Added a Hydration bag to my riding gear: Initial impressions

The top Flap opens up to reveal the filling Cap. The bladder can also be completely removed, and the bag can be used as a regular backpack.

BHPian WhiskeyTangoFox recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Gear Update: Hydration Bag:

In my previous ride to Kolli Hills, I quickly realised that dehydration whilst riding a bike is very real, and it gets pretty hot under all the gear in hot weather. Hence, after consulting with a couple of friends, I picked up a hydration backpack. From the Discussions we had, let me give you a gist of the reasons behind why I think a Hydration Pack is fairly useful:

• Comfortable Weight Distribution - Most Hydration Packs have multiple buckles and straps that help you evenly distribute weight across your torso so that you don't have too much strain on your body. This was one of my primary concerns and is something I am yet to test out for myself on a long ride.
• Large Water Carrying Capacity - When you are going on shorter rides, where you have only a tank bag for the most part, it is much easier to carry a hydration pack than a water bottle. Imagine carrying a 2.5L Water Bottle as opposed to carrying the Same quantity in a hydration pack.
• Less Storage Space - In furtherance of the previous point, on my previous ride, I faced an issue wherein, with my Rain Gear and First Aid Kit in my Tank Bag, I couldn't easily fit in my water bottle, wallet etc. and had to stuff them in. If you have a larger tank bag/top box, sure, you could get away with it, but it made sense for me to remove the necessity of carrying a water bottle and hydration pack instead.
• Added Advantage of a Backpack - Most Hydration packs also have storage compartments for small knick-knacks you would want to carry on your person.
• Added Convenience - Now, this is split into two categories. One is if you use a full-face balaclava and, the other if you don't. If you do use one, then you will have to stop the motorcycle and slide it under your balaclava to drink water. You don't have to take off your helmet, chin curtain or your balaclava, however, it is simply not possible and isn't safe to do it on the go.

If you don't wear a full-face balaclava, you can easily use the pack even on the go; however, I would recommend that you practice first before attempting this at speed. It is always recommended to stop and take a breather, but this is also an option.

In both scenarios, you won't have to take off your helmet, gloves, balaclava etc making it much more convenient than a water bottle.

Keeping all of the above in mind, I perused the internet for the various options, and despite the bestsellers being offerings from Raida or Decathlon, I didn't want to spend nearly 3,000 Rs on a tiny backpack. Hence I decided to pick up Olive Planet's Hydration Pack.

Olive Planet is a military surplus store, and I have purchased items from them before and was pretty happy with the quality. The bag cost Rs 2350 Including Shipping and I received it in about a week (Mhow to BLR).

The key features of this backpack are as follows:

• Hydration pack made of heavy-duty 500D with PU coating
• Inner polyester lining
• YKK Zippers
• Buckles on the chest and waist for weight distribution
• Includes a 2.5L EVA bladder
• Bite Valve with Dust Cap
• Molle and Velcro Lining on the back

Multiple Straps and doo-hickeys to adjust the backpack comfortably. The Straps and the insides are also padded and ventilated.

The top Flap opens up to reveal the filling Cap. The bladder can also be completely removed, and the bag can be used as a regular backpack.

The Bladder can accommodate 2.5L of water, and the tube also is Covered with a Fabric Sleeve to prevent the overheating of residual water.

It also has neat markings indication quantity.

The Upper and Lower Flaps also have small storage compartments, enough to carry a wallet, a swiss knife and maybe some other small items. It also has molle webbing and velcro for other attachments.

The Upper Buckle is adjustable in height and each strap has a single D Ring to hook on items (Sanitizer/ Carabiner etc.)

All the straps have either this Velcro Loop or Elastic Loops to keep the excess in place, as opposed to flapping around.

The only disadvantage I noticed is that it doesn't have any reflective paneling or lining and covers up my jacket's super cool reflective lining . Anyhow, I'll pick up some reflective patches from Amazon and whack them on. Otherwise, it seems like a really nice product. Cheers!

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