The Rockrider 2 litre backpack makes for a practical, inexpensive hydration solution.
A hydration bladder is a must-have in the hot and humid Indian riding environment. I had been using the previous version of the Rockrider 2L hydration bladder for close to three years without complaints. So, when it was time to replace it (because it was destroyed when I had a fall, not because something failed), the newest version was a no-brainer.
Both this version and the previous model have a small storage compartment in addition to the pocket for the 2-litre hydration bladder. Decathlon says it measures 7 litres, which may not sound like much, but I have regularly been able to fit a t-shirt, my rain overalls, a chunky power bank, wallet and ORS packets in it. Even then, you have space left for small knick-knacks.
While the previous one had three dedicated pockets with zips inside the main storage area, this one has two more, but they aren’t zippered. This allows you to pack the small items such that they don’t move a lot throughout the day. There is also an external pocket, although it’s best to store non-essentials here because you cannot shut it.
Multiple pockets allow you to organise your small belongings securely.
The 2-litre hydration bladder has proved to be sufficient for my usage, and I have scarcely run out of water. Just like most other plastic bladders, you need to wash it properly before using it to get rid of the irksome ‘plastic taste’. My only gripe is that the bite valve doesn’t have a cover, which is quite unpleasant in our dusty conditions. This is something other similarly priced Indian moto brands’ products are equipped with. So, Decathlon should take note when it updates this version.
The nifty thing about the Rockrider is that there is a chest strap as well as a waist strap, which is not something you find in many similarly priced products. The only problem here is that for the waist strap, there is no loop to keep the excess strap material in place;
you need to tuck it in before setting off, or it will flail around in the wind and slap your torso (ask me how I found out). You can get more expensive units that will give you more features and storage, but at Rs 2,799, the Rockrider 2-litre hydration backpack is one of the more affordable, durable and practical solutions available today.
Where: decathlon.com
Price: Rs 2,799
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