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Anyone who Cape Epic in South Africa If you looked closely, you could not only see the stars in the dust, but also the first batch of the new USWE Race 2.0 hydration pack, which was handed out to the participants.
USWE has been designing hydration packs for mountain biking for some time nowMost of them are large and primarily designed for downhill and freeride. However, with the Outlander Pro, USWE also has a very lightweight and minimalist bike backpack for XC, gravel and racing in its programme. And with the Race 2.0, the Swedes are now taking it to the next level.
How is USWE pronounced? [ you - swii ]
The new USWE hydration pack is designed to keep you cool and breathable and is even lighter than the Outlander. But the most important thing: like all USWE backpacks, the Race 2.0 offers the same super support on the back with the patented 4-point "No Dancing Monkey" (NDM) retention system: in other words: no matter what happens on the trail, the backpack no longer bounces like a wild monkey.
USWE also promises that the packs come with an improved mouthpiece for the 2-litre hydration bladder and a magnetic clip for the drinking tube system, as well as an insulated sleeve to keep liquids cool at high temperatures. Good for the environment: The main material of the USWE Race 2.0 is nylon made from recycled ocean plastic - so the packs do their bit to keep the environment clean.
The USWE Race 2.0 bike rucksack in detail
Weight
The USWE Race 2.0 bike backpack weighs 230 grams without hydration system and cover, the Outlander Pro 2 slightly more - 260 grams, also without hydration bladder.
Aerodynamics
The hydration pack makes you faster - not only because you are better supplied with water, but the design and shape also have a positive influence on your aerodynamics.
Cool or keep cool
The insulated sleeve (25 g) for the hydration bladder is designed to keep drinks cool during the ride. As the back plate of the race hydration pack consists of just one mesh, you could even carry a bladder filled with ice to cool down on hot rides.
Breathable
The fixed straps of the No Dancing Monkey system and the back-friendly back made of 3D mesh fabric are said to be very breathable - a silicone coating ensures even better grip.
Nylon made from marine plastic
The main material of the USWE Race 2.0 bike backpack is nylon, which is made from recycled marine plastic, e.g. from fishing nets.
- Chest circumference: 84 - 110 cm
- Dimension: 32 cm x 16 cm x 9 cm
- Volume: 2 litres
- Weight: 420 g (incl. hydration bladder, tube and insulated bag, self-weighed)
- Drinking system: Elite Hydration bladder with Plug-n-Play coupling; 2 litre capacity
- Price: 119 Euro (RRP) >> available from Maciag Offroad
And this is how the USWE hydration pack proved itself in the test
Race, race, race - that's the name of the USWE hydration pack and that's exactly what it's made for. It stays super stable on the back, even in a very bent position on the bike it doesn't slide towards the head downhill or when braking. The Race 2.0 is extremely light to carry - when there is only 1 litre left in the bladder, you almost forget it is on your back. You can't really fit much more into the small rucksack than the hydration bladder, including the really practical insulation bag for the summer. The inner zip pocket is almost as big as the entire backpack - but if you put a mini tool in it, for example, you can no longer stuff the bladder in, or vice versa. EC card, keys and mobile phone - that's it.
However, this is ok for gravel bikes in particular, as there is usually a small or larger bag on the bike for tools, bars and the like. For a race or XC MTB, these things have to be stored in a storage compartment in the frame or in a tiny saddle bag, which USWE naturally also has in its programme. The colour white for the rucksack makes perfect sense in summer (avoids heating up in the sun). However, in the long term it is just as sensitive to dirt and body parts covered in sun cream.
Conclusion on the USWE Race 2.0
The USWE Race 2.0 hydration backpack is the perfect little companion for those who don't want or need to carry a lot and are travelling fast/racing. It holds a large 2-litre hydration bladder. The NDM strap system keeps the hydration pack very stable on the back. The mesh material in the straps and the back section keeps you cool. Let the summer begin!
Marc Strucken
Editor
