The Restrap Race Hydration vest is a robust, cycling-specific hydration option that can carry plenty of fluids and perhaps even the kitchen sink. It makes a great, well-made companion for any long-distance ride and is especially good for races where you want to eliminate stopping time and carry as much as you can with you. Though it does look quite heavy to the eye, this bag has turned out to be spacious without being bulky, and overall it's straightforward to forget about wearing it while on the bike.
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Restrap Race Hydration Vest - Technical details
The Race Hydration Vest is Restrap's response to the growing ultra-cycling segment, where riders are aiming to minimise stops and often travel through remote areas with limited supply outlets anyway. With that, it's made to be worn for hours and can carry quite a bit.
The Race Hydration Vest comes in two sizes: small/medium and large/XL, both with a 5.5L capacity and a 2L hydration bladder. If that's not enough, the back of the pack has two stretch mesh drop pockets that will easily hold two extra bottles and webbing loops that can be used for carabiner attachment for items such as race trackers.
The front of the pack features easy-to-reach stretch mesh pockets ideal for carrying – you guessed it, 500ml water bottle or snacks. At the front, you also get an expandable zip pocket with a key clip inside, for quick access to valuables. The 2L bladder sits closest to the bag and its hose routing system and adjustable magnetic keeper clip allow you to choose exactly how you want to route the drinking tube and store it when not in use.
In terms of fit, this bag is designed to sit high on the back for all-day riding comfort and allows for the use of jersey pockets. According to Restrap, it's designed to work across all genders and body types.
It has three points of adjustment – sides, shoulders, and chest. The chest retention system offers five points of adjustment, featuring stretch webbing, an integrated whistle for safety and an easy on-and-off clip system that is glove-friendly.
There are also a host of little safety details scattered around; reflective zip pulls, logos, and webbing detailing, all aiding visibility from all angles. There is a light loop too for a clip-on light.
The weight without bladder is 375g (actual) for the S/M and the Large/XL has a claimed weight of 380g, while the bladder weighs 146g.
Restrap Race Hydration Vest - Performance
The Restrap Race Hydration Vest is a lot hardier and more robust hydration vest than other options in the segment. I'll admit that when I first got it, it felt like a compact mini backpack with a hydration bladder added in, and I was worried it'd be too warm to wear and even have too much storage. After a few rides, I was convinced it was a very well-designed bag.
I've been using the Race Hydration Vest on both my long road and gravel rides, and have had it packed half-full and full, and it's stayed very stable and comfy throughout it all. There's quite a lot of adjustment available and the S/M size I tested fitted me well from the moment I pulled it on. The wide shoulder straps even out the load on the shoulders, and I never felt I needed to overtighten the chest straps to make the bag stay put – rather it stayed in place even with loose straps.
That's the benefit of the slightly thicker materials used. I was a little hesitant about the construction of the bag, thinking it would also make me sweat like mad, but that wasn't the case. The bag adds heat to your back but the Airmesh back panel absorbs sweat and keeps the back moisture free.
I admit, on my first ride with it, I could tell I'd been carrying about 3.5kg of weight on my shoulders and back over a 200km distance. But then, after the next few rides, I barely noticed the bag until I took it off and felt the relief of having nothing on my back. I also slowly got used to the sloshing sound of the liquid moving around in the bladder when climbing out of the saddle.
The ability to carry 2L of water, spares, layers and snacks in one bag, eliminates the need for excessive stopping, especially in race scenarios.
If the bag alone isn't enough, it does sit above the jersey pockets on your upper back so you can still use those pockets for additional storage, too (though, in these pics it is sitting a little too loose on me so bear that in mind). The upper back placement felt a little strange at first but once you're in the riding position on your bike it makes total sense and I didn't feel it'd hit the back of my head even on steeper descents.
The 2L hydration bladder has quite an interesting closure system, with an open top that folds and closes with a sliding, rigid plastic bit. The closure system reminds me a lot of the Ikea bag clips and holds liquid effectively. I'll admit I was a little sceptical about it at first – especially when you're in a rush and need to ensure the bag end is folded neatly before inserting the slider bit.
The bladder can also be turned inside out for a handy wash, and Restrap recommends freezing it to keep it fresh between uses. I've been doing just that, and from the first use, the bladder has had no funky plastic taste.
Overall, the hydration part of this bag has been well executed. On the chest, the hose can be attached on either side or any of the straps at the front of the bag with the magnetic clip (pictured above) which is great because though I like to use my right hand to grab the hose, others might prefer to route it to the left side. The bite valve can be opened or closed by pushing/pulling it – something that is very easy to do with teeth and a lot easier than the flick system of other brands. The tube attachment connects under the bladder so all the liquid can be consumed.
Similarly to the Camelbak Chase I was testing, I measured how much (approximately) liquid I got through on each sip and the Restrap did lose out to the Camelbak's average of 20ml with slightly smaller 15ml sips.
Restrap Race Hydration Vest - Verdict
Race-focused cycling hydration vests are becoming popular. The closest competitors to the Restrap Race vest are the Camelbak Chase 4 Race and the Apidura Racing Hydration Vest which recently got an update.
The Camelbak is very light and considerably cheaper but the Apidura bag is very similar to the Restrap in its main design features. Its hydration bladder, the bite valve and all are really much like the ones on Restrap and the price difference is miniscule. With Restrap's lifetime warranty and repairs though, the £140 price of the Restrap vest isn't bad.
If you enjoy long, big days out or participate in endurance racing, this bag is an excellent companion because it can carry all your supplies for a good day or more. Packed full or only with the hydration bladder, it's stable and comfy on the back and has lots of neat little safety features, including a safety whistle.
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