch, and water. This time, however, I tried using a hydration pack to carry my water.
To explain it simply, a "hydration pack" is an outdoor gear item that consists of a rubber pouch filled with plenty of water, which you place inside your backpack and drink from via a hose. It makes staying hydrated much easier than reaching for a bottle.platypus “Big Zip LP” 2.0L ¥4,600 (excl. tax)
This hydration pack is made under strict quality control at a Seattle factory. By laminating two layers of film, it achieves high durability and a design that fits easily into a pack. The addition of a blue slide zip eliminates the risk of the zip opening unexpectedly.I used it inside the TRUCE bag I love to carry. The suction is great, and above all, it makes drinking water so effortless. On off-road trails, bottles can easily get covered in dirt and sand, so using a hydration pack keeps the mouthpiece clean.
The MISSIONWORKSHOP “ACRE” backpack that JUS uses is also hydration-compatible. In fact, ACRE bags are designed for MTB users, featuring various innovations and size balances to make mountain biking as comfortable as possible.
JUS managed to drink exactly 2.0L of water from his hydration pack that day. For MTB, I think a 2.0L pack is a must for any season, and 3.0L wouldn't hurt either. If you're worried about running out, you can always tuck a plastic water bottle away as a backup.
It's also a great option to use for road riding, too.
Our shop is fully stocked with the best hydration-compatible bags.
Right: Truce Designs “Drop Liner” size M ¥45,800 (excl. tax)
Center: Truce Designs “Drop Liner” size S ¥42,000 (excl. tax)
Left: ACRE “The HAUSER” size 10L ¥27,000 (excl. tax)
MTB season is upon us. The SSJ, for which I've snuck in my first entry, is also fast approaching. I'm pretty nervous about it, though... haha