MXA TEAM TESTED: USWE OUTLANDER MOTO 3L HYDRATION PACK

WHAT IS IT? USWE (pronounced “you-swee”) is a Swedish brand. Although they now specialize in many other endurance sports, the company was started to create a pack that could carry what you need (e.g., food, water, tools) for off-road motorcycle riding without hindering your ride. The USWE Outlander Moto 2L and 3L hydration packs utilize USWE’s award-winning four-point suspension design system, which ensures the hydration pack is as inconspicuous as possible. 

WHAT’S IT COST? $99.99 (2L), $144.95 (3L). 

CONTACT? www.uswe.com or [email protected].

WHAT STANDS OUT? Here’s a list of things that stand out with the USWE Outlander Moto 3L hydration pack.

(1) Concept. The USWE brand started by making hydration backpacks, but they’ve now expanded into making waist packs and even “daypacks,” which are just standard backpacks with better straps and hydration bladders. The Outlander line includes USWE’s racer-oriented options with many different sizes available. We tested the Outlander Moto 3L (pictured) and the Outlander Moto 2L. The 3L bag is slightly bigger, with an extra clip-on compartment for carrying accessories like tools, food or a phone, and it can easily be taken on and off. Interestingly enough, the 3L size doesn’t have a 3-liter bladder; it comes with a 2-liter bladder, but it has an extra liter of storage in the pack. The Outlander 2L pack comes with a 1.5-liter bladder, and it has an extra .5 liters of space left over. 

The Elite hydration bladders have a slider opening on top for easy cleaning/drying, and they make it possible to add ice to your bladder in hot weather. One important note: Even though the USWE Outlander hydration pack isn’t advertised as an insulated pack, the bladder is very well insulated, and it holds ice for a long time. MXA’s Josh Mosiman wore the Outlander 2L hydration pack during the second moto at the scorching-hot 2021 Pala National, and he put too much ice in the pack. Because it’s insulated, the ice didn’t melt, and he drank all the water and finished the race with a bag full of ice. However, it was still a benefit to wear it when racing in over 105 degrees Fahrenheit. Josh went 23-21 in the 450 motos.

(2) Performance. The Outlander hydration packs use a patented zero-bounce harness, which USWE calls “No Dancing Monkey.” The unique elastic harness creates a tight fit, but it gives you the freedom needed to breathe and still move properly on the bike. The compression straps have a slim and secure profile, keeping your gear close to your body. The pack also has plug-and-play coupling, making it easy to connect and secure the hose to the bladder. And, there’s a strap-mounted clip for the drink tube.

(3) Options. MXA test riders primarily race motocross, but they do enjoy dabbling in endurance races and off-road events as well. Traditionally, they have chosen to race with the backpacks, but lately they have been using the USWE waist packs more because of their lower center of gravity. One downside to the USWE waist packs is that the hose length is slightly too short. It takes more effort to get the hose to work properly, while the backpack application is plug-and-play. Even if you lose the hose while riding, it’s easy to grab it again and stick it in your mouth. Of course, some riders use USWE’s hands-free kit ($39.99), but our test riders don’t race off-road enough to warrant modifying a mouthpiece and setting up a helmet for that. We also love that the Outlander Moto hydration packs make it easy to mount our Insta360 cameras to our chests. They have an action camera harness ($49.99) that allows your GoPro or Insta360 to mount directly to the front of the straps. In addition to the Outlander 2L and 3L packs, there are many more options with more water storage and more room for food, tools, and accessories. 

WHAT’S THE SQUAWK? No complaints. 

MXA RATING: The USWE Outlander Moto 2L hydration pack is the bee’s knees. It’s the lightest and sleekest way to carry water while you race. The 3L is a great option, too. It carries a little more water and offers the clip-on pouch for carrying extra supplies when trail riding or endurance racing. USWE is the clear industry leader in hydration packs. Our testers won’t do an endurance race without one.