Hydration Systems

XLMOTO - Hydration Systems

A hydration pack is especially useful one those hot summer days. Not drinking enough can lead to less concentration and, therefore, a higher risk on accidents. As a driver, you can either stay hydrated by stopping every now and then, but you can also choose to use different hydration systems. Depending on your style, we have several hydration systems available. Let’s look at the different types available, but also how to use them and where to use them for.

Types of hydration systems

There are different types of hydration systems available, every one of them with their own benefits. Let’s start with the easiest one of all, the hydration water bottle. This hydration bottle can either come with a tube and nozzle or without. If you’re using the hydration water bottle, you must take off your helmet and get off your motorbike before it can be used.

The next type of hydration system is a hydration pack. This pack can be stored in almost every backpack. One of the main benefits is that this leaves you plenty of room for other stuff as well. The hydration pack can be bought in all kinds of sizes, where the 2 litre packs are the most common. However, they can also be bought in 1 or 3 litre packs. This kind of hydration system is called a hydration bladder. This is the most widely used hydration system, as this can be stored in almost every backpack. The last possible hydration system is the hydration backpack. The main goal of this backpack is to store large amounts of water or other fluids, which gives you less space for other items. While some of the hydration backpacks only store 2 litres of fluid, some backpacks have the option to store up to 4 litres. The total capacity of these backpacks can be up to 16 litres, which gives you plenty of options to store other goods as well.

The nozzle and tube are directly connected to the bladder in the backpack. The tube has a special opening, so that you don’t have to drive with the zipper of the backpack still open. This is the case with for example the separate hydration bladders.

Pros and cons of hydration systems

On of the biggest advantages of a hydration system is that you can get some fluid whenever you feel like. This allows you to stay hydrated, especially during long rides or rides in the summer. Besides that, the backpack in which some of those hydration systems are stored, give you the opportunity to take other things with you as well. Some of the backpacks have room for more than 16 litres of items. One of the main disadvantages is that you must keep to nozzle and tube always inside your helmet, especially if you’re wearing a helmet with a chin. On the longer term, this can cause irritation. Besides that, the hydration backpack also forces you to use a backpack or to store the hydration bladder somewhere else on the bike. Another disadvantage is that the hydration backpack can lead to longer bike rides. Although you see more during those rides, it can also lead to lower concentration. Keep in mind that getting of the motorbike occasionally is for your own safety. A hydration backpack can prevent this.

Usage of hydration systems

The main advantage of most of the hydration backpacks is that almost all fluids can be stored in there. Although we highly advice not to use carbonated drinks, you can use all other types of fluids. Our advice is to clean or to rinse the hydration bladder every time after it is used. This prevents it from getting dirty or leading to nasty tasting water or other fluids. Don’t forget to clean the tube and the nozzle when you clean the hydration pack. After cleansing, make sure the bag is as good as dry.