Hydration Packs Options

[Doug]

Tesco have a 6Lrucksack with a 2L bladder for a tenner. Great for those shorter rides in the summer where all you need are a few spares but loads of liquid.

[locky]

Is there a link for this on the Tesco website as I can't locate it? Been thinking of getting one of these and this seems like a good price.

[Doug]

I just saw it in Stockport Tesco today, they had quite a few but reckon theyd have them in any of the larger Tesco's.

[Timo the Cimmeri...]

I'm in the market for a hydration pack, so will definitely have to pop in to my Tesco's. Anyone bought one yet? What's the quality like? (I'm not expecting Camelbak here..... :wink: )

[Doug]

I had a good look at them as my Dad's after one but balked at £40 for a Camelbackl and the actual rucksack felt really sturdy. The bladder was sealed in a bag so I couldnt feel the material but it did have a wide opening. I think the rucksack on it's own was worth a tenner.

[Timo the Cimmeri...]

Thanks for that Doug. I will definitely check them out.

I was looking at trying to pick up a cheap Mule from Ebay for around £35-£40 but this could be a good stop gap.

[Timo the Cimmeri...]

I managed to pop into Tesco's at lunch time and after a quick inspection figured this was well worth a tenner.

Without much to reference it against, the bladder looks pretty good and there's a reasonable amount of storage as well. There's enough room in the main pocket for a OS map, a few tools, small first aid kit and mini pump. There are two side pockets ideal for a phone, keys, energy bars. Lastly there's a bungee system for a waterproof, so all in all good value provided it doesn't fall apart on it's first couple of outings.

I'm out Sunday for a few hours run. so will report back on how it performs and whether there are any leaks etc!

[Timo the Cimmeri...]

So I took advantage of the good weather (and the fact the inlaws were coming over :wink: ) to get out for a couple of hours of local tow path and woods. The last couple of months I'd normally have my 750ml water bottle for this sort of run (about 23 easyish miles) but thought I'd try out the new hydration pack and stuck about 1.5 litres into the bladder and set off.

I'm glad I did, because I ended up drinking all the water because it was bloomin hot! The rucksack is comfortable but not particularly well ventilated, and easily took all the bits and pieces for a short ride like this. The bladder didn't leak, and the mouth piece works okay and is easy enough to operate with one hand while in the saddle. I definitely felt better drinking pretty much as much as I wanted and for £10 it's a bargain.