Yeah, there isn't a lot of space, so if you want to put your wallet in there, it's nice to have the next biggest size.

 

Does anyone have any suggested models? I had no idea they had so many, with a lot of them looking almost identical. I need at least a bit of space for my keys, wallet and a couple of small tools.

 

I have a Airborne 3L, which has 2L hydration capacity. In the small removable pouch, I can fit keys with remote, 3 CO2 cans with inflator, multitool, tire levers, and a tube. Wallet and phone go in the hydration bag area (there's a sleave in there perfect for phones). I really like the removable pouch, and take it off on short rides.

I have been beating that pack to death for a few years, and it is indestructible! I 100% prefer the HydraPak style pouch over Camelbak. If you record rides, USWE's 'action camera harness' is great, well designed integration. I actually never remove it. Makes a nice chest protector.

 

I think I got the outlander 3L. I thought I wanted the Pro, but it wasn't available and in retrospect, it would not have been enough room. With the outlander 3L I can stick a small pump in there, small tool in the cell phone pocket, my cell phone and wallet and have a decent amount of water. This is not what I consider an "epic ride" pack, but for most shorter rides and sometimes supplemented by a bottle on the frame, it's great. It's just big enough.

 

I use the Airborne 3L, I am 6' and I like the size and would not want any larger. The removable tool pack is great and holds just enough to be useful and not so much that it gets filled with too much. The internal cell phone holder is nice, but getting your phone out if ringing ends up with a missed call for me. I got the add-on shoulder mount pack for he cell phone. This is the best hydration pack I have used and I have use many over the years, starting with the original Camelback way back in the early 90s.

If you carry a pump you may wish to go to the Hydro 8L pack. The tool pack on my Airborne has: a normal 29" tube, patch kit, two C02, C02 inflator, two tire tools, tire plug kit and an allen wrench kit.

Steve

 

I have an Epic 8. It has a 3L bladder. It's a good size, small enough that I don't notice it, large enough for a light jacket, snacks and tools.
Not sure I have ever put 3L of water in the pack. That's 6.6 pounds of water! It's a lot.
The GoPro mount for the chest strap is nice, if you're into that sort of thing.

 

I have the Patriot 15L. It's pretty incredible. The only complaint i have is that getting a full 3L bladder into the sleeve next to the CE-armor back protector can be fiddly when there's lots of ice in there; but it holds way more than I need to take, including the removable chin bar to my Leatt Enduro4 helmet. The back protector cannot be felt when worn, but I like that it gives the pack some structure, and keeps things like wrenches, pump heads and valvestems away from my kidneys.

It's well made, has proven durable, comfortable to wear, and the "No Dancing Monkey" claim is pretty legit.

Ninja edit:
I added this pocket thing to the right-hand chest strap.
It holds my iPhone 13 (in a silicone case), as well as some energy gel, and the key fob to my truck.

 

Do folks like these better than hip packs? I’ve been using a hip pack for awhile but considering a uswe for endurance races

 

If youre talking about comparing a big hip pack to a small 2L USWE, it's preference IMO. If a hip pack works for you, I'd keep that.

For me, hip packs don't hold enough 'stuff' for anything other than short rides. I definitely prefer not having a sweaty back, but sometimes I just need more water and storage than my 1.5L Osprey Seral can hold.
A pre or post-work 1hr spin where all I need is water, CO2 and a multi-tool is great for the hip pack.

On longer rides, or 'big days out" I've likely got a little GoPro equipment, a chin bar, a jacket, food, an additional 1.5L of water and other tools that don't come close to fitting in a hip pack.

For me, they're different tools for different jobs. In an apples to apples "small pack to hip pack" comparison, I'd probably choose the USWE because the drinking hose is more convenient to reach, and the above-mentioned organizer pouch holds my phone in easy reach for impromptu phone pics or map-checks.

 

Hip packs are something I will not even consider as I carry a minimum of 1.5L of water, along with keys, wallet, phone and multi tool.

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I switched from a hip pack to a uswe. I found hip packs get cumbersome and bouncy when they get big enough to be useful. I tried packless for a while and although it's doable, when you have multiple bikes it's just easier to have a pack ready to go. I also don't like using bottles on the mtb. I keep much better hydrated if I can drink without stopping, I'm not talented enough to do that with a bottle.

Why did I choose a uswe? The no dancing monkey system is super quick and convenient to get on and off and it's really stable unless to load the pack up to its max.