Review: Bontrager Rapid Pack Hydro
| WORDS: Myles Kelsey | IMAGES: Troy Davies |
Bontrager’s ‘Rapid Pack Hydro’ hip pack is a comfy fit, has plenty of storage space and doubles the water carrying capacity.
Details
The Rapid Pack Hydro is a cargo carrier with a separate bladder compartment and storage for a water bottle. With a full bladder and water bottle, the total carrying capacity of the pack is a substantial 2,3L. That’ll sure come in handy during long days in the saddle under the South African sun.
Bontrager Rapid Pack Hydro
- Bladder size: 1,5L
- Cargo Capacity: 1,64L
- Dimmensions: 49cm Long x 10cm Wide x 18cm High
- Weight: 329g (without bladder)
- Cargo: 2 Zipped pockets
- Retention: Snap buckle system
- Price: R1800
- trekbikes.com
There are a few factors driving the popularity of hip-based hydration packs. Riding with a sweat-free back, unhindered shoulders, and having no straps around the chest/lung area are the main pulls. The modern hip hydration systems are also a lot better than the early units.
Bontrager’s Rapid Pack Hydro has a lockable bite valve at the end of a hose that attaches to the belt with a magnet. The bladder slides into a large zipped compartment that also has straps for a pump. Two smaller zipped pockets have seven internal mesh compartments to separate spares, snacks, your phone, keys and so on.
The Rapid Pack Hydro is ideal for gravel riding, trail riding, Enduro and eMTB outings. It’s especially handy for those with bikes that don’t have space for a water bottle cage. Naturally, the bladder is completely removable and the pack can also be used purely for cargo.
Ride Impressions
I’ve used the pack for the better part of six months and it’s come in handy on trail rides, eMTB riding and longer coaching sessions when I’m up the mountain for hours at a time. In summer, it is significantly cooler than a traditional backpack hydration system. The entire pack removes with a single snap of the buckle which means it’s easier to access items inside the pack.
In terms of fit, I run the straps pretty low down, around the hip bones and mid-ride I’ll adjust the tension depending on what I’m doing. If there’s a long climb I’ll loosen the fit a little and then just before dropping into a high-speed descent I’ll nip the tension up a little. From a comfort point of view, I’ve got nothing to complain about – even when the straps are tight and the pack is full, it’s pretty stable and secure. I’ve never had the pack slide down when riding – even when the bladder is full.
There’s plenty of storage space. With a water bottle and full bladder, it easily holds a tube, pump, CO2 canisters, tyre levers, multi-tool, phone, keys, energy bar and a gel or three. There’s a lot of storage space for big outings yet it’s not overly bulky and feels pretty slim when packed light; or when used without the bladder. Also worth noting is that big bladder compartment comes in handy for storing rain jackets and gilets.
From a durability point of view, I’d highly recommend this hip pack – it’s stood up to a lot of abuse. What I wouldn’t recommend is being an idiot (like me) and dumping it into the washing machine with heavy laundry and the zip half-open; it will likely damage the zipper. To be fair, the zip still works, it’s just a little notchy now.
Overall the Bontrager Rapid Pack Hydro is a well-designed and functionally faultless hip pack. On-the-fly adjustability is easy, it frees up the shoulders for technical riding and doesn’t hinder breathing on long climbs. Topping things off, the pricing is good and it’s backed by the brand’s 30-day no questions asked guarantee.
RELATED: Where To Ride: Wild Coast