USWE is relatively new to the MTB scene, but with a background in motorbikes and the likes of Steve Peat already on the sponsorship roster, we’re expecting big things.
The F4 hydration pack houses a 3l Hydrapak bladder, with an internal baffle to ensure you always get water when you need it and a lock on the mouthpiece to prevent leaks. The front of the bag will hold a full-face or open-face lid, making it ideal for enduro racing. There’s a waterproof ‘media’ pocket as well as enough internal space and pockets for a day’s riding supplies and basic tools.
The foam ‘Airstrips’ back panelling does a good job of stopping the F4 getting too sweaty. The pack’s most unusual feature is the ‘No Dancing Monkey’ strap system, where the straps form an X shape across your chest and clip together at the sternum with a sturdy buckle. They’re adjustable for different size riders and elasticated to allow for chest expansion while breathing. And they work as they should, keeping the pack from ‘dancing’ while you’re riding – though some testers did find them a little restrictive when breathing heavily.