There are many different types of water bladders to choose from when conducting outdoor activities, including mountain biking.
Athletes need to stay hydrated when training, practicing or working out, and when it comes to drinking solutions, the bladder offers innovative products for this purpose.
Whether in backpack form or designed for the bike’s frame, it is important to have a water source every time you go out on a trail. A few brands to get you started will be the Apidura frame pack hydration bladder and the Evoc hip pack pro.
What size Hydration Pack should You Buy for Mountain Biking?
There will be a bunch of rough terrains when it comes to hitting the trails and going over the rocks, along with other natural features.
The size of the hydration pack will depend on the size of the person, the hydration needs of that person, and the others going, plus incorporate the length of the party plans to stay out on the trails.
If you have a bunch of dips and obstacles, consider using a backpack to prevent spillage; if there are smooth trails ahead, then the frame-type hydration packs are a brilliant idea.
For How Long Can You Bike with it?
Many packs are designed to last, allowing for easy refilling and maintenance processes. There is no need to replace these packs if they are well taken care of.
Most hydration bladders only require occasional deep cleaning to remove the threat of molding occurring inside the bladder.
Another reason for the bags to fail would be age; as will all things, there is a level of decay that occurs over time that will break down all things.
As a rule of thumb, older bags will need to be looked after every two years, but companies like CamelBak will have lifetime warranties on their products.
How to Prevent Mold in a Hydration Bladder?
As will any closed area, there is going to be a need for regular cleaning to prevent bacterial, fungal, or mold growth from occurring.
Inside the water bladder is a naturally moist environment that is perfect conditions for growing microorganisms and will need to be kept dry after usage and regularly washed with soap and water.
Keeping the bags well aired out, clean, and stored in dry places will last you a lifetime and possibly even generations. However, the lifespan of these products depends on the owner’s care and the level of abuse the pack experiences when out on an adventure.
What are the Flaws of a Water Bladder?
There is hardly anything to complain about having convenient ways of carrying water when working out or going for a bike ride, but the major flaw of the water bladder is the ease with which mold and unhealthy microorganisms can form inside the bladder bags.
Unfortunately, humans make mistakes, and forgetting to clean a bladder bag or let it air out after a ride occurs more often than not.
The other flaw is the ease with which the pouches can be punctured, and the water tubes get caught on branches or the sanitation needs for the mouthpieces.
Is a Hydration Bladder worth it?
In choosing whether these bags are worth it, consider this; when out on the trail and your body is aching for a drink, it is more convenient to have the water in a bag secured on the frame or in a backpack.
Water bottles will have similar convenience but will take up the same amount of space as a bladder with less carrying capacity and will need to be carried by hand otherwise.
In short, yes, purchasing a hydration bladder for outdoor adventures, tougher than an inner city hike or walk, will require a higher level of gear than a water bottle and a good pair of shoes.
Final Thoughts on Best Water Bladder for a Bike Frame Bag
There are going to be many who agree that staying hydrated is so much easier with a hydration bladder in a pack or similar to help carry water outdoors in the forests away from drinkable water sources.
Remember to clean them regularly and to let the inside of the pouches air out after each usage to minimize the chance for mold or unhealthy microorganisms to grow.
These backpacks, belt packs, will not be restricted to just bicycle use; they will serve when on any outdoor adventure and even long-term trips such as hunting trips.
The versatility of these water bladders is a step in the right direction for innovative solutions to the ever-changing hydration needs of humanity.