WIE WÄHLT MAN EINEN MOUNTAINBIKE-TRINKRUCKSACK AUS?

Mountain biking can be a physically demanding discipline, which is why it's essential to stay well hydrated during the effort. But mountain biking is also a discipline that leaves little room on the bike to carry containers, which is why the hydration bag quickly becomes a viable solution for this practice. Zéfal can help you choose the right hydration bag for your next mountain bike outing!

The advantages of a hydration bag for mountain bikes

Some mountain bikes don't have the luxury of offering all-round riding comfort, good roadholding, rock-solid reliability and room for your hydration kit. That's why the hydration bag is often the best solution for carrying your beverage. First of all, it allows you to carry a large capacity of water without taking up much space: it's relatively easy to carry more than a liter of water on your back, the equivalent of two medium-sized cans on the frame.

Mountain biking is a demanding sport, requiring a certain amount of technical skill, which is why the hydration bag is a practical solution, as it allows the rider to have his hands dedicated to riding, with hydration via a hose that runs from the bag to just above the rider's shoulder. All you have to do is put the teat in your mouth to drink. For those of you in a hurry who don't want to stop, it's possible to drink without setting foot on the ground!

Last but not least, the hydration bag isn't just useful for hydration. It also allows you to carry other useful accessories, such as repair tools, personal belongings (phone, wallet, keys) and even food and clothing, without having to carry frame or saddle bags!

The Z Hydro Enduro perks: helmet attachment and 3D foam!

Choosing the perfect hydration bag for MTB

There are many criteria to consider when choosing a hydration backpack: water pocket capacity, storage, weight and size of the pack, shoulder pad comfort, breathability... The first thing to analyze is what you'll be using it for.

The more you need it for long-distance races, the bigger the bag will be with a certain volume of water. For example, the Z Hydro Enduro is a bag with a capacity of 9L and a water pocket that can hold up to 3L of water! Because of its size, this bag is reinforced with 3D foam on the back and shoulder straps. It can carry a large volume of water, as well as tools, personal belongings and even protective clothing and equipment, including a helmet attachment: the perfect bag for Enduro riding or a day trip to the bike park!

For more “classic” mountain biking, the Z Hydro XC is the perfect addition to your equipment. This 6L bag with its 2L water pocket is the perfect combo between comfortable hydration for 3 hours and a useful volume big enough to carry all your repair kit as well as your personal belongings thanks to its numerous compartmentalized storages for nutrition or phone, and even a jacket thanks to its expandable mesh!

Finally, if you're only going out for a few hours or are looking to equip yourself for a race, the Z Hydro Race will do the trick. With its useful volume of 3L and 1.5L water pocket, it allows both mountain bikers and gravel racers to benefit from hydration for around 2 hours, while keeping your essentials safe. It's ideal for ultracycling or marathon mountain bike competitors, thanks to its lightness and practicality. Need to equip yourself for ultracycling? Our article is here to help you! What's more, it has a discreet design that will delight the most minimalist among you!

The Z Hydro XC: perfect for a one day outing!

A few tips for using your hydration backpack

The MTB hydration bag is an asset, but can quickly become a burden if it's poorly equipped. Before you set off, make sure you fill the water bag and close it properly, checking that the hose is correctly connected to the bag. This will avoid unpleasant surprises such as an empty bag and totally soaked shorts after just a few kilometers!

Because of its location, and especially in summer, the water can heat up quickly, so it's a good idea to make a few adjustments, such as adding ice cubes to the water bag and an insulated cover to keep your drink cool for as long as possible. As far as winter is concerned, the phenomenon you want to avoid is water freezing in the hose - a rare occurrence, but one that can happen. To do this, blow into the hose after each use, which will send the water back into the bag so that it doesn't stagnate and freeze in the hose! You can also store the hose under a piece of clothing, which will keep it at a more acceptable temperature.

Finally, make sure you keep your water bag in good condition and clean it after each use to avoid unpleasant odours: simply clean with clear water, a little unscented soap to eliminate bacteria, air-dry by opening the bag as wide as possible, and you're ready to go! You can also use white vinegar for a more thorough disinfection. Soak for half an hour, then rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove the vinegar odour.

Clean your water bag after every outing!