Enduro hydration backpack: our top 6 in 2025

Lighter than a classic backpack, more practical than a bottle of water, the hydration bag (commonly called, but wrongly called camelbak, because it is the name of a brand) is one of the essential pilot equipment for the practice of enduro.

The criteria for choosing enduro backpacks

Several selection criteria must be taken into account when choosing the backpack best suited to your enduro motorcycle practice.

Criterion 1: for us is the support on the back. In enduro, you are subject to many shocks and there is nothing worse than having a bag that goes around and bounces all day on your back. The Swedish brand USWE has developed a specially designed X-strap for the practice of enduro. We must admit that we are really a fan of this ‘No Dancing Monkey’ system, which allows a perfect position of the bag on the top of the back without hindering movement.

Criterion 2: In the second criterion, the capacity of the water bag. It will generally vary between 1 and 3 liters. In enduro, we will usually favor the pockets of large capacity (between 2.5 and 3 liters) to have the maximum autonomy. The advantage of choosing a large capacity is that with a 3L pocket, you do not have to fill it completely on short trips, but “who can most can least”.

Other point: ease of cleaning. Pockets with a large opening (slide type) are preferred for effective cleaning and drying (farewell to mold).

Criterion 3: The third criterion is the bag storage volume. You have to choose between an average bag (5 to 10 liters) to carry tools, phone and jacket, or a compact bag (2 to 4 liters) if you are already riding with a banana. The important thing is to avoid too heavy bags that generate unnecessary lumbar fatigue.

Small reminder: Moisturising in regular small sips prevents pumping and cramps. Do not wait for thirst!

The best hydration bags for enduro: our selection

Here is our updated selection of the 6 best bags. Make the right choice, it is your back that will thank you!

Selection last updated: 2025

Top 1: USWE Raw 12L – “The King of Versatility”

• Water pocket: 3 L (Hydrapak Elite)
• Storage: 12 L
• The +: Absolute comfort and carrying capacity

Our favorite bag (and tested over time)! It remains unbeatable. With its pocket of 3 liters and its 12 liters of storage, it allows to leave the whole day with tools and jacket without feeling the weight. The main reason for this Top 1 is the ‘No Dancing Monkey’ strap system: even when loaded, it does not move a millimetre in the high. This is the reference.

Top 1a: USWE Shred 16L

The big brother for guides or scouts. More volume (16L), an accessible phone pocket without removing the bag and a better "premium" finish. If you like to pack a lot of gear, this is the luxury alternative to Raw 12L.

Top 2: USWE Raw 3L – “The Competitive Weapon”

• Water pocket: 1.5 L or 2L (depending on version)
• Storage: 3 L
• The +: Feather weight

The choice of drivers who chase the clock or who ride with a banana. It is the same perfect holding system as the 12L, but in an ultra-compact version. We put water, a bar, a phone and that’s it. Ideal not to tire your shoulders.

Top 3: LEATT Hydradry WP 2.0 – “Only 100% watertight”

• Water pocket: 2 L
• Storage: 5 L
• The +: Totally waterproof

An excellent challenger signed Leatt. Its main advantage is its total waterproofness (waxed canvas-type material), which is perfect for winter and mud. The support is very good thanks to large ventilated straps, even if a notch below the USWE system. We appreciate the small toolkit provided.

Top 4: SHOT Hydra Bag Rando Climatic – “The smart choice / Q/P ratio”

• Water pocket: 2 L (EVA quality)
• Storage: 3 L
• The +: X-strap system and insulated pocket

This is the good surprise of this 2025 ranking. Shot offers here a very affordable bag (approx. 60€) that integrates the famous system of cross straps in X with rotary buckle. Result: a maintenance very close to the high-end references for a third of the price.

The expert’s opinion: It validates the hold and the insulated pocket (very useful for keeping the water fresh). However, let us be transparent: at this price, the quality of the materials is lower than the USWE and the supplied EVA water bag will age faster. This is the best choice for tight budgets who want a bag that does not toss around.

Top 5: ACERBIS Path – “The classic alternative”

• Water pocket: 2 L
• Storage: 7 L

Acerbis offers here a sturdy bag with a good capacity (7L). The strap system tries to copy the X, but the addition of a ventral strap makes the whole thing a little more restrictive to wear than the Shot or the USWE. A good bag, solid, but outdated in ergonomics.

Top 6: KRIEGA Hydro 3 – “Indestructible but expensive”

• Water pocket: 3 L
• Storage: Very low (1L)

The Kriega quality is legendary (10 years guarantee), it is strong. Used by Graham Jarvis, it is a purely “hydration” bag. The problem for the amateur is the cruel lack of storage for the price. Excellent product, but very specific use.

Summary: Which bag to choose?

To help you compare the range and volume of carry at a glance:

Bonus: replacement pocket

Even if all water bags last quite a long time, cleaning them regularly, they sometimes drop over time. Instead of changing the entire bag, it will be cheaper to buy a new pocket.

Bonus: the Hydration Belt

For those of you who can't stand the backpack, the USWE banana is the ideal alternative. 1L of water + tools, all on the hips to release the shoulders.