The Best Cycling Hydration Vests of 2026

The Evoc Hydro Pro 1.5 is the hydration vest we recommend for most people, and is the one our editors reach for most frequently. This pack is highly adjustable, extremely stable, relatively lightweight, and has just the right amount of water and gear storage capacity for most rides.

The Hydro Pro includes a 1.5-liter Hydrapak water bladder, which is adequate for a couple of hours on the bike or a couple more with a bottle or two on the frame. Like most packs, the full bladder takes up storage space, but it doesn’t completely fill it, and you can actually squeeze 1.5 liters of gear into the pack, too. It’s just a simple, large open compartment. It’s easy to fit an electric mini-pump (or a hand pump), a spare tube, a multi-tool, a tire plug kit, and a couple of extra snacks in there. Plus, there’s space for a (neatly folded) light jacket inside, too. It’s all easily accessible through the large zippered flap, which opens wide.

One of the highlights of the Hydro Pro is the front pocket layout. The left side has a zippered pocket large enough to fit a phone, along with an internal pocket for cash/cards, and a key clip. There are also stretch mesh pockets on both sides, which are ideal for quick-access items like gels and other snacks.

It’s a one-size-fits-most affair with a claimed chest circumference range of 33.5 to 47 inches. Stretch panels connect the body of the pack to the straps, along with adjustment straps to account for different torso sizes. In the front, two straps connect across the sternum, allowing for a few inches of tension adjustment and some vertical adjustability to optimize their position. The lower strap has a standard buckle, while the upper has a magnetic buckle that doubles as the attachment for the hydration hose.

In our experience, this vest doesn’t move at all while riding. Whether pounding miles on rough gravel or riding properly chunky trails on the mountain bike, it just stays put. Like most hydration vests, the full bladder can feel a bit round on the back, but not as much as some other models, and that issue is quickly remedied once you start drinking some of the water.

Any pack is hotter on the back than none, and the Hydro Pro’s AirMesh back and straps were on par with most of the other packs, all of which resulted in a hot and sweaty upper back. Of course, the 1.5 L size has limited gear storage capacity, but it also comes in 3 L and 6 L sizes for those interested in carrying more with them. All sizes currently come in the same black and steel (light blue) color options.

At $130, the Hydro Pro is priced competitively, and we think it’s a great value. One of our editors has been using his for three years now, and it still looks basically brand new. It’s an excellent all-rounder and our top choice. You can learn more about it in this article from a few years back.

Hydration packs basically didn’t exist until the late 1980s when CamelBak introduced its first models. They quickly gained popularity in the 1990s, and the brand became, and continues to be, synonymous with wearable hydration systems. CamelBak remains one of the leaders in the market, offering a wide range of models, including two versions of the cycling-oriented Chase hydration vests. The Chase Race 4 is the smaller of the two, intended to be a streamlined, low-volume option for carrying water and the essentials during rides and races.

The Chase Race 4 has a total storage capacity of 4 liters, with a large portion of that space occupied by the included Crux 1.5L water bladder. The remaining 2.5 liters of gear capacity is split into several pockets and compartments. The bladder is separated in its own sleeve, closest to the back, for stability. The outermost compartment opens wide with three internal pouches for tool organization, plus a bit of room for bulkier things like tubes or an electric tire inflator. In between, a deep stretch pocket is intended to hold a hand pump or an extra layer. There isn’t very much space for gear, but we found it easy to pack all the regular essentials, and that’s about it.

On the chest, each strap has a large zippered pocket big enough for modern smartphones, as well as a stretch mesh pocket for other small items. The zipped pockets are top-loading, and we didn’t find them quite as easy to access as other designs, but they can fit a considerable amount inside. The straps and back panel of the Chase Race 4 are made of a 3D Grid Mesh that provides respectable breathability.

The sternum and side straps offer a massive adjustment range, and the Chase 4 is claimed to fit chest sizes between 28″ and 46″. We were right in the middle and had no problem finding a comfortable and secure fit. We did find, however, that with a full bladder and gear, the Chase became very round, reducing its comfort and stability. And, given its low volume, it was quite easy to overstuff this pack.

The 1.5L Crux bladder was generally easy to use, featuring a large screw top, a fill handle, and a quick-connect hose. The shorter-than-average hose length took some getting used to, however, as it caused the nozzle to point down. It was still effective for drinking, but the clips and it’s position were a bit less ergonomic and user-friendly while riding, comparatively.

