If you are a car traveller then, this topic is not relevant for you, as bottle is the best choice for a car traveller. However, if you are a motrocycle rider then, this blog is for you.
This information is curated with my long motorcyling experience. If you are also confuse whether to choose a hydration bag or a water bottle for your short weekend rides and long motorcyling tours then your are at correct place.
Water
Whether it is cold or hot whether, water is a necessity while riding, I have seen people riding long hours with no water, which is completely wrong and sometimes dangerous. While riding your body and mind is continuosly on the go, you are sweating internally as well as externally if it is too hot. Specially with riding gear which is genrally 2-3 degrees higher than normally environmental temperature, makes a rider sweat more. Even in winter, body needs more water while riding to avoid lack of oxegen on high allitudes.
Therefore, water while riding is very important to keep body hydrated at all times, and it might help you further in an adverse situation like washing hands, washing wounds, helping other riders, it will be helpful in any which way.
Water carrying options
When on a motorcycle, there are limited options, to carry drinking water
- One or more water bottle, generally a 500 ml to 1 L
- Water bags, generally a 2 L to 5 L
- Over the shoulder hydration bags, 1L, 2L or 3 L
Water Bottle
Carrying a water bottle on a motorcycle is difficult unless you have a water bottle holder or a bag which could carry such bottle. In any which way, space is a constraint and limitation. Water has its weight and bottle too.
If it is a plastic bottle then it may not last for long and ofcourse it is not a healthy solution. However, if it is a metal bottle then weight could play a vital role and make it impossible to carry more quantity. A bottle inside a holder somewhere on the bike is a good idea but, it has it’s own pros and cons.
It could damage the bottle if it is too close to engine or in case of a stall, I have seen many bikes damage and dented by water bottles on the fall. A bottle can be easily shared with other riders but then there are high chances of loosing then while on a break. Haven’t you left any water bottle in a restaurant, I did many a times.
Water bottles are cheaper and sometimes free along with water and can be re-filled. If it is single use plastic then it can be thrown away when no more required, however, not good for the earth.
Overall, water bottle is not bad choice and a cheaper option too.
Water bag
Generally water bags are not a preference to carry driking water on motorcycles as they are 2L to 5L in size and difficult to carry. However, while on camping a water bag is quite handy and helpful.
Therefore, we do carry water bags but only empty ones, and when required fill water from a near buy source and use it for our camping needs. Therefore, water bags are not used on short or long non camping trips by riders.
Hydration bag
Hydration bag is also a type of water bag, however, I kept it as different category due to it’s purpose. Generally, a hydration bag is carried over the back and have a long spout / pipe for drinking water.
Hydration bags are purposeful and designed specially for riding needs. Generally, it has a bladder which carries water, which varies from 1L to 3L. Some storage space for generic accessories like wallet, sun glasses, travel documents and some other small accessories like camera accessories.
Hydration bag is an investment and not everybody would like to invest that much just to carry water and few small items. They cost somewhere between 1500 INR to 5000 INR, sometimes even more depending on brand and usability. For a rider 2000 to 5000 INR is a big amount just to keep water.
Every product has to offer value and a solution otherwise people avoid spending money over it. Hydration bag is such a product. If you are a frequent rider or long distance rider then a hydration bag can definetely do wonders for you .
- It can easily stay on your back and rider can drink water without getting off from the bike. So it is highly available.
- Can be re-filled easily
- Carrying 2L hydration bag is way easier than carrying 2L bottles
- You can put more items along with water
- It will not harm you or your bike in case of a fall, it might protect your back
Although, it seems value for money as a hydration bag would be usable for longer time than a water bottle. Some might not see the value, durability and reliability they offer.
Conclusion
There is no easy decision whether to choose bottle or hydration bag. It has to be an individual choice. But definetely a hydration bag somewhere around 1500INR is value for money, a rider can spend this much to save our planet from plastics. Either use a metal bottle or a hydration bag but avoid plastic in every case. To start with you can buy one from “Decathlon”. I am using one from last 3 years with ease. Spending more unless it offers high functionailty is not recommended as a rider.
