Hey There! 👋 Staying hydrated during long or intense motorcycle riding on hot days is a challenge for me. I often neglect stopping to drink water until I get really thirsty due to all the hassle related to finding a spot and taking off my helmet.
And if I am in a group – I feel kind of bad for forcing everyone else to stop because I need to drink.
Fortunately, a hydration backpack solves this problem by allowing me to drink water as I ride without having to stop. This way, I can stay focused on the road while staying hydrated.
A hydration backpack increases riding distance between stops, which is particularly important on hot days when you need to drink more water. Moreover, being properly hydrated will enhance focus and situational awareness, leading to increased passive safety on the road.
When choosing a hydration backpack, make sure to consider the following features:
- Capacity – 2 Litres should be enough for a day of riding.
- Bladder valve type – you should be able to use the bladder with one hand
- Material – nylon is the best choice (Must be BPA-free)
- Ergo fit – should be light and should not bounce on potholes.
More importantly, ensure that the hydration backpack and bladder are free from materials like BPA, PVC, and Phthalates to avoid any negative health effects since these materials may seep into the water.
Contents
Hydration Backpacks to use when Riding
Best Overall
#1 Vibrelli
Capacity: 2L
Bladder Valve Type: Bite Valve
Material: Nylon
Ergo Fit: ✅ Yes
BPA-Free: ✅ Yes
Benefits & Features
✅ Has additional compartments for storing miscellaneous items.
✅ Ergonomically comfortable fit on the spine. Won’t bounce on rough roads – especially good for riding offroad. Additionally, straps are long and will easily fit over a motorcycle jacket.
✅ Angled hose valve making it convenient to wigle it to your mouth through the chin gap on a full-face helmet.
Best for Offroad Riding
#2 USWE Outlander
Capacity: 2L
Bladder Valve Type: Bite Valve
Material: Nylon
Ergo Fit: ✅ Yes
BPA-Free: ✅ Yes
Benefits & Features
✅ Removable on/off external organizer pocket that can be removed to go superlight when racing or added for extra storage of tools and gear.
✅ 100% bounce-free in action. The 4-point harness system allows you to snug the pack really tight to your body without affecting your breathing or movement. It also has integrated elastic straps that expand with your chest and a one-click buckle that secures the pack with one hand.
⚠️ Little storage space (9L) for longer trips or more gear-intensive activities.
⚠️ May not be very comfortable or adjustable enough for tall people with large chest sizes.
Worth Mentioning
#3 NOOLA
Capacity: 3L
Bladder Valve Type: Bite Valve
Material: Thermoplastic Polyurethane
Ergo Fit: ⚠️ No
BPA-Free: ✅ Yes
Benefits & Features
✅ Has additional pockets. Besides the water balder compartment, there are other additional compartments that can be used to store stuff. I a not a big fan of such compartments and prefer to store quick-access items in my tail bag. However, these will be useful for storing snacks if you choose to use this hydration backpack for bicycle riding or mountain climbing.
✅ Odorless – bladder and hose are made of food-grade material that does not alter the taste of water.
✅ Can be used with one hand. The hose has a dust cap that can be removed with one hand as you ride and the bite valve is convenient to use on the go.
✅ Easy to clean. The bladder filler cap is 9 cm in diameter allowing you to easily clean it from the inside with your hand.
⚠️ The fitment is not as snug as I would prefer. When riding offroad or on unpaved roads with potholes – this backpack may bounce up and down a little bit adding to shoulder and back fatigue.
Worth Mentioning
#4 MARCHWAY
Capacity: 3L
Bladder Valve Type: Bite Valve + On/Off valve
Material: Nylon
Ergo Fit: ⚠️ Somewhat
BPA-Free: ✅ Yes
Benefits & Features
✅ Has additional pockets to organize additional stuff like a lighter, flashlight, and other forest survival stuff if you are into it.
✅ Angled Bite Valve – makes it easier to use when you have to wiggle it to your mouth through a chin gap in your helmet.
✅ The bladder material is a higher durability grade nylon that is very durable and will last many years. An additional benefit if you are cleaning it often since rubbing will decrease the material longevity in the long run.
✅ Large opening on bladder allowing to clean it from inside with your hand without hassle.
✅ Removable hose with a quick-release valve. This allows you to fill in the bladder with the hose removed. The valve won’t allow water to leak with the hose removed.
⚠️ The ergo fit is not ideal for motorcycle riding.
Worth Mentioning
#5 TETON
Capacity: 2L
Bladder Valve Type: Bite Valve
Material: Nylon
Ergo Fit: ✅Yes
BPA-Free: ✅Yes
Benefits & Features
✅ Easy to carry around due to the breathable shoulder straps and an anti-shock chest strap.
✅ Suitable for aggressive off-road riding, boasts a compact, low-profile design that ensures stability and doesn’t bounce, enhancing rider comfort during maneuvers. Its unobtrusive presence and secure fit make it an equip-and-forget hydration backpack.
✅ Has a micromesh outer pocket and a deep mesh pocket, which allows you to access and store quick-access low-value items.
⚠️ Bladder opening is just 5cm in diameter making it harder to clean compared to other bladders in this list.
⚠️ Limited storage capacity compared to other hydration packs that have more pockets and compartments. This is a disadvantage if you rely on a hydration backpack for more than just water transportation.
Worth Mentioning
#6 ATBP Military
Capacity: 3L
Bladder Valve Type: Pull out to unlock (hard to use with one hand)
Material: Nylon
Ergo Fit: Somewhat
BPA-Free: ✅ Yes
Benefits & Features
✅ Durable backpack material due to the ripstop construction fabric (specific fabric production method that makes the material resistant to tearing and ripping)
⚠️ Hard to use with one hand and there’s a possibility that the valve might unintentionally open during your ride, leading to leaks.
⚠️ No designated routing system for the hydration tube. Unlike other hydration packs that have specific tube securement features on the shoulder straps to prevent the drinking tube from swinging during movement.
⚠️ The water bladder may have a plastic taste or smell at first, which can be reduced by rinsing it with warm water and baking soda before use
⚠️ Poor ergo fit for people taller or shorter than average due to the not flexible enough straps.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, staying hydrated during motorcycle rides is critical for both comfort and safety. A good hydration backpack will make a significant difference, helping to maintain focus and increase the distance between stops.
My top pick for the best overall hydration backpack for motorcyclists is the Vibrelli hydration backpack, thanks to its ergonomic fit, angled hose valve, and additional compartments for storing miscellaneous items. For offroad riding, the USWE Outlander comes highly recommended, with its bounce-free action, removable storage pocket, and tight 4-point harness system.
However, the NOOLA, MARCHWAY, TETON, and ATBP Military backpacks also deserve recognition, each offering unique features tailored to various riders’ needs. The decision will ultimately depend on your riding style.
