The Rockrider XC Light Hydration Backpack from Decathlon is a small pack that is more suited to shorter trips. It is far from perfect, with some fit issues and not the best use of the limited space, but it is still a great option for the money.
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Decathlon is known for producing good value components and accessories, and this hydration backpack certainly ticks that box. Costing £30, including a 2-litre bladder, very little else comes close to price.
The backpack is very small, designed for cross-country use, as the XC name suggests. There are two main pockets on the back, plus smaller pockets on the front straps that are easy to access and good for food or smaller things you might need access to on the go.
The pack features a single attachment point on the front, with a metal slide-in clip that is easy to attach and take off but stays in place, not accidentally coming off. It is one of the best features of the pack.
A 2-litre bladder is included, with a top filling design, a long enough hose, and a locking mouthpiece. It doesn’t quite rival some of the best for quality, but it works well enough if you take a little time to ensure the top is sealed correctly.
If you are not using a bladder, there’s enough room for the general tools and essentials. For me, that would be an inner tube, or sometimes two, multi-tool, small patch kit, tyre lever, CO2, and a small pump. Using the full 2-litre bladder changes things quite a bit, with bulkier items like a tube being far more difficult to fit inside.
The pack has two main adjustment points, with large velcro straps on the front with a small arrow and size indicators, plus toggle straps under the shoulder area. It may be sufficient for taller riders or riders with a larger chest, but for me (88cm / 35″ chest), I found that it was still loose even with the pack on the smallest settings. When full and laden, this caused it to move around a bit. I found the pack knocking my helmet occasionally on some rougher terrain, steeper downhills, or small jumps. It is far from the only pack that does this, and perhaps because of my size, something I have had to get used to.
The material isn’t waterproof, so it would be essential to keep anything that could potentially be damaged by heavier rain showers, such as a phone, in a protective case. The material does enough to fend off splashes and mud being thrown up off the back wheel.
While the pack is far from perfect, when you look at other similar size packs, such as the Apidura Racing Hydration Vest at £138, the difference in price is huge. The closest small packs in price that we have reviewed include the Osprey Kitsuma at £65 and Camelbak Chase Men’s and Women’s at £90 each. There are some larger packs for less money, with the dhb Slice 15-litre at £35, although this doesn’t come with a bladder.
The Rockrider XC Light Hydration Backpack doesn’t quite have the same quality or range of fit adjustment as some more expensive packs, but it does the basics well enough. So, if you’re looking for a small pack, this is a real bargain.
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Product purpose:
This well-ventilated, adjustable cycling helmet has been designed for mountain bike rides lasting up to four hours. It offers great coverage for the head.
The hydration pack is designed for cross-country biking and made with a harness to stay securely in place. It makes it easy to stay hydrated and provides fast access to waist pockets while riding.
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TECHNICAL INFORMATION
THE STORY BEHIND THE XC LITE HYDRATION BACKPACK
Entirely designed and developed, from initial sketch to final model, in France at the B’Twin Village (Lille), this hydration pack is the work of an expert team of passionate cross-country mountain bikers.
The Rockrider team, together with its team of test riders, has designed and tested this XC Lite hydration pack in extreme conditions to offer the perfect hydration backpack for XC rides: lightweight, stable, and easy to access.
HARNESS SYSTEM
We have created a new fastening system that gives cross-country users the best possible fit, even on rough terrain.
The harness system, shock-absorber straps and shape keep the bag very stable, even when the water bladder is empty.
POCKETS
We have designed this XC Lite hydration backpack with front pockets made of elastic mesh that provide quick access to your snacks while riding.
The total volume of the bag is 2.5 L.
The straps can be tucked under the pockets to stop them from moving around and bothering you.
There is a back pocket for storing your tools and other accessories safely.
A LARGE WATER BLADDER
With its 2-litre capacity, your water bladder will last you around 3 hours of riding.
Its wide opening makes it quick to fill up. When closing it, make sure the slider clips into place to ensure it won’t leak.
GREAT WATER FLOW
Before you set off, remember to remove the air to improve water flow.
Just turn the hydration bladder upside down once filled, direct the air bubbles towards the tube opening and suck them out.
The bite valve is lockable (rotates 180°) to prevent leaks when not in use. It won’t drip, even when in the open position.
To get a good flow when drinking, pinch the valve with your mouth and suck.
EXTENDING THE PRODUCT’S LIFESPAN
Remember to take a look at our water bladders support page to help your product last longer.
Warranty
2 years
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