I’ve avoided using a pack for racing as I’ve been doing shorter events with aid stations, one bottle cage worked for that. Historically when I have run hydration packs I would use lumbar / horizontal Style bladders to keep the weight low, not high. Last pack in use was a camelback charge. It’s pretty beat now and I’m considering a new pack for some longer riders and racers this year. I’m intrigued by USWE but kind of surprised they don’t seem to offer something similar. Their take seems to be the opposite - keep the weight higher and offer access to jersey pockets. The camelback lumbar designs offer accessible zipper pockets you can access while riding.
Hm?
Has anyone had experience with both designs? Everyone using the USWE seems to love them, anyone try one that didn’t like it? Going back to a vertical bladder seems a tough sell for me. I’m looking for a minimal 1.5 liter pack for racing. I’ve enjoyed the feeling of the lumbar horizontal bladder designs, but perhaps the USWE is just as good if not better.
End of the day all packs suck, just trying to find the one that’s the least uncomfortable. 