Bike Hydration Review

When mountain biking, proper bike hydration and nutrition is essential for health and safety. The heat, along with the exertion produced when biking, means a dependable bike hydration system is important on biking adventures. The two main choices for hydration include the classic plastic water bottle and the more modern bike hydration packs.

You can attach bike water bottles and cages to a bike frame or the handlebars. A Bell water bottle cage offers a convenient, secure location for your water bottle. It is possible to hydrate properly when using water bottles such as Polar water bottles, but a bottle may not be the most convenient bike hydration option when navigating rugged terrain. Newer water bottles for biking are constructed without using Bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical compound used in the formation of plastics that negatively impacts health. Outdoor brands CamelBak, Novara, and Hydrapak all offer bike hydration bottles that are 100% BPA free.

Bike hydration packs seem to be the best option for hands-free hydration. CamelBak hydration was the first to promote the hands-free hydration systems for biking and other outdoor activities. By utilizing a hydration system, bikers don’t need to stop or let go of the handlebars for a drink. Without having to mess with a water bottle, hydration packs increase safety and decrease the risk of dehydration since water is readily available without inconveniencing the rider.

Bike hydration systems are nylon backpacks that store a water reservoir. A typical reservoir, like the Hydrapak reservoir, holds either 70 or 100oz. of water. Reservoirs can be filled halfway with water, frozen, and then filled the rest of the way before a ride, or filled completely right before a ride. The reservoir has long tubing with a bite valve that extends out of the bike hydration pack. A rider keeps the tubing near their mouth and bites on the end of the valve to release water. Some hydration reservoirs have a bite valve that turns the water release function on and off, while others do not.

Advanced reservoirs have digital readings that let riders know how much water is left and how long until the water runs out. Small hydration packs hold only the reservoir, while larger packs have excess storage areas for snacks and small bike gear. Bike hydration systems are available for both men and women. Women’s hydration packs are designed to accommodate the physiological makeup of a woman, with special attention paid to the shoulder, chest, and sternum design

An alternative to the bike hydration backpack is a hydration vest for men and women. Such a vest, like a Nathan hydration vest, is made from a combination of spandex and polyester and fits comfortably under a biking jersey or shirt. A pouch design within the vest allows for the storage of a water reservoir, while fitting comfortably to the body. The water tube is threaded through a strap on the shoulder and includes a bite valve for water release.

Models

Average Pricing

Water bottles are the cheapest bike hydration options, ranging anywhere from $5 for simple bottles to around $20 for insulated water bottle systems. Simple bike hydration packs start at around $40, while larger, roomier hydration pack systems can run up to $140. Hydration biking vests have a small price range, typically running between $50 and $100. Water reservoirs to fill the hydration packs and vests start at around $25, but depending on features can cost up to $80 or more.