Despite a couple of minor quirks, this low-volume pack is a solid option for riders or racers seeking to carry water and essentials. At $126, it’s competitively priced, functional, and comes from a brand that so many riders already know and trust. There are better options if you’re looking to carry a lot of food or bulkier layers, such as the CamelBak Chase Adventure 8, for example. However, if you’re moving quickly and packing lightly, the Chase Race 4 could be a great fit.

Premium cycling apparel brand Velocio started making packs in 2025, including the aptly named Hydration Pack. This pack is somewhat unique, with an extremely low weight, airy materials, and a super streamlined, training- and race-oriented fit. It is arguably the best option for weight-conscious road and gravel riders seeking a lightweight, breathable, and slim-fitting pack for high-intensity, long-distance rides or races.

The first thing that stands out about the Velocio pack is its super light weight. The airy mesh and stretch materials used in its construction weigh just 285 grams, including the reservoir. That translates to a slightly higher level of breathability, as the materials allow more air to pass through them than others we’ve tried. This also means that it has very little structure or padding, although that doesn’t really matter once it’s snugly strapped to your body. This thing has a very sleek, jersey-like fit that’s seemingly a bit more aerodynamic than the competition, too.

Additionally, those super-light materials don’t feel the most robust. That’s not really a problem if you’re mostly sticking to paved or gravel roads, but it makes us less inclined to use this pack for mountain biking. The bladder in the version we tested feels quite round on the back when full; however, Velocio updated the bladder with a baffled version in response to rider feedback.

The 1.5-liter bladder should make it easier to skip the first couple of aid stations in your next gravel race. The pack also has roughly 1.5 liters of gear storage, and we found it easy enough to stuff the essentials like a pump, plugs, tools, and tubes inside the large zippered pocket on the back. Zippered pockets and stretch mesh pockets on the vest straps can also fit a regular-sized phone, or all of your high-carb gels on race day for quick access.

With the first run of Velocio’s Hydration Packs, the brand made them in two sizes, S/M and L/XL. With two sizes, they skipped side adjustments and cut a little weight, but they ran a bit small overall and were best suited for trim, cyclist body types. Fortunately, Velocio has already moved to a four-size run, S-XL, which should provide a wider fit range. 

While the original version only came in black, the updated versions are also offered in spruce (greenish) and madder brown (reddish) color options, which may help keep your water a tad cooler for longer. For riders seeking to carry more water while keeping weight to a minimum, this pack is a super streamlined, lightweight, minimalist’s dream and a very compelling choice.

The Restrap Race Hydration Vest is frankly one of the heaviest around, and not the most breathable on the back. But this hydration vest is handmade in the Yorkshire Dales in England, where there’s a 6-month rainy season. So, it is also the vest Cory grabs if the weather is going to be foul. Or frankly, even if there’s a chance of rain.

The Restrap’s main body is made with a waterproof black X21 fabric. Both its main rear pocket and phone chest pocket feature waterproof zippers. So even though its seams are not sealed, it keeps contents quite dry, even in extended rain.

The classic nylon webbing straps provide a secure fit when cinched down to the body, ensuring it stays in place as you ride. However, the two chest straps also feature a short, stretchy elastic section, allowing for a slight give to prevent limiting movement or chest expansion as you breathe. The secure fit also provides more adjustability than most. This allowed Cory to comfortably fit in the smaller of the two available sizes, while his larger chest often limits him at the bigger end of several other hydration vests.

The orange lining of the phone pocket and main rear pocket are small details, but something we found helpful when searching for gear inside. The colored pull tabs (current ones are orange on the front & rear) also make it easy to locate the zipper pulls when you reach down, even when riding and participating in adventure racing at night.

The classic mesh pockets on the straps receive a lot of use for carrying quick-access snacks, the phone pocket, of course, and the main rear pocket to keep clothing dry. Two stretchy mesh pockets on the back can easily carry a couple of extra water bottles (or tall boys) when restocking before camping for the evening.

The Apidura Racing Hydration Vest was Cory’s first cycling hydration vest and the one he uses most often, despite a couple of minor quirks.

This vest simply feels lighter on the back than almost any other vest he’s tried, and it breathes well and dries relatively quickly after he gets sweaty. Its 3D mesh back and straps are especially well-ventilated and feel open, yet the fit remains quite structured and secure while riding.

It also has a slim profile that sits close to the body, which feels good when riding, but also means it can fit under a rain jacket or even a winter jacket if it’s not st￭ excessively full. Even though it is low-profile and lightweight, it still offers a generous 2L water capacity for long, hot days, with a bladder made by Apidura that works well and is easy enough to keep clean.

