If you look around in the bike sector, you will find a wide range of hydration packs - but the hydration function is only a partial function. In addition, a rain jacket, some tools and perhaps a spare inner tube should also fit inside. The padding is often correspondingly thicker and the carrying straps are correspondingly wide. For SUP, everything can be a little sparser, especially for SUP races where there is nothing to do except drink. On the other hand, freedom of movement in the upper body should be restricted as little as possible. In addition to particularly lightweight backpacks, hip carrying systems seem particularly suitable. These offer complete freedom of movement for the arms and the load on the hips. The advantage of backpacks is that the tube can be attached more easily close to the mouth. However, with the Source hip system, the holder for the tube can be removed and clipped to the lycra, for example. The ION system offers maximum race suitability, where the tube can be placed directly in front of the mouth using a wire and the hand is not required for drinking.
For survivalists and outdoor freaks. Stop, put a straw in the water and sip. At Lake Starnberg or Lake Walchensee, this takes very little effort, but when taking a big gulp from the southern lagoon, it's probably more of a challenge. There has to be trust in the manufacturer, who promises to filter out 99.9999 per cent of all waterborne bacteria and 99.9 per cent of waterborne protozoa. And that for up to 1000 litres. Well then, "Good luck!"
SUP conclusion: Not suitable for racing, not even really necessary on a "normal" tour, more as a backup for expeditions in remote areas. And as a gadget for the real outdoor guy (or woman). Price about 25 Euro >> available here .
Optimised for racing. The spartan, tight-fitting waistcoat only offers space for the hydration bladder at the back and two additional, small compartments at the front (one with a zip) for two bars, some small change and a key. Despite the thin straps, the lightweight bag (410 grams) is very comfortable to wear. The cut with the small "bib" at the front means that the shoulder straps run far inwards and only go to the back at the lower end of the front pocket, thus keeping the entire shoulder area largely free. The straps running along the side of the body are elasticated, which ensures a very secure fit. The drinking tube is sheathed and stabilised with a supporting wire. This allows the mouthpiece to be positioned directly in front of the head. One grip, mouthpiece in, spit out after drinking, done. If you don't mind, the tube can also be bent in front of the face so that you can reach the drinker without using your hand. The mouthpiece is always ready to drink. An additional lever can close it completely, but in the "open" position, light pressure with the teeth on the rubber mouthpiece is sufficient. The drinking tube can be unclipped from the bladder for cleaning and storage.
SUP conclusion: Tight cut, maximum freedom of movement, always ready to drink. Hardly any storage space. Perfect for sporty tours and SUP races. Volume 1 litre; price approx. 55 euros.
Take it lightly! The padding on the back and straps is "porous" and very breathable. The lightweight bag (360 grams) sits snugly on the back, just the way runners like it. Compared to the ION waistcoat, the straps are wider and sit further out towards the shoulder. This distributes the forces better, even when fully loaded, but the straps are at least always noticeable when paddling, as the arm movement is much more extensive than when running. Two large pockets are attached to the wide straps at the front, which can also hold a mobile phone (in an additional waterproof cover please), and a small zip pocket secures the keys. The intelligent strap guide ensures a secure, wobble-free fit.
SUP conclusion: The Circuit is ideal if the rucksack is also to be used for running or biking. With good ventilation and a particularly non-slip fit. Also suitable for touring paddlers. Volume 1.5 litres; price approx. 75 euros >> available here .
Perfect fit at the hips. The Waist bag from Camelbak (500 grams) also testifies to the brand's many years of experience. The fit on the hips is perfect, the padding is very comfortable and the internal straps can be individually adjusted. There are plenty of additional pockets for small items. There is space for two or three energy bars on the left and right sides, and two further zip-fastened pockets on the back for more valuable items (not waterproof). On the back, a wide flap secured with Velcro and webbing can be folded away to attach a jacket or similar. The drinking tube can be secured with a clever magnetic fastener. To release, the tube is pulled backwards at an angle, which is very easy. In all other directions, the tube is well secured against accidentally falling out. When attaching, a magnet pulls the tube into the clamp when you hold the holder in front of it, the clamp then "snaps" shut. We liked the slightly more extensive storage options for the tour than with the "Source". However, the waterproof inner pocket is missing.
SUP conclusion:Particularly good fit, many storage options. Very suitable for touring and SUP races. Volume 1.5 litres; price approx. 70 euros >> available here .
The specialist. The Hipster Wave (470 grams) is specially designed for SUP, as you can see from some of the details. The bag sits comfortably on the hips, the webbing is slightly elasticated, which makes it more comfortable to carry. Excess webbing is elegantly rolled up and secured with a rubber clip in a small side pocket - nothing dangles around. The two small mesh pockets at the front offer space for two or three bars or other small items that may get wet. In addition to the elasticated straps and two open mesh pockets on the back, the inner compartment is particularly interesting. One Integrated, waterproof bag with roll-top closure also keeps valuable items dry in the event of flooding. Warranty for electronic parts is - understandably - excluded. The drinking valve uses the same valve as Ortlieb, where a small valve with a spring in the rubber grommet is opened when pressure is applied. The tube can be attached to the belt with a magnetic holder.
The counterpart on the belt pouch can also be detached and attached to the jersey, lycra or similar close to the head. This means that the tube does not have to be removed from the holder for a quick drink (and does not have to be attached again - particularly useful for racers). The bag is hardly bulky, looks very small and compact despite its 1.5 litre capacity and does not get in the way when paddling. The drinking tube can be clipped off the bladder for cleaning and storage. According to the manufacturer, the bladder material is particularly smooth-walled and resistant to bacteria. The particularly natural, unclouded flavour of the water is noticeable in use.
SUP conclusion: Developed for touring, racing and - due to the close-fitting shape without large outer pockets - probably also suitable for the wave. Unfortunately we were unable to test this, but it will be delivered later if possible. Very tasteless bladder, light-protected drinking tube. Our tip as a hip system. Volume 1.5 litres; price approx. 70 euros >> available here .
For savers and purists. Ortlieb offers - in co-operation with the Source brand - a Drinking tube which fits onto standard PET bottles. The bottle is placed in a normal rucksack or in a hip belt with a bottle holder, which are usually available quite cheaply.Advantage: The bottle can then be returned to the deposit return centre, eliminating the need to clean the bag. Clamps or the like are not included in the scope of delivery, so it's up to the handyman, otherwise the hose will just dangle around. In addition, due to the design, a certain amount of air is sucked out of the bottle between the inner tube, which protrudes into the bottle, and the outer tube, depending on how the tube is bent. Advantage: The commercially available bottles are neutral in flavour.
SUP conclusion:Not suitable for racers without modifications (holder for the tube). Cost-effective solution for touring paddlers. Price about 16 Euro >> available here .
