Cycling gear manufacturers have a comprehensive range of equipment designed specifically for women. Recognising that the average woman has a shorter torso, longer legs, smaller hands and feet than a man, and natural female curves, women can now buy women’s specific bikes and essential items like women’s hydration packs.
Women’s Specific Hydration Backpacks
Hydration packs for women are shorter and shoulder straps are padded and curved for comfort to suit the female form. Chest straps are positioned higher between the neck and breasts and the footprint of the pack is kept as compact as possible to ensure that pack weight is distributed correctly.
Design Features on Hydration Packs for Women
- Separate insulated hydration bladder pocket for easy filling and to keep liquid cool.
- Soft lining under straps to prevent chafing
- Secure storage pockets, internal and external for tools, energy bars and small essentials.
- Sufficient storage capacity for extra clothing, camera, wallet and other items.
- Breathable mesh back panel to minimise body cooling through sweat build-up.
- Reflective straps for low visibility riding conditions.
- Water tube lockout mechanism to prevent water loss when tube is accidentally squashed.
- Inclusive hydration bladders as some brands do not include the reservoir as standard.
- Women’s colors. Whilst many female riders like to ride “in the pink” remember that pale colours show mud and dirt much quicker so pack exteriors need frequent cleaning.
Which Size of Hydration Bladder?
Choose a 1.5 litre pack with minimal storage capacity for short rides in cool weather.
To avoid dehydration on longer rides, a 2 or 3 litre hydration pack with adequate storage volume is advisable. Remember that a three-litre pack can be half filled for flexibility
Hydration Pack Brands and Costs
Camelbak is the market leader in hydration and produces a wide range of women’s fit hydration systems from the simple 1.5-litre Charm with zero storage to the 3-litre Luxe, the Camelbak Mule equivalent. Women’s Camelbak prices range from $35 to $90.
Hydrapak also offers hydration packs for women with an easy clean reversible reservoir system – just turn the bladder inside out. The pretty 2-litre Aqualine available in blue and pink retails at $ 44.99.
Using a Hydration Pack
- Ensure that shoulder straps are tightened symmetrically to avoid backache due to uneven weight distribution.
- Clean and sterilise the hydration bladder frequently for maximum reservoir life.
- Keep liquid cold on hot days. Part fill the reservoir, lay flat and freeze contents before filling to capacity.
Buying a Women’s Hydration Pack for Cycling
Female cyclists with short bodies should consider a women’s hydration pack for improved comfort and fit. Choose a 2-litre pack with at least 3 litres storage capacity for medium to long mountain bike rides or simply opt for a 1.5 litre hydration system with no storage space for simple hydration on the move.
Related Articles
You may be interested in our articles on
- Hydration Packs for All Day Mountain Biking
- How to Clean a Hydration Pack
- Women's Cycling Clothing: Where to Buy Women's Mountain Bike Gear
Helen Smeaton - Helen Smeaton runs a cycling and hiking business and is also a freelance writer and web designer. Read her profile for more information
Join the Conversation