The biggest annoyance with this vest is its limited hose routing, which is hindered by the fixed magnetic holder on the lower right side of the chest strap. This means that the hose and nozzle ultimately end up pointing downward, sitting annoyingly against the stomach while clipped to the magnet. This is similar to the orientation of the hose on the CamelBak Chase Race 4.

The solution is relatively simple: a separate clip-on magnetic buckle (perhaps borrowed from another vest)… then you could clip to the left shoulder strap. Or more simply, ignoring the magnet and looping the hose through the upper sternum strap instead.

Another tiny pet peeve is the long bungee straps on the side that fine-tune the torso fit. These honestly worked well but were prone to flapping in the wind. This has since been remedied with the 2nd generation of the Apidura Racing Vest, which has nylon webbing side adjustment straps.

Still, the Apidura is a lightweight vest pack with a breathable construction and just the right amount of storage and water capacity for your most epic adventures.

The High Above Supernatural is a premium hydration vest pack made in the USA from super-tough and highly weather-resistant materials. This pack is designed specifically for the mountain bike crowd, offering ample space for water and gear while withstanding abuse and changing weather conditions. Yes, it’s expensive, but the quality materials and craftsmanship mean that it could be the last pack you ever need to buy — just like everything else High Above makes.

The Supernatural has significant storage space, with a total capacity of 6 liters, four of which can be used for gear. That all fits into the main storage compartment, which is primarily wide open, but has a large zippered pocket with a key clip and two stretch, drop-in tool pockets, plus straps on both sides to keep pumps in place vertically. A bungee on the outside of the pack can secure a jacket or knee pads, along with an optional strap system for attaching a helmet. Additionally, the large stretch pockets on the front of the vest straps keep a phone or nutrition handy while you ride. 

The Supernatural comes with a baffled 2-liter bladder, so on top of gear for an all-day mission, you can bring plenty of water, too. The folding/slider top with a wide opening makes it easy to fill and clean. All that water and gear storage means that this pack can be heavier than the others, but even with a full bladder, tools, snacks, and a jacket, it always remained stable — even when riding rough and steep terrain.

The Supernatural has a fairly large fit range. The two sternum straps have a relatively wide range of tension adjustment and can be moved up or down for optimal chest positioning. At the sides, a zig-zag strap system allows for a sizeable range of torso/chest circumference adjustment.

The primary feature that distinguishes this pack is the 400D Challenge EPX shell fabric. This fabric is thicker and a little stiffer than others, but it feels like it could protect you from a knife attack. It also repels water quite well, fending off light to moderate showers and puddle splashes with ease. The sturdy YKK #8 waterproof zipper also helps prevent moisture from entering.

High Above clearly intended to make a pack that could stand up to the elements and the rigors of riding rough trails in the forest, and we think they definitely s쳮ded in that mission. Those rugged materials add up to one of the heaviest vests we’ve tried, but at 575 grams including the bladder, it’s not exactly “heavy”, either. Beyond that, it’s hard to look past the price, of course, as this is the most expensive vest-style hydration pack around. That said, it feels bombproof and capable of providing years of faithful service, so we expect most riders will get their money’s worth over time.

The Rogla 5 is a new cycling vest pack from the German pack specialists at Deuter. We found it to be super comfortable and very stable while offering a well-organized mid-sized storage capacity for people who want the option to carry more than the low-volume packs can fit. It has a couple of minor quirks, but nothing that would keep us from recommending it to anyone interested in a vest-style pack.

With a total storage capacity of 5 liters, 3 of which are for gear, the Rogla hits the “Goldilocks zone” for storage. The main compartment is fairly roomy, but it’s not nearly as spacious as the High Above Supernatural. You need a slightly more organized approach if squeezing an extra layer, gloves, and a jacket in there, but it all fits pretty easily when done correctly. Plus, it has some organizational pockets inside to keep tools separated and prevent you from fishing around inside. A set of tucked-away bungees on the outside of the pack are there to attach bulkier items, like knee pads, a jacket, or a helmet. 

The 2-liter water bladder occupies part of the storage space when completely full, but it doesn’t dominate it. The Hydrapak bladder has a user-friendly fold/slide top. The nozzle comes with a removable cover that you can either leave on to keep dust off your nozzle or remove entirely. The hose slots into a non-magnetic clip on the upper sternum strap. The lack of a magnet didn’t bother us, but the centered clip location took some getting used to.

