USWE Race 2.0: Lightweight hydration pack for MTB & Gravel - now in new colours
Marc Strucken
· 01.04.2025
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USWE brings its lightest hydration pack, the Race 2.0, in new colour variants. Specially designed for cross-country and gravel use, the rucksack weighs just 230 grams without a hydration system and is said to impress with its minimalist design and high breathability.
The centrepiece of the Race 2.0 is USWE's patented 4-point "No Dancing Monkey" (NDM) retention system, which is designed to ensure a particularly stable and non-slip fit on the back. According to the manufacturer, this system prevents the backpack from slipping or swinging back and forth when riding on uneven terrain or when changing direction quickly.
New colour options and sustainability
In addition to the previous white colour variants, the USWE Race 2.0 is now also available in new colours. In addition to black, there will now also be "bronze" and a marvellous pink version. USWE is paying particular attention to the sustainability of the product. The main material of the Race 2.0 is made from recycled nylon, which is obtained from ocean plastic. In this way, the Swedish manufacturer wants to make a contribution to environmental protection and increase resource efficiency at the same time. Unfortunately, the price has also risen by 10 euros compared to last year - to 129 euros.
Equipment and technical details
The USWE Race 2.0 is equipped with a 2-litre hydration bladder from Elite, which has a plug-n-play coupling system. The scope of delivery also includes an insulating cover weighing just 25 grams, so that the liquid stays cool for longer even at high outside temperatures.
The back of the rucksack is made from a breathable 3D mesh material, which is designed to ensure good ventilation and reduce perspiration. A silicone coating on the back is intended to provide additional stability and slip resistance. The chest strap is adjustable in height and, according to USWE, adapts to chest circumferences of 84 to 110 centimetres.
Application areas and aerodynamics
The USWE Race 2.0 is specially designed for use on fast cross-country laps, MTB races and longer gravel tours. Thanks to its low weight and compact design, it should hardly affect the aerodynamics of the rider. The manufacturer even goes so far as to claim that the design and shape of the backpack could have a positive effect on aerodynamics. We already tested it last year.
Practical experience and evaluation
In our test of the USWE Race 2.0 we were able to confirm the stability on the back promised by the manufacturer. Even in a strongly inclined position on the bike or on rough descents, the rucksack stayed in place. Breathability proved to be good, although on very hot days perspiration naturally occurred.
The low weight has a positive effect, especially when the hydration bladder is only partially full. The capacity of the rucksack is limited to the bare essentials. In addition to the hydration bladder and the insulating cover, it only offers space for small items such as keys, money or a smartphone in the inner zip pocket.
Handling the insulating sleeve is somewhat difficult when the bladder is completely full, as the bladder does not want to slip into the sleeve. However, it does keep liquids cool or even warm to a certain extent.
Technical specifications of the USWE Race 2.0 hydration pack
- Weight: 230 g (without hydration system and insulating sleeve)
- Total weight: 420 g (incl. hydration bladder, tube and insulating cover)
- Dimensions: 32 cm x 16 cm x 9 cm
- Volume: 2 litres
- Chest size compatibility: 84 - 110 cm
- Material: Recycled nylon made from marine plastic
- Back plate: 3D mesh with silicone coating
- Price: 129 Euro (RRP) >> available here
Hydration system (included)
- Type: Elite Hydration bladder
- Volume: 2 litres
- Special feature: Plug-n-Play coupling
Insulating cover (included)
- Compatibility: Suitable for Elite hydration bladder
- Weight: 25 g
Marc Strucken
Editor
