Leatt’s new hydration pack is a perfect example of product innovation driven directly by the needs of enduro racers. Unfortunately, while the longer-than-your-wheelbase feature list is impressive on paper, the bag is frustrating to use in practice.
The waterproof construction works really well to keep the elements out, but it means the bag is uber-stiff and makes opening and closing the zips a chore when its minimalist 5l of storage nears full capacity. In fact, we broke the zips clean off our first test sample after only one ride. Leatt say they’ll be using different zips on production bags to prevent this.
The helmet bungees make getting in and out of the front pocket even more like homework, and we found the adjustable storage straps worked loose after just a few minutes in the saddle. Again, Leatt says this issue has now been resolved.
The chest harness doesn’t loosen, but the lack of a waist belt means you have to wrench the twin straps up tight to stop the pack jumping around and hitting you in the back of the head. The CE certified back protector is a nice touch, but adds to the price of an already expensive pack.