On the chest straps, two long zippered pockets can easily swallow your phone and all of your snacks. Both are large and can hold plenty of stuff, with all of it secured behind a zipper — no drop-in pockets here.

Deuter doesn’t specify a chest size range. We got along well with it, but didn’t seem that far away from maxing it out with a 38-inch chest measurement. Although we were near the upper end of its fit range, it remained quite comfortable and impressively stable while riding — even when st￭ with water and gear. 

Overall, we think the Deuter Rogla 5 is a great all-around option that should serve adventurous gravel and mountain bike riders well. It’s not the raciest, but it’s comfortable, well-organized, and a solid choice for those who want the option to pack more than the bare minimum.

USWE has been producing vest-style packs for moto, running, and cycling for years, and is one of the most common brands we see on other riders. The brand’s tag line is “no dancing monkey”, a reference to the feeling of an unstable pack bouncing around on your back. Being one of the earliest brands to market their vest-style packs specifically towards cyclists, they became a go-to choice for early adopters of cycling vests and continue to be a popular pick, with numerous models to choose from.

The Outlander XC 2L is one of the brand’s smallest packs with a minimalist design geared toward fast and light XC, gravel, and road riding. It comes with an average-sized 1.5-liter water bladder that occupies nearly all of the pack’s storage space when it’s completely full. That leaves a somewhat tight 0.5 liters of space to stuff a few essentials into the pack. You can squeeze quite a few slim items into it, like a mini-pump, CO2s, a multi-tool, and a well-placed tube, but it’s tight. Comparatively, it’s much easier to fit lots more gear into any of the other packs listed here.

But that’s also kind of the point. In fact, the Outlander is technically not a “vest,” and it doesn’t have any pockets on the straps. You’ll need to keep your phone, gels, and other quick-access items elsewhere. This pack is primarily meant for holding extra water and making it easy to drink — you’ll still need to use your jersey pockets or cargo bib pockets to keep essentials handy.

USWE’s No Dancing Monkey (NDM) 4-point harness involves a unique X-style strap system that meets in the center of the chest with a single buckle. The circular buckle is extremely easy to use, making it quick to take the pack on and off, which could be particularly helpful if you need a hand-up mid-race. That said, we found these straps to be the least comfortable of the bunch by a tiny margin. That’s mostly down to personal preference, but we preferred the pressure distribution of the other packs’ more vest-like strap designs. 

One notable feature of the USWE pack is its extensive range of strap adjustability. The shoulder straps are adjustable, and the lower/side strap connection has two attachment points to accommodate larger or smaller chest dimensions. It’s a quick and easy adjustment to make and should make the pack work for most people. Oddly enough, our 38-inch chested tester fell exactly in the middle of the 33 to 43-inch chest size range and it felt too snug in the small setting and on the verge of being loose in the large setting. 

This pack’s small size means it has one of the smallest footprints on the body. making it a bit cooler to wear with less surface area contact. It’s also the least expensive option we tried, making it a good value for anyone who wants a good way to carry more water on rides. Its gear storage is very limited, so be sure to check out USWE’s huge range of other options for carrying more gear.

Cory first rode with the new Canyon x Millet Sharp vest during the Traka 100, a very rainy and muddy five hours out on the bike. It was cool enough that he didn’t necessarily need the vest for extra food & water, but wearing it meant he didn’t need to stop at the feed station to refuel, and could keep on spinning the pedals through the muck. He’s kept reaching for it ever since.

The highlight of this hydration vest is that it’s easy to forget you’re wearing it soon after you start pedaling — even starting out with 1.5L of water and a bunch of snacks inside. It is not especially light, but it fits securely and doesn’t move at all while riding. And the rear pass-through mesh pocket is the best we’ve found for quickly stashing a rain jacket or armwarmers while riding. It even has enough space to stash a spare bottle from a race feed station, bulkier snacks, or a can of Coke from a mid-ride gas station resupply.

We appreciate that the zippered chest pocket is lined to keep sweat from fogging up a phone screen/camera. However, the pocket is not fully waterproof, so its contents can still get wet in heavy rain. Size-wise, with a 102cm (40.2″) chest, Cory was at the comfortable upper limit of the L/XL. That leads us to believe this vest will work best for smaller riders, especially since the hidden side bungees do a good job of making it even smaller.

Ultimately, it doesn’t have the best ventilation of the vests we’ve tried, but the PowerNet fabric against the body dries quite quickly. But at the same time, those tiny white mesh pockets collect dust & mud as you ride, and it’s really difficult to clean. Our test vest started white, but it’s probably going to be grey from this point on.