MXA TEAM TESTED: USWE ZULO 2L HYDRATION WAIST PACK

WHAT IS IT? The Zulo 2 is a specially designed race hydration waist pack providing the perfect ergonomic fit on your hip. USWE specializes in creating high-performance hydration packs for athletes on the go. In the dirt bike realm, USWE is the go-to brand for off-road racers.

WHAT’S IT COST? $89.99.

CONTACT? www.uswe.com.

WHAT STANDS OUT? Here’s a list of things that stand out with the USWE Zulo 2L hydration waist pack.

(1) Concept. The Zulo 2 hydration waist pack carries 35 ounces of water (or any fluid you’d like) centrally located on your waist. The Zulo 2-liter pack uses a compression strap system for a slim and secure profile, making the hip pack fit you perfectly so there is zero bouncing on the bike. The cargo compression keeps your gear close to your body, further increasing pack stability. It has a lightweight mesh back panel and is the optimal option for serious riders who need to bring hydration on their ride without wearing a backpack. It also has plug-and-play coupling, making it easy to connect and secure the hose to the bladder. There’s a magnetic clip for the drink tube, a smart multi-organizer pocket, and two quick-stash side pockets for quick access to store tools or gels for long trail rides. 

(2) Fitment. There are only two options when it comes to carrying a hydration pack on the go—a backpack or a hip pack. USWE makes multiple backpack options, and they can hold more water and other items if desired. USWE also makes a 6-liter waist pack, but the slimmer 2-liter option is what most pros use for racing. 

The waist pack is beneficial for multiple reasons. Wearing a backpack can limit ventilation through your jersey. Plus, a backpack covers your jersey logos and/or the name and number on your back. However, the main benefit of the waist pack is that it holds the water closer to your body’s center of gravity. Centralizing the mass makes the pack feel lighter, allowing you to ride harder and longer with less fatigue. 

The pack itself weighs just over a 1/2 pound, and a full bladder with 35 ounces of water inside weighs 2.1 pounds. That 2.6 pounds of weight feels heavier on your back than on your hip. To test this concept, pick up a 5- or 10-pound dumbbell. Hold it by your side and walk around. Then, extend your arms, hold the weight out straight in front of you and walk around. The dumbbell didn’t get any heavier, but repositioning the weight made it more difficult to hold. The same concept applies to carrying 2.6 pounds on your hips versus your upper back.

(3) Performance. Our test riders have raced with both hip packs and backpacks many times. As mentioned, USWE leads the way in hydration packs for off-road racing, and both types work well, but the waist pack is preferred by most of our test riders. 

One complaint: The hose could be a little bit longer. Josh Mosiman raced with this pack at the Lake Havasu NGPC race (see February issue), and he had to flip the bladder around in the bag and then route the hose out of the left side of the zipper (instead of the right side where there is a designated opening for the hose). He cut a hole in his jersey and routed the hose up and over the shoulder strap of his chest protector. Then he fed it out the front of his jersey through another hole to make it happen. Cutting holes in a jersey is normal. We would do this even with a longer hose, but it would be easier to grab the hose and stick it in your mouth if it were a few inches longer. We saw multiple pro riders using the waist pack with extended hoses.    

WHAT’S THE SQUAWK? The hose length was our only complaint.

MXA RATING: The USWE 2-liter waist pack is the way to go for off-road racing. Keeping yourself hydrated can be the difference between finishing strong, and cramping up and getting passed late in the race. USWE hydration packs are second to none.