As gravel riders and bikepackers prepare for longer rides this summer, staying hydrated becomes essential. While bottles work for shorter outings, bigger adventures and gravel races mean riders want to carry extra water, layers, food, a first-aid kit and tools. GRVL’s ADVNTR Hydration Pack combines a lightweight, stable design with a 2-litre bladder and cargo storage, making it an ideal companion for long summer rides.
Anyone who rode mountain bikes back in the 90s and early 2000s will probably remember the media buzz created around the launch of the original Camelbak. It was basically just a tiny rucksack which contained a rubberised bladder that could hold a couple of litres of water, with no additional frippery. The original GRVL Hydration Pack was similar – lightweight, 2-litre capacity, durable and stable. The latest addition to GRVL’s Hydration Pack range is the ADVNTR model. This is based on the same underpinnings as the original, but with the addition of a detachable cargo pouch that can quickly be fitted to the outside, which allows the wearer to carry enough extra gear for a big day out in the hills.
GRVL say that their ADVNTR Hydration Pack “features a removable cargo bag to allow riders the choice between a lightweight pack ideally suited to racing or shorter days out on the bike, or connect the cargo bag to carry more kit for those longer days in the saddle.” The pack is constructed from “X-PAC® Waterproof Nylon Sail Cloth with a tear strength of over 12LBS, making this an extremely durable, strong hydration pack, ideal for gravel racing.” GRVL are keen to promote the eco credentials of the pack, which uses “Recycled Polyester X-PLY® ripstop.” The lining is also made from recycled polyester.
Getting the fit right of a hydration pack is key, particularly when the user is potentially going to be wearing it all day. GRVL say that they have this aspect dialled “The shoulder and waist straps are adjustable to tailor your fit. Elasticated strap sections for added comfort that support a snug fit to the body, giving you freedom to breathe and move when riding.”
Unlike some other hydration packs on the market, GRVL have kept the features on their ADVNTR Hydration Pack to an absolute minimum. The hose from the bladder is routed over the rider’s shoulder and is held in place via simple fabric loops (rather than any form of magnetic clasp). There are no storage pockets on the front of the pack, but on each shoulder are a couple of slim mesh pockets, just big enough to hold a gel pouch. The mesh pockets are positioned so that the opening faces forwards/downwards – to access one of the gels, the rider would just have to reach over their shoulder and pull the gel tab to release it. The pack is equipped with reflective beading all around the perimeter in order to aid visibility in low light.
The main difference between the GRVL’s standard hydration pack and the ADVNTR model is the addition of the ‘cargo pack’. This is constructed from the same material as the bag itself and attaches via a sturdy plastic clip in each of the four corners. The cargo pack has a zip running down the entire length of one side, making it easy to access and add/remove items. The cargo pack has a capacity of around 2.5 litres – just enough for a jacket, some energy bars, a multi tool and any other essentials, but with a bias towards lightweight, minimal travel – the pack is not designed to carry vast amounts of extra items.
We’re going to be putting the GRVL ADVNTR Hydration Pack through its paces over the next few months and will report back as to how we got on.