USWE MTB Hydro 8l
Ride it
100% stable, no bouncing or wobbling
Plenty of compartments for tools, snacks, and essentials
Comfortable, even on long days
Hydrapak and Blaster Bite Valve are leak-proof
Skip it
No storage space on the front
Less suitable for multi-day trips
NDM Harness takes some getting used to
More info: uswe.com
Why the USWE MTB Hydro 8L?
During various marathons and ultra rides, I’d find myself getting increasingly annoyed by the wobbling and very “present” feeling of my bike pack. I wanted a pack that would bother me less and cause less discomfort, while still offering space for water, tools, extra clothing, and nutrition.
At the 2022 Cape Epic, the USWE Outlander suddenly became the go-to hydration solution for the pros. Too small for me, obviously, since there’s no storage space in that pack. But the No Dancing Monkey harness immediately caught my attention.
So I started browsing USWE’s lineup and stumbled upon the MTB Hydro. I went for the middle version with 8 liters of capacity: 5 liters of storage and a 3-liter Hydrapak bladder.
Since then, I’ve ridden three Stoneman routes with this pack over the past few years, two of them in a single day, and I finished the Limburg 200 ultra in one day as well. On top of that, I’ve used this pack for various Ardennes marathons and countless personal rides, both locally and in the Ardennes…
Tested setups: USWE MTB Hydro 8L both nearly empty for short rides and packed to the brim (with tools, clothing, food, and water) during marathons or ultras.
Tested in/on: Local trails, Ardennes marathons, Stoneman Arduenna & Miriquidi, MTB trails Spa and Amblève trail center, Limburg 200…
Period: I bought the USWE MTB Hydro in 2022 and still use it on all my rides in all conditions to this day.
What I love about the USWE MTB Hydro
Stability: The “No Dancing Monkey” harness delivers on its promise—the pack doesn’t move. Even on technical descents and bumpy trails, it stays tight against your back, provided you’ve adjusted it properly, of course.
Comfort & fit: Thanks to its ergonomic design, the pack distributes weight well. You won’t get sore shoulders or back, even after hours of riding. My longest ride with this pack was over 11 hours… As for ventilation, this pack is well-equipped too. Of course, riding without a pack would feel even fresher and more ventilated on your back…
Hydration: Finding the opening of the Hydrapak the very first time I tried to fill it wasn’t simple, but once you figure it out, it is. The bladder can be turned inside out, making it easy to clean. Both the bladder and the Blaster Bite valve are leak-proof.
Organization: There’s enough room for snacks, essential tools and parts, and even a jacket or arm warmers, for example. The pack remains very stable when full and definitely doesn’t feel clunky. A full 3-liter water bladder will certainly fit, though the storage space naturally becomes more compact.
What could be better
No front storage: With this pack, I sometimes miss having extra storage on the harness, so on the front. You can buy a separate smartphone pocket that attaches to the harness shoulder strap. You could also store small essentials (that you want within easy reach) or some small snacks or gels in there.
Less suitable for bikepacking: For a multi-day bikepacking trip, this MTB Hydro falls short in my opinion, even if you opt for the larger 12-liter version.
NDM harness takes getting used to: The No Dancing Monkey harness is sublime and delivers on its promise, but to enjoy 100% of the desired effect, it needs to fit pretty snugly, which can take some getting used to at first. But you’ll definitely adapt, and you can breathe just as perfectly as with any other pack. It requires a bit of adjustment and fine-tuning.
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Verdict
The USWE MTB Hydro 8L is an excellent choice for mountain bikers who want stability and comfort on long rides. Thanks to its unique harness, you almost forget you’re wearing a pack. For marathons, trail rides, and day trips, this is definitely worth considering.
Ideal for riders who want maximum freedom of movement without compromising on hydration, comfort, and storage space for essentials.
Where to buy?
The USWE MTB Hydro is available at various specialized webshops and bike shops. Below you’ll find one or more of our trusted partners where you can purchase it:
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USWE MTB Hydro 8L Specifications
| Harness | Capacity | Weight | Sizing | Dimensions | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No Dancing Monkey 4-point system | 8L: 5 liters storage + 3 liter Hydrapak | Approx. 545 grams (without Hydrapak) | Chest circumference 84–110 cm | 42 x 19 x 12 cm | MTB and gravel |
FAQ
Is the USWE Hydro suitable for marathons?
Yes, absolutely. Thanks to its bounce-free design, large water capacity, and room for tools and snacks, it’s ideal for a long day in the saddle.
How big is the reservoir?
The Hydrapak bladder has a maximum capacity of 3 liters. When completely full, it does require some pushing and pulling to get the bladder fully into its designated compartment, but it’s doable!
Does it stay put during technical trails?
100%, provided you’ve adjusted the harness properly. On technical trails and steep descents, the pack stays motionless in the same position on your back and it’ll even feel like you’re not wearing a pack at all